P3D New 3-D TV System

[michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Michael Kersenbrock)]

Greetings,

	I don't recall this "news" item hitting the list even though
it's a week or two old -- but it's interesting.

	Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd (in Japan) has shown a panel that
fits in front of a 32" TV screen.  It's a large-area polarizing
shutter using ferroelectric liquid crystalline polymer technology
(1 ms switching time).

	Basic structure seems to be using the sticky polymer as a
glue and glueing two plastic substrates together with it to produce
a liquid crystal panel.  So it could be made essentially "anysize"
if a coating machine is big enough.

	This allows it to be put in front of a large screen and
enabling the use of polarizing glasses.  Unlike "realist" (etc)
projection systems, the liquid crystals polarize at either +/-
22.5 degrees (with voltage being switched between +/- 20V), for 
only a 45-degree difference between the two, so
I'm not sure how much "other image" suppression is happening.

	32" prototype pieces are spendy ("under $1K, negotiable"), but 
they're expecting to build a production line for 42-inch wide 
screens that OEM's can sell in their product for $500 (retail I assume ?).

	Anyway, sounded interesting.  Not sure what screen they'd
put it in front of w/o flicker problems.


Mike K.


P.S. - It's on the bottom of page 70 of the Nov 24 issue of EE Times.
       I'm a couple issues behind and am catching up.  :-)

P.P.S. - It's a prototype, so it isn't a product yet, despite "plans".
         I suspect they need to get at least a few good sized fishes to 
         bite before investing in production equipment.  So no holding
         of breath's in photo-3D.  Else we lose membership..... :-)






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