Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Xpand 3D have announced a partnership to standardize tech for 3D glasses so consumers can mix-and-match across brands.

The entertainment industry might have its panties in a bunch over 3D technology, but so far consumers still seem wary, with sales of 3D-capable HDTVs and 3D content perhaps generously described as lukewarm. Part of the hurdle for consumers might be the hassles of those big, bulky, clunky, awkward 3D glasses: 3D shutter glasses from a Sony 3D television don’t work with a system from Panasonic, and neither of those systems work with (say) the Nvidia 3D Vision technology buyers might have been considering for a gaming PC. And while most sets come with a pair or two of shutter glasses, extra pairs are pricey.

Now, leading electronics companies Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Xpand 3D have announced a new “Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative” that aims to create joint licensing for existing Bluetooth and IR-controlled 3D shutter glasses so glasses can be compatible across a wide range of 3D displays—including TVs, computers, projectors, and 3D theaters.

Existing 3D glasses use a variety of technologies and protocols to communicate with 3D displays: Panasonic and Sony currently use technology that relies on infrared transmission (like remote controls) where Samsung currently uses Bluetooth-based technology to handle its 3D glasses. The Bluetooth SIG is backing the initiative, and the industry has generally been eyeing Bluetooth solutions to provide greater range and freedom of movement.

The group aims to create a new, licensable technology standard for 3D glasses that can be used by a variety of manufacturers, but that will also provide backward compatibility for 3D shutter glass technologies in the companies’ 2011 product lines. Samsung and Sony will be contributing their proprietary protocols to the group, and the IR protocol developed by Panasonic and Xpand 3D will also be in the mix. As a result, the new “universal” glasses will be compatible with current products from those companies that use their protocols.

Although there’s no word on whether other consumer electronics and 3D technology developers will embrace the standard, there’s still a bit of time to get on board: the group hopes the first products using the “universal” protocols will start to reach the market in 2012.

Four Companies Will Seek Development of Joint Licensing on ‘BLUETOOTH® ENABLED RF’ and ‘IR’ Consumer 3D Active Glasses About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple connectivity for a broad range of electronic devices. Version 4.0 featuring Bluetoothlow energy technology creates new application opportunities for products within the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & wellness, sports & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly two billion devices shipping annually,Bluetooth technology is the only proven wireless solution for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers more than 14,500 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visitwww.bluetooth.com. Bluetooth wireless technology: Simple. Secure. Everywhere.

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya and New York (PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $87 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/.

About XPAND
The global leader in the 3D technologies for home, business, education, cinema, military and medical applications, XPAND 3D is committed to advancing the state-of-the art in technology to provide consumers, businesses, educators and medical professionals with the comprehensive advantages of stereoscopic 3D. XPAND 3D provides glasses on a linear scale from the most advanced and feature-packed for sophisticated surgical, training and home theater to more ruggedized and affordable for cinema and mass market use. X6D Limited is a global company whose products and services are marketed under the XPAND brand name. XPAND 3D technology is used by over 4,500 3D cinemas in more than 50 countries and is the 3D solution of choice for post-production houses, educational and professional 3D applications. XPAND designs, manufactures and OEMs a range of consumer electronics 3D solutions that are driving the 3D revolution.

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