3DTV; it's a love/hate relationship for most of us. We love the idea of more immersive movies and exciting visuals, but we hate headaches, glasses and the premium price tag attatched to it.

However, a recent study commisioned by Panasonic on US consumers suggests we're now finally starting to embrace the technology on a wider scale.

The study carried out by independent market research firm Frank N. Magid Associates, revealed that the vast majority of the 500 viewers questioned found their watching experience "significantly improved" by 3D effects.

99% of respondents who had tried a 3D TV said that it was "somewhat better" than "standard" 2D TV. Even more impressive was the response from 71% of those polled who described 3D viewing as being "dramatically better" than traditional 2D television.

"We've always said that, just as with HDTV, once consumers experience 3D TV, they will want it," said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic Corporation of North America's chief technology officer.

Mike Vorhaus, president of Magid Advisors, drew comparisons with the last major leap in TV tech.

"Their feelings are very reminiscent of the public's response to HDTV in its early days."

It's going to be a big year for Epson. They're pushing their first line of 3D projectors, with the top-end EH-TW9000W wireless model impressing at IFA 2011 in Berlin, while also navigating the murkier waters of budget-friendly projectors with their iPad dock-packing MG-850 HD beamer. Pushing for mass-market appeal as well as pleasing the cinephiles, we caught up with Regional Sales Manager Hans Dummer in Berlin recently to talk about the future of home cinema.

Why now for 3D projectors from Epson?

That's an easy one for us. It's all to do with regard to the 3D content. It's improved dramatically over the last year. There was big hype surrounding 3D at the beginning of last year but the content was very limited. This year alone there will be 45 new 3D movies and dozens of new 3D TV stations broadcasting so I think the timing is better in terms of consumer adoption and acceptance. We've also focused a lot on the simplicity of installation, making 3D projection adoption less of an undertaking.

So Epson's 3D tech has been ready for while, and it's been a matter of the content catching up then?

We've been working on refining the technology; we've spent a lot of time optimising brightness levels, somewhere you often have to compromise due to 3D glasses. But the last year has let us come to market with the brightest 3D projectors you can buy. Our 3LCD technology allows us to do that.

One of the big 3D stumbling blocks so far has been 3D glasses, their price, and how they aren't universal across brands. Explain for our readers Epson's stance on 3D specs.

We're part of a group that allows consumers to choose a variety of different active shutter glasses, not just the Epson ones. We've opted for active technology first, but we're looking into passive glasses at the moment aswell. Education markets have obvious application for cheaper passive glasses. But it's really up to the consumer and their requirements. I'm already requesting that our design teams start looking into glasses for juniors, the little ones in the family. As the technology becomes more adopted we're certain to get requests for these kinds of things coming through. If costumers are calling for red, blue, green framed glasses of all different sizes, we'll try to match that need.

Is passive not the more natural avenue for 3D projectors? Surely the bigger screen sizes that projectors allow naturally serve larger audiences, where inexpensive passive glasses are more attractive? What was the deciding factor in favour of active?

With passive projectors, you have to use stacking, which ultimately results in putting two projectors on top of another, buying two projectors as it currently stands. We're looking at developing that technology and where it's going, and you're quite correct; there are certain markets where it's definitely the way to go, in education for example where many inexpensive glasses are needed. But will schools buy two projectors for one classroom? It's a cost balance you'd have to juggle, but I'm sure our teams will have some solution in the future.

Projector prices are dropping all the time. Are we approaching mass-market price points yet, or will home projectors always be a niche market?

We'd like to see the market go all-in for 3D projection adoption, but the interconnectivity of devices is also guiding the market, and therefore prices. Take our MG-850 HD iPad projector; it's about simplicity. Simplifying the technology and making it more flexible will lead to a rise in adoption. Features like Wi-Fi connectivity in our top projectors will make projectors just as attractive to consumers as LCD panels. We're expecting big things from this year's line-up.

You mention wireless connectivity and the interconnectivity of devices.Why no Airplay in this year's range then?

