eDimensional 3D Glasses
Real 3D from your monitor? Is it really possible?
It certainly is, using LCD shutter technology - which has been around for quite
a while - it is possible to achieve a full and real depth to your gaming (
including MSTS of course!).
LCD Shutter glasses work by using an LCD shutter in front of each eye, they
alternate precisely in time with an alternating image on the screen (which just
looks like two slightly different images overlayed) and the result is your
brain turning it in to a full 3D image with depth. The result is quite
astounding and for most people the first time they see it is a bit of a shock to
them just how good it looks.
eDimensional are not new to this field at all - I've personally used glasses
from ELSA, a product called 'Revelator', something like 5 years ago - the
problem has always been drivers, support for graphics cards and so forth.
Revelator only worked with nVidia cards - the eDimensional glasses work with
most cards out there. I gather Elsa eventually transferred their work on Stereo
drivers over to nVidia who then made them part of the standard distribution.
This has meant that they keep up with the main driver versions and you can keep
using your glasses.
ASUS also bundle LCD Shutter glasses with their top of the range nVidia cards,
although these are a much cheaper affair, and for those interested in personal image -
there's not much to be had from the Asus glasses, they're functional and that's
it :)
eDimensional have raised the bar on the overall quality, they've also built
support for a wide range of cards so you aren't just limited to the nVidia
cards.
In the box you will find the glasses, a pair of arms that are a different length -
a very nice touch that i've not seen any one else do, it means that if your head
is a different size you can still get the glasses to fit comfortably - a dongle
that provides the external interface between the graphics card and the glasses (
no internal fitting required - if you can plug in a monitor cable you can
install this) and some software.
As I have said, the effect is fantastic - but there are limits.
You cannot use the glasses with an LCD flat screen, only a standard CRT
monitor.
You need to be able to get about 100hz minimum refresh rate out of the
monitor - remember that by the time it's finished flicking the images you're
halving the rate - so a 100hz refresh becomes a 50hz 3D refresh. My
recommendation is to go with a 120hz minimum as that is when it no longer
flashes, it just looks quite stable - below that it blinks more and more as
your refresh rate goes down and you'll get a headache after a short time.
If you are not using the drivers specific to your monitor then I strongly
recommend you go and find them, that way you'll be able to push your refresh
rate up a bit higher - mine would only go up to 75hz until I installed the
viewsonic drivers and then I could get it to about 150hz.
Would I recommend them?
If you want 3D glasses, these are the ones to go for, without any doubt they are
the best ones I've used.
Do you want 3D glasses?
That's a more troubled question...
If you have a CRT that can do at least 120hz then you will be able to get a
good deal of entertainment out of them.
Below that, I'd recommend only if you have the money to burn on gadgets that you
might not use for an extended period of time.
I must also admit that I found myself using them less and less - but this is
largely because I tend only to go in to Train Sim to test something out, rather
than to spend a couple of hours driving - so I was constantly putting them on
and taking them off.
I would imagine that for the average end-user who just wants to drive (the
person that these glasses are ideally suited to), they'll be great. They
certainly add a lot to the experience. As an example, try a route that has lots
of good terrain such as Protrain Semmering or Michael Vone's Albula, the glasses
will make you dizzy (in a positive way :) ) from the heights you are now much
more aware of.
Drivers have now been released so that the eDimensional glasses work with the
latest nVidia drivers - up until recently they were only officially out for the
30.xx drivers which I doubt too many people are using any more. While it was
possible to mix and match the drivers - PC's can be unstable enough without
introducing potential problems purposefully. This is now resolved however as
nVidia have made the 40.xx stereo drivers available.
What about real glasses?
I wear glasses myself and can confirm that while I found it more comfortable to
take my glasses off, they are designed with normal glasses in mind and sit over
them quite nicely. I just don't like too much weight and the added weight of
the eDimensionals on my own glasses (neither of which are actually heavy, i'm
just a wimp :) ) made it just that little uncomfortable for extended periods.
The wireless version of the glasses (Which uses a transmitter you place
somewhere in line-of-site to the glasses) cost approximately 75 pounds and the
wired versions (a very long wire from the dongle to the glasses) are about 55
pounds. My review was done on the wired version - I have had wireless glasses
in the form of the Revelator and while the lack of wire is a bit more convenient
I have to say that I didn't mind the wire in the slightest so don't worry about
that.
We have an affiliate link to eDimensional that should show up fairly regularly
on the right hand side. When you see it, click on it and that'll take you
through to their site to learn more and if you want to get hold of one you can.
Please note: As the system works by alternating two images at high speed,
it is possible (especially below 120hz) that the screen will flash.
This, and the very nature of the shutter glasses could cause problems to some
people such as those who suffer epilepsy. It is also true to say that there
are a very small number of people who simply cannot see the 3D effect through
the glasses. Just as with any video game, keep your sessions short and put
breaks in between so your eyes can have a rest. If you feel a headache or
any other symptom coming on then stop - and if it persists, see your doctor
or optician.
Operate the glasses at 120hz or higher and you shouldn't have any
problems at all, but always apply common sense.
Our score:
90%
Pro's:
If you want 3D Glasses, these are definitely the ones to get.
Supports latest nVidia Drivers
Decent price
Con's:
Extra glasses on your nose can get uncomfortable
You need a pretty decent monitor to get the full benefit without the flashing
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