Most of the major TV vendors say that their sets will only work with their specific sets of 3D glasses, as there are a variety of methods out there for creating the 3D effect on screen. However XpanD is claiming compatibility with "virtually any monitor capable of displaying 3D content". XpanD's X103 product, it says, is going to do just that.
“While major television manufacturers are beginning to roll out their first 3D-ready television models, a key to widespread adoption lies in the ability for consumers to use their 3D glasses with any display that is capable of showing 3D content,” says Maria Costeira, CEO of XpanD. “The XpanD X103 glasses deliver unparalleled freedom by offering the universal 3D viewing technology in any environment, on any device.”
“The main problem with display-linked active glasses lies within the incapability to use these glasses with a 3D TV that is manufactured by another brand. While we support TV manufacturers by manufacturing glasses for them, we are also requested by the same manufacturers to sell universal active glasses that will work with all the modern 3D TVs,” adds Ami Dror, XpanD Chief Strategy Officer. ”TV retailers cannot maintain 15 different models of glasses to support 15 different TV brands, rental AV companies cannot do it, and even 3D broadcasters ask for a universal pair of glasses that they can provide their 3D channel subscribers.”
We have been sceptical of 3D in the home for a number of reasons, of which the wide range of different content types is one. Perhaps this is a step towards alleviating some of the problems.