Sony hasn’t been able to make it big by having aligned with the active shutter technology and is therefore planning to shift to the passive shutter or using the FPR (Film Patterned Retarder) panels to its TV sets. If this be indeed true then it would mean a gradual shift towards a stance that LG had been loyal to for quite some time now. Samsung in turn will have one less player in its bid to push ahead with the active shutter 3D technology.

The other major 3D TV maker apart from Samsung of course who had gone the active technology way is Panasonic. Sony would be the first major TV maker to move away from this group. This rumor had been heard of since last March and seems to come true now.

An LG source states, “Considering Sony’s aggressive drive for outsourcing in flat screens, LG will likely receive more orders. It is better-positioned for product commitment, on-time delivery and pricing than Taiwanese flat-screen suppliers.”

There was a tussle in the 3D TV world between the active and passive technology as regards which would be the de-facto market standard. If Sony were to pull out for a final, then the active shutter group would be served a severe blow. Right now the passive technology group consists of LG, Philips, Toshiba and Vizio,

There was also the development of a standard 3D glass that had been jointly financed by Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. Sony also has a range of large sets currently that use the active technology. The losses that Sony has incurred in the process seems more than what the company can absorb and that must be the reason for them going into this loss control mode.

The basic principle of FPR or passive technology is that the image is sliced into two, with each of 540 pixels instead of showing full HD to each eye. There is the inevitable loss in quality therefore if one goes by the theory of it.

Sony is also going to approach LG for supply of the OLED screens that they would be using when they come out with the big screen TV, as per reports from the Korean Times.

There is however the fact that Sony has been the leader in active shutter technology so far as 3D TV sets go. It therefore may be just rumor regarding the shift of Sony to passive technology.

Sovan Mandal (692 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com and 3D Specialist. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email