Lytro Cameras Getting 3D Parallax Software Update

Tim here, by the end of the year that cool Lytro camera that allows you to choose focus after you take the photo will be adding a software update by the end of the year that allows you to also choose 3D parallax. When the Lytro camera was first announced one of the early ideas was to use this technology for 3D image capture. Since the cameras record light rays in terms of the direction, color, and intensity of their travel, it's entirely possible to use that information to construct a 3D scene. At first however the technology was limited to choosing focus.

The below video is from the Engadget who went to the Lytro launch in Hong Kong, where the company previewed those parallax effects coming soon. The update allows users to pan around the scene slightly, and the subject adjusts accordingly. It's pretty cool.

A Lytro rep (in the video) said the new feature would be added by the end of the year, and would be pushed out via software update. Also, since the raw data needed for the parallax effect is already present in all pictures, it will work on photos taken before the update is launched.

This is definitely going to be a must have this holiday season. Lytro also mentioned to be working on support for 3D monitors and TVs. Drop hints to loved ones and look for this nifty stocking stuffer.

The First S3DHD Monitor Hits The Shelves: Acer's 120Hz 23.6" GD235HZ

Jim here. We first spoke about the new Acer entry into the 120Hz widescreen monitor race back in October and now they have delivered. The Acer GD235HZ 120Hz LCD 23.6" S3D display is available right now and is the first full S3DHD monitor out there and is also slightly larger than the others that are available right now from Samsung and Viewsonic). Retail price is $399.99. Resolution is 1920x1080 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Response time? 2 milliseconds.

Recommended with the monitor is the nVidia GeForce 3D Vision Kit to complete your stereoscopic 3D experience (unless you need to upgrade your video card).

From their press release: The new Acer 3D display becomes available at an opportune time. In its recently released 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report, DisplaySearch forecasts that the total stereoscopic 3D display market will grow from 0.7 million units and $902 million in revenues in 2008 to 196 million units and $22 billion in revenues in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38 percent for revenues and 75 percent for units.

The Acer GD235HZ 23.6-inch display provides a revolutionary new 3D viewing experience when combined with the NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, adding depth to the image displayed on the flat surface of the monitor. NVIDIA 3D Vision is a combination of high-tech wireless active-shutter glasses, a wireless USB transmitter, and advanced software that can transform hundreds of PC games into an exceptional 3D experience. The Acer display with NVIDIA 3D Vision can deliver 3D images from any PC content, including 3D games, 3D photographs, 3D videos, and upcoming Blu-ray 3D movies. The glasses are lightweight, can be worn over regular eyeglasses, and can provide up to 40 hours of 3D entertainment on a single charge. For more information on NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, please visit www.nvidia.com/3DVision.

Full Specs:

• 23.6-inch Widescreen
• 1920x1080 Maximum Resolution
• 0.2715mm Pixel Pitch
• 120Hz (Maximum) Refresh Rate
• 2ms Response Time (G to G)
• 80,000:1 Max (ACM) / 1000:1 (Native) Contrast Ratio
• 300cd/m2 Brightness
• 170° (H)/160° (V) Viewing Angles
• 16.7 Million Colors
• 6Bit + HiFRC
• 1x HDMI (w/HDMI), 1x DVI, 1x VGA Inputs
• Vesa 100mm Wall Mount
• Internal Power Supply

Hey, this display sounds great! I will have to check this out in person soon. As these displays start getting bigger and with better resolution, our S3DHD immersion will really take off!

3D Gaming Monitor Upgrade Coming Soon? Looks Like It!

Jim here. Looks like we may have another 3D capable monitor in play by the end of the year! 3D PC gamers using NVIDIA's 3D Vision technology have been able to choose from only 2 monitors recently, both 22" and running at 1680x1050p and 16:10 aspect ratio (I have the Samsung - the other is a ViewSonic).

Now comes Acer and their 24" 120hz, 1920x1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio monitor and it does look quite nice (orange IS my fav color). My GTX 285 should be able to handle the upgrade if I can get my hands on it. :-)

No word on pricing or other specs yet, but I suspect that it will be all over the Interwebs soon enough if they are releasing it by 2010. Can't wait to see it in action!

