NVIDIA 3D Vision: summary testing of GeForce video cards

Introduction to the topic

In the last few years, virtual reality technology has been developing at a rapid pace. And if earlier one could only dream about this, now it is becoming part of our everyday life.

Large firms such as Samsung and NVIDIA are now the undisputed leaders in the development field. Previously, home equipment was a luxury available only to professionals and wealthy clients. But now the market is expanding and prices are falling significantly.

NVIDIA will stop supporting 3DVision technology in April Editorial Material

I have never seen with my own eyes 3D-VR on a computer using virtual reality technology for games (I remember a long time ago a girl, all in wires and wearing a helmet, was walking along a treadmill playing the first Doom! It must have been cool back then...like in the summer we were recently in the city about 2-3 years ago, that exact “cart” and Doom - with the same helmet from 2000! were rolled out onto the main street - but I passed by again! Only for 2009-10 I saw - 3D on the LG 3D TV I was also impressed (even Demo -3D and objects flying out of the TV screen)! I still haven’t gone to see a film in a 3D cinema theater, I’m probably completely retarded... (there was no way and somehow it didn’t work out - even Avatar... I watched it a year after the premieres. I watched it on an LG 3D TV (the first attempts to watch it were from a laptop via -D-Sub - well, you can imagine... (HDMI was overlooked!) I was also impressed (and I didn’t even watch the film... (But I watched it in regular 2D!) -since there was no flash memory (and after the demo mode turned on and USB stopped working) - and a complete collapse 100% USB did not read -after reflashing the TV, after 2 years of searching - of the drivers! I started showing and recognizing any storage media via USB, smartphones, flash drives, etc. And I even watched 3D movies through a flash drive a couple of times! (it’s amazing that he can pull it off at all!!!) In 3D - I watched “Zootopia” - “Robinson Crusoe” ... and that’s it! It's interesting to see an HTC image on a computer or better and easier 3D - Playstation 4 VR! On a computer, the HTC-3D system costs crazy amounts of money, and there aren’t many games for similar technologies! Regarding Nvidia 3D - somehow there was a “noise” at one time - the technology seems to have made a “rustle”... I even remember reading about these monitors... (but 3 rubles was not enough... as they say, for the rich it’s already there, but for the poor it’s cheap expensive...!) Today I think it was necessary to continue with the next generation...(apparently something went wrong...) or Playstation 4 - VR is getting cheaper! or Already “ordinary” 2D-3D TVs...are catching up with these technologies. Here's an example: I gave glasses to a friend (he went to all the important premieres in 3D - iMax and regular 3D cinemas...) and said that your TV is LG 3D and it is cartoons in 3D that are hardly distinguishable from a regular 3D cinema! Regarding the 3D TV, my eyes never hurt, and my head didn’t even watch more than one movie! (and there is a warning on the TV when you turn on 3D!) Apparently Nvidia - 3D has not completely perfected its technology - not all games were supported - the same Playstation 4 - VR! has few worthy games in 3D VR - you can probably only remember Resident Evil 7 - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim! It was interesting to know this news and how they supported this technology for quite a long time for 10 years... in my memory, Nvidia has recently been focusing more on professional products like RTX - (Auto Driving - based on artificial intelligence, their chips and GPUs work in Tesla cars!) But few people can use games and virtual reality correctly... it didn’t work out badly with TV and cinemas (although I didn’t go to the latter) and what Sony is doing in its Playstation 4 is VR (I haven’t seen it)! But wait and see... a little interesting (if only they would come up with sensory gloves... like in the 1995 film Hackers)!

Purpose of these points

VR glasses are used to obtain:

• high quality image that provides a wide viewing angle;
• unique technological development ensures maximum brightness and color saturation of the working environment on laptop monitors and desktop computers;
• better synchronization with hardware for an immersive gaming experience;
• flexibility, maximum convenience and lack of distractions;
• high frame rate, which will remove all blur, distortion and possible delays in image development;
• simultaneous work with five high-resolution monitors;
• the ability to play realistic applications when connected to a TV or additional monitor;
• creating your own 3D Full HD cinema;
• viewing films, trailers, videos, videos and photos in an exciting wide format.

