The mass market will not accept 3D in the home until there are glasses-free TVs.  And until that point, 3D is likely to hold a position as a specialty entertainment experience.

That’s the belief of 3D proponent Jeroen Brouwer, marketing and business development director for Philips 3D Solutions, who spoke with us during CES.

With live sports on the minds of many, thanks in part to Thursday’s 3D BCS game broadcast to CES, Brouwer adds that sports are a good reason for glasses-free sets.  “Sports is very important, but we watch at home while multitasking.”

He points out that of course there are multiple elements needed to make 3D happen in the home, including more content and consumer awareness efforts.  On the technology, he observes progress at CES and believes there are displays that are ready for market, “but without an established format, we only have one-half of the puzzle.”

With this in mind, Philips is committed to participation in the SMPTE 3D task force, CEA, EBU and other standards setting initiatives.

According to Brouwer, one element that Philips suggests as a part of any standard is a 2D+ DOT depth-based file format.

Philips already has a lineup of 3D developments, including its Declipse file format that contains depth information.  Philips offers 8-inch, 22-inch, 42-inch and 56-inch glasses-free 3D monitors.  For content creation, it offers Blue Box, a 2D to 3D conversion tool.