Toshiba plans to showcase a new a glasses-free 3D TV with a Quad Full HD panel at CES 2012, available to buyers in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2012.
The new TV will not be very different than the company's already released glasses-free 3D TVs in Germany (55LZ2) and Japan (the 55X3). A Toshiba representative told CNET that the U.S. version would be similar to those versions. The Japanese version "REGZA 55X3" is taking dedicated glasses off the viewer and allows a large group to share immersion in the images. It also offers enhanced 2D with its Quad Full HD screen that displays images at four times Full HD resolution (3,840x2,160-pixel). The 3D mode is limited to a resolution of 1,280x720 pixels.
The glasses-free 3D application is powered by CEVO-ENGINE Duo, Toshiba's multi-processor platform. The REGZA 55X3 has been available since mid December 2011 priced at more than $10,000.
3D works by showing separate views to the left and right eyes. Toshiba's TV uses numerous tiny lenses to direct two different views in slightly different directions so each eye sees something different. That's easier to do with a single viewer at a fixed distance to the screen, but harder with multiple viewers. Toshiba's 55X3 divides the overall viewing area into nine separate regions so people can use the 3D over a broad range of angles.
Before watching, a button on the remote control launches face-tracking software on the TV to detect viewers' positions to best control the picture.
Toshiba will also feature its new line-up of 2012 TV for the United States, including a new TV with a media guide that provides simple access to a variety of rich media content and services. The TV can also interface with tablet-based Apps to support a variety of features.
AT CES 2012, Toshiba will also showacase its home energy management system (HEMS) for the networked homes of tomorrow. Built around the home gateway server - the life design box - HEMS integrates and manages a smart meter, electric vehicles, a solar power generation systems and digital consumer products.
Toshiba's line-up of 2012 tablet and PC for the United States will be also introduced at the show, including the world's thinnest and lightest 10.1-inch wide screen tablet and a 13.3-inch wide screen Ultrabook. Other displays include technology samples of a tablet with an OLED panel and a waterproof tablet with a wireless charging system.