Samsung Makes $15m Mobile 3D Tech Investment
Samsung's venture arm has invested $15m in a 3D specialist, seemingly part of an attempt to compete with LG's Optimus 3D in the auto-stereoscopic segment. MasterImage 3D create glasses-free 3D LCD displays as well as 3D content-creation tools for mobile devices, and is responsible for the development of the cell-matrix parallax barrier which, the company claims, delivers "a higher quality 3D experience than striped and lenticular approaches."
Now, there's no telling what Samsung expects to come of the investment, but with LG pushing out a glasses-free 3D smartphone and equipping the T-Mobile G-Slate with a 3D camera array, it seems likely it's looking to develop a system of its own. MasterImage 3D is also apparently working on larger autostereoscopic panels, perhaps suitable for laptops, together with 3D camera technology.
Press Release:
MasterImage 3D Announces $15M Strategic Investment by Samsung Ventures–Investment Substantiates MasterImage 3D Leadership, Supports Companies' Shared Vision for 3D on Every Screen–
Hollywood, CA (March 22, 2011) – 3D technology company, MasterImage 3D, Inc. announced today that it has received a $15M investment from Samsung Ventures. MasterImage 3D provides auto-stereoscopic 3D displays and 3D content creation tools for mobile devices, and 3D digital cinema solutions.
MasterImage 3D invented, patented and mass-produced the cell-matrix parallax barrier, the leading 3D technology for auto-stereoscopic mobile display, which offers a higher quality 3D experience than striped and lenticular approaches. The company enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and is in development to deliver additional smartphones and tablets equipped with its 3D displays in 2011. MasterImage 3D digital cinema systems are installed in nearly 60 countries, following a year of over 300% growth.
"Samsung's investment supports our strong belief that we've just begun to realize the impact 3D will have on consumers," said Younghoon Lee, Chairman and CEO of MasterImage 3D. "We are committing this investment to innovation — specifically, to advancing our 3D solutions for cinema, smartphones, tablets, and larger autostereoscopic displays. We will continue to build toward our vision of 3D on every screen."
Ilseok Yoon, Managing Director of Samsung Ventures America, said, "Our investment in MasterImage 3D is consistent with our strategy to work closely with established market leaders. The company was early to market with auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile displays and has built a significant business in 3D cinema. MasterImage 3D has demonstrated both a technical and business vision in driving adoption of 3D and we look forward to contributing to the progress MasterImage 3D has made in all facets of consumer entertainment and communication."
About Samsung Venture Investment Corporation
Samsung Venture Investment Corporation manages investment and investment-related activities for Samsung affiliate companies. The investment mandate for Samsung Venture Investment Corporation tracks closely to the strategic priorities of Samsung affiliate companies' core operating divisions, and encompasses investments in semiconductors, displays, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.
About MasterImage 3D, Inc.
MasterImage 3D, Inc. is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 57 countries, MasterImage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the clearest, sharpest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company invented, patented and mass-produced the cell-matrix parallax barrier, the leading 3D technology for auto-stereoscopic mobile display. It enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and is in development for devices in 2011. Its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo and Seoul. http://www.masterimage3d.com