Sony shows prototype 3D Vaio laptops at IFAActive shutter multimedia laptops unveiled by Sony

02 September 2010

Sony has chosen the IFA 2010 technology show to announce a new 2011 range of Vaio laptops which will have 3D displays.

Although only prototype 3D Vaio laptops were on display on the show floor at IFA, the company says that retail models will be available in the UK in Spring 2011.

According to Sony the 3D laptops will have fast-response LCD screens displaying up to 240fps, giving superior 3D imaging. The Vaio 3D laptops will use similar technology to Sony Bravia TVs, including 'Black Frame Insertion' which the company claims give super-clear, sharp results. This technology involves inserting black frames between colour images to separate them.

The prototype on display was a 16-inch laptop, although Sony would not reveal any details of the screen sizes of models likely to go on sale in 2011.

Sony Vaio 3D laptop

 

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The Vaio 3D laptops will have full HD resolution, and use the frame-sequential 3D display method to deliver full HD images to each eye via active shutter glasses. The laptops have built-in 3D transmitters so there's no need for a separate USB dongle to transmit signals to the glasses. The 3D glasses are the same as those used to view Sony Bravia 3D TVs.

To find out more about 3D TV and video, read our essential 3D guide

One-touch 3D switching

The demonstration model had a one-touch 3D button to switch between 2D and 3D pictures, a built-in 3D Blu-ray drive, and the ability to upscale from 2D to 3D.

Which? technology producer Al Warman, who was at the Sony press conference in Berlin, said: 'Sony's presentations were all focused on 3D, and by adding 3D to its Vaio laptop range Sony is creating a harmonious range of products for creating, sharing and viewing 3D photos and videos.

'I'm keen to see the prices of Sony 3D laptops when they launch next year, to see what premium Sony places on full HD 3D Blu-ray playback. We'll be putting the Vaio 3D models through their paces in our laptop lab tests as soon as they're available, both to test their computing and 3D entertainment features.'

For all the latest from IFA 2010, from TVs to games consoles and mobile phones to tablets, check out our IFA news summary page each day, and follow WhichTech on Twitter to be alerted as soon as each photo gallery and video goes live during the show.