[Global Sources]
Taiwan suppliers of 3D panels foresee pattern retarder eating into the market share of active shutter glass in 2012 as the price gap between the two continues to narrow. The increasing acceptance of the first technology is mainly driven by its higher brightness, lower crosstalk, lighter glass weight and better viewing angle, which are suitable for mainstream stereoscopic 3D displays.
Makers also expect the trend to move toward autostereoscopic or naked-eye 3D panels when production costs become lower. This type is available in LC or parallax barrier, fix or switchable lens, and dead-zone-free versions. …
AU Optronics, Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd, Chi Mei Optoelectronics and Hannstar are among the Taiwan enterprises that offer medium and large 3D panels. These are mostly for TVs, PC monitors, laptops, and digital signage and photo frames. The models use active shutter glass and passive retarder solutions. AU Optronics has released a 15.6in naked-eye variant based on switchable lenticular lens technology, which is Moiré-free and enables a wide viewing angle. Chunghwa has 21.5in LC retarder 3D panels and 9.7in pattern retarder versions. It also supplies 7in lenticular 3D panels for digital photo frames.
LG Display has developed a film patterned retarder technology that features natural images, therefore reducing eye fatigue. …
The 3D display industry in general is still at the developing stage, but many suppliers believe reduced prices will push market penetration significantly. This year, 3D 240Hz panels with shutter glasses have been lowered to $25 from more than $50 in 2010, according to DisplaySearch. Panels with pattern retarder, however, cost higher than high-frame-rate models, pushing some suppliers to adopt CCFL backlights instead of LED to offer competitive quotes.
If the trend persists in coming years, prices of 3D end-products will equal those of 2D counterparts by 2014, predicts the Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center.
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