Principle of operation

The system works as follows:

• virtual reality glasses are based on the principle of stereoscopic vision;
• a separate image is constructed for each eye to provide a full viewing angle;
• the rest of the picture is formed and calculated by the human brain;
• the need to use a large number of monitors;
• the optical system is installed in front of the screen to establish the visual proportionality of the object;
• introduction of wireless technologies for the convenience of games.

Model features

Let's consider the external characteristics of the object.

Housing materials and dimensions

The device is:

• new and modern design;
• use of the latest generation 27-inch monitors with an emitter built into the case;
• new color distribution technology;
• compared to previous models, the size of the structure has increased;
• increased viewing angle thanks to the high diagonal;
• Can be combined with regular glasses;
• the use of modern materials that are lightweight and comfortable;
• the power button is on the left side of the temple;
• interchangeability of components of devices of different generations;
• optimization of the algorithm for switching between lenses.

Build quality

All materials used in the manufacture of glasses are modern. Therefore, the product is lightweight and durable. Despite the increase in size, it does not cause discomfort during use.

Positioning

The manufacturer claims that the product is an inexpensive solution for modern technologies, which is an undeniable advantage.

Specifications

The technical characteristics of the device include:

• a computer, laptop or TV can be used as a signal source;
• equipped with a liquid crystal display;
• USB 2.0 interface is used to connect to the equipment;
• connects via infrared;
• A proprietary battery is used for power supply;
• work at a distance of up to 4.5 meters;
• autonomy is 60 hours.

System requirements and platforms

To connect VR glasses, your computer must have the following minimum characteristics:

• operating system version – Windows Vista and higher;
• bit depth – 64 or 32 bits;
• video card – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 200 and later models;
• processor – Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 and higher;
• RAM – from 1 GB;
• 3D Vision display.

News about 3D Vision Pro

The RF 3D stereoscopic solution is designed for today's professional workstations and multi-user, large-scale visualization environments.

NVIDIA introduces NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro, a new 3D stereoscopic solution for engineers, designers, architects and scientists who work with complex, detailed 3D models. 3D Vision Pro brings full 3D stereo back to LCD-enabled desktop PCs and provides a practical method for rendering large-scale 3D objects on video walls and in Collaborative Virtual Environments (CAVEs).

The 3D Vision Pro solution includes active shutter glasses and an RF communications system that delivers high-quality stereoscopic images for a variety of use cases:

• Individual 3D viewing on LCD panels of Quadro-based desktop and mobile workstations;
• group 3D viewing on one or more projectors;
• mass 3D viewing on video walls or in theaters using NVIDIA SVS (Scalable Visualization System);
• 3D Vision Pro provides communication over a long distance - up to 45 meters, without interference or other interference between systems. A professional stereo solution involves transmitting information about the current state from the glasses to the host for effective control.

“The ability to see inside complex data has made 3D stereo a key element of the modern workstation,” said Jeff Brown, director of professional solutions at NVIDIA. “3D Vision Pro and Quadro solutions deliver immersive 3D worlds of the highest quality for the enterprise user.”

Digital content creators, designers and scientists can now view their creations in 3D with a much richer perspective compared to traditional 2D images. Doctors, for example, can view ultrasound scan results in 3D. Companies looking to achieve large-scale visualizations, such as on a video wall, now have reliable technology at their disposal.

“NVIDIA is undoubtedly a leader in 3D imaging, having been working on stereoscopic 3D imaging technology since 1999. With the introduction of a professional 3D solution, this technology extends beyond home entertainment,” said Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research. “By providing capabilities for large-scale visualization and remote control, NVIDIA is also leading the way in enterprise 3D technology, opening the door for professional users and large-scale visualization system integrators to a never-before-seen 3D world.”

Key features of NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro stereoscopic solutions:

• active shutter glasses allow you to see image details and text in high quality;
• batteries with continuous operation time up to 20 hours;
• support for a wide range of panels and projectors;
• Supports a wide range of professional applications.

NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro stereoscopic solutions will be available in October directly from NVIDIA and through authorized resellers such as PNY Technologies, with a suggested retail price of $349 for the glasses and $399 for the RF transmitter.

For more information about NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro, see the corporation's official page.

