3D Vision Blog

DDD has released a new version of their universal stereoscopic 3D software packages for viewing 3D photos, videos and for playing games in stereoscopic 3D mode. The new TriDef 5.1 package includes a better detection of more AMD HD3D-capable configuration including the new Radeon HD 7000 Series of GPUs such as the 7970 and 7950 video cards. The new version also brings the number of supported games by the software to over 600 games (572 DDD game profiles and 35+ user submitted profiles). There are also support being added for nw games such as Star Wars: The Old Republic, LA Noire, Sonic Generations, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Anno 2070 and various other games; improved support for games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Skrim and other games; as well as some game specific issues being resolved. Unfortunately nothing much yet about stereo 3D support for upcoming titles that already have generated a lot of user interest such as Alan Wake, DotA 2, Microsoft Flight, Prototype 2, Mass Effect 3 etc. Still much better as compared to iZ3D that have been keeping “radio silence” for more than half a year since the release of their latest beta driver…

- To download the latest version of TriDef 5.1 stereo 3D software package…

Although Philips has not been very active in the field of 3D-capable monitors, the company is apparently trying to join that market with the release of the 27-inch Philips 273G3DHSW 3D monitor with active shutter glasses. It is interesting to note that the company is jumping directly to the 27-inch size, but then again this monitor is equipped only with HDMI 1.4 interface, so it could be targeted mostly for 3D multimedia use, not stereo 3D gaming. Of course you would be able to use it with a PC to play games in stereo 3D mode, but you’d be limited at 720p resolution with decent refresh rate due to the specifics of the HDMI specifications.

Philips 273G3DHSW 3D Monitor Specifications:

Panel Size: 27 inch/68.6 cm, 16:9, Full HD, W-LED LCD
SmartResponse: 2ms in 2D mode (Grey to Grey), 5ms (typical)
Maximum Brightness: 300 cd/m²
SmartContrast: 20,000,000:1 (dynamic), 1000:1 (typical)
Viewing angle: 170º (H)/160º (V), @ C/R > 10
Pixel pitch: 0.311 mm
Signal Input: 2x HDMI 1.4, VGA (Analogue)
Power consumption: 24.79 W on mode, <0.5 W off and standby
Product with stand (mm): 642 x 440 x 227 mm
Product with stand (kg): 8.2 kg

Philips is bundling the 273G3DHSW 3D model with DDD’s Tridef 3D software and you’ll also need a compatible ATI/AMD-based video card to use the monitor for playing games with the software on your PC. The monitor is not yet officially supported by Nvidia’s 3DTV Play and since it is a 3D monitor and not a 3D TV it will most likely not be added as an officially supported product. The Philips 273G 3D monitor is expected to be available in Europe in December or January with a price of about 499 Euro, no word yet on US availability and pricing.

Acer is one of the most active maker of 3D-capable computer monitors and they just announced another 3D model, this time it is a more affordable 23-inch Full HD display using passive polarizing filter or FPR (Film-patterned Retarder) technology and passive 3D glasses. The monitor comes bundled with a pair of 3D glasses and the TriDef 3D software that you need to use for gaming in stereo 3D mode and the playback of 3D multimedia content. There is also apparently a built-in 2D to 3D autoconversion functionality that you can activate from the OSD menu on the monitor and as it is not tied to software you should be able to use it with just about any content such as non-3D photos, movies and even games. The monitor uses a LED backlight and comes with a 2ms TN non-glossy panel, it has only VGA and HDMI inputs (they should be HDMI 1.4) and has built-in speakers, you can see the detailed specifications below…

Acer GR235H 3D Monitor Specifications:

- Display size: 23-inch (diagonal) 3D LCD
- Active Display Area: 509.76×286.74mm
- Contrast Ratio: 100,000,000:1 Max. (Dynamic)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m2
- Response Time: 2ms
- Maximum Resolution: 1920×1080
- Maximum Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Pixel Pitch: 0.265 mm
- Panel Technology: Twisted nematic (TN), 6bit + Hi-FRC
- Number of Colors: 16.7 million
- Screen Treatment: Non-Glare
- Viewing Angles (CR = 10): Horizonal: 170°, Vertical: 160°
- Input Signal: VGA, 2x HDMI (with HDCP)
- Speakers: 1.5W x 2
- VESA Wall Mounting: 100 x 100 mm
- Power Consumption (Energystar On): 31.7W (typical)

Apparently the monitor is hitting Europe this month with a price of €222 Euro as well as some Asian markets and will probably soon be available in other regions as well. I’ve actually heard about this model quite a long time ago, so I was a bit surprised that the announcement was delayed so much (it was expected to appear around March), but then again Acer had some delays with all of its 3D-capable models released this year. What is still missing is the new 27-inch Acer HS274H HDMI 1.4-enabled 3D monitor using Acer’s active shutter glasses that was also expected to be released earlier this year, even a bit before the GR235H. But now it seems that LG will have some more competition in the area of passive 3D monitors, although the big winner from all this is apparently DDD as all of the new passive 3D monitors seems to be bundled with their TriDef 3D software.