Toshiba is to enter the passive 3D TV market, while also offering active shutter 3D TVs. The Japanese manufacturer has also confirmed that it will launch a glasses-free 3D TV within 12 months.
The maker’s first TVs to feature the passive 3D technology will be the REGZA VL series of LED panels, making Toshiba the second company, after LG, to offer both passive and active 3D TVs.
As well as 3D capability, the VL Series will also include Toshiba Places – the manufacturer’s new web TV service. Although Toshiba has offered internet widgets on previous models, these were limited to a ring-fenced selection of apps, while Toshiba Places offers access to cloud-based content and internet services on demand. Using an app-based system, users will be able to access services such as the BBC’s iPlayer. Toshiba also has plans to introduce social networking capability to the service.
Available in 42 and 47-inch screen sizes, the VL Series also includes Toshiba’s new Personal TV feature. This enables users to set up personal profiles for each member of the household including picture settings, favourite channels and specific volume levels.
The VL Series is due to launch in the UK in June with prices yet to be confirmed.
Although Toshiba is remaining guarded about the details of its upcoming glasses-free 3D TV, the technology is already available to consumers in Japan in the form of 12 and 20in panels, so it’s possible that any UK models would be of a similar size.