How to connect to a PC and configure

Let's consider recommendations for connecting equipment.

Setup Tips

Follow the simple instructions:

• connect the glasses using an HDMI or DVI cable to a TV or monitor;
• if you have a DLP connector, you will have to use the adapter that is included in the kit;
• connect the IR transmitter to the gadget’s USB port;
• use the cables that came in the package.

The hardware setup is complete.

Software

In order to ensure synchronization of devices, you need to install the software:

• stereo mode drivers, the discs with which should be in the box;
• An additional application with equipment settings is automatically installed and calibration is carried out;
• in the window that appears you adjust the 3D depth;
• The panel has a special setting - a laser sight, which provides realism during games.

If the 3D glasses don't work, try the following:

• check the status of the IR transmitter - if it is turned on, the LED should light green;
• make sure that stereoscopic mode is running;
• check the settings in the application;
• launch the synchronization wizard, which will automatically diagnose and service possible problems;
• make sure the battery has sufficient charge;
• try connecting to other equipment using a DVI cable.

NVIDIA 3D Vision 2: eyewitness impressions

NVIDIA recently introduced 3D Vision 2, a new generation of technology for viewing stereoscopic 3D content on computers. Today we have the opportunity to share with readers personal impressions of the capabilities of the new kit, and also offer a short video of our own production, where all the components of the 3D Vision 2 kit are presented “live”.

Actually, the 3D Vision technology itself does not need any special recommendations: the most developed stereoscopic 3D ecosystem to date, built by NVIDIA and including everything you need - from video cards, drivers and 3D Vision 3D glasses to certification of monitors and 3D tuning games. In the two and a half years since the start of sales of the first version, more than half a million PC users have become owners of 3D Vision active-shutter kits - it would be a sin not to listen to such a significant “critical mass” when it comes to the possibility of improving and releasing a new generation of technology.

Despite mostly positive reviews, the first generation of 3D Vision technology still received its share of criticism, which mainly boiled down to wishes typical of any active-shutter 3D technology - users wanted more comfortable glasses, brighter screens, minimal effect stray light (flicker) and interchannel “phantom” penetration (ghosting). These changes are characteristic of 3D Vision 2.

First of all, about the new glasses, they are really larger than the previous versions: the increase in area is approximately 20%, while the height of each lens of 3D Vision 2 glasses varies between 30-35 mm versus 26-32 mm for 3D Vision glasses, and the width, accordingly, 36-58 mm versus 36-54 mm for the previous version. As a matter of fact, the old version of the glasses “sinks” into the new one, and this example cannot but please those who have to wear 3D glasses over regular, diopter glasses. I can tell you from my impressions: using new 3D glasses together with diopter glasses is now much more comfortable, both arms of the glasses can rest on the bridge of the nose, and the lenses of the glasses do not even touch.

The weight of the new glasses has increased slightly - 56 grams versus 51 grams for the previous version, but this is more than compensated for by the ergonomics that have changed for the better. First of all, pay attention to how well the new glasses cover the peripheral field of view from side flare and flicker. Unlike the previous version, the new glasses now have a kind of “visor” on top for this purpose.

As before, the versatility of glasses for any head is ensured by reliably pressing the ends of the temples on the temples, but now wider and more comfortable platforms are used for this purpose. Like Prizhda, the glasses come with three pairs of different sized nose pads.

The glasses power button, previously located on the upper edge of the left temple, has now been moved to the outer plane of the same temple. Now, to turn on the glasses, a gesture similar to touching your temple is enough.

However, ergonomics is not the only improvement in the new 3D Vision 2 kit. According to company specialists, a new, optimized switching algorithm provides additional suppression of phantom distortion from the mutual penetration of images of different channels.

However, the greatest contribution to the fight against phantom distortion and suppression of stray reflections is made by the new NVIDIA 3D LightBoost technology, which will be built into every 3DVision 2 display. The essence of the technology is very simple: when you turn on the 3D mode, the brightness of the display increases significantly, for some models even doubled.

