| NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision Gaming Kit |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards | |
| Written by Olin Coles | |
| Friday, 09 January 2009 | |
|
Page 8 of 8
GeForce 3D Vision ConclusionNVIDIA packages their GeForce 3D Vision product in a very progressive wrapper. Quite frankly, I think that less is more, but these days a product needs every edge to garner a sell. The retail package clearly states the product requirements (namely, Windows Vista), and goes above an beyond the call of duty to list a collection of 3D Vision Ready displays. Everyone who see's this kit is going to have their own take on the way they think the wireless active-shutter glasses look. Overall, I think that they match equal parts function and fashion, but even I can't help but wonder why NVIDIA decided to use so many straight lines on their frame.
The NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision stereoscopic gaming kit is built very well, and should be able to sustain some rough handling without compromise of the product. The IR Emitter unit is practically impervious to casual damage, so it's really just the glasses you need to be careful with. The lens are actually small LCD panels, so caution should be taken with their care. Functionality is the tricky subject for this article. The GeForce 3D Vision glasses worked extremely well for me at ranges up to twenty feet (which was awesome for out-of-screen effects). Since I don't wear glasses, my biggest concern was discomfort. To my surprise, at no point during my testing did the wireless active-shutter glasses become uncomfortable or create eye strain. Every game I played was made more entertaining with the added depth, but I have been teased with the potential and want more. All of NVIDIA's efforts with "The Way It's Meant To Be Played" program certainly pay off, but it will be the extra out-of-screen effects that make the 3D Vision product line a success. World of Warcraft Lich King is a very good start, but out-of-screen Stereoscopic effects need to become standard on all major titles before 3D Vision will catch on. When it does take off though, it will be like wildfire. NVIDIA is currently listing the GeForce 3D Vision kit for $199 direct from their site. This wireless stereoscopic gaming kit (NVIDIA item 942-10701-0003) includes everything inside the box, but does not include a monitor or HDTV. For anyone who is looking for the complete bundle, NVIDIA offers part number 942-10223-0000-000 which includes the kit with a Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ 22" widescreen 120Hz LCD monitor. The 3D Vision bundle package is offered for $598 directly from NVIDIA. Alternatively, a few other retailers also offer this product through our price comparison tool. UPDATE: As of October 2010, the full NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision Home kit sells for $183 at Amazon and NewEgg, and spare 3D Vision shutter glasses cost $127.
In conclusion, the GeForce 3D Vision is the product I've been waiting on ever since costly virtual-reality headsets made their appearance many years back. NVIDIA delivers mind-bending out-of-screen 3D experiences with the GeForce 3D Vision stereoscopic gaming kit. Going forward, this level of realism really depends on how willing video game writers are towards dedicating additional time and production funds to the development. Even without a wealth of stand-out 3D effects built into the games presently available, the added back-set depth have injected a new level of excitement into old games. I highly recommend the NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision for gamers who play for fun and entertainment, and anyone else wanting to revisit old game titles with a new experience. Pros:
+ Adds legitimate realism to gaming Cons:
|
|
Comments
Start here: #developer.nvidia.com/