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Glasses-Free 3D Set-Top Box Demonstrated

LAS VEGAS –

iPont International promoted
the concept of glasses-free 3D
TV at International CES by showing a
fully functioning set-top box that can
handle live 3D TV feeds, streaming 3D
Internet content and 3D Blu-ray for new
auto-stereoscopic screens.

Slated for delivery by the end of the
first quarter of 2011, the glasses-free
3D1 will be distributed by an unnamed
U.S. partner that is also supplying an
auto-stereoscopic 3D display that can
connect to the box to complete the presentation
in the home.

The company said the initial version
of the device was actually placed in
an operating PC, “so we can integrate
these features in a PC format as well.
It was a strategic decision to combine
everything into a small, easy-to-use settop
box that will be the union of all 3D
viewing in the home theater,” said Andor
Pasztor, iPont’s chief technology officer.

The company expects to market the
set-top for approximately $1,311 (1,000
euros).

“To achieve the best viewing experience,
the customer will also need to purchase
an excellent auto-stereoscopic
TV,” Pasztor explained. “We recommend
displays manufactured by Tridelity, and
use their displays for our own viewing.”

The Tridelity displays, he said, allow
for multiple viewing angles of up to 120
degrees.

“There is no need to sit directly in the
middle of the screen or worry about moving
your head — you can see the 3D effect
from a wide range of angles,” he said.

As for content, Pasztor said material
produced with the intention of being
shown in 3D will usually be superior to most converted 2D content.

iPont expects to be able to convert
streaming stereoscopic 3D TV
feeds (ESPN, DirecTV movie channels,
Sky3D) for viewing on auto-stereoscopic
displays.

“We can also convert online streamed
content, such as YouTube. Other online
TV channels come next, and then HDCP
Broadcast TV channels, like ESPN3D,”
Pasztor said. “For existing 2D material,
we prefer to convert the actual source
file offline for viewing back through 3D
Blu-ray players.”

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