First Look: Zalman 3D Monitors

 

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Posted on 22 Nov 2007 at 16:33

Most PC games are set in three dimensional virtual worlds. Unfortunately these 3D environments must then be reduced to a 2D image for display on a PC monitor. So we were excited to see Zalman's new range of monitors, which are capable of tricking your brain into seeing the 3D information inherent in games.

In the real world we perceive depth thanks to the distance between our eyes, the brain then combines the two slightly different images into one 3D impression. Previous 3D systems we've seen have tricked the brain into seeing 3D by showing alternating frames from two slightly different viewpoints in the game world. Special LCD glasses were required, which caused flickering in the image. Plus the glasses themselves were large, expensive, and needed to be connected to the PC.

The new monitors from Zalman use a normal looking pair of glasses, with clip-ons also provided for those who need them. The clear lenses are polarized so they only accept light at a particular orientation. The monitors have a pair of special polarising filters on the front that match those in the glasses.

Once again the 3D world is rendered from two different perspectives. These two images are combined into a single special image with the extra 3D information presented in a series of horizontal and vertical elements. This allows the driver to trick your eyes into seeing 3D thanks to the polarising filters on the glasses, and all without resorting to alternating, and therefore flickering, frames.

The impact varies considerably depending on what content you are viewing. Demonstration video clips, including an underwater scene, were certainly impressive in places though. A fish appeared to swim partly out of the screen towards us. However it's hard to know how much specially filmed video content will be available.

More exciting, and reliable, is the support for 3D games. We saw Painkiller running and the effect was certainly more immersive. Large objects and architecture benefit the most with walls looming towards you, but strafing around objects or enemies produced a strong sensation of 3D. Even little details like the HUD are improved, by being placed clearly in front of the rest of the action.

Drivers are still at an early stage and we did see issues with some objects, which looked blurred. The monitors will only generate the 3D effect with Nvidia graphics cards, as the company is working closely with Zalman. The current driver only supports up to series 7 GeForce cards for DirectX 9 games under Windows XP. However a new Vista driver with support for series 8 cards is expected soon.

The 22in widescreen ZM-M220W will sell in the UK for around £430 inc VAT, with the ZM-M190W costing £380 inc VAT, both from www.quietpc.com. They will be available from mid-December, and we'll have a full review in Computer Shopper 242.

Author: Seth Barton