Source: twisted-reviews

iZ3D Wins the GameIndustry.com 2008 Game of the Year Award - Best Peripheral

Congratulations iZ3D!

Intense Competition had Close to 100,000 Votes Cast...

San Diego, Calif., February 25, 2009 -- iZ3D Inc., designer, developer and pioneer of advanced stereoscopic 3D visualization systems, is pleased to announce a new addition to its trophy chest. Readers and followers of the popular gaming website Gameindustry.com honored the 22-inch 3D monitor display system by naming it the “2008 Game of the Year - Best Peripheral.”
“If 2009 becomes the year of the 3D game, it will be because of the gains made by companies like iZ3D in 2008. The 22-inch 3D LCD was the first real mass-produced LCD monitor that let games literally take their favorite titles into the next dimension. Today the prices on these amazing monitors are falling rapidly, so the final barrier to widespread acceptance of 3D could soon be crossed,” commented John Breeden, Editor in Chief of Game Industry News.

“As a pioneer in the development of 3D drivers and hardware for stereoscopic 3D, 2008 marked another milestone in our pursuit of bringing 3D to the consumer market. More off the shelf 3D games, 3D TV broadcasts and thirty-two 3D movies are slated to be distributed in 2009,” stated Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D Inc. ”3D as a viable delivery medium is here to stay,” he added.

iZ3D’s 3D gaming display products are among the first 3D displays being offered nationwide in brick and mortar stores. In addition, the iZ3D monitors are available online at Staples Online, NewEgg, Amazon, Critical Buy, and other e-tailers. Consumers can easily find a listing of store locations and get information on iZ3D’s products and special offers at www.3drulez.com.

In recent months iZ3D has made headlines as it introduced the first 3D monitors with custom painted designs from Smooth Creations®, released its new industry-standard-setting 3D display driver, announced channel distribution partnerships with Ingram Micro and D&H Distributing Company, made 3D monitors significantly more affordable, and announced a partnership with AMD which included an ATI 3DLP driver and $50 rebate offer for ATI Radeon™ graphics card customers.

Availability and Pricing

The iZ3D 22-inch monitor has a new manufacturer’s suggested resale price of $399.00 and is currently available at Fry’s and Micro Centers as well as online stores including www.staples.com, www.newegg.com, www.amazon.com, www.pcmall.com, www.criticalbuy.com, www.iz3d.com, and other online shopping sites.

This is awesome news! I personally use this monitor at home and I can say without a doubt that it is the best 3D monitor I have seen yet. You can use for everyday 2D use as well!

iZ3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Quick Post: iZ3D Releases New Drivers for the 3D Gaming Community

San Diego, CA (June 9, 2008) – iZ3D, LLC, is a designer, developer, and marketer of advanced 3D visualization systems. The company is pleased to announce that it has created a new driver version that solves many 3D compatibility issues for the 3D community overall as well as for the iZ3D monitor. The new drivers feature 64 Bit compatibility, CrossFireX and Open GL Quad Buffer support. Users can also “Test Drive” 3D effects on a 2D monitor with red and cyan anaglyph glasses. The new 3D driver is available now for download at the www.iZ3D.com website.

“We have been at the forefront of the new trend towards 3D for gaming, movies and creative design efforts and have worked hard to overcome many hardware and software challenges. As 3D becomes more popular, more manufacturers are now taking stereoscopic 3D seriously and are beginning to see it as a sales advantage,” remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D, LLC. “Being an industry leader, we believed it was important to provide this new driver to the entire 3D community to further the adoption of 3D.

Awesome. New drivers for the kick ass 22" 3D Gaming Monitor - time to update! :-)

iZ3D Drops Price On 22" 3D Gaming Monitor

Here's some great news for you gamers out there - iZ3D has dropped their price from $699 to $599 for their 22" 3D gaming monitor. It's a great deal so I thought I would drop a note MarketSaw readers - I have this same monitor and its awesome. I use it in 2D mode as well for daily use and posting on MarketSaw!

This same monitor is one of the prizes that a lucky MarketSaw reader will win in our first 3D Contest!!

For more information or to purchase go to www.newegg.com or www.iz3d.com.

Full disclosure: iZ3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw.