Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation and X6D Limited (XPAND) together announced their collaboration on a new technology standardization for 3D active glasses under the name "Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative." The companies will work within the Bluetooth SIG to develop a system for 3D active glasses utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity. Bluetooth technology removes the requirement of line-of-site while providing a secure, efficient and high performance experience, giving active 3D glasses users greater freedom of movement and interoperability with several different award-winning television brands.

Bluetooth technology is already in market in a variety of solutions for the living room, from 3D glasses to remote controls and TVs, by leading manufacturers like Samsung and Vizio, among others. This year, the Bluetooth SIG is seeing shipments in excess of 24 million per year from a single TV manufacturer. That number is expected to grow exponentially over the next year. TV makers are shipping Bluetooth enabled TVs coupled with two remote controls and 3D glasses, creating a cluster of Bluetooth enabled devices, and thus four Bluetooth chips in one box.

The connected living room currently includes 71% penetration of Bluetooth technology into gaming consoles, like the PlayStation3 and Wii, to provide wireless controller connectivity for players. Now, with these leading television manufacturers committing to implement Bluetooth wireless technology into their TVs and accessories, the door is open for peripheral devices to utilize that Bluetooth connection as well. Mobile phones, cameras, remote controls and even home automation sensors, monitoring everything from temperature to lighting, can communicate with the TV via the Bluetooth connection, regardless of manufacturer brand, and make the TV the digital hub of the consumer's home.

The connected living room is an essential market for Bluetooth wireless technology in its quest to ship over 5 billion devices in the year 2015. Bluetooth SIG members currently ship over 5 million devices per day, with an established installed base of 4 billion devices worldwide. Today's announcement of further collaboration among Bluetooth SIG members serves to further proliferate Bluetooth wireless technology's position for in-home consumer electronics connectivity.

Supporting Quotes:
Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG:
"Today's news shows that momentum behind Bluetooth technology in the living room is strong, and swift. While device manufacturers have already created an initial foothold for Bluetooth enabled TVs, 3D glasses and remote controls, this announcement builds on that groundswell and shows that the train is gaining steam. This is just the beginning of what we expect to become the home entertainment reality, made possible by Bluetooth wireless technology."

Craig Ochikubo, vice president and general manager Wireless Personal Area Network line of business, Broadcom:
"Today's news is further evidence of the tremendous market opportunity for Bluetooth in the home environment. As one of the first companies to collaborate on active 3D glass technology, it's promising to see continued momentum as industry players join forces to establish Bluetooth standards. With 3D continuing to grow in popularity among consumers, collaboration will not only help us all bring more innovative products to market faster, but also help create the best possible experience for the consumers."

Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of the Audio & Consumer Business Unit, CSR:
"To have these CE industry leaders say 'Yes, Bluetooth technology is the way to go' is an excellent validation of the strength, performance and ubiquity of the technology. With the recent introduction of Bluetooth v4.0 and the longer battery life this ultra-efficient technology delivers, it further reinforces why Bluetooth technology is the natural choice for a broad range of applications. We look forward to solidifying the Bluetooth experience in home entertainment."

Svein-Egil Nielsen, director Emerging Technologies and Strategic Partnerships, Nordic Semiconductor:
"While today's news focuses on one Bluetooth experience in the home, this truly is the writing on the wall that the flood gates are opening for Bluetooth 4.0 sensors and CE devices in the home. We're excited to see today's news from the world's top TV manufacturers, and believe this step solidifies Bluetooth technology as the de facto standard for the CE market."

Suke Jawanda, chief marketing officer, Bluetooth SIG:
"The Bluetooth SIG member companies creating Bluetooth products for home entertainment have seen the future, and it's bright blue. These companies are steering the direction of innovation via their participation in the Bluetooth SIG Consumer Electronics Bluetooth Ecosystem Team. There's still an opportunity for your company to get on the train - join us in creating the most enjoyable, high performance wireless experience in the living room with Bluetooth wireless technology." Source: Bluetooth SIG