We're looking at Airplay and the integration of a variety of streaming technologies. We're also looking at Android and the development of the Windows Phone7 environment. You'll see developments from Epson in all those areas in the future. As a neutral projector manufacturer we have to look at our customer requirements, which are key, and as we get requests for Airplay or the docking of a multiple devices we'll listen and look in that direction. I know our colleagues are looking at all these areas currently. We've always had a strategy to bring out products that differentiate from the rest, and products that are technologically ahead of the rest. Just because a year ago everyone was talking about 3D doesn't mean we were going to bring out a "me too" 3D projector. We want to show consumers real benefits when we add functionality.

Have Epson any plans for new pocket projectors? Epson haven't had any big news on that front at this year's IFA. Why?

Pocket, Pico, Nano; all these types of projectors have brightness issues. For us it's a matter of looking at 300 lumens, 500 lumens 1,000 lumens limitations; does the customer actually want that? Yes there is a market there, but it's a very, very small market. Primarily it's because although people want small products, they want strong brightness levels even more. Clarity, quality, it just isn't there. We're looking at that space, but right now it's not a big commitment for us. If you can bring out a projector at 2,000 lumens then things get interesting. It's also about serving gamers too as they are often the early adopters, and they want high resolutions and brightness more than anything else. Do you know what the "WA" factor is?

The "WA" factor???

The "WA" factor, the "Wife Acceptance" factor! Everybody laughs about it, but it's a significant decision making criteria. If you have a reasonably sized device with as few cables as possible, you're not cluttering up the lounge, it's much more acceptable. The future lies in talking to engineers, architects, making sure that when houses are being built provision is made for projector space. Wall inserts, under-sofa plug sockets, that sort of thing. We see it in the business industry already, and if we can bring that into the home you'll see projectors really take off.

The annual IFA tech show in Berlin has come to a close for yet another year, after bringing plenty brand new gadgets and gizmos to the table to start saving for. It's a massive show, packed with everything from AV gear to mobile phones and home appliances, but we've sifted the wheat from the chaff to give you our highlights from Europe largest electronics expo. Here's Tech Digest's IFA Best in Show for 2011.

BEST TV: Sharp 8K4K Super High-Def TV

The TV that Tech Digest shall set as the high-watermark all others must aim for for the forseeable future, Sharp's 8K4K prototype was by far the most stunning screen we've ever seen, and our favourite item overall at this year's show. Though it's not going to be commercially available for at least the best part of a decade, we were treated to a jaw-dropping presentation of footage 16-times the pixel density of full HD 1080p. We felt sorry for all the TVs we had to check out at the show after seeing this one so early on, as none of the others stood a chance in comparison.

BEST SMARTPHONE/TABLET: Samsung Galaxy Note

Not a great show for tablets or smartphones, with Sony's offerings a little underwhelming and few other manufacturers making a splash. Samsung's Galaxy Note, while not everyone's cup of tea, at least attempted something slightly different, with its massive screen and stylus input. Jobs may have delcared the stylus dead with Apple's touchscreen devices, but Samsung quite rightly still see a place for digital note taking with an input pen.

BEST PROJECTOR: Epson EH-T9000W

If you've got a few grand to spare, Epson proved that having your very own 3D cinema experience in your living room is a relatively affordable reality this year. Showing off their first line of 3D projectors, the stunning visuals were made all the sweeter thanks to the inclusion of Wi-Fi smarts in the EH-T9000W top-end model.

BEST LAPTOP: Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook

Who said Windows machines couldn't be as good-looking as Apple devices? Acer's Aspire S3 Ultrabook paired great looks and portability with supercharged power in a laptop that offered both i7 and SSD high-end configurations.

MADDEST GADGET: Jean-Michel Jarre's AeroDream One 11ft iPad dock

Jean-Michel Jarre; a man known equally for his pioneering electronic music and dazzling live light shows. He'll now also be known as the man behind the world's most ridiculous iPad dock, the 11ft tall AeroDream One. Tech Digest had the pleasure of talking to the French musical legend at IFA 2011 in the video above, where Jarre explains the inspiration behind his designs.

