i3D's glasses-free prototype screen aims to take on all of 3D's problem areas

Uncomfortable, expensive glasses and a lack of 3D content -- that'd be the short list of stuff we dislike about current 3D TVs, but coincidentally it also happens to be the exact issues i3D is determined to wipe out with its glasses-free technology. We stopped by to meet with the young, Los Angeles-based company last week, and though it obviously isn't the first to develop spec-less displays, its proprietary hardware and software combo was really impressive. The demo of a 7-inch prototype really tells the whole story -- and we encourage you all to see it for yourself in the video after the break, though obviously you won't be able to experience all three dimensions from your standard LCD. Our time screen-gazing was pretty breathtaking, even though the smaller display was far from immersive. As for the viewing angle issue that's the Achilles' heel of the others, i3D claims its technology allows for three-dimensional viewing at close to 90 degrees, though it was hard for us to really evaluate that on such a small screen.

The coolest thing by far is the software's ability to convert 2D to 3D content on the fly. One second we were watching a two-dimensional clip of Cars and then with the tap of the 3D button the car was driving off the screen. While this isn't the first company dabbling in 2D conversion, we haven't seen any others doing this without the glasses, and i3D does claim it can convert any resolution programming. We'll have to see it to believe it, but if it does work and the quality lives up to what's being promised there'd go our lack of content issue! Apparently the price of the technology should add at most 20 percent to that of a current HDTV, but here's where we tell you that we wouldn't be surprised if it took years for all this technology to make into Best Buy's Magnolia Home Theater section. Given the fact that we met with the company in a backyard, we'd say that both it and its technology are in the early stages. But hey, it makes you feel better that someone is working on that 3D frustration list, right?

I3dtek prototype hands-on

[3D Virtual Store Posted Mar 30th 2010 6:12AM]

@i3dtek, S.Scharren and J.Petrovich are a bunch of crooks, if they continue to insist they invented or own the patent on Autostereoscopic displays. This is not a new technology, just new opportunistic people, trying to dazzle inexperienced reporters.

[jameskrug08 Posted Mar 30th 2010 6:44AM]

@i3dtek
Just to clarify.
I said its a company backed by the Chinese government, as most are. This company, situated in Shenzhen, holds the patents and not you.
Just to clarify.

[jameskrug08 Posted Mar 30th 2010 6:56AM]

@3D Virtual Store
Hey you're not the only ones... There's a French company selling it as their own brand too. BUT they're not misrepresenting themselves with fraudulent claims (aren't there laws against this kind of thing?). I think the Editor of Engadget should teach his reporters to check claims made by these kinds of people before we readers are misled.
The company who manufactures it is located in Shenzhen and are financially assisted by the Chinese Government. If they do hold a number of patents I doubt parallax barrier is one of them.

[jameskrug08 Posted Mar 30th 2010 6:57AM]

@3D Virtual Store
Parallax-barrier technology in anything but NEW.

[sodalake Posted May 18th 2010 2:23AM]

NOT SO FAST. She says, she can't stand wearing those glasses as if we are on to bigger and better things and the glasses are just such an annoyance. That's nice in a fantasy world, but in the real world glassless TV has more problems than the 3D TV's that require glasses at the moment. Also I think people who won't wear glasses to see 3D are either a little too picky, or say that because they know they won't be buying a set this year anyway. And some won't be getting one be because they just bought an expensive HD set etc. I don't think 3D glasses are no more intrusive than a pair of sunglasses. But people act like they are wearing a suit and tie to see TV, LOL. I don't mind the glasses and will be getting a 3D set this summer when a certain model comes out.

I'd prefer to wear the 3D glasses knowing I can get a fuller, more immersive experience. It's a small price to pay for something that looks far better and is more affordable. Don't get me wrong. If I could buy a 72 inch 3D, glasses free TV today, and it had no problems and was only about $3,500 I would get it. But it's not going to happen. Instead I'm getting a large 3D LCD to replace my dying projection set. And NO I'm not rich. It will hurt my pockets, but it's worth it for something I'll have for 10 years.. But to go beyond that price is already insane for most people. Now imagine getting only a 47 inch for $6000. That's where these will start at when they come out.

So instead you get a tiny TV's with several problems and huge price tags. And if it were made bigger, the problems would really show up. I think these sets are mostly going to be good for those who wanted a really small 3D TV anyway, and don't mind spending a huge premium. In that case, I'm sure it's really cool. But again, anyone who wants even a 47 inch set will be sorely disappointed.

Even though it's not ready for prime time, this has people going around the internet bashing the new 3D TV's that require glasses. Again, that's just stupid. I also think it's mostly people who were not going to buy one and just are talking anyway. But wait until they go to buy one. Then they will see the truth. And the girl in the video talks about it not being immersive enough. If I had my choice between a tiny 3d set that cost thousands and a big immersive set that requires glasses but is still affordable, I'd take the 2nd choice any time. But I do look forward to someday buying a big, (72 inches), cheap one of these..

[sodalake Posted May 18th 2010 2:36AM]

typos: "no more intrusive" should have been "anymore intrusive". And I'm sure there are other typos. sorry.

[sodalake Posted May 18th 2010 2:41AM]

I want to add, I'm pretty sure this girl Joanne, is "Jo" is from GamerLiveTV who reviewed the 72inch 3D Vizio I hope to get. She loved that set when she reviewed it. Seems like a nice girl. hot too lol.