SCI FI PI

LG is partnering up with Korean TV Station Skylife and already has plasma TVs with 3D capability on the market in Korea. Skylife and BSkyB will be the first channels in the world to produce regular 3D content.

LG announced Korea’s first 3D LCD TV in August 2009 and SkyLife will run a second trial of 3D broadcasting in January next year after airing earlier trial 3D content in October.

The Korean manufacturer plans to introduce a wide range of 3D TVs ranging in size from 42- to 72-inches next year, following the 47-inch LCD 3D TV (47LH503D) this year. The company also plans to include 3D functionality in its flagship models for next year. The new series features an ultra-slim bezel which is expected to maximize the 3D effect. LG’s 3D technology will also find its way into 150-inch projectors in the coming year.

The trial is initially commencing in Korea but LG is aiming to build up a global 3D TV market that includes the US and Europe. LG aims to secure and maintain leadership among 3D TV brands and has aggressive sales targets of 400,000 units in 2010 and 3.4 million units in 2011.

Sony has now announced a partnership with RealD on home 3D.

Timed to coincide with next month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the announcement comes as Sony Electronics begins its market rollout of the first 3D-capable TV sets. RealD has been a key vendor of 3D systems to movie-theatre operators around the world as exhibitors aggressively outfit thousands of digital movie screens for extra-dimensional capability, as the success of Avatar puts 3D beyond 'fad' and into 'status quo'.

The plan for 3D cinema was for it to remain ahead of the curve of home cinema, but it looks like hihg quality 3D TVs are literally just around the corner. A case in point - the new Avatar game, currently on sale, already comes equipped with 3D functionality. All you need is a TV to play it on.

Sony will license RealD's stereoscopic technology and eyewear as the companies seek to boost consumer interest in home 3D.

"This collaboration enables the distribution of high-quality 3D content to Sony displays through the existing HD infrastructure, a vital element to the widespread adoption of 3D in the home," RealD chief Michael Lewis said.

Sony will use the technology in its top of the line Bravia TV sets.