Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 10, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
According to the manufacturer, the “Series 4” in particular is aimed at average consumers, offering them a cost-effective entry into flat-panel HDTV with extensive functionality. Texas Instruments is presenting “DualView” for games at CES as an alternative application for 3D-capable devices.
Samsung is particularly active in the field of 3D-capable televisions, which until now had only been available in devices based on Digital Light Processing (DLP). By implementing 3D technology in plasma displays, Samsung says the advantages of flat-panel devices and 3D capability are now combined. In addition, anti-glare technology in the new series provides deeper blacks and an improved contrast ratio. Mitsubishi, previously the only competitor in the 3D-capable HDTV market, is staying with DLP for the time being and is presenting a new model with a 73-inch screen diagonal at CES.
To fully enjoy suitable films on 3D-capable television sets, matching 3D glasses are also required. The selection of suitable films is still limited, but an expansion is expected. Texas Instruments, the driving force behind 3D-capable DLP technology, is presenting an alternative use of 3D-capable DLP devices at CES. With special glasses, DualView allows two video-game players to see different views on the same screen. These images are not three-dimensional, but are naturally twice as large as on a comparably split screen.
The first 3D-capable Samsung Series 4 plasma televisions with three HDMI connections are to reach the US market in March 2008, initially in 42- and 50-inch models. Series 5 also launches in the United States in March and additionally offers a USB 2.0 port. Its first models will have 50- and 58-inch screen diagonals. Samsung told pressetext on request that it did not yet have specific dates for a European launch of the 3D plasma televisions. Mitsubishi said it was not currently selling television sets in German-speaking markets.
