Freescale, RealD to create new at-home 3D viewing experience for consumers

LAS VEGAS, USA: Freescale Semiconductor, the number one supplier of ZigBee RF4CE and IEEE 802.15.4 chipsets, announced that it is collaborating with RealD Inc., a leading global licensor of 3D technologies, on a new home 3D viewing experience.

Freescale and RealD are combining their expertise to create an active 3D eyewear platform that provides realistic high definition 3D TV viewing while solving certain technical and cost problems associated with infrared based systems.

The jointly developed solution uses Freescale’s RF4CE platform for the over-the-air 3D synchronization combined with advanced lens switching, filtering and optical technology from RealD, resulting in an enhanced 3D TV active eyewear solution. Freescale’s MC1323x System on a Chip (SoC) powers this platform.

“We are proud to be working with the 3D leaders at RealD,” said Glen Burchers, director of consumer segment marketing for Freescale. “Consumers are clearly excited about enjoying the spectacular 3D experience in their own homes. This is made all the better with the reliable high speed, two-way communications provided by Freescale’s MC13233C SoC.”

Many of the consumer 3D solutions shipping today rely on older infrared (IR) technology, which may have line-of-site and field-of-vision limitations and can suffer interference from household incandescent and florescent lighting. For these reasons, consumer electronics OEMs are moving to more reliable RF solutions.

ZigBee RF4CE technology improves speed, reliability and signal integrity; enables devices to operate from longer distances and removes line-of-sight and field-of-vision barriers. Manufacturers can use the same radio for RF4CE remote control and 3D synchronization, helping lower the cost and complexity as compared to IR wiring harnesses.

“By working with Freescale to create an RF 3D synchronization solution, we are able to offer consumers a cinema-quality 3D experience anywhere in their homes,” said Steve Shannon, executive vice president of Consumer Electronics at RealD. ”Freescale’s RF4CE technology has been demonstrated to be very robust and reliable and overcomes the challenges of today’s IR solutions.”