LG Display showcased its Film Patterned Retarder (FPR, polarized glasses type) 3D panel at a kickoff press conference in Las Vegas, during media day of the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
"Whereas first generation shutter glass technology introduced us to the possibility of 3D TV, next generation FPR makes 3D practical for mainstream use," remarked LG Display CEO Mr. Kwon Young Soo. "FPR will effectively allow manufacturers to create an incredible quality 3D TV experience that is healthy, convenient and affordable - all factors hindering the popularity of first generation 3D products."
Existing shutter glass (SG) 3D technology has long been criticized for picture quality problems like flicker and cross talk, as well as bulky, battery-operated glasses. Given these issues, consumers have been reluctant to purchase more expensive SG 3D TVs over traditional 2D models.
LG Display believes that the FPR technology, which eliminates all the problems associated with SG 3D, will change consumer perception of 3D TVs from an 'expensive novelty' to a 'practical choice' for everyday viewing enjoyment.
Already, global LCD TV companies including LG Electronics, Vizio, Philips and Toshiba as well as Chinese manufacturers including Skyworth, Konka, Hisense, Haier, Changhong and TCL have expressed strong interest in FPR 3D and developing TVs utilizing the technology.
Samsung, which boasts a dual strength in parts and finished products, competes with LG Display for global supremacy in panels and reigns as the world?s largest flat-screen television maker. Samsung?s 3D televisions and screens rely on active-shutter glasses.
LG Display expects 3D TVs to capture over 10 percent of the global LCD TV market in 2011, which will be a total of 220 million sets including both 3D and 2D TVs. With FPR 3D panels, LG aims to obtain more than 70 percent share of the 3D TV LCD market in 2011, which would be between 15 million and 20 million units.
LG Display claims that the FPR delivers full HD picture quality, as well as creating a vivid 3D experience. FPR also does not produce flicker or crosstalk, both major criticisms of SG technology. Excessive flicker has been the source of complaints over eye fatigue and poor picture quality, as well as serious health concerns like photosensitive epilepsy.
Dr. James Sheedy, Director of Optometry Research Center at Pacific University in the US, commented concerning his comparison of SG and FPR, "Problems with the SG type panel included the weight of the glasses, power consumption and reduced brightness. However, LG Display?s FPR 3D panel has no flickering, produces minimal cross talk and delivers a bright screen. Also, the glasses can be made with curved lenses, like regular glasses, so it is superior in terms of protecting eyesight."
Different from the bulky, battery-powered glasses used by SG displays, LG Display?s FPR utilizes lightweight and comfortable polarized glasses that emit no electromagnetic waves, allowing consumers to enjoy long hours of comfortable viewing. FPR clip-on shades are also available for preion glass wearers, replacing the need to wear two sets of glasses with SG displays. Finally, whereas SG glasses severely restrict flexible head movement which cause the glasses to go dark, FPR allows users a fuller range of movement such as lying down on a sofa without losing 3D picture.
FPR is based on Patterned Retarder (PR) technology, which although lauded for its picture quality was associated with high costs due to the need for extra polarizing glass substrate attached to the LCD TV panel. FPR replaces glass with film, which costs only 1/4th as much. Also, FPR glasses, are expected to retail at a price around 5x less expensive than SG ones.
Consumers are able to purchase FPR 3D TVs now in China, and soon in the US and Europe.