As 3D TV sets hit the market, consumers will learn one thing very quickly about the 3D glasses: The carpet has to match the drapes.
Each TV set uses a specific interaction with 3D glasses, which means that most will only support one or two models, generally by the same TV manufacturer. This will put a strain on retailers, making sure that consumers always match up the correct pair and have to deal with the headache when, God forbid, consumers change to a new 3D TV from a different company.
Thankfully for retailers, XpanD is bringing to market a pair of active shutter 3D glasses that the company says will work with “almost all” 3D-ready TVs coming to the market and many existing 3D monitors and coming laptops.
XpanD’s glasses reach near-universal function by receiving an infrared signal from any 3D TV, identifying the TV’s make and model, and then adjusting itself however necessary to display in 3D. The company said the process is automatic and quick.
“While major television manufacturers are beginning to roll out their first 3D-ready television models, a key to widespread adoption lies in the ability for consumers to use their 3D glasses with any display that is capable of showing 3D content,” said Maria Costeira, CEO of XpanD.
XpanD has been making active shutter glasses for companies like Panasonic since at least 2008, so it’s not a new entrant into the market. The company said that the idea for a universal set of active glasses actually came from the manufacturers themselves, likely hoping to avoid frustrated customers. Available in 12 colors, the glasses seem like a great move until consumers get to the price: between $125 and $150 .
So it doesn’t seem like the best price point for the consumer at first, with most TV sets coming with at least two pairs of glasses. Many analysts are also expecting glasses prices to drop as deals with new sets and in-store sales continue, dropping the price of these closer to $75 per manufacturer specific set. If true, that’s two pairs of TV-specific glasses for under the cost of one. Need one pair for the PC and one for the TV? It’s still cheaper to buy one of each.
The market that XpanD will go after is broadcasters like Sky and Virgin Media. When users subscribe to a 3D TV content package, these broadcasters could supply the household with a complimentary pair or two of glasses, and purchasing these sets would be a lot cheaper deal than buying specific pairs for specific TVs.
These glasses will likely see a strong surge in sales when 3D becomes more of the norm. Picking up a pair that would allow a user to bring his own glasses to the neighbors to catch a match is something foreseeable a few years in, but right now, it’s unclear how much this portability will matter.
When asked, some companies like Samsung did confirm that its glasses will only work with its own TVs. Other TV set makers admitted to not having tested their active shutter glasses with TV sets from other manufacturers, and some simply wouldn’t comment on any cross-compatibility.
Glasses are going to be an added pain that will keep some consumers away initially, but the early adopters are going to be willing to shell out the cash for a few extra pairs. Early adopters tend to be those who have enough money and time to use new devices from day one.
The problem that many expect 3D to face, at least in its first few months, is consistent content and consistent experiences. That’s not something the glasses can really do anything about, but keeping the price of its glasses down (whether it be the universal pair or those it makes for different TV makers) will keep XpanD in good graces with its manufacturer partners and consumers.