3D Vision Blog

DDD has released a new beta version of their TriDef 3D Ignition software for playing games in stereoscopic 3D mode on supported 3D-capable hardware, have in mind that this is only a beta version of the Ignition and not a complete TriDef 3D package. This means you need to download and install this package over an already installed full TriDef 3D software in order for you to be able to test the new TriDef 3D Ignition 3.5 Beta 1. The most important change in this new beta version is the fact that the Virtual 3D mode has been improved and renamed to Power 3D, meaning that you should be able to get better performance and higher quality out of it. There are also some new game profiles being added in the beta version, they are for: Mass Effect 3, The Darkness II, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. So if you are into experimenting with the improved Power 3D mode or want to test the new game profiles, like with the demo of Mass Effect 3 for example, feel free to do so and you can post some feedback in the comments below. Just a reminder, this is a beta version…

- For more information and to download the TriDef 3D Ignition 3.5 Beta 1 software…

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.