SCREEN GIVES 3D WITHOUT GLASSES
Computer screens have come a long way. They've
become larger, more brilliant in color and most importantly, flatter.
Having a flat screen on your desk saves room, draws less energy, and
they just flat out look better. But a new generation of flat screens
will be adding something new, namely depth. No, they are not becoming
deeper again. These screens display a three dimensional image.
3D viewing has been around for some time now.
What makes these screens really stand out is that they require no
special glasses to be worn to see the 3D images. These new flat
screens enable you to see three dimensional images with the naked eye.
Sharp along with a consortium of others such as Toshiba, Sony,
Olympus, Kodak and Microsoft, are planning to offer these displays in
the near future as they work out standards issues and the like.
However one smaller company is already offing a three dimensional flat
screen right now.
 Dimension
Technologies (www.dti3d.com) in Rochester, NY has their Real 3D 15 and
18 inch flat panel screens in select CompUSA stores right now. These
three dimensional viewing screens have the ability to display in both
standard and three dimensions. You can select the 3D mode via an
on-screen menu, or the software can automatically select the proper
mode. The latter assumes that the program you are using was written by
its developer to make the switch for you. However, the 3D effects can
be seen from any game that was written to simulate any type of 3D
effect. The included drivers provided with the monitor use the three
dimensional "layers" that have been designed into most any game that
uses OpenGL or DirectX, two of the most popular graphic standards
found in today's entertainment products. However, the company is quick
to point out that not all developers use these layers properly. To
save time and development costs, some games totally ignore the layers,
placing everything within one layer. You can tell if that's happening,
even on a two dimensional screen when the perspective of objects
appear to move improperly or unrealistically. But any game that uses
these layers well will produce a more convincing three dimensional
image. For example, watching an older title from Lucas Arts entitled
"Star Wars 3D" produced images that literally popped out of the
screen. And that program was written back in the 90's, long before any
3D hardware was generally available.
The Real 3D screen is position sensitive. You
must place yourself in the optimal position to see the best possible
three dimensional image. To assist you, a glowing red LED at the
bottom of the screen helps you to position your head. The red light
will glow brightly when you are at the worst angle, and go dark when
you are siting at the best position. Others can also view the 3D
images by using the red LED from wherever they are watching. However,
it's best to be within three feet, and directly in front of the screen
for the best possible view. This only applies to the 3D portion. When
viewing the monitor as an ordinary 2D screen, it offers a 75 degree
viewing angle with a 1290 by 1024 native resolution.
The screens come with both a VGA and serial
connectors. According to a company spokesperson, the screens will work
on either PC or Macintosh computers. The Real 3D is available in both
15 inch (model 2015XLS, $1699) and 18 inch (model 2018XLQ, $4999)
sizes.
My experience with the 15 inch version was
mixed. Yes, you do get a 3D image but I found that having to keep my
head in the proper position was a nuisance. Also, if you have a vision
problem such as monovision or an astigmatism, you may have trouble
experiencing the 3D effect. I strongly suggest you go and look at the
monitor for yourself. That will be the best way to determine if this
is something that works for you. Take your time in making this
determination. Also keep in mind that you will be staring at this
screen for long periods of time. Spend some time viewing the screen to
make sure your choice will remain a comfortable one.
Granted these monitors are a bit more pricey
than their flatter counterparts, but if you just have to have 3D now,
they're worth taking a closer look.
www.dti3d.com
(585) 436-3530 |
