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glasses-free 3D

CNET's 3D TV Buying Guide

To help you, prospective TV shopper, get a handle on 3D terminology and determine whether it's something you should care about, we've put together this handy guide. We think it's a worthwhile read for any TV shopper, even those who have already decided they don't care about 3D at all.

The guide comes in four easy-to-digest courses.

What is 3D TV and why should I care?: Whether you consider it a gimmick or a breakthrough on par with high-def itself, 3D TV is here to stay. Here's an overview of the technology and a few … Read more

Rumored iPad 3 to get glasses-free 3D?

If this serving of Apple iPad rumors seems a little crunchy, it's probably because it's in 3D. At least, the next iPad could be--if the rumors are true and you'll soon be able to enjoy CNET on an iPad 3 in glasses-free 3D. (Safety note: to avoid retinal damage, please avoid looking at author's headshot with any 3D or other stereoscopic technology.)

Past rumors have had an iPad 3 showing up this fall, with more recent speculation pointing to 2012. The screen of the next-generation iPad is one of many features of interest, with the iPad 2 failing to bring Apple's so-called Retina display along for the ride. For now, I'm taking this latest iPad hubbub with a healthy dose of skepticism, but it can't be completely discounted. The source is an anonymous "Hollywood insider" speaking to RCR Wireless, and well, the quote is a little odd. Here's an excerpt from the story:

"The fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert," one Hollywood insider close to the big movie studios told RCR, adding that the screen would be the real magic. She went on to say that the big film studios were currently running around like "blue-arsed flies" trying to gear up to release plenty of 3D content in time for Apple's next launch.

I'm left wondering if this anonymous source might actually be Charlie Sheen, but RCR editor Sylvie Barak goes on to claim that the rumor is bolstered by leaks from the FoxConn factory in China, where many Apple products are manufactured. Only problem is that Barak's own story seems to be the sole source of that rumor, too.… Read more

Conjuring up glasses-free 3D for iPad, iPhone

Mobile gadgets like Apple's iPad and iPhone could offer glasses-free 3D courtesy of a new, developing technology created by researchers in France.

Known as Head-Coupled Perspective, the technology uses the front-facing camera on a mobile device to create a glasses-free monocular 3D display. By tracking the position of the user's head, the projected 3D image can change its perspective and offer greater interaction. Even further, the technology doesn't rely on the accelerometer built into the iPhone and iPad, so it could conceivably work for other types of mobile devices.

The researchers behind this budding technology are Professor … Read more

What turns people off from buying 3D TV

Try as they might, Panasonic and Sony have yet to convince consumers that 3D TV is a necessity.

Released today, a new study commissioned by The NPD Group found that while people know more about 3D TV now, they're not generally any more convinced of why they need one.

A year and a half into the 3D TV era kicked off by Sony and Panasonic and since joined by others, 45 percent of people who said they wouldn't buy a 3D TV said the reason is it is too expensive. And 42 percent of people said the reason … Read more

Rounding up Toshiba's new laptops

LAS VEGAS--Toshiba has always had a prolific variety of laptop lines and configurations, and CES 2011 has ushered in a variety of new products for them, including one fascinating prototype.

>>Hands-on with Toshiba's glasses-free 3D laptop

>>Qosmio X505, Satellite A665 3D Edition, Satellite A665, M645, and L series laptop coverage

>>Toshiba's new budget Netbook, the Mini NB505

>>AMD Fusion processor finds its way into budget 15-inch Satellite C655D

>>The Best Buy-exclusive Satellite E305

CES: Toshiba's glasses-free 3D laptop, hands-on

LAS VEGAS--3D was a megatrend across consumer electronics in 2010, but its biggest hindrance to acceptance still lies in those awkward plastic glasses. The truth is, nobody really wants to wear them.

There is hope: the Nintendo 3DS will introduce glasses-free 3D gaming, and glasses-free 3D TV is on its way. But could glasses-free laptops be far behind?

We got an advance look at glasses-free 3D laptop technology in a custom-built Toshiba Qosmio laptop, and though the technology has its limitations, it's an impressive proof of concept that's surprising to behold.

The effects worked, but they weren't … Read more

Toshiba launching glasses-free 3D TV

Toshiba plans to launch its 12-inch glasses-free 3D TV in Japan tomorrow, The Wall Street Journal is reporting.

According to the Journal, which sat down with Toshiba's head of TV operations, Masaaki Osumi, the company also plans to offer the 20-inch version of the set to Japanese customers starting Saturday. In addition, Osumi told the Journal that Toshiba plans to offer a 40-inch glasses-free 3D TV as early as April, the beginning of the company's new fiscal year.

Toshiba first unveiled its 3D TVs in October. The company's Regza 12GL1 boasts the 12-inch display and comes with a 466x350 resolution. The Regza 20GL1 has a 20-inch display and features 1,280x720 resolution. When they were first announced, the 20-inch and 12-inch sets were expected to retail for about $2,900 and $1,400, respectively. No U.S. availability has been announced.

To experience the 3D effect, users will need to sit within a 40-degree area in front of the television. They must also sit two feet in front of the 12-inch 3D TV and three feet in front of the 20-inch model to experience 3D without the glasses.… Read more