In practice, it looks simply amazing, at least for those who are accustomed to the first generation of technology, the effect of turning on 3D LightBoost at first may seem simply shocking, unusually light. In addition to the fact that you can now play or watch movies with the lights on in the room without the risk of losing contrast on the screen, the high level of brightness also allows you to reduce to zero any problems from stray light and flicker of the same fluorescent lamps in the periphery of vision. Another advantage of 3D LightBoost technology is the longer time the lenses of 3D glasses remain open. Indirectly, this effect is expressed in the fact that you see the surrounding objects much better, typing on the keyboard is no longer necessary by touch, the inscriptions on the keys are perfectly readable, various objects on the table are visible, etc.

Finally, one more piece of news, although indirectly, is still related to today’s topic: from now on, the list of monitors with support for NVIDIA 3D Vision 2, as well as 3D LightBoost, will be actively replenished with models with a diagonal of 27 inches. The first model with 3D LightBoost technology is ASUS VG278H, presented simultaneously with the new 3D Vision 2 kit, among them.

The reason is obvious: the 27-inch screen has an area that is approximately 50% larger than the surface area of ​​22-inch displays with which the history of 3D Vision began. No one, of course, will forbid you to use any other 22-, 23- or 24-inch displays with 3D Vision 2 glasses, but I will say it in spirit: after I had the opportunity to play Batman: Arkham City on a huge 27-inch screen , and then FIFA Soccer 2012, the desire to return to my 24-inch monitor completely disappeared. In short, ASUS VG278H is one of the few new products that made it onto my wish list at first glance.

A few words about compatibility. The new 3D Vision 2 glasses are backwards compatible with previous sets without any reservations, just as old glasses, wired and wireless, will fit perfectly with the new monitors that support 3D LightBoost. Moreover, new monitors with 3D LightBoost will function perfectly not only in conjunction with a PC, but also with any other 3D devices equipped with HDMI 1.4, for example, Sony PlayStation 3, Blu-ray 3D Players, etc. Here's the upgrade Unfortunately, older 3D monitors do not support 3D LightBoost.

Finally, about prices. The new 3D Vision 2 kits are available in US retail at the same prices as their predecessors - $149 for the glasses and USB emitter kit and $99 for the glasses. In Russia, as the Russian representative office of NVIDIA explained to me, new kits will appear in 2012. However, there is still one loophole for earlier acquisition. Those who really can’t wait can try looking in Russian retail for 3D monitors that support 3D LightBoost. In addition to the fact that they will work perfectly with old kits, I can hint that some models equipped with 3D Vision 2 kits will also be supplied at retail, and such a kit, of course, will be much more profitable than buying a monitor and a kit separately.

And at the end of the publication - the video we produced promised at the very beginning about the 3D Vision 2 kit and 3D LightBoost technology.

Game Compatibility

Virtual reality glasses allow you to play more than 500 different games. The effect of realism is created. Real 3D objects appear in front of the user. This is noticeable in applications with a high 3 Vision ready score, as can be seen in the game characteristics. A prominent representative is Metro 2033.

3D performance

Many people worry about graphics performance in stereo mode. When running tests, performance drops significantly. This slows down the CPU. Not all games run at maximum settings. To ensure the best performance, it is recommended to lower the settings. Especially on less powerful video cards.

NVIDIA 3D Vision: summary testing of GeForce video cards

Table of contents

• Introduction
• 3D Vision Technologies
• Test configuration
• Testing tools and methodology
• Test results: performance comparison
• Battlefield 4 (Tashgar)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Angola)
• Crysis (Benchmark - Village)
• GRID 2 (Benchmark)
• Max Payne 3 (Chapter 5. Alive, although a little shabby)
• Metro: Last Light (Benchmark)
• Saints Row IV (Game Start)
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Solitude)
• Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Item zero)

Introduction

This review will examine the performance of current GeForce video cards in games that support NVIDIA 3D Vision technology.

As last time, we’ll start our 3D Vision review by quoting a description of this technology from the official NVIDIA website.

3D Vision Technologies

announcements and advertising

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Ryzen 4000

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The price of memory has been halved in Regard - it’s more expensive everywhere

3D in your computer starts with the processor inside your PC, called the graphics processing unit (GPU).

