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Sony SimulView gets even more bananas in 4K, we go eyes-on
We've seen Sony SimulView in action before -- the system was first unveiled on Sony's tiny 24-inch PlayStation 3D Display back at E3 2011 -- but never quite like this. An 84-inch 4K LED Sony television at CES 2013 upscaled Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 5 to 4K resolution, but instead of employing said resolution for graphics, it was used to deliver two full HD images to two separate players. Those two separate HD feeds are then pumped into the same screen, which can be viewed fully independently by two separate people wearing polarized glasses, all at the same time. Did we lose you? Let's break it down: since 4K TV delivers twice the number of lines vertically as well as horizontally, the television is upscaling GT5's HD visuals by double. Rather than employing those lavish numbers on single player, the duty's divided between each player's video feed, allowing two-player gaming all on one screen. The two images are then overlaid, a la 3D, resulting in a simultaneous feed that looks crazy until you put on polarized glasses. Once you're wearing those glasses, though, you only see one of the two feeds in full HD. It's ... it's kinda messed up. The system is incredibly impressive, but boy is it weird how effectively it works. Even better, it works without the game developer having to actually do anything (other than making a 3D-enabled game, that is) -- the splitting is handled by the television rather than the software. It's similar to systems that LG has in Dual Play and Samsung has in Multi-View, and it's not exactly brand new, but it's as impressive as ever. We've captured a variety of stills and dropped a video after the break showing the system in action, should you wish to join in our amazement.
Playstation 3D Display hits shelves November 13, Sony answers your burning questions
We'd imagine come November 13th, the above will be the scene inside many a PS3 owner's house. That's when Sony's hot little 24-inch PlayStation 3D display will officially be available in the US, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia. Sony took to its US PlayStation Blog today with the news, along with a lengthy FAQ to keep your GAS at bay in the meantime. If you'll recall, the 240Hz 1080p display packs a single set of component inputs, two HDMI 1.4 ports, stereo RCA outputs, a headphone jack, an integrated subwoofer, and of course, 3D-capability with supported titles. For five hundred bucks you'll get the PS 3D Display, one pair of USB-rechargeable 3D Glasses ($70 for each additional pair), a copy of Motorstorm: Apocalypse and even an HDMI cable. Notably, its fancy (and exclusive) SimulView feature will let two sets of 3D shades grab either the left or right side feed in supported 3D games for a private 2D view. Disappointingly, this puppy isn't wall-mountable, but hey, that 24-inch panel surely makes it ideal for a desktop setup, no? Full details at the links below, along with a refresher shot of those 3D specs just past the break.
Sony's 3D Display available on Nov. 13
Sony's 3D Display, announced during E3, will be available on November 13 for $499. The company posted a lengthy FAQ on the PlayStation Blog, covering all the pertinent details regarding tech specs (yes, it's active 3D, with two HDMI inputs and edge LED backlighting) and how the nifty SimulView feature will work. SimulView, which essentially gives two couch companions their own 2D screens, will require a second pair of 3D glasses. The bundle only comes with one pair of glasses -- separately, the high-tech spectacles will retail for $69.99. Games that will support SimulView at launch are MotorStorm Apocalypse, Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3, and Super Stardust HD. %Gallery-125608%
LG's new 3D TV has true gaming split-screen, reminds us of another display
LG's LW980T 3D TV is ready to rumble in the market with Sony's PlayStation 3D Display, both of which pander to gamers, allowing players to see separate images from different angles. LG's TV is scheduled for release this month and comes in two screen sizes: 47-inch and 55-inch, for $2,921 (£1,799) and $4,057 (£2,499), respectively. Sony's display is set for release in November and comes in one size, 24-inch, for $500 (£308). The LW980T (such a catchy name) will come with eight pairs of 3D glasses, but the split-screen gaming glasses will cost extra. LG and Sony recently dropped patent suits against each other and signed a cross-licensing deal after three years of disputes over smartphone, Blu-ray and TV technologies. Sony hasn't sued LG yet, so this must fit within the bounds of their deal -- perhaps because Sony's product is a display, meaning it won't directly receive broadcasts, and LG's is a true-blue TV. Or maybe it's all in the name: Sony's split-screen tech is called SimulView while LG's is called Dual Play. See? Totally different.