For more coverage from IFA 2011, click here.

Sony's madcap 3D headset prototype from CES 2011 is set to hit stores in a fianl retail build, and the HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer visor was on show at the IFA 2011 tech conference for all and sundry to try out.

The headset manages a pretty impressive 3D image by placing two 0.7 inch OLED panels in front of your eyes, giving the impression you're watching a single 750-inch 3D screen. The headset also comes complete with pseudo-5.1 surround sound thanks to the multi-channel ear pieces that sit either side of your head.

Set first for a Japanese release before the year is out, as yet there is no UK release date set. It'll set you back around £480 to import them from Japan however.

Check them out in the video above.

All the major display manufacturers are clamouring away to be the first to produce a convincing glasses-free 3D display, but the only company showing any real innovation in the area at this year's IFA conference was LG.

They were showing off the LG D2500N glasses-free 3D monitor. A full-HD display, it managed well to give the impression of 3D space from the flatscreen, with little flicker and only marginal blurring on the 25-inch screen.

It manages this by popping a head-tracking webcam in the top of the monitor's bezel, which then tells the display to adjust the 3D image to better suit your positioning.

It worked great, and more exciting is the fact that LG are planning big screen TV versions, capable of tracking multiple people at once, in the near future.

Hit the video above for more info.

LG's screens at IFA 2011 were a little bit more quirky than the competition. Take the LG PZ850T PenTouch Plasma TV for instnace. As the name suggests, it comes bundled with a special touchscreen stylus that lets you sketch images and notes and navigate apps by directly tapping the screen with the pen.

Avaialble in 50 and 60 inch sizes (the larger of which is 3D-capable), LG showed the screen off hooked up to a laptop, allowing them even greater functionality and piggy-backing web browsing from the machine.

Now we can see the application here in maybe an office or classroom environtment, but we're not so sure about in the home. I'm not sure I'd like to encourage my kids to write on a TV with a specific pen, only to find they've got it mixed up and scribbled all over my expensive new Plasma screen with a Sharpie.

Available from the end of September, hit the video above for our first look at the screen.

LG were showing off their latest flagship passive 3DTV at IFA over the weekend, the LG LW980T. A Nano Full LED passive 3D display, it's got a few unexpected tricks up its sleeve.

The super slim 26.4mm-thick TV has plenty of connected content, including a 3D VOD app, BBC iPlayer, Facebook and Blinkbox, and comes with 7 pairs of passive specs.

However, the most interesting feature is Dual Play:

Much like the PS3 monitor revealed earlier in the year, it allows two gamers to share the same screen and still have a full screen experience in 2-player multiplayer modes. By using a two dedicated pairs of glasses (one with two right lenses, one with two left) the screen is able to shut off alternate frames in compatible games to give each player a massive display, and stop cheating in the likes of split-screen Call of Duty.

Set for a September release you're looking at £1799 for the 47in model and £2499 for the 55 incher.

Following on from our quick-specs rundown of Epson's wireless 3D EH-TW9000W projector (which you can read here) we've now got a preview video of the model to go with it.

It's quite the looker we think, with it's curved white chassis bringing 2001: A Space Odyssey design chic to the projector space. In terms of industrial design it's intelligent too, thanks to front-facing venitlation systems that make mounting the projector in a shelving unit far less likely to cause overheating.

We've now got official confirmation of pricing for the Epson EH-TW9000W model too, makred up at £2962 when they hit UK stores in November.

Samsung once again showed off their monster D9500 LED 3DTV at IFA 2011, touting an incredible 75-inch screen with active 3D technology.

The world's largest consumer LED TV according to Samsung, it completely dwarfed nearby 55-inch models, which themselves are big enough to flatten a person should they take a tumble. Screens this size can get a little blurry when it comes to fast moving scenes, but Samsung have popped in 240Hz refresh rate tech to keep things silky smooth.

