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Lytro camera getting parallax effect and 3D display support, lands in Hong Kong (video)
Lytro isn't done extending the usefulness of its light field camera just because we have manual controls. Another update due by the end of the year will take advantage of that focus-independent sensor to allow a parallax-based 3D effect in photos: invoke a 'full' focus in reviewing shots and you can start poking around the scene in a limited way without having ever touched a dual-sensor camera. Appropriately, we're also getting support for examining photos on 3D monitors and TVs that emphasize the added depth. The promised features come hand-in-hand with Lytro's immediate availability in Hong Kong, where 8GB blue and gray cameras are selling for $3,888 HKD ($502 US) and the 16GB red model goes for $4,688 HKD ($605). Check out our Chinese crew's eyes-on look at the parallax effect in a video after the break.
ASUS shows off its first Thunderbolt monitor, along with 3D, WiDi and multitouch displays (video)
Take a stroll around ASUS' Computex booth, and you'll see a wall full of new displays -- and we're only half counting the one made for the PadFone. By our count, the company is getting ready to release four new monitors: one with multitouch, one with Wireless Display, one that does passive 3D and one with Thunderbolt (the company's first). Starting with the multitouch model, it has a folding hinge that allows the 23-inch screen to lie completely flat. As you'll see in the video below, it makes for a more ergonomic angle if you're playing simple games like Fruit Ninja, though we can also see it coming in handy for more social activities such as Scrabble or finger painting with kids. And as bizarre as the form factor might look, we also found the hinge mechanism easy to operate: it's reassuringly sturdy, without feeling too loose or rigid. On its own, the IPS, 1920 x 1080 display offers rich colors and wide viewing angles. As far as connectivity is concerned, there's a USB 3.0 socket, along with HDMI, VGA and a DisplayPort. Moving on, that 27-inch, 1080p 3D monitor has an MHL port, allowing it to work with select tablets and phones. There's 2D-to-3D conversion built in, but we have to warn you the three-dimensional experience is fairly lackluster. To use this you'll need passive, not active 3D glasses, and like other monitors that rely on this technology, you'll have to work hard at finding just the right position where the 3D really pops. Even after you settle into that spot, the three-dimensional rendering isn't nearly as convincing as on some other displays we've seen. If you the 3D starts to make you nauseous, you might enjoy it as a standalone display, thanks to its low-glare IPS panel. Want to connect it to a PC? There are also built-in DVI and HDMI / HDMI.4 sockets. Next up, ASUS is getting ready to ship its first Thunderbolt monitor, which has a 27-inch, 1080p screen, along with a DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Lastly, there's a 27-inch Wireless Display-compatible model with 1080p resolution, a DisplayPort and a pair of HDMI sockets. As far as all of these displays are concerned, we don't know pricing or availability, though ASUS was at least able to confirm that the Thunderbolt model is headed to the US. For now, check out our photos below and head past the break for a short video tour.
LG gets ready for CES with a new gang of IPS monitors
It looks like LG couldn't wait until next month's CES to share its very latest selection of monitors. They're all IPS screens, and include the D43 3D monitor, which offers a conversion mode from 2D images and a 3D hotkey. It's joined by the 27-inch, slim-bezeled DM92 and the DM82; a 23-incher with built-in seven-watt speakers. The DM52 straddles both sizes and will be up for grabs alongside the rest of LG's new display family starting February. Monitor mavens can consult the press release below.
Acer's 27-inch HR274H monitor promises to do 2D-to-3D conversion on the fly
It likely won't win over anyone who isn't too fond of 3D to begin with, but those looking for some additional quasi-3D content beyond the standard fare now have a new option to consider in the form of Acer's 27-inch HR274H monitor. It not only includes a set of passive, polarized 3D glasses, but what Acer describes as its own "chip-based solution" that promises to convert all 2D content to 3D in real time (it can be switched on and off on the monitor itself). Unfortunately, there's no word yet as to how well the effect works, and the monitor's specs are otherwise decidedly ordinary for the rather high $599 price tag -- you'll just get a TN panel with a standard 1920 x 1080 resolution. Additional details can be found in the press release after the break.
