Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 3D polarizers from China

This is topic 3D polarizers from China in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 12-20-2013, 08:24 AM:

Has anyone else been contacted by these guys
http://www.qpx-tech.com/html-en/product-epUKgRBGZVCc-Only-8KG-%26-US%243800%2FSET-Cinema-Passive-REALD- 3D-Polarized-Modulator-for-Cinema.html?
I have my doubts that Real-D will smile on an installation with it, but is there any actual patent protection for their system? Electrically switched liquid crystal polarizers have been around for quite a while, and is how LCD displays work. These guys using the "Real-D" name seems a bit off anyway.

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 12-20-2013, 11:58 AM:

RealD might have some patents on their particular implementation, but the basic technology behind the ZScreen has been around for ages and many viable patents expired some time ago. The XPand3D Passive system for example, uses an assembly not unlike the RealD ZScreen.

Still, that doesn't allow them to use the RealD trademark as they please.

But then again, Chinese manufacturers don't give a damn about patents or trademarks anyway.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 12-20-2013, 02:59 PM:

The guys putting up that page probably do not know the difference between a technical term and a brand name.

I can't count these Z-Screen clones anymore - without any patent issues, 4 systems with the same functionality as RealD Z-Screen are available in europe - Depth-Q, Volfoni Smart Crystal Cinema, XPAND Passive Modulator, MasterImage Wave3D. And these are only the systems actively sold/supported by major european integrators.

Volfoni even have their own variant of the RealD Z-Screen XL system - the Smart Crystal Diamond: http://diamond.volfoni.com/

- Carsten

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 12-23-2013, 11:02 AM:

And here we add to the confusion. There's no such thing as a "Z-Screen XL." You have either a Z-Screen OR an XL. [Smile]

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-23-2013, 11:15 AM:

Its just another half-baked cheap knockoff from China. What really caught my attention on the page was that they claim it is 19%. If it is really only 19% efficient, then they are probably being honest about it, but then again if it is only 19% efficient, then that's freakin' awful.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-23-2013, 08:37 PM:

I seriously doubt it even has coated optical windows like the Real-D stuff does. The efficiency depends on the transmissivity of the filters. There are actually meters that can accurately measure that and I happen to have one I use to test port glass. So if anyone has one of these I can make meaningful measurements for you. Still... if they would send you one to try to your satisfaction I would at least try it. If they want your $$ up front then steer clear.

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-24-2013, 06:32 AM:

19% compared to a Real-D Z-screen is actually a little better...which is only about 15% transmissive.

The question is...where did the number come from and who has verified it? People can say most anything they want...backing it up is another matter. After all, who has the BEST projector? Just ask em! [Wink]