Phillips closing 3D Solutions (autostereoscopic displays)

[Kimber]

Philips exits 3-D TV market

R. Colin Johnson
EE Times
(04/14/2009 11:28 AM EDT)

PORTLAND, Ore. — Philips Electronics said it will shut down its 3-D Solutions operation which had been readying an autostereoscopic display designed to eliminate the need for special 3-D glasses.

"Philips has decided to scale down its 3-D activities," said Bjorn Teuwsen, director of marketing and communications for Philips 3-D Solutions. "The point in time where mass adoption of no glasses-based 3-D TV will occur has shifted significantly."

The Philips unit had been showing a 42-inch autostereoscopic 3-D display based on a a high-definition (1,920- by 1,080-pixel) LCD panel with a lenticular lens attached. The design eliminated the need for special glasses.

The Philips display had been praised by industry analysts who had seen prototypes. Philips also was touting other models, including a high-end, 56-inch model with a native resolution of 4,096 by 2,160 pixels along with 50- and 8-inch models.

However, the display could only be used for showing 3-D images due to the permanently attached lenticular lens. The $13,000 price tag for the new displays also contributed to Philips decision to shut down its 3-D operation.

Moreover, little 3-D content is currently available

Philips said its Consumer Lifestyle TV business will not be affected. That unit will continue to evaluate 3-D TV technology should Philips decide to reenter the market.

On Tuesday (April 14), Philips also reported weakness in its consumer, automotive and healthcare businesses.

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[cybereality]

I doubt it will be missed. Its not like anyone could afford those displays.

[Kimber]

Yeah I doubt too many people bought them. With low sales and no content I understand why they closed it during a rough economy. But boy would it suck to have bought one and now realize there is likely no one that will support this technology.

[yuriythebest]

on one hand it's sad to see 3d solutions fail, but yeah this was egregiously overpriced