The Most Fascinating Monitors at CES 2026
- to enable an RGB-stripe subpixel and high refresh rates, LG Display said it increased "the proportion of the pixel area that emits light."
- Similarly, Samsung Display announced at CES that this year, Asus and MSI will release monitors with Samsung's new QD-OLED panels, which use a vertical RGB subpixel structure the...
- "The biggest technical challenges in mass-producing high refresh rate panels with a new pixel structure include reduced o
to enable an RGB-stripe subpixel and high refresh rates, LG Display said it increased “the proportion of the pixel area that emits light.”
Similarly, Samsung Display announced at CES that this year, Asus and MSI will release monitors with Samsung’s new QD-OLED panels, which use a vertical RGB subpixel structure the company has named “V-stripe.”
A depiction of text on a QD-OLED monitor with RGB subpixels in a triangular shape (left) and on QD-OLED monitor RGB subpixels in a vertical stripe (right).
credit:
MSI
“The biggest technical challenges in mass-producing high refresh rate panels with a new pixel structure include reduced o
Samsung Discontinues 3D content Support Across Devices
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Samsung will remove 3D playback support from its TVs and streaming devices starting January 1, 2026, effectively ending the company’s decade-long foray into the technology. The decision impacts both new and existing Samsung products, though Blu-ray 3D playback will continue to function on compatible players.
Why Samsung is Ending 3D Support
Samsung cited a lack of demand from consumers and a scarcity of 3D content as the primary reasons for discontinuing support. The company stated that the broader content ecosystem had not developed to support the technology, making it a less valuable feature for customers.
In a press release issued on January 12, 2026, Samsung explained, “After careful consideration, we have decided to discontinue 3D content support across our devices. This decision was driven by the limited availability of 3D content and a decline in consumer interest.”
Impact on Existing Samsung 3D TVs and Devices
Samsung’s decision affects all 3D-capable TVs, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices manufactured after January 1, 2026. While existing 3D Blu-ray discs will still play on compatible players, streaming services and apps will no longer offer 3D playback functionality. Samsung will not be issuing software updates to restore 3D support.
According to a Samsung support document published on January 10, 2026, “3D functionality will be removed from all Samsung TVs and devices through a firmware update. This update will be rolled out starting January 1, 2026.”
The Rise and Fall of 3D Television
3D television experienced a surge in popularity in the early 2010s, fueled by the release of James Cameron’s Avatar in 2009. Manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, and Sony, invested heavily in 3D technology, releasing 3D-capable TVs and Blu-ray players. However, the technology faced several challenges, including the need for expensive glasses, limited 3D content, and viewer discomfort.
A 2015 report by Nielsen indicated that only 38% of U.S.households owned a 3D TV, and usage rates were even lower. By 2020, most major studios had ceased producing 3D Blu-ray discs, and streaming services largely abandoned 3D content.
What This Means for Consumers
consumers who invested in 3D technology may find their existing 3D content inaccessible on newer devices. While 3D Blu-ray playback will remain functional on compatible players,the future of 3D content is uncertain. Samsung recommends that customers consider upgrading to newer display technologies, such as 4K and 8K, which offer improved picture quality and a wider range of content.
As stated in a The Verge article published January 11, 2026, “The end of Samsung’s 3D support marks the final chapter in a technology that promised to revolutionize home entertainment but ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption.”