Re: NuVision 3-D Spex

[P3D Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 16:27:54 -0600
>From: P3D  Jonathan R. Gross  comments:
>..................
>Refreshing the fields at 120HZ is necessary to obtain a truly flicker
>free image,  but the resolution mentioned here is inadequate for high
>quality images.  The horizontal resolution of 640 pixels is particularly
>marginal because human vision is very sensitive to horizontal
>displacement (if it were not so, then retinal disparity would not be so
>effective at inducing stereopsis through parallax).  This sensativity
>one reason why electronic monitors scan back and forth, not up and
>down.  IMO, 1280 pixels is the minimum horizontal resolution for quality
>stereo.

******  Well stated and this reflects my opinion about these systems too.
The folk who make the equipment are also aware of this fact and are working
hard to meet better expectations. I mentioned the resolution factor because
that is what I have experienced. It is only a temporary condition.

>............... I suspect that the 32-bit color (4 Billion
>colors) referred to above is actually 15-bit color (32 Thousand
>colors).  A simple mistake, this makes a huge difference.  The

********   NO, THIS WAS NOT A MISTAKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The Total 3D video
accelerator board supports 32 bit color all the way up to 1024 x 768 and
supports larger resolutions at 24 bit color!!!!!  The simple viewer program
I'm using is NOT a part of the commercial package and is only a DOS based
program limited to the smaller resolution. I actually run the board at 1024
x 768 and 32 bit color because that is my preference with my system. I have
no choice of resolution with the current and temporary viewer program. A
better viewer program that operates in Windows and at higher resolution is
in the works and I will be reviewing it in the very near future. This 4MB
video board sells for $279 at Retail and is comparable to many other similar
4MB Video boards (essential to any good computer system) with the BIG
difference that this one supports stereoscopic display and even comes with
the goggles included!!! A HUGE PLUS!!!


>requirements for spatial and color resolution are why VR-Vision supports
>1024 horizontal pixels with up to 2Million different colors, and refresh
>rates up to about 160HZ (depending on your monitors capability). 
>Remember, doubling the spatial resolution provides FOUR times as many
>pixels, and  every BIT added to the pixel depth DOUBLES the number of
>colors.

*********  This is why the special T3D accelerator board was built. It uses
the Rendition Verite chip which has enhanced pixel handling capability for
the stereoscopic video display, specifically for high image quality page
flipping, so your computer doesn't have to do all the work. The fact that
the board has 4MB RAM included is very much a part of it's ability for
handling and displaying a quality stereo image. This technology is sure to
rival the experience of hand held viewers if not surpass it. It's certainly
more easily shared with a group and the image at full screen size and
brilliant color is very impressive.

I have a very nice 17 inch monitor but at the higher resolutions it won't
allow switching faster than 85 Hz. If you want the very highest quality
image display you have to find a monitor that supports the higher switching
rates or you won't be able to use the full capability of what this board can
put out.

>....................
>In anticipation of those of you who might feel that this posting is
>commercial and self-serving, I partially agree.  You tell me how I
>should respond. ......................... I am
>trying to explain some differences in the products mentioned above.  
>These differences are directly related to fundamental issues of
>(electronic)stereoscopy, and are not either product or vendor related
>except to the extent that some products incorporate certain
>technologies, and others do not.  Without understanding the issues and
>technologies, it is impossible to evaluate some of the (mis)statements
>made in previous postings.

********  For starters this has been an *ON-TOPIC* discussion of
stereoscopic systems NOT an attempt to market them. Secondly, the previous
posts were not *(mis)statements*, though I welcome your participation in the
discussion! :-)

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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