Fully loaded with Smart TV funcitonality including a 3D VOD app and all manner of social networking capabilities, the D9500 also has Skype support built in, making the "Video Call Wall" of Back To The Future 2 very much a reality now.

Big screens inevitably come with big price tags, and the D9500 is no exception. You're looking at around $17,600 in the USA, or almost £11,000 when converted to UK pricing.

Hit the video above to see the impressive display in action.

They may not be the first, but Epson are firmly planting their flags in the territory marked "best" when it comes to the 3D projectors they are touting at this year's IFA 2011 conference in Berlin. Getting top billing from their newest models is the EH-T9000W, packing both 3D smarts and wireless technology in what Epson are calling the best home cinema projectors money can buy.

Plenty of new technology has been employed by Epson to back up this claim. As well as the 3LCD Reflective lens tech that Epson introduced last year to push image clarity, they're also showing off refresh rates of 240Hz in 2D mode and 480Hz in 3D mode with the EH-T9000W projector, reducing crosstalk and pushing brightness levels significantly in 3D modes.

Brightness levels of 2,400 lumens and claimed contrast ratios of 200,000:1 are worthy specs in their own right, but wireless tech lets you hook up to a home network and pump videos straight to the projector, meaning a tangle-free cinema room for those who can cough up the cash for this premium kit

A wired model, the EH-T9000, is also available for those who don't care for wire-free frippery.

We were treated to a 20 minute demo session on a 160-inch screen using acive shutter specs and couldn't help but be impressed. Even with the inevitable drop in brightness that occurs when you push what is essentially a home cinema projector up to sizes that serve an audience of 50 people, the new Epson kit managed quite startling 3D visuals. Though we noticed slight blurring at the edges, our short demo period with the projector rivalled the experience you would get with both 2D and 3D digital commercial cinema screens.

Hitting stores from November, we'll have more hands-on info on Epson's EH-T9000 and EH-T9000W models as we go hands in-depth on the show floor at IFA this week.

Name: ViewSonic V3D245

Type: 3D monitor with built-in Nvidia 3D Vision

Specs: Click here for full specs

Price: $599 (£368) from Amazon

Like it or loathe it, it seems 3D is here to stay, be that on your living room TV, your local cinema screen or even in your pocket on a mobile device. 3D's near-imminent ubiquity even extends to the office, with 3D an increasingly common feature of the latest PC monitors. Just like all other 3D gadgets though, 3D monitors can be a pain to set up with multiple compatible devices needed, as well as needing a fair amount of cash to being with. ViewSonic's latest offering, theV3D245, aims at both affordability and ease of use with it's built in Nvidia 3D Vision transmitter and accompanying glasses. But is it any good? Read on to find out.

Though we're not fans of a glossy, fingerprint-harbouring chassis when it comes to monitors (especially ones that use touch-sensitive controls) the ViewSonic V3D245 doesn't look half bad, with its angular base and row of touch buttons on the monitor's lower left side. A 24-inch monitor, you're getting roughly a 23.6" visible screen. Set up is a breeze thanks to the refreshingly simple slide-in base, locking with an underside key. However, those looking for manoeuvrability beyond a little tilt will be disappointed. The screen is wall mountable though, which is still a rare feature for what, despite its bells and whistles, remains essentially a PC monitor.

Regardless of its 3D smarts, the screen stays relatively slim at 2.2" thick (not including the stand), thanks to its exterior brick battery. Input connections are solid; you get DVI (Dual Link), VGA, Audio In and Audio Out ports, as well as a single HDMI 1.4a port. We'd have liked an extra HDMI port, which would have been particularly handy for those looking to hook up a games console or two to the display as well as a PC. The monitor also has 2-watt stereo speakers built in, which of course don't offer too much bassy grunt, but are perfectly serviceable thanks to SRS Premium Sound tech.

While ViewSonic's OSD is clear and self explanatory (if visually basic), using the touch buttons to tweak settings is a chore. They'd sometimes fail to register our fingers, and though we're all for slick clean lines in design, here's one case where we'd rather had physical buttons to push.