HP embraces this 3D thing, outs 2311gt monitor and second-gen Wireless TV Connect
In case you haven't noticed, HP's really pushing this newfangled 3D thing right now. In addition to the TouchSmart 620, its first 3D desktop, the outfit just announced the 2311gt monitor, along with its second-generation Wireless TV Connect box, which now streams 3D content. Starting with the display, you've got a a 23-inch, 1080p panel that uses Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology to create 3D visuals by aligning every other row of pixels with the left or right eye. It's a passive technology and indeed, we came away from our brief eyes-on with the impression that the 3D rendering isn't as convincing as what you'll get on the TouchSmart 620 and its active shutter glasses. Still, HP says when it comes to viewing there's a sweet spot of 20 to 30 inches from the screen, and we have to admit we got the sharpest view from that vantage point. Also, HP threw in Cyberlink's PowerDVD software for 2D-to-3D conversion, which makes this a potentially tempting deal. Moving on, the Wireless TV Connect box now streams 1080p movies in 3D, and HP claims to have lowered its latency, especially compared to Intel Wireless Display. Look for it in December with a $180 price tag. As for you, gamers, that 2311gt monitor will ring in at a reasonable $299 and go up for grabs mañana. %Gallery-137814%
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.
ViewSonic reveals 24-inch V3D245 3D monitor, ships this month for $500
Still lookin' for that perfect 3D display, are you? ViewSonic would be absolutely thrilled to make your short list, with the 24-inch V3D245 making its debut this morning. Unsurprisingly, this one's arriving with a 1080p LED-backlit panel, and it'll be joined by an inbuilt NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless emitter and a pair of 3D Vision glasses. You'll also get a 120Hz refresh rate, two millisecond response time, HDMI 1.4 socket and 300 nits of brightness, and the three-year limited warranty should help quell any fears about longevity. Of course, NVIDIA would prefer that focused on the 550 (and growing) 3D titles available on its Vision Live website, but at least you've got until "mid-to-late August" to determine if the whole shebang is worth your $499.
LG's 20-inch DX2000 3D monitor uses eye tracking, don't need no glasses to be enjoyed
In our experience, soaking in the third dimension on a panel smaller than 40-some-odd inches isn't exactly a jaw-dropping affair, but if you're residing in cramped quarters... well, your options are somewhat limited. Outside of strapping something on your dome, you'll probably be in the market for a more diminutive set, and LG's DX2000 just might fit the bill. It's a 20-inch LED-backlit 3D monitor, but unlike the legions of alternatives, this one's of the glasses-free variety. It relies on parallax barrier technology (read: not the most sophisticated), but ups the ante by throwing in the world's first eye-tracking feature on a panel of this stature. In theory, said feature allows users to move about in front of the screen, perhaps expanding those exceedingly narrow "sweet spots" that have worried viewers for years now. We're also told that there's a 2D-to-3D conversion feature, and while it's destined to hit Korean streets later this month, other regions are slated to get it during the latter part of 2011.
Sony's 24-inch PlayStation 3D 'dual-view' monitor: here's how it works
Sony's got some wonderful ideas here at E3 2011, but the company's left quite a few threads for journalists to sew up -- what's the battery life like? How much will continuous client gameplay cost? Just how does that split-screen 3D monitor work? Sony's 3D gaming czar Mick Hocking flew in from Liverpool to talk stereoscopy with the press, and we've got some answers for that last one. What you see above is an LCD panel that refreshes at 240Hz, and delivering 3D at 60 frames per second to each eye, by using the typical active shutter glasses technique of blocking light to your left eye when the "right" image is displayed, and vice versa for the right eye. However, the glasses have a special button that makes both lenses of one player's glasses display images for the left eye, and both lenses of another player display images for the right, allowing each to have their own 60fps feed all the time for private split-screen gaming. While that potentially means you could use these glasses on non-Sony 3DTVs too and get the same effect (or, you know, just pick up a Sharp Quattron 3D or Vizio Versus, which do much the same thing). Hocking told us that this particular unit also does additional software processing to reduce ghosting. But what of games? The 3D guru said there'll be a number of titles supporting the feature when the monitor hits this fall, and that other 3D titles could potentially (and easily) be patched if they also support split-screen to begin with. Hocking says developer enthusiasm's been particularly intense for split-screen, even more so than the holographic and head-mounted display technologies that Sony's working on, and we may see the feature integrated in Bravia televisions should the idea take off.
Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499
Jack Tretton just announced PS3 gamers can get into the 3D game for much less this fall when the company launches a 24-inch monitor and active shutter LCD glasses under the PlayStation brand. $499 gets the monitor, a pair of glasses, an HDMI cable and a copy of Resistance, while additional pairs of glasses -- which are compatible with TVs from other manufacturers and can be used to give two split-screen gamers their own full screen view -- are $69. That's a competitive package to be sure, but many will likely still need to be convinced slipping on the specs is worthwhile, and competitors like Vizio are slipping passive 3D glasses TVs in with similar price points and similar features. Update: Sony has issued a press release (included after the break) with full specs: it's a 1080p edge LED lit LCD with two HDMI inputs, stereo speakers, an integrated subwoofer and claims to be the first display at this size with "quad speed frame sequential display technology". The glasses charge via USB and will be available at the same time as the screen this fall. %Gallery-125545%
ViewSonic equips 24-inch V3D245wm-LED monitor with built-in 3D emitter
The "ultimate 3D monitor?" Likely a stretch, but who are we to argue with a stalwart like ViewSonic? All jesting aside, those looking to finally bite on the 3D value proposition can get ready to do so, as the 24-inch V3D245wm-LED monitor packs a built-in 3D emitter, an HDMI 1.4 input, 1080p resolution, 120Hz scanning rate, two millisecond response time and a brain-melting 20,000,000:1 "maximum contrast ratio." For those looking for something a bit more bantam, the PLED-W200 is also being (re)introduced here at Computex, claiming to be the planet's first WXGA pico projector. 'Course, we got an early peek of this very unit back at CES, but hopefully we're one step closer to actually seeing this one ship. Sadly, the outfit's not dishing out pricing or release dates, but hopefully both will be revealed shortly.
IPS and 3D come together in Mitsubishi's new 23-inch display
Looking for the vibrant colors and wide angle viewing of an IPS display and the in-your-face action that only a 3D monitor can provide? Well, Mitsubishi's got you covered with its new 23-inch LED backlit IPS panel that promises Full HD resolution, 178-degree viewing angles, and a 3.8 millisecond response time from a 39 millimeter-thick slab of screen. Content comes to the RDT233WX-3D through a DVI-D connector, two HDMI 1.4 ports, and D5 connections, while your eyeballs see things in three dee with the included passive 3D glasses. It'll be available on May 30 in the Land of the Rising Sun (no word if it'll come across the Pacific) for an undisclosed amount. Those interested in getting one to the US can enlist the services of their local importer -- an open wallet or a blank check should do the trick.
LG brings flicker-free Cinema 3D to computer monitors, Excel will never be the same
LG is bringing its Cinema 3D tech to computers with the new D41P and D42P families of monitors. The 1920 x 1080 displays range in size from 21.5-inches to 25-inches and feature the company's FPR (Film Pattern Retarder) coating that ditches the heavy active shutter glasses used by many other manufacturers for the lighter passive variety. Both monitors also sport a 5ms response time, an HDMI 1.4 port, and a 2D conversion feature -- perfect for whipping up Word docs in eye-popping 3D. Pricing is still up in the air, but the D41P and D42P lines are available in South Korea now and a global rollout will begin in June, with Europe next in line for some flicker-free 3D fun. PR and one more image after the break.
ASUS debuts, showcases new 3D and IPS-based Designo displays
If it ain't broke, don't fix it; ASUS has taken this old adage to heart, offering up some moderate, but worthwhile changes to its latest consumer and 3D monitor lines. Retaining the award-winning style of its Designo series, the outfit is launching a trio of new 22-, 23-, and 24-inch IPS and VA panel displays -- each vaunting a 178-degree viewing angle, 1920 x 1080 resolution as well as more accurate color reproduction and a higher contrast ratio than previous models. Too bad this change didn't carry over to ASUS' 3D line -- despite adding an integrated IR transmitter for NVIDIA 3D Vision, the 1080p 27-inch LED VG278H sports a backlit TN panel (boo), same as its predecessor. But hey, at least the integrated transmitter ought to free up some desk space... right? No official price on these just yet, but check out the more coverage link below for a spate of eyes-on impressions. [Thanks, TheLostSwede]
Acer brings HN274H and HS244HQ 3D monitors to the US, motorbikes not included
In case you're looking for some more options in the 3D monitor market, Acer's just announced a couple of new models for the US that might do the job. First up is the HN274H pictured above, which claims to be the first 27-inch LED-backlit monitor supporting both HDMI 3D and NVIDIA 3D Vision -- Blu-ray or TV set-top box for the former, PC gaming for the latter (via the usual DVI-DL). Though limited at 1920 x 1080 resolution, this display boasts a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with 300cd/m2 brightness and 2ms response time, along with a built-in IR emitter for the included NVIDIA 3D glasses, as well as a handful of ports: VGA, DVI, and three HDMI. All this for $689. If you prefer something smaller and more budget friendly, then there's the 23.6-inch HS244HQ as well. For $449 you get the same HD resolution, brightness, and response time, though contrast ratio is lowered to 12,000,000:1. Most importantly, there's no support for NVIDIA 3D Vision here (though you still get a pair of Acer 3D glasses), meaning gamers will have to consider other options. Press release after the break.
