Microsoft division displayed a new technology: 3D without glasses. Although it has been around for awhile but it has always had some limitations. One of the largest limitations is that it only works for one viewer and that viewer must keep their eyes within a specific area. The monitors do this by using lenses or filters that divide the image between the viewer's eyes creating a 3D effect.

Microsoft's new display relies on a wedge shaped lens that doubles as the screen. It uses motion tracking capability to track up to 4 viewers and display a 3D image to each of them. The motion tracking is necessary for displaying 3D without glasses as this form of 3D is impossible without knowing the viewer's head position. There is no need for head tracking but it only works for one viewer and that person must keep their head in a very specific position or the 3D effect will be lost. With the motion tracking ability the display can focus the 3D effect in real time on the viewer by detecting and constantly updating their position. 

The real breakthrough with this Microsoft display is the ability to track and display 3D to 4 viewers at once. Currently the technology is limited to a 20 degree viewing angle though the researchers feel they will be able to get it up to at least 40 degrees. In the case of LCD and LED screens you'll experience picture degradation at angles wider than this anyway so it's not such a big deal.

Taiwan researchers predict mass use of non-glasses 3D TV by 2015. This technology will be able to show depth of field without polarising lenses

Consumers will likely see 3D LCD TVs that don't require people to wear polarised glasses out on global markets by 2015, it was a forecast made by a Taiwanese research group.

Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute already displayed a 42-inch glasses-free 3D LCD TV, and the company can currently make them with screens as large as 65 inches, according to Stephen Jeng, director of ITRI's 3D System & Application Division.

The technology will foster getting 3D into more people's living rooms. Analysts say most people don't want to wear polarised glasses to watch 3D TV, and many balk at the price, up to $200 per pair for some of the glasses.

Jeng says ITRI's technology will be used in digital signs and 3D digital photo frames initially. The main issues for glasses-free 3D TV are broadcasting, availability of content, and eye safety, he said. Small quantities of glasses-free digital signage and 3D photo frames are already available on the market, he said, but may yet take a year or two to take off.

The glasses-free 3D LCD TV on display from ITRI this week showed pictures of objects that ITRI's software converted into a 3D image. The image was blurry and the technology appears to still be a long way from being ready.

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