Sharp has unveiled a notebook computer with a display
that gives the illusion of depth and can display objects in three
dimensions without the use of special glasses.
The PC-RD3D is the first computing product from Sharp to feature
the 3D liquid crystal display technology. It will target developers
writing application software or creating content making use of 3D
technology, either in the notebook or subsequent products.
"The notebook is for content developers writing business
applications, such as for CAD (computer aided design) or for
medical use," said Miyuki Nakayama, a spokeswoman for Sharp in
Tokyo.
The machine, which is based on an Intel Pentium 4 processor
running at 2.8GHz, has 512Mbytes of memory, a 60G byte hard disc
drive and an NVidia GeForce 4 440 Go display adapter.
The display, which can be switched between conventional 2D mode
and 3D mode, is a 15-inch model with XGA (Extended Graphics Array)
resolution (1,024 pixel by 768 pixel) and is based on a 3D display
system developed at Oxford-based Sharp Laboratories of Europe.
It consists of two LCD panels, one mounted on top of the other.
The front panel is a conventional thin film transistor LCD and the
rear panel is used to control the path of light within the display
so that the image reaches the viewer's right and left eyes. For an
image to appear to have depth and be in three dimensions, the right
and left eye need to receive different information.
In 2D mode the switching panel allows an identical image to be
delivered to each eye.
Sharp expected the computer to cost around ¥350,000 (£1,878)
when it goes on sale in Japan next month. That's about ¥65,000
(£350) dearer than a similar machine with a standard display.
Sharp intends to have the machine on sale in the US before the
end of this year.
Sharp is a founding member of the 3D Consortium, alongside
Itochu, NTT Data, Sanyo and Sony. More than 60 other companies are
involved. in the consortium.
Martyn Williams writes for IDG News
Service