Acer debuts GN245HQ monitor with HDMI 3D support from NVIDIA
Acer's already rolled out a few 3D-capable monitors (among other products), but none quite like it's new GN245HQ model, which the company notes is the "first 3D monitor in the world" to support NVIDIA's HDMI 3D solution. That means you'll be able to view 3D content from a connected set-top box or Blu-ray player in addition to a PC connected via DVI-DL, and do so with the included active shutter glasses that work in conjunction with the monitor's built-in IR emitter. As for the monitor itself, you'll get the usual 1920 x 1080 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, along with a 2ms response time, a pair of built-in 2W speakers, and LED backlighting that uses two lamps instead of four for a promised 68% savings in power consumption. No official word on a US release just yet, but you can look for this one to hit the UK in mid-March for £419.99 (or about $675).
Samsungs 750 and 950 3D LED monitors do a whole lot, won't give us a price
We reported on Samsung's new line of 3D-enabled LED monitors just before the CES tsunami hit, but it seems the specs got lost in the commotion. So here's what we know about the new 750 series and the asymmetrical 950 series: they'll come in both 23- and 27-inch sizes with 1080p resolution, two-millisecond response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and D-sub, HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-DualLink connectivity -- and they can all be ordered with a TV tuner for hybrid HDTV / monitor operation. They all do 3D for gaming, TV, films, and user-generated content, and the hybrid 750s and all the 950s can do 2D-to-3D conversion from PCs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. We know what you're thinking: "How much?" Well, we'd like to know the same thing. The whole line hits stores in March, but Samsung has yet to set a price.
Lenovo L2363d is a 3D monitor with 3D webcam and 3D glasses (update: eyes-on)
NVIDIA blew what's left of our minds with its Project Denver announcement yesterday, so today it's back to the more familiar world of 3D to soothe our souls. The company's 3D Vision technology has been installed on the above Lenovo L2363d, which touts both three-dimensional output and input, courtesy of a pair of webcam lenses embedded in its top bezel. This 1920 x 1080 display spans 23 inches diagonally and requires the usual active shutter glasses to enjoy its content. So, if you buy one for yourself and your nearest and dearest, you can get your 3D videoconferencing action on in proper Blues Brothers style. Update: We tracked the monitor down at CES 2011, and while the 3D webcam sadly wasn't functional, we appreciated the matte screen inside the awkward shiny bezel. Find pictures below! %Gallery-113911%
Acer announces new 3D monitor, AS5745DG 3D laptop availability
More 3D choices for your 3D lifestyle. Acer is launching a pair of products that'll give you another excuse to wear fancy active-shutter glasses at all times, starting with the HS244HQ, a 1080p monitor that measures 23.6-inches across, has the requisite 120Hz refresh rate and manages a 12,000,000:1 contrast ratio thanks to its LED backlighting. We're also learning more about the AS5745DG laptop, a "high cost-performance model" 15.6-inch laptop with NVIDIA GeForce GT425M graphics, 2.53GHz Intel Core i5-460M processor, 4GB of RAM, 640GB of storage, and a 120Hz display with a pair of 3D Vision glasses to match. It's a bit meatier than the company's 5738DG from last year, and rather pricier too, with an MSRP set to fall just under 100,000 yen -- about $1,200 when it ships next month. No word on the monitor's cost yet, but don't expect a bargain.
Planar preps 23-inch SA2311W 1080p 3D monitor, backlit ProGlow keyboard
Oh, you know the bandwagon's in full-on rampage mode now. How so? Because Planar -- a company that generally strays far, far away from mere mortals in the consumer market -- has just announced a new 23-inch 3D monitor. It represents a stark break from the company's typical high-end-only approach, and it likely speaks volumes to just how quickly 3D is gaining steam in the PC gaming universe. The SA2311W display will boast a 120Hz refresh rate, 1920 x 1080 resolution, two millisecond response time, a height adjustable stand, VGA / dual-link DVI / HDMI inputs and support for NVIDIA's 3D Vision system. Naturally, you'll need a set of active shutter glasses to enjoy the eye-popping mayhem, and for those who've never tried 'em, they're a step below a welder's mask in terms of exterior visibility. To that end, Planar is also introducing the first keyboard designed specifically for users rocking 3D active shutter glasses -- the ProGlow (shown after the break) boasts seven adjustable light levels (plus off), enabling immersed gamers to still recognize which keys are which. Both devices are expected to ship in the US of A next month for $449 and $185, respectively, though we get the feeling those vicious 3D dinosaurs aren't included. Which is a bummer of epic proportions, if we should say so ourselves.
