Stream TV Debuts Glasses-Free 3D Conversion Technology

By John Laposky On Jan 23 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – Stream TV Networks introduced at International CES its Ultra-D 3D technology that converts standard 2D and 3D stereoscopic content, which requires 3D glasses, into autostereoscopic content that can be viewed without glasses.

According to CEO Mathu Rajan, the proprietary Ultra-D technology leverages custom hardware, middleware and software algorithms to enable realtime conversion of video, photos and games, through a converter box called the SeeCube, which attaches to an Ultra-D-enabled display.

The first two enabled displays available were demonstrated at Stream TV’s booth, 1080p LED TVs in 42-inch and 55-inch screen sizes. Rajan said partnerships are in the works, or being sought, for more co-branded TVs, as well as converter boxes, tablets, all-inone PCs and laptops, gaming devices, digital signage, cellphones and digital picture frames.

Future applications could include 3D conversion of X-rays, GPS devices and advertising, Rajan said.

The real-time conversion to 3D without glasses works with various content formats including Blu-ray, DVD, PC gaming, Internet, cable and satellite content.

Rajan said a key differentiator of the Ultra-D technology is the ability to enable customization of the 3D effect to address individual differences in spatial perception and the varying impact of 3D rendering on viewer comfort. The technology allows users to increase or decrease the 3D rendering effect, adjusting for variance in content quality and source as well as personal preference of the viewer.

“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with our Ultra-D technology. It is capable of creating a significant shift in the way people view media, comparable to the transition from black and white to color TV,” said Rajan.

He continued, “Our ultimate goal was to create a solution that addresses existing concerns impeding the adoption of 3D — consumer aversion to expensive glasses, viewer discomfort, variance in individual vision and preference and the slow creation of 3D content. It seemed we were aiming for the impossible but we’ve made it possible and will be sharing these hard-won achievements with consumers in 2012.”