3D televisions set for release next year

A number of television manufacturers are preparing to release flat-screen televisions that will be capable of displaying both high definition and 3D pictures.

Both Sony and Panasonic have announced during the CEATEC electronics show in Tokyo that 3D televisions will be bringing their first models to consumers as early as next year, with films and games to be targeted for 3D material.

“Content is the most important thing,” Panasonic engineer Masanobu Inoe told The Age. A number of electronics companies are working on 3D standards for films and games.

“They will be in a standard format that can be viewed on other companies’ TVs as well,” Sony spokeswoman Satsuki Shinnaka said.

A number of other manufacturers, including Sharp, have displayed prototype 3D television sets at the CEATEC show but said they will wait until more content is freely available before marketing the gadgets.