Maxing out at a Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), the V3D245 is a solid performer with 2D imagery, with crisp text and graphics throughout. Though the claimed 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio is ridiculously ambitious, that's not to say that black levels are in any way poor. Blacks are inky and detailed, with the LED backlight evenly distributing light. Colours were bold too, but erred a little on the saturated side without a bit of tweaking. Viewing angles horizontally are perfectly reasonable, though dim noticeably long before the 170º angle ViewSonic claim. Vertical viewing angles are less effective, though this is unlikely to cause much concern in the majority of usage scenarios.

Billed in many ways as a gaming screen, pro Call of Duty fans will have the words "120Hz refresh rate" and "2ms response time" ring out like music to their ears. Movement is smooth and free of flicker and tearing, which is great for those long frag matches, and has obvious benefits for the V3D245's headline feature, 3D content.

And, thankfully, ViewSonic's 3D here delivers in spades. After a clumsy start with wired 3D glasses on their previous V3D241wm model, ViewSonic have made the sensible move of partnering with Nvidia and popping its 3D Vision tech right into the monitor itself.

Nvidia's 3D PC solution has been knocking around for a little while now, but their combination of comfortable wireless active shutter glasses (provided here with adjustable nose-bridge inserts and good for 60 hours of usage per USB charge) and flexible software makes it possibly the best example of 3D tech available right now, not least of all when it comes to 3D gaming. It requires a compatible Nvidia graphics card (GeForce 8800 GT or later; GeForce 9600 GT or later; all GeForce GTX 200 cards or GT300 Series, NVIDIA GTX400 Series or later if you're hooking up a HDMI 1.4a games console - we were using a GTX 560 Ti card), but is simple to set up, and more importantly, simple to tweak.

Using the Nvidia Control Panel software, you can adjust the intensity of the 3D effect, making it as eye-popping or subtle as you see fit. As the compatible Nvidia cards manipulate the way traditionally 2D games are displayed, a vast number of PC games can be played in 3D through the 3D Vision set-up with minimal fuss, even those that we're never intended to be played with an added dimension. It's engrossing and clear thanks to the quality of the panel, with minimal drops in brightness and hardly any noticeable flicker when the glasses are on. With HDMI 1.4a certification you'll also be able to play 3D games from a PS3, as well as 3D Blu-rays, each again offering equally, startlingly impressive 3D visuals.

Verdict:

While its build is a little rough around the edges (those touch buttons annoy in particular), the simplicity of having Nvidia's 3D Vision tech so seamlessly integrated into the display is a joy. Superb in both 2D and 3D, the ViewSonic V3D245 will be more than enough for even the most demanding of 3D gamers.

We were blown away by the Tron-style chic of Sony's 3D visor prototype when it made its debut at CES at the start of 2011, but we never really thought it'd make its way to stores anytime soon. It's with no small amount of surprise then that we're happy to reveal that the newly christened Sony Personal 3D Viewer (AKA the "HMZ-T1") will be up for sale in Japan as of November.

Equipped with two 1280x720 OLED screens (one for each eye) the visor gives the impression of watching a massive 62ft 3D cinema screen in the comfort of your home. Simulated 5.1 channel surround sound is also offered through the onboard ear pieces.

Two HDMI sockets are onboard, one for output and another for through output.

The Sony Personal 3D Viewer is expected to cost around 60,000 yen, which is around £480. No word yet on UK or US release dates, but we'll keep you posted.

We haven't seen all of LG's IFA 2010 TV range hit stores yet, but they're already leading the way at this year's show in Berlin when it comes to TVs with the announcement of the LW980T Cinema 3D TV.

Available in 47 inch or 55 inch screen sizes, it uses the company's preferred passive 3D technology, shipping with seven pairs of passive 3D glasses. That passive display is also brighter, slimmer, clearer and with a smoother picture than the 2010 LX990 flagship thanks to new NANO Full LED tech in the panel, allowing it to be just 27.5mm thick.

The screens also sport 2D-to-3D conversion, TruMotion 400Hz image processing, 2x USB ports, HD DivX Plus playback, 4x HDMI ports, energy saving modes, and built-in Wi-Fi.

