Companies in Taiwan that ITRI had licensed the technology to had already started manufacturing 3D LCD TVs and monitors in small quantities, with a view to having them on the market this year.

When the global recession hit, production slowed. Companies now want to see how global demand shapes up before committing more resources to the new technology.

Devices made using the 3D technology that requires viewing glasses will not be much more expensive than regular LCD monitors and TVs, said Hsu. He estimated about 10 percent more on average.