Toshiba Regza 55x3

3d technology

Not only does the new, Toshiba Regza 55x3 model, not require glasses with its auto stereoscopic technology, this high end 3d video offering from Toshiba  breaks new ground in the area between traditional 2d viewing and 3d performance.

Unveiled at the CEATEC conference in Japan (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) the new Regza 3d tv combines the best of both worlds.  

In 3d mode this 55 inch television utilizes advanced face tracking measures to optimize for each viewers current position in real time and uses the user friendly mode of glasses free 3-D viewing.

The 3D video application which drives this process and powers the Toshiba Regza 55x3, runs on the CEVO-ENGINE Duo, a high performance multi-processor engine platform.   While the advances in 3D give it a sweet spot in the eyes of many consumers, there are some incredible resolution advantages in the latest 2d model.   This mode can be reached with a simple flick of the switch.

In the standard 2d mode, the advantages of high resolution become clear.   Using QFHD (Toshiba's Quad Full High Definition) for its display, the system is able to realize a stunning 3,840 x 2,160 pixel resolution.

As usual there is a bit of lag time from display at a cutting edge technology conference and large scale distribution.   The first models will bre released only in Japan, in the middle part of december and the 55 inch Regza 55x3 will hit the market at the limited production price of around $11,700, a bit beyond the reach of the average consumer.  

Toshiba's VP, Masaaki Oosumi has set an initial target manufacturing and distribution level at just 1,000 units each month.  This number is expected to increase considerably when mass production for international markets begins.   Presumably, this will allow for initial quality feedback and enable a significantly reduced purchaser price.    Expanded shipping would probably be based on initial market receptivity data and production decisions made as the distribution levels are scaled up.

The long term goal, according to the marketing experts is to ultimately reach fantastic resolution quality.   As the resolution continues to become more precise, it is expected that the 3-D viewing experience will be of high enough quality to be almost indistinguishable from real life 3D items.

 Its an exciting field, and technologies such as individual user tracking and targeting will eventually create something similar to the holodeck of Star Treck fame

(Microsoft's version of this concept courtesy of jillyish)

Undoubtedly, Toshiba's marketing department is excited at the work that their engineers are producing, which may be good news for engineers everywhere.

Taro Hiyama, the CME (chief marketing executive) for Toshiba expects near "real-life" clarity within a suprisingly short time span, just four to five years.   While this is speculation, there can be no doubt that 3d video will arrive in the near future.