As is the current TV trend, there's a whole host of Smart TV funtions in there too, including apps for Twitter, Facebook and the BBC iPlayer.

LG are billing the set as "the ultimate TV and entertainment hub for the entire family," and if paired with the recently revealed HX906TX 3D 9.1 speaker system, matbe that's not such a grand claim after all.

We'll keep you posted on pricing and release schedules as these screens land.

Have more money than you know what to do with and are looking for a TV straight out of an episode of The Jetsons? Then we've got just the telly - the Bang & Olufsen the BeoVision 7-55.

Adding a built-in Blu-ray player and active 3D to the 55 inch flagship model, the BeoVision 7-55 gets added "wow-factor" points for its motorised stand which lifts and lowers the massive panel, as well as hiding a built-in surround sound technology that adapts and tunes its sound dependant on the acoustics of your living room.

"3D functionality is in increasing demand right now where Hollywood as well as the gaming industry is starting to produce more material suited for 3D viewing," said Ole Moltsen, senior product manager of Bang & Olufsen.

"At the same time, more and more TV channels - in particular sports channels - are beginning to broadcast for example important football matches from Premier League in 3D. However, the quality of the 2D experience is just as important because it is still what our customers will use the most."

No pricing revealed just yet, but knowing Bang & Olufsen, if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it.

Are we all in awe of 3D TV once more?

That certainly seems to be the case according to new figures released by the Dixons retail group. Currys and PC World recording a whopping 500% growth in 3D TV sales over the course of the last quarter, with one in five TV sales including 3D tech.

"Interest around 3D TV technology has massively increased over the last quarter and we have seen uplift in demand from customers online and in our stores. Prices have become really competitive, with 3D TVs available from as little as £499, opening the technology up to a mass audience," said John Mitchell, Category Manager of Dixons Retail.

"Great prices combined with increased 3D content, ranging from films, to documentaries and sport, is leading to increased adoption of 3D. This increase is reinforced in our TV range, around 40% of which is made of 3D televisions currently and which we expect to increase in the next 12 months, as premiership football is screened in 3D and films including Harry Potter Final Movie are released in 3D."

Sales are definitely on the rise then? Is this a sign of increased consumer interest? Has 3D content become compelling enough to warrant its premium price? Or is the sales spike merely due to the fact that the majority of new big-name-brand TVs bought have 3D functionality by default?

Help us find the answers! Leave your mark in the poll below, and chime in with any thoughts in the comments section.

Now here's a monitor to get PC gamers really excited. ViewSonic's latest V3D245 monitor not only has all the top specs you'd expect from a gaming monitor, but manages to squeeze in built-in support for NVIDIA's 3D Vision tech.

Rather than having to shell out for NVIDIA's 3D PC gaming tech separately, the V3D245 comes complete with both a 3D Vision transmitter and compatible 3D glasses, as well as the panel itself of course being 3D compatible. All you'll need is a compatible NVIDIA GeForce graphics card to go with it in your PC.

It impresses in it's more day-to-day specifications too. A 24 inch monitor, it has a 120Hz refresh rate and lightning-quick 2ms video response time, running at a max 1920x1080 full HD resolution.

HDMI 1.4 inputs are supported, with a 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 nits high brightness.

"This is the ultimate monitor for any gamer or just anyone playing around with 3D technology. It's a neat solution with the built in NVidia transmitter, that uses LED technology to bring better contrast ratios and significant power savings, but can then revert back to a high performance 2D monitor when required." says James Coulson European marketing manager, ViewSonic.

"Working with NVidia is paramount to making 3D emersion a reality and this product is proof of that."

Available in Europe from mid-to-late September for an ESP of £350/€399, this one should be riding high on PC gamers Christmas wish-lists.

The Force is not strong with 3DTVs. That's according to Anthony Daniels, the actor who sits inside the shiny gold C-3PO costume in the Star Wars movies.

