Judging by some of the prototype systems on display at this years CEATEC consumer electronics show in Tokyo, 3D TV is alive and well but has yet to make a real impact on the consumer market.

Surprisingly, JVC have been working on 3D systems now for a number of years and at CEATEC they had a real-time demo of a 2D-3D processor transforming ordinary TV pictures into 3D. Yes, we did say that the system works with ordinary T signals, although you will need a pair of polarized glasses. Early indications are that the system works very well, producing startlingly good 3D interpretations of a TV signal.

Panasonic had an advanced 3D system on show which was actually a 3D Full HD plasma theatre system. The kit comprised a leviathan 103in plasma TV along with a specially tweaked Blu-ray player, and a proprietary set of electronically controlled glasses with alternating shutters.

Again, indications were that Panasonic's latest 3D gambit has real potential. The specialized nature of the kit however makes us wonder how far something like this has in development before it gets anywhere near to us, the consumer.

It is the Dutch electronics giant Philips who have made the most noise however most recently in the 3D technology arena. They are calling their latest innovation in the field '2D-plus-depth' which can be enjoyed using stereoscopic (special glasses needed) or on auto-stereoscopic 3D displays, special glasses not required.

For all the demos and prototypes, 3D remains tantalizingly beyond arms length as far as the consumer is concerned. Although systems have started to appear in Japan (for around £2500) none of the big players have yet announced when the first widespread cost effective consumer offerings will appear. We wait with baited breath ...

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