We already know that the Sony-created Blu-ray format is to go 3D sometime soon, and now Sony has committed to 3DTV development in the coming year.
Speaking at this year’s IFA conference, Sony announced that it would launch a 3D-compatible BRAVIA LCD HDTV next year, based on a frame sequential display and active-shutter glass system (a method of 3D display where the TV set alternates the image for the left and right eye, and glasses open and shut in sync with the image on the screen).
As you’d expect, Blu-ray players will get the 3D treatment in line with an updated Blu-ray specification, as will VAIO computers and the PS3.
Though a 3D-capable laptop display might be fun, presumably Sony’s computer and gaming devices will be able to decode 3D information for display on a compatible TV, and may even simply require a firmware upgrade.
Sony isn’t the only company committing to 3D development, but having such a big name backing it has to be a good thing — ideally we want open and not proprietary standards, though, so that all manufacturers can play and consumers get choice and decent pricing.