Many big time directors have stated that 3D is here to stay, and, having been on the bandwagon from the beginning, I couldn’t agree more. However, that is not to say that there doesn’t need to be some major changes to the format and the amount of content provided. The slower-than-expected transition to 3D in households can be attributed to multiple things, including the slowed-down worldwide economy, about which there isn’t much film studios and electronic companies can do (unless you consider not outsourcing jobs and actually hiring people but that’s an entirely different story). The other part of this equation is the lack of 3D content, which isn’t a surprise, seeing how long it took broadcast TV and film studios to jump onto the HD format. So, while the following announcement won’t address the first two issues, it will address another 3D barrier which will hopefully soon not exist; 3D compatibility.

Up until now, different manufacturers have used different 3D glasses standards for their television sets. This means that if you own a Sony 3D TV (and why wouldn’t you, right?) and your friend owns a Samsung 3D TV (why would they, right?), neither of you could take your 3D glasses to one another’s house to view 3D content. This turns into a situation where then either side has to have an ample amount of 3D glasses in the house, or otherwise a 3D viewing partying or gaming sessions will be quite awkward for the one without glasses.

Now, Sony, Panasonic, X6D (3D glasses manufacturer) and Samsung are forming the “Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative.” Under this new group, all future active shutter glasses created from these four companies will be based on the same set of standards, thus allowing cross talk between different television sets and glasses. What’s more is that X6D will also base the 3D glasses that they provide to movie theaters on the same standard, thus creating more compatibility and one less barrier. Testing on this new standard is expected to begin later this month with hopefully some big announcements and results by CES 2012.

Other companies who support the 3D initiative include Toshiba, Hitachi, ViewSonic, Mitsubishi, Philips, Sharp, and Seiko (Epson).

After the jump, a lovely press release and our comments section awaits you.

 Licensing Program for ‘Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative’ Kicks into High Gear

09 November 2011, Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Sony Corporation and X6D Limited (XPAND 3D) today announced that the licensing program of “Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative”, an industry-wide initiative to standardize 3D active shutter glasses for consumers, has recently begun.

Infrared (IR) and Bluetooth® enabled radio frequency (RF) system 3D active glasses technologies are licensed within the licensing program. All information including licensing fees and process requirements to become a licensee, are available on the Initiative’s official website and the application can be submitted on the same web as follows;

Full HD 3D Glasses Technology License Licensor
website: www.fullhd3Dglasses.com

In early August, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and XPAND 3D announced their intent to collaborate on the standardization of RF and IR system protocols between consumer 3D active shutter glasses and 3D displays such as televisions, personal computer monitors and projectors, as well as 3D theaters utilizing XPAND 3D active shutter glasses. Twelve companies, of which are Changhong Electric Co., Ltd.; FUNAI Electric Co., Ltd.; Hisense Electric Co., Ltd.; Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Royal Philips Electronics; Seiko Epson Corporation; Sharp Corporation; SIM2 Multimedia S.p.A.; TCL Corporation; Toshiba Corporation and ViewSonic Corporation have expressed their support for the activities of the Initiative.

With the successful launch of the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative licensing program, a test center has been slated to open later this month, which will verify the compliance of any products manufactured under the new Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative license program-within the Initiative’s specifications.
Notes to editors

About Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative
The Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative-formed in 2011 by Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation and X6D Limited (XPAND 3D)-will set a new technology standard for consumer 3D active shutter glasses, aiming to provide consumers with a more convenient and high-quality 3D viewing experience. By developing and licensing a standardized 3D active shutter technology, the Initiative aims to achieve interoperability among any 3D active shutter products that are developed and manufactured using the Initiative’s technology and that bear a distinct logo designated by the Initiative. For more information, please visit http://www.fullhd3dglasses.com/. 

Discuss:

Has the lack of 3D compatibility between different brands been a barrier for entering the 3D world for you?