P3D Re: Value of LCS glasses

[GBMars <GBMars@xxxxxxx>]

Larry Berlin writes:

>*****  CAUTION!!!  Be aware that there is now a new VESA spec for stereo
>glasses and their plug-in devices. The current NuVision goggles do not
>conform to that newer spec. What that means is that you can't freely expect
>to substitute these glasses into just ANY plug-in. I don' t know if the VESA
>spec for the plug prevents such mistakes, but it might be different just for
>this purpose. NuVision expects to have a newer model of 3D-Spex out that
>will plug in to devices that use the new spec... Most video cards will
>eventually have stereo device plug-ins that conform to the standard driving
>and control voltages.

>Their existing model will still function fine as long as the correct
>voltages and such are used. That means plugged into the parallel port
>adapter provided by NuVision, or to the Total3D card from Canopus Corp.
>Check with NuVision if you have any other arrangement you want to use.

>Larry Berlin

The "new" VESA was in the approval process a long time ago.  I was a
contributor to it, but have not kept up with its progress since I left
Canopus.

The intent of the standard is to have just one style of interface that would
serve all stereo applications (of computer graphics displays).  Such a
standard would go a long ways toward encouraging manufacturers to
include stereo support.  The chosen connector is a 3-pin mini DIN (circular),
which is very rarely used, so plugging into the wrong port is unlikely.  To
facilitate the transition I think you'll see eyewear manufacturers offerring
adapters so existing eyewear can be used with new boards/systems.  The
converse is less likely (using VESA-style eyewear on older systems).

There have been a couple of posts recently regarding failed LCS glasses.
I would echo the sentiment that the users should not give up too quickly.
Both Stereographics and NuVision make good quality glasses.  The
electronics in these things is pretty simple, so I would guess that most
problems are software related.  The apparent brief "working" of the
Stereographics glasses on jiggling the batteries is most likely not
significant:  The circuitry detects when no stereo sync signal is present
to open both left and right shutters.  When the power is disrupted by
jiggling the batteries it probably just induces some noise that looks like
a stereo sync signal, so it turns on briefly.

More information is needed to really diagnose the problem.  If either of
the posters wants to contact me (off list), I'd be happy to try to help.

Greg M.


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