The main job of the GPU is to render and display images on your PC monitor. In the case of 3D PCs, GeForce GPUs are specifically programmed to render and display two images - one each for the left and right eyes. The monitor and 3D glasses work with the GeForce GPU, so each eye sees the image intended for it. Since each eye receives a separate image, your brain perceives the resulting signal as 3D.

Active shutter glasses

Powered by the most advanced 120Hz LCD monitors, NVIDIA 3D Vision technologies enable PCs to experience 3D at incredible resolutions using active shutter glasses. This method means that the images for the left and right eyes are shown in consecutive frames, and since the monitors used are capable of supporting a frequency of 120 Hz, each eye still receives a signal at a frequency of 60 Hz, which is equivalent to the refresh rate of standard LCD monitors today day. 3D Vision PCs support LCD monitors with resolutions of 1680 x 1050 and 1920 x 1080. These features provide a number of advantages:

• Full resolution for each eye: In 3D mode, each eye sees images with maximum resolution, text and object quality.
• Wide Viewing Angle for 3D: Each image is shown in its entirety in alternating frames, eliminating any limitations on viewing angles in 3D mode. The user can make vertical and horizontal movements of the head within the full viewing angle of the display, without losing sight of the 3D effects and with constant high image clarity. Such benefits provide long-lasting excellent gaming and movie watching.
• Brilliant 2D performance: And if you decide to go back to 2D, 3D Vision PCs support a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, enhancing the clarity and reducing blur typical of motion on traditional 65Hz displays.
• Fit for you: Designed and assembled by NVIDIA, these high-tech active shutter glasses feature premium optics and customizable nose pads in a design reminiscent of modern sunglasses.

Automatic 3D detection and dynamic adjustment

With 3D Vision PC, working with 3D becomes fast and easy. Certified games automatically launch in 3D mode. Since the 3D effect is provided by the GeForce GPU, you can increase or decrease the 3D depth and turn it on/off in real time.

Complete ecosystem of certified hardware and content

Today, NVIDIA 3D Vision is supported by an extensive ecosystem of products. NVIDIA's 3D Vision-Ready software simplifies the product selection process for users and flags components or content that are compatible with or designed for 3D Vision PCs. Only certified products display the NVIDIA 3D Vision-Ready badge.

• 3D Vision-Ready Components: Monitors, graphics cards, cameras and other equipment are certified to run smoothly with 3D Vision at the highest quality and support the widest range of 3D PCs.
• 3D Vision-Ready content: created taking into account the principles and rules of the program “As Splinter Cell: Blacklist was intended (Point zero).

In all games, the minimum

and
average
FPS values.
In tests in which it was not possible to measure the minimum FPS
, this value was measured using the FRAPS utility.
VSync
was disabled during tests.

Let's move directly to the tests.

Impressions and conclusions

In general, we can say that 3D glasses from NVIDIA are the best solution in the modern virtual reality device market, which is becoming more accessible to users every year.

pros

Let us highlight the following advantages:

• support for working with monitors and TVs operating at 120 GHz frequencies;
• compatible with NVIDIA video cards above 8800 GT;
• work with available monitor resolution;
• support for stereoscopic screen mode;
• accurate color reproduction;
• viewing angle in stereo 3D mode;
• the image size is not distorted;
• It is possible to use several pairs of glasses.

⇡#Visual sensations and conclusions

As you know, it is very difficult to convey the full sensations of playing with 3D glasses; it is even more difficult to describe in words all the pleasure of playing in 3D on a “wall” of three monitors. After testing, we had a positive impression of working with 3D Vision Surround technology. In some cases, such as in Unigine Heaven 2, individual objects looked very realistic.

However, it must be recalled that depending on the individual characteristics of the player’s visual system, the effect of 3D can vary significantly. So before you build a configuration for 3D Vision/3D Vision Surround at home, it is better to personally check your sensations at special demonstration stands installed in a number of computer stores.

In the case of yours truly, after 30 minutes of playing with 3D glasses, I felt discomfort. Therefore, for the author personally, the regular Surround mode looks more preferable, although it does not provide such an impressive presence effect as 3D Vision Surround.

In addition, we should not forget about the frames of the monitors, which in our case are quite thick, and this somewhat blurs the overall impression of the game with 3D Vision Surround. However, you quickly get used to the frames and seem to exclude them from your sight.