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NVIDIA shows its 3D Blu-ray readiness in run-up to CES, Acer demos 120Hz LCD
We recently got a chance to check out NVIDIA's 3D Blu-ray ecosystem, and while we're sure we'll be all 3D Blu-ray'd out by the time CES is over, it was our first chance to see the new tech in action, and it seems pretty raring to go. Specifically we got to check out a movie film (we can't say which for legal reasons) on a fancy new upcoming Acer LCD (the 24-inch G245, pictured above) that does 120Hz and can be synced with NVIDIA's 3D shutter-based glasses. The 3D looked just fine, on par with other movies we've seen from NVIDIA in the past, and close to what we've seen in theaters, with the exception being that this is being delivered on a backwards-compatible, consumer-friendly Blu-ray disc. 3D Blu-ray is encoded in a new MVC-AVC format, which passes through a regular 1080p video for incompatible hardware, but provides a 3D image for the software and decode hardware capable of sussing it out. Right now NVIDIA's 3D Blu-ray capable on existing GeForce GT 220 and GT 240 GPUs, along with its upcoming Fermi cards due next year. Software is even more plentiful, with Arcsoft, Core, Cyberlink and Sonic all promising to by ready for 3D Blu-ray titles when they start shipping next year. Once the 3D Blu-ray spec is formally announced we're sure the floodgate will open even wider, but for now it seems NVIDIA has a nice jump on the tech, and we're sure they wouldn't mind pocketing a few of your gaming dollars in the meantime.
ASUS G51J 3D sports NVIDIA 3D Vision with 120Hz display to bring 'real' 3D to laptops
No knock on Acer, who got here first with the Aspire 5738DG, but it sounds like the ASUS G51J 3D has the technology edge in the nascent 3D laptop category. We'll have to see it in action to be sure, but the laptop is using NVIDIA's 3D Vision tech for extensive game compatibility (around 400 games currently work with it), and a 120Hz, 15.6-inch screen paired with some active shutter glasses. We've found the shutter method to be typically a more enjoyable 3D experience than polarized solutions, with no knock on frame rate or resolution. The GeForce GTX 260M card with 1GB of DDR3 memory doesn't hurt either, but that hugegantic USB IR blaster that has to sit on the desk and sync up with the glasses could be a problem for 3D-on-the-go. Of course, the benchmark friendly Core i7-based G51J which this machine is based on (the only real difference is the screen) was never much of one for portability. The laptop will be out soon, with a starting price of $1,700.
IBuyPower trots out GeForce 3D Vision-equipped desktops
IBuyPower's been on a pretty good roll of late with these new gaming desktops, and it's keeping things interesting with its latest two. Rather than just shoving the latest processors from AMD and Intel into the Gamer Fire 640 and Gamer Paladin F830 and calling it a day, it has thrown in a 22-inch Samsung SyncMaster LCD and NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision system with each rig. As for the Gamer Fire 640 specifically, it comes loaded with an AMD Phenom II X3 720 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a GeForce 9800GTX+ (512MB), dual-layer DVD writer and Vista Home Premium 64-bit. The Paladin gets loaded with a Core i7 920, 6GB of memory, a Blu-ray drive and a GeForce GTX 260 GPU. Detailed specs (along with the full release) are just past the break, but if you're scouting base prices, they sit at $1,349 and $1,999 in order of mention.
Maingear intros Prelude 2 3D gaming system
Maingear bills itself as a fine purveyor of "high performance luxury computers," hand built machines such as the Remix workstation (for "creative professionals"), and now Prelude 2, a 3D gaming workstation that features the NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision setup, a 22-inch SyncMaster 2233RZ display, and a desktop PC rocking an Intel Core i7 processor -- all for $1,999 (though were guessing that once you start tweaking things here and there the price can rise pretty quickly). More detailed specs are sadly unavailable at the moment, but if you've been itching to jump on the 3D bandwagon (not that we approve, but whatever) this one is probably worth a look. Full release is after the break.Update: Feel free to check out the order page over at Maingear's site for all the system's specifications and customization options.
Nvidia GeForce 3DVision gets reviewed
The short, happy history of 3D gaming has been unimpressive -- dual-display glasses and high-priced 3D monitors have generally failed to bring source material originally built for two dimensions into the three dimensional world. Keeping this in mind, the kids at bit-tech seem to be as wary as we are, but when all is said and done they came away from the sordid affair rather impressed. "An excellent piece of tech," they said -- one that actually seems to work on existing games -- although the fact that a new monitor is required to use it "knocks the legs out from underneath." Sure, it worked well enough that the well-heeled, hardcore gamer might be interested in it, but for the time being this doesn't seem to be an option for the casual consumer. But don't take our word for it: hit the read link for the in-depth review.
NVIDIA offers up GeForce 3D Vision, takes WoW players further down the rabbit hole
Look for something to drive your new Samsung monitor or 120Hz 3D HDTV? Enter NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision package, loaded up with powered 3D glasses (no red / blue silliness here, charged via USB) and an IR emitter to keep everything synced between the display and your glasses. Left 4 Dead, WoW: WotLK and several other games are already compatible with more expected to come soon. CES had a quick demo and didn't notice any of the headaches sometimes associated with stereocopic 3D, but at $399 for the display and $199 for this set when it's available in the next few days, we're not sure how close we want to get to those zombies, but WoW fans may see things differently.
