XpanD announced universal 3D active glasses that will work on almost any 3D TV set. XpandD’s X103 glasses will be compatible with most computer monitors and 3D TVs, as well as cinemas currently using XpanD’s technology.

XpanD's universal 3D glasses won't be tied to a single brand name or TV model. XpanD is using the standard active shutter-glasses technology that most 3DTV manufacturers employ with their new 3D models. XpanD's glasses achieve this universal function by receiving the infrared signal from any 3D TV, allowing it to identify the television's brand and model, and to make the adjustments necessary to display in 3D. The process will be completely automatic.

XpanD's X103 Specifications

Lens Type: Pi-cell LCD
Lens Size: 2,5” diagonal (6.35 centimeters diagonal)
Weight: 2.1 ounces (59.5 grams)
Sync Method: XpanD Cinema IR, CE IR, VESA, USB
Battery Life: ~ 250 hours
Cleaning: X-Wipes (cleaning wipes)

If you are ready to buy a 3D TV, what's on the new hardware anyway? Fortunately, some TV networks have been ready with their 3D shows.


Discovery

Dicovery Communications is teaming up with IMAX and Sony to launch a 24/7 3D television network. IMAX and Sony will obtain television rights to 3D movies which will air on Discovery's 3D network. Some programming will be offered by the new channel. It will cover such topics as engineering, science, technology, natural history, space, and so on. And there will be plenty of nature shows are good match for the realism of 3D.

ESPN

The sport channel – ESPN – will launch a 3D TV network in June. It will show at least 85 sporting events this year. The first 2010 FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 will be its inaugural 3D show.

The network that has tested ESPN 3D for more than two years is optimistic that its audiences will cheer the new show.

DirectTV

Are you a subsriber of Direct TV HD? If so, in June 2010, you will get a free software upgrade that allows you to watch three 3D channels. The first channel will show movies, documentaries, and other fare. The second, 3D DIRECTV on Demand, will have sports, music, and other content. A third channel will have free 3D sampler demos.

To develop shows in 3D, DirectTV is working with a number of big-name content providers, such as CBS, Fox Sports, Turner Broadcasting, MTV, and NBC Universal.

Blu-ray

If you also plan to buy 3D-capable Blu-ray player, there will be a number of titles you can choose from. The titles will follow “Avatar”, “Up”, and “Alice in Wonderland” that have been a natural for 3D home theater.

Samsung 3D glasses for its 3D LED, LCD, and plasma TVs cannot be used with other TV brands. The electronic shutter 3D glasses will come in three versions: One powered by an internal rechargeable battery (US$200), another with a replaceable coin-sized battery (US$150), and a smaller set of rechargeable glasses for children (US$180).

The model with battery offers about 400 hours of use between batteries, while the rechargeable units should be charged fully before watching an average-length movie.

The same Samsung 3D glasses will provide an identical 3D viewing experience whether they are used to watch movie on LCD and LED panels or plasma screens. Samsung’s representative explained that plasma screens do not refresh image the same way as LCD and LED panels. Samsung’s LED and LCD Tvs provide a 240Hz refresh rate, the glasses refresh at half that rate (120Hz) because they synchronize to 3D content by alternately closing and opening each side.

Sony will begin shipping 3D TVs in Japan and the rest of the world on June 10, 2010. Two models, which are 40- and 46-inch, will come bundled with two pairs of 3D glasses and the price will be 290,000 yen (US$3,215) and 350,000 yen respectively. The both models will be followed by six further sets in July: 52- and 60-inch models that come with 3D glasess and four models that have 3D ciruity inside but require the additional glasses and infrared transmitter.

Estimated price of the glasses will be 12,000 yen per pair and the transmitter will cost 5,000 yen. The transmitter sends out a signal to synchronize electronic shutter in the glasses. According to Sony, the products can typically be found online for less.

Each set will be included by a real-time 2D-to-3D convertor. The convertor will simulate a 3D image from conventional 2D television image.

A firmware upgrade to its PlayStation 3 console that adds 3D support and other 3D-compatible home electronics products will also be available to coincide with the television launch.