3D: LG set to pip Panasonic to the post--in the pub

Despite Panasonic's dominance of the media, LG might well rush ahead of this Japanese politeness by launching its own 3D TVs as early as March--and you're more likely to find one in your local than you are in the shops.

The Koreans are a resourceful lot, and when Samsung isn't stirring things up, it's LG.  3D is set to be the next technological breakthrough that's supposed to revive the fortunes of some of the world's biggest hi-tech manufacturers.  It was at the ITPartners event in Paris that we came across a little surprise on LG's stand.  A 3D television, with passive glasses, took pride of place.  There's nothing that unusual about passive 3D technology, but this display is ready to see the light of day this spring--but it won't make it into your front room.


The LD920 could well steal a march on Panasonic, which has said it's ready to launch a pack consisting of a plasma screen, Blu-ray player and 3D glasses.  LG's approach is a little different though: it plans to push 3D in pubs.  The Korean brand is hoping to have 15 000 42'', 47'' and 52'' screens in pubs up and down Great Britain from this March.  The televisions will be in the 540px2 format and will require passive glasses to see in 3D.  It's a plan that was confirmed by Alexandre Fourmont, LG's director of consumer marketing.  Given that BSkyB plans to launch eight hours of 3D TV a day in the coming months, including some football matches, and that 25 World Cup games will also be on offer in 3D, it seems like a great way into the market.


By using passive technology in a pub setting, LG seems to be onto a winner: viewers are looking to get caught up in the moment, rather than demand the very best quality image.  Passive 3D glasses are also much cheaper than their active equivalents, making the move to 3D much cheaper.  The 3D televisions on offer will be around 30% more expensive than the equivalent 2D screens, and part of that cost can be recouped by selling the passive glasses, which can cost anywhere from £3 to £20 can be recouped by selling them to punters on the night of the game.  Two pints of lager and a pair of 3D glasses--how does that sound?

For home users, though, LG is still 100% behind active glasses and the 1080px2 resolution, and hopes to launch its offerings in this segment by the end of the year.

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