Philips WOWvx 3D tv

[gll99]

3D without special glasses. Can it be true?

What do you make of this?

http://www.business-sites.philips.com/3dsolutions/about/article-15934.html

[Cornucopia]

For those who've got to have Glass-less Stereo3D, it's a pretty good deal. Can be multi-user, with multiple "sweet spots", has possible (extra) lookaround capabilities. Should be REAL GOOD for advertising.

HOWEVER...
It uses a 9-column form of lenticular lcd technology, so the resolution is reduced quite a bit compared to a similarly-sized 2d screen.
It also uses a VERY non-standard (read proprietary and $$$) input file format, which means it isn't easy or cheap to roll your own content.
It also has areas that AREN'T in the sweetspot, so there is a good amount of inter-optical crosstalk (aka "ghosting").
It also uses cues based only on Z-depth, so there is no true specular/shading differences compared to normal 2x2D stereo3D material--it is more like real nice paper cutouts in multiple planes.

If you're looking for something for home cinema, I'd suggest either:
A. One of the new Samsung or Mitsubishi 3D-ready DLP sets. Uses the checkerboard pattern--new but an extrapolation of tried-and-true technology. Uses quick refresh LS shutterglasses (check out eDimensional).
B. A 2-LCD projector "Stereobright" setup, with Silver screen and Polarized Glasses (either Linear or Circular).
C. An Infocus "DepthQ" projector, with regular screen and LCshutterglasses.
D. A 2-LCD panel or 2-CRT "Stereomirror" setup (need big 1/2silvered mirror) with Polarized glasses.
or, of course, there's always eDimensional standard LC shutterglasses with CRT interlaced material, Anaglyph, or Crosseyed Freeview methods.

All those can be driven by content re-formatted for the particular viewing method, by a HTPC with Peter Wimmer's Stereoscopic Player.

None are perfect (yet), but all roads can get you there (Stereo3D world of tomorrowland).

Scott