Optoma turns projectors 3D
3D-XL adapter adds a dimension to DLP-Link models…
Projector specialist Optoma has demonstrated a neat device to turn a conventional video projector into a 3D model. The 3D-XL projector adapter is designed to convert suitable DLP projectors from 2D operation to 3D, and at a cost of £249.99 with one pair of ZD201 active shutter glasses, this may well be cheaper than replacing an existing 2D model with a 3D equivalent.
The HCC team saw the 3D-XL in action at an exclusive press launch, and our first impressions were positive, with a steady and effective 3D effect achieved on a number of movies, games and broadcast material including Sky Sports.
There are, though, some limitations to the adapter’s performance. It’s designed to work with DLP projectors featuring Tl’s DLP-Link technology, which allows a projector and 3D glasses to sync without an external emitter. The sync signal bounces off the projection screen, which means that if you turn your head away from the screen, the glasses stop operating, and go clear. This may or may not be the desired effect! It also raises questions about acceptable viewing angles, which we’ll be testing when review models are available.
Other projector requirements are that it displays a 120Hz frame-sequential 3D source, and must have an HDMI input. The glasses must, of course, be DLP-Link compliant too.
Optoma has 14 suitable projectors in all and lists of the suitable models on it website. Extra sets of glasses will be available for around £100. The 3D-XL connects between your Blu-ray source and projector via HDMI, automatically detecting-material and switching the projector to 3D modeIf used with Sky’s side-by-side 3D system, there’an SBS button on the side of the 3D-XL to configure it. There are two HDMI 1.4 inputs, one HDMI 1.3 output, and an RS-232 control port.
The downside to the system is that it can’t display 3D images with full 1080p resolution; instead it displays at 720p/120 Hz. Theoretically it’s possible to combine two projectors, two 3D-XLs, and a polarizing filter to create a 1080system, but this isn’t an idea Optoma is pushing hard, though Optoma’s product manager Gavin Farlie said that it might be a cost-effective option for some applications depending on the size of the audience and the number of glasses required.
Our final verdict on the Optoma 3D-XL will have to wait until we get our hands on a review sample – the UK launch is scheduled for Januar2011. More from Optoma at www.optoma.eu.
3D-XL adapter adds a dimension to DLP-Link models…
Projector specialist Optoma has demonstrated a neat device to turn a conventional video projector into a 3D model. The 3D-XL projector adapter is designed to convert suitable DLP projectors from 2D operation to 3D, and at a cost of £249.99 with one pair of ZD201 active shutter glasses, this may well be cheaper than replacing an existing 2D model with a 3D equivalent.
The HCC team saw the 3D-XL in action at an exclusive press launch, and our first impressions were positive, with a steady and effective 3D effect achieved on a number of movies, games and broadcast material including Sky Sports.
There are, though, some limitations to the adapter’s performance. It’s designed to work with DLP projectors featuring Tl’s DLP-Link technology, which allows a projector and 3D glasses to sync without an external emitter. The sync signal bounces off the projection screen, which means that if you turn your head away from the screen, the glasses stop operating, and go clear. This may or may not be the desired effect! It also raises questions about acceptable viewing angles, which we’ll be testing when review models are available.
Other projector requirements are that it displays a 120Hz frame-sequential 3D source, and must have an HDMI input. The glasses must, of course, be DLP-Link compliant too.
Optoma has 14 suitable projectors in all and lists of the suitable models on it website. Extra sets of glasses will be available for around £100. The 3D-XL connects between your Blu-ray source and projector via HDMI, automatically detecting-material and switching the projector to 3D modeIf used with Sky’s side-by-side 3D system, there’an SBS button on the side of the 3D-XL to configure it. There are two HDMI 1.4 inputs, one HDMI 1.3 output, and an RS-232 control port.
The downside to the system is that it can’t display 3D images with full 1080p resolution; instead it displays at 720p/120 Hz. Theoretically it’s possible to combine two projectors, two 3D-XLs, and a polarizing filter to create a 1080system, but this isn’t an idea Optoma is pushing hard, though Optoma’s product manager Gavin Farlie said that it might be a cost-effective option for some applications depending on the size of the audience and the number of glasses required.
Our final verdict on the Optoma 3D-XL will have to wait until we get our hands on a review sample – the UK launch is scheduled for Januar2011. More from Optoma at www.optoma.eu.