Speaking at the press conference which revealed that Panasonic would be exclusively bundling the Star Wars Blu-ray editions in with their home cinema kit, Daniels revealed he is not a fan of the new silver-screen craze.

"I slightly have a problem with sitting in my own sitting room and being surprised by things coming into the room. I don't expect things to come out my television!" said the man behind the droid.

"I'm quite happy, in a luddite kind of way, to see things on a [normal] screen."

That's not to say Daniels is against the use of 3D in its entirity:

"One of the projects I have just been involved in is Star Tours. That is in a 60 seat flight simulator where people go on a voyage around the planet and everyone wears 3D glasses.

"The effects are stunning and relevant and real - because you're apparently looking through a view port."

That's a more forgiving outlook on 3D than Star Wars' stunt co-ordinator Nick Gillard has.

"I hate 3D!" he said. "I saw Avatar on non-3D and I thought it was pretty average."

In the UK, Panasonic will be bundling the original Star Wars Trilogy Blu-ray boxset with their BDT110, 210, 310 and PWT500 Blu-ray players, the BWT700 and BWT800 recorders and BTT270, BTT262, BTT370, BTT362, BTT775 and BFT800 Blu-ray home theater systems between the 12th of August to the 31st of December.

Via: Tech Radar

Sony's mad PlayStation 3D monitor, allowing two gamers to view two different images with 3D glasses by rapidly changing the displayed image and syncing them with the active shutter specs, has now been given a release date. Fullscreen multiplayer gaming froma single display will be yours to try out from December 31st.

The 3D monitor is a 24 inch active-shutter LCD with LED backlighting. With Sony's TV pedigree preceeding them, you'd expect this to be a good 2D and 3D screen even before the "quad speed frame sequential SimulView technology" kicks in.

Two HDMI ports sit on the back, while the stereo speakers feature an integrated subwoofer, hopefully giving it a little more grunt in the lower audio frequencies than you usually get with flatscreens.

The TV will come bundled with one pair of USB charged active shutter glasses, and a copy of MotorStorm Apocalypse for the PS3, showing the screen is very much intended as a companion to your PlayStation 3 console.

US readers can pre-order the screen from Amazon now for $499.

Via: 3D Display Info

LG's range of passive Cinema 3D TVs gets a new flagship model today in the shape of the LW980S.

With "Flicker-free" passive specs like thse you wear at the cinema, 2D-to-3D conversion, Smart TV connected app functionality, 400Hz motion processing and a NANO Full LED panel, it's LG's most advanced 3D TV set yet.

"The LW980S is the crown jewel of TVs as it includes the most advanced technologies and features we've developed at LG over the years," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company.

"We've set a new benchmark in connectivity, picture quality and sheer viewing enjoyment."

The LW980S gets its first public outing at this year's IFA tech conference in Berlin. Tech Digest will be on hand at the show covering all the breaking product launches, so check back at the end of the month for out hands-on thoughts with LG's new flagship screen.

LG have revealed their second-quarter 2011 financial results. And while the Korean firm claim to be back on track after the recession hit profits, it seems that their home cinema products are taking a lot of the flak for faltering smartphone sales.

Profits of 158 billion Korean Won (£89 million) sees a 21% increase in profits over the previous quarter, and a 25% rise year on year. Most of this is attributed to strong sales of home entertainment gear like LED LCD TVs and 3D Cinema TVs.

"The company expects to see sales continue to rise with the anticipated strong consumer acceptance of its film patterned retarder (FPR) Cinema 3D TVs as well as smart TVs," the LG release states.

This is sullied however by the news that the mobile arm lost 54 billion KRW, despite sales rising by 11.6%. LG remain bullish, saying:

"The company continues to strengthen its global competitiveness by launching a mix of competitive smartphones and its continued investment in R&D.

"LG Electronics expects to see modest growth year-over-year in the third quarter of 2011 with new product launches in major categories and creative marketing activities across its various 3D products, said LG

"For the long-term, the company will continue to strengthen profitability through aggressive cost innovation and strategic investments in existing as well as new business areas."