Bluetooth Enabled 3D Glasses Become an Additional Link in the Wirelessly Connected Living Room

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Home entertainment devices, led by gaming consoles, have been migrating to Bluetooth wireless connections to remove the requirement of line-of-site while still providing a secure, efficient and robust wireless link. Bluetooth technology gives active 3D glasses users greater freedom of movement and a significantly longer battery life than infrared (IR) glasses, without the drawbacks of interference from light sources or with remotes and other IR equipment. Recently, Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) Associate member Broadcom announced that its Bluetooth technology solution is being adopted for active shutter 3D glasses by RealD. The Bluetooth 3D glasses were demonstrated at CES 2011.

“Bluetooth technology is ideally suited for connecting home entertainment devices and accessories. Seeing companies like Broadcom, CSR and Samsung who also highlighted Bluetooth enabled active 3D glasses at CES, confirms Bluetooth technology’s position in the home entertainment market.”

And these weren’t the only Bluetooth 3D glasses on display at the international tech mecca – Bluetooth SIG Associate member CSR held private demonstrations at CES of its 3D shutter sync technology, which utilizes Bluetooth v4.0. Said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG: “Bluetooth technology is ideally suited for connecting home entertainment devices and accessories. Seeing companies like Broadcom, CSR and Samsung who also highlighted Bluetooth enabled active 3D glasses at CES, confirms Bluetooth technology’s position in the home entertainment market.”

The Bluetooth SIG changed its structure in 2010, creating five Bluetooth Ecosystem Teams (BETs), to focus on key markets – mobile phones, automobiles, health and fitness, smart grid, and CE/home entertainment. These markets are expected to be at the forefront of Bluetooth v4.0 adoption, with significant innovation taking place in the home entertainment market. In response to heavy member interest and demand, the SIG also has a 3D glasses/remote control subgroup that is speeding the adoption of Bluetooth technology in the CE accessory devices market.

Gaming consoles, like the PlayStation3 and Wii, already rely on Bluetooth technology to provide a secure and efficient controller connection for players. These hub devices were the third largest market for Bluetooth chipsets in 2010, immediately behind handset and automobile markets. Television manufacturers are also turning to Bluetooth technology for smart connectivity to remote controls, set-top boxes (STBs) and, now, 3D accessories.

Supporting Quotes:

“Bluetooth technology is evolving in really exciting ways – especially in the consumer electronics arena,” said Craig Ochikubo, VP/GM, Broadcom’s Wireless Personal Area Network line of business. “Active 3D glasses and remote controls using Smartphones are really just the tip of the iceberg when one considers how Bluetooth technology can enable a convergent wirelessly connected living room.”

Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Audio and Consumer Business Unit said, “CSR’s Bluetooth v4.0 low energy technology gives our customers the ability to create unrivaled user experiences with their products. Shutter glasses using Bluetooth low energy are simple to use, lightweight, and can provide over 100 hours of battery life from a single coin cell. This efficiency alone gives it a significant advantage over other technologies.”

Supporting Information:

LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, and Vizio have Bluetooth enabled televisions available
INTERLINK, LG, Panasonic, PlayStation, Samsung, Sharp, Tivo and Vizio have a Bluetooth enabled smart remote control available
The Vizio 65” Class Theater 3D HDTV was named the overall winner of the 2011 Bluetooth SIG Best of CES awards
Samsung won a Best of Innovations award at CES for 3D glasses in the video accessories category
ABI Research reports that Bluetooth technology wireless connectivity chipsets account for almost 60% of all wireless chipset shipments
ABI Research reports the demand for Bluetooth enabled consumer electronic and home entertain products is expected to grow steadily over the next five years
In-Stat reports PMPs, game consoles, and game controllers are the main drivers of Bluetooth technology growth in CE devices

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple connectivity for a broad range of electronic devices. Version 4.0 featuring Bluetooth low energy technology creates new application opportunities for products within the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart energy industries. With nearly two billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth technology is the only proven wireless solution for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 14,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com.

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