Toshiba’s No Glasses Required 3D TV Gets Revealed

Ceatec, an event in Chiba, Japan doesn’t start until Tuesday, but that hasn’t stopped Toshiba from creating buzz early, announcing the first “no glasses required” 3D TV sets.

At the “reveal” Toshiba showed off three models, their 12, 20 and 56 inch units. Apparently the smaller models will hit Japanese markets in December, while the 56 inch unit is just a prototype with no plans for an immediate launch.

According to CNET:

“The 3D Regza TV uses the Cell Broadband Engine that takes a 2D image and then simultaneously creates nine images from nine different directions that from that in real time. It’s displayed on a high-definition LED TV.”

Here’s a video that explains how the TV works:

According to that same CNET report, the smaller model loses clarity if you are not directly in front of the TV, while the 20 inch model offers better clarity and the 56 inch unit offers the best clarity of the three systems. Unfortunately early reviews say the TV’s aren’t quite cinema quality.

Prices also don’t look to bad with the 12-inch unit at 120,000 yen, or $1,500, the 20-inch model at 240,000 yen price tag (approx. $2,900), and no pricing available for the 56-inch prototype model.