3D glasses-manufacturer XpanD is exhibiting the first universally compatible active 3D glasses for 3D-ready televisions at ShoWest, calling them “a key to widespread adoption” of 3D content. The XpanD X103 glasses use a fast-switching, liquid crystal cell, know as “pi-cell,” and come in 12 colors.

“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.

“TV retailers cannot maintain 15 different models of glasses to support 15 different TV brands,” adds Ami Dror, XpanD chief strategy officer. “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.”

XpanD foresees the X103 glasses revolutionizing the cinema business model as well. If owners of XpanD universal glasses bring them to 3D screenings, cinema owners and the studios won’t need to provide them, making 3D cinema distribution and exhibition less expensive. Cinemas can become a point of sale for universal 3D glasses, another source of profit.

XpanD, with manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and North America, sells over 2 million of its X101-model 3D glasses annually. For more information about the company, visit www.xpandcinema.com.