One of the issues hindering the widespread adoption of 3D is the relative lack of content available. So Acer’s new 27-inch display takes matters into its own hands by automatically converting 2D content to 3D in real time.
With a resolution of 1920×1080 and built-in speakers, the LED backlit display is optimised for hi-def content from a Blu-ray player, gaming console or PC. It uses film-patterned retarder technology to deliver separate images to both the right and left eye, which means you still need to wear glasses, but at least it’s the lighter and slightly more comfortable polarised lens type.
As for that magical 2D to 3D conversion, it’s apparently handled by a special chip that can be easily activated via the on-screen display, and presumably just as easily de-activated when you realise the effect doesn’t quite measure up to native 3D content. Available now in the US for $US600.
For the home theatre enthusiast Acer has also just released a new 3D projector with full HD resolution and 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness, facilitating projections up to 300 inches in size. Like the LCD display the projector incorporates the same 2D to 3D content conversion hardware, but instead uses heavier shutter based 3D glasses. In addition to a couple of HDMI connections it adds a DVI-D port for enjoying HDCP protected content, and is also available now in the US for $US2000. [Acer]