Whilst Toshiba officially launched the world’s first consumer available glasses-free 3D television set at IFA 2011 yesterday, Philips is still honing its already appealing extra-dimensional anti-specs offering.

Although currently unavailable for purchase, Philips’ glasses-free 3D TV is hugely impressive with its no glasses approach to extra-dimension broadcasting one of the best on display at the Berlin-based tech show.

Less impactful than its active and passive glasses touting counterparts, the 3D elements of the specs-free offering are more subtle, almost understated, yet make a noticeable impression and add to content narrative and image effect in a less obtrusive way to some 3D sets.

Despite hosting the currently unproved glasses-free 3D technology Philips has managed to maintain its high image quality with colours still vibrant, covering off a deep spectrum of intricate hues and, given the right viewing angle, boasting crisp, sharp edges even on moving content.

The major downfall of glasses-free 3D at present is the minimalist sweet spot. When positioned directly centred in front of the screen 3D content emerges in a natural, appealing manner. Move fractionally out of this perfect line of sight, however, and the extra-dimensional effects become less effective with blurred edges.

On first impressions Philips’ glasses-free 3D TV feels less strenuous on your eyes than active and passive units although the effect it has over continued and prolonged use is currently unknown.

Whilst Toshiba looks to create a secondary market from an already stuttering 3D scene, Philips’ constantly progressing glasses-free option will no doubt be one to watch out for entering the market as a potential leader of the second, more established, generation.