Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1576
March 2009 28 n n n n Stereoscopy to gameplay (which should be intuitive). Another point: that all games should be instantly upgradable to 3D. And while the first generation of game drivers allows existing games to be upgraded to 3D, the next generation of drivers needs to take the experience much further by making it much more compelling and immersive. Furthermore, the experience being gained by the movie industry in how to use 3D creatively to enhance emotional experi- ences should be carried over into the 3D gaming arena. However, both players and retailers need to be educated about what 3D is, to eliminate any confusion. To this end, money should be allocated to training and marketing. e last concern has to do with cost. Prices have to drop, making it cost-effective for gamers to upgrade their monitors from 2D to 3D. Nvidia With all this in mind, let's take a look at what is really out there in terms of op- tions. While all the current gaming sys- tems employ glasses, they vary in the type of glasses being used. Leading the pack is Nvidia, which announced at CES in January the launch of its GeForce 3D Vi- sion, a high-definition 3D stereo solution for the home. Described as the foundation for a new consumer 3D stereo ecosystem for gaming and home-entertainment PCs, 3D Vision is a combination of high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software that automatically transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D experiences. Nvidia uses wireless, active shuttered glasses with ultra-wide viewing angles. Us- ing a high-powered IR emitter, these glasses can be used up to 20 feet away and will op- erate for at least 40 hours before they have to be recharged via a standard USB cable. An intelligent circuit design built into the glasses automatically shuts the glasses off after 10 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life. Furthermore, the stereo can be adjusted in real time via a dial located on the glasses. e accompanying software will auto- matically convert more than 300 games so they will work in 3D stereo out of the box, without the need for special game patches. For a limited time, Nvidia is offering a special bundle, which includes the Ge- Force Vision 3D kit and Samsung Sync- Master 2233RZ monitor, for $598. e kit can be purchased separately for $199 and includes one pair of GeForce 3D ac- tive shutter glasses with accessories, and various hardware and cabling. In terms of the screen on which the ste- reo imagery is viewed, the GeForce 3D Vision is designed to work with the new Samsung and ViewSonic 120hz LCD monitors, Mitsubishi DLP HDTVs, and Lightspeed Design's DepthQ HD 3D Pro- jector from Lightspeed Design; it also can be used for 3D gaming applications, for viewing 3D movies, and for generating 3D photography. e kit also will work with a number of other 3D desktop displays, including ViewSonic's VX2265wm desktop LCD monitor. is 22-inch monitor, priced at $399, can be used for traditional 2D gam- ing, entertainment, and graphics applica- tions, while delivering stereoscopic 3D when used with the GeForce 3D Vision stereoscopic active shutter glasses. Aside from its 120hz frame-rate sup- port, the VX2265wm offers a 2 msec video response time to remove virtually all mo- tion artifacts and ghosting. e monitor is Microsoft Windows Vista certified and sports SRS WOW HD sound technology and invisible stereo speakers. Additionally, the GeForce 3D Vision will work with analog CRTs that are 100hz and higher. A wide array of Mitsubishi 1080p DLP Home eater TVs—including the WD-57833, WD-60735, WD-60C8, WD-65735, WD-65736, WD-65C8, WD-65833, WD-65835, WD-73735, WD-73736, WD-73833, WD-73835, WD-73C8, and L65-A90—have been Nvidia has launched its GeForce 3D Vision system, a high-def stereo solution for gaming and other forms of home entertainment.