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ViewSonic launches 24in 3D monitor

Published on 15th October 2010 by Gareth Halfacree

The ViewSonic V3D241wm-LED features a 1080p panel and bundled shutter glasses for £330.

Viewsonic has officially launched its first 24in 3D monitor, but it's made some budget-trimming choices to keep the cost as low as possible.

The V3D241wm-LED runs at 1920 x 1080 and offers a claimed 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio thanks to the low-power LED backlight technology, along with 300 nits of brightness.

A 2ms response time is down there with the best of them, if not quite at the level of the company's 1ms 2D display announced earlier this year, and a 120Hz refresh rate means that users should experience a minimum of flicker when using the display in 3D mode. A pair of 2W SRS speakers are built in to the unit, but if you're opting for a 3D monitor you've probably got a decent surround sound system already.

Interestingly, ViewSonic has taken the route of getting the display certified by AMD as suitable for use with its Radeon HD graphics cards. Speaking regarding the partnership, AMD's corporate vice president Darren Grasby stated that 'ViewSonic has been a great company to work with, and it is clear that it is dedicated to producing fantastic display technology.'

Sadly, that dedication doesn't extend to shelling out on the 3D glasses. While the V3D241wm-LED includes a pair of active shutter glasses to enable the three-dimensional mode when paired with a compatible graphics card, the company has cut a few corners and opted for a wired set, tethering the user to the monitor.

The ViewSonic V3D241wm-LED should be appearing on your favourite resellers' websites any day now, with a recommended retail price of £330.

Do you think that ViewSonic has a winner on its hands, or does the AMD certification not distract you from the disappointing wired shutter glasses? Share your thoughts over in the forums.

15 Comments

Discuss in the forums Reply

runadumb 15th October 2010, 17:55

The AMD certification makes me wonder why it's missing a display port. When will we get a 20-24inch eyefinity capable (dedicated stand) 3D IPS (or e-IPS) 1920x1200 monitor?
Lol I'm asking for way to much aren't I? Should probably throw OLED into that mix too with all the likely hood of that spec coming anytime soon.

Any solid monitors coming into the bittech offices in the near future? And no I don't count this.

enciem 15th October 2010, 19:06

I've always thought that I'd never be interested in 3D until they lose the glasses. Somehow I think wired glasses is going in the wrong direction, they'll be a joy when paired with a set of headphones as well.

HourBeforeDawn 15th October 2010, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by enciem
I've always thought that I'd never be interested in 3D until they lose the glasses. Somehow I think wired glasses is going in the wrong direction, they'll be a joy when paired with a set of headphones as well.

Toshiba is working on a 3d screen that wont require wearing any form of glasses when that goes mainstream then you will really see 3d take off.

fingerbob69 15th October 2010, 20:47

Toshiba is working on a 3d screen that wont require wearing any form of glasses when that goes mainstream then you will really see 3d take off.

...And probably not until. It's what would persuade me ot think about investing in the tech.

runadumb 15th October 2010, 21:09

Remember that 3D screens also run at 120hz. Even if you don't give a flying F about the 3D you get 120hz on your monitor. No downside

enciem 15th October 2010