Philips Axes 3D Display Division

Philips is throwing in the towel on its 3-D display division.

Touted as the future of television and computing, 3D display technology took a major hit recently as Philips has decided to shut down its 3D Solutions division.

Sources indicate that a letter from Philips 3D Solutions was sent out to resellers of its 3D explaining the stoppage in supply. The letter, drafted by 3D Solutions CEO Jos Swillens, informs recipients that they will no longer be shipping the 42-inch 42-3D6W02 TV. "Unfortunately, the current market developments no longer justify such a pro-active approach," says Swillens. "The point in time where mass adoption of no-glasses based 3D TV will occur has shifted significantly. As a consequence of this, Philips has decided to scale down its investments in this area."

Swillens cites a struggling economy and lack of adoption as the primary reasons behind the move over at Philips. It's unfortunate, but it is hard to imagine consumers buying 3D HDTV's during one of the worst recessions in recent memory.

Philips started its 3D display campaign back in 2006, when it introduced a 42-inch prototype display at SID2006, which went on to win a Gold Award at the end of the event. Up until now, Philips had offered several different WOWvx-based 3D models, including 22, 42, and 56-inch displays. Perhaps the biggest advantage of these Philips displays is that no 3D glasses were required - just a regular pair of eyes.

With one of its major players out of the business, 3D displays and 3D technology in general are being pushed by only a handful of companies. iZ3D still selling its 22-inch 3D LCD monitor, which requires special glasses and retails for $399. Nvidia is also pushing 3D gaming with its new 3D Vision platform. The Nvidia system also requires 3D glasses, but this eyewear communicates to your PC via USB and infrared. The $598 3D Vision package comes with the glasses, all necessary accessories, and a 22-inch Samsung 2233RZ 120Hz LCD monitor.