Samsung had brought a 37-inch 4K monitor to CES 2024 that delivers 3D with the help of eye-tracking cameras – no 3D glasses required. FlatpanelsHD spent some time with it.

To be honest, I was hesitant to even try Samsung's 3D monitor at CES when asked during Samsung's press event. I have tried so many of these glasses-free 3D monitor and 3D TV concepts in the past and, for me, they have all been terrible, headache-inducing experiences, often with little to no 3D effect.

To my surprise, Samsung's glasses-free 3D monitor actually works. It produces believable 3D pictures not confined to a small, predefined sweet-spot. Head movement prompts quick, although not instantaneous, recalibration of 3D mapping.

It is the best glasses-free 3D display I have tried.


 A visitor playing Lies of Pi on Samsung's glasses-free 3D monitor. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

I spent time playing Lies of P on one monitor and saw a 3D object demo from what I think was a meant to look like a productivity app on another monitor. Both displayed 3D effects mainly emphasizing depth perspective – not so much objects coming towards you – and a decent level of detail, although horizontal panning created some picture artifacts.

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However, the 3D effect was far from perfect and not as good as watching 3D in a good VR headset. Samsung's monitor still suffered from some 3D crosstalk, and resolution needs improvement. I did not experience an immediate headache using it, but it felt a little strenuous on the eyes. I would have loved to spend more time with it.


How it works
Samsung Electronics explained that the monitor can switch between 2D and 3D using an active lenticular lens. It employs two cameras for real-time head and eye tracking and an "AI"-based algorithm to adjust the mapping to your eyes.

This means that you can move your head around and the 3D effect will still work, although it sometimes appeared to get confused about people behind me. Still, this alone represents a major improvement over many previous glasses-free 3D concepts.

It works with both 3D and VR titles from Steam, according to Samsung, who is also collaborating with Round8 Studio, the game studio behind Lies of P, to explore 3D gaming. From what we understood, this game was converted from 2D to 3D, not native 3D.


Should Samsung launch it?
Samsung told us that it is considering launching its glasses-free 3D monitor later in 2024 based on feedback at CES and other shows. However, I am not sure they should.

3D flopped hard the last time, so it will take a lot to get people excited again and I do not think this 37-inch 4K LCD monitor is enough, despite its qualities.

I encourage Samsung to explore a combination of higher resolution, a higher refresh rate, and better display technology (not LCD) because I think they are onto something here.


 Samsung's glasses-free 3D monitor is compatible with Steam 3D and VR. Photo: FlatpanelsHD