Samsung Electronics and Sony Corp. have joined a group of consumer electronics companies led by Panasonic and X6D (Xpand 3D) that are working on universal stereo-3D (S3D) glasses for S3D-capable HDTVs and monitors. The new glasses, which will work with a wide range of output devices will become available in 2012.

Previously known as M-3DI, the new technology provides a communication protocol between S3D active-shutter glasses products and 3D-capable TVs, front projectors, computers and cinema systems (Xpand-compatible theaters). The technology will let consumers enjoy the S3D experience across all types of compatible S3D displays as well as at movie theaters, with a single pair of 3D active-shutter eyewear. The M-3DI standard will also assure consumers of comprehensive quality control in the creation of their 3D eyewear; Participants in the standard-making will publish the specification of the standard and will organize quality control testing and approval procedures. The new universal protocol that will be used for communications between S3D glasses and output devices will use radio frequency/Bluetooth technology.

With this new agreement, the companies intend to work in partnership on the development and licensing of radio frequency (RF) system 3D active glasses technology, including RF system protocols between consumer 3D active glasses and 3D displays such as televisions, personal computers, projectors and 3D theaters with XPAND active shutter glasses.

The standardization will also include multiple types of infrared (IR) system protocols between 3D active glasses and 3D displays, ranging from the protocols jointly developed by Panasonic and Xpand 3D, to the proprietary protocols of Samsung and Sony, respectively.

The list of companies, who are committed to support the new universal standard includes, besides Panasonic and Xpand 3D, Changhong Electric, Funai Electric, Hisense Electric, Hitachi Consumer Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Samsung, Seiko Epson Corp., SIM2 Multimedia, Sony Corp. and ViewSonic Corp. It still remains to be seen whether other popular makers of TV-sets like LG Electronics, Pioneer, Philips and Sharp will also join the camp.

Universal glasses with the new IR/RF protocols are projected to be made available in 2012, and are targeted to be backward compatible with 2011 3D active TVs.

Tags: Stereo 3D, M-3DI, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Xpand 3D, Changhong, Funai, Hisense, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Seiko Epson, SIM2 Multimedia, Viewsonic, HDTV