[Display Daily]
In the 3DTV space, the debate still rages over the merits of shutter glasses vs. passive polarized glasses using Film Pattern Retarder (FPR) technology. While Samsung was singing the praises of shutter glasses, it also had a plan to offer a passive polarized solution in partnership with RealD
Now, the future of this approach is clouded since RealD revealed that its deal with Samsung to manufacture the panels will not go forward.
Active retarder technology is a way to create passive polarized 3D viewing on a flat panel display. It does this by bonding an additional LCD panel to the main imaging panel, instead of bonding a FPR polarizer sheet, which is the approach favored by LG Display. The main advantage of the active retarder approach is the ability to deliver the full native resolution of the panel to each eye in 3D mode. The main disadvantage is the cost and weight of the second LCD panel. …
Putting it all together, arguments that made sense 1-2 years ago, don’t seem to make as much sense today. It may be all of these, and possibly some other reasons, why Samsung pulled the plug on active shutter.
Lewis noted that RealD remains “bullish on the technology” and will explore opportunities with “other potential partners.” In addition, AUO is now active in the space. At FPD International they debuted a surprise product – a 46-inch 3DTV using a scanning retarder approach. …
Read the full article here: http://displaydaily.com/2011/11/16/active-retarder-dead-or-alive/