In a surprise announcement, Toshiba Corp. has unveiled that they are planning to launch a range of 3D TV’s that will enable viewers to enjoy 3D images without the need for glasses.

According to Akihabara news, Toshiba announced the development of a 21” 3D autostereoscopic display with a WXGA resolution of 1280 x 800.

The new televisions will makes us of parallax barrier technology similar to that found in the upcoming Nintendo 3DS. An internal imaging system with a 9-parallax design will enable viewing of 3D images without the need for pesky and expensive (and silly looking) 3D glasses.

Traditionally 3D displays have used special glasses to separate a picture into two images, one for the right eye and one for the left, thereby creating the 3D effect. But Toshiba’s new TV’s will use a ‘light field’ display to reproduce a real object into a 3D image that can be viewed without glasses and at a larger viewing angle.

The integral imaging system reportedly boasts significant reduction in eye fatigue, something which has been plaguing 3D TV manufacturers for some time. The multi-parallax approach results in images that change depending on the viewer’s position, meaning there will be a certain ‘sweet spot’ from where to view the best 3D imaging. Toshiba has said that the TV’s will feature a wide viewing angle and a crisp ultra HD display meaning it will be easier to view the 3D images perfectly.

The company plans to introduce three models, including the 21” model and they are expected to be released close to the end of the year. And if TechSmart’s statistics are anything to go by, Toshiba is right on the ball with their no-glasses approach since 50% of respondents in last month’s 3D technology poll answered that they believed the glasses had to be removed for 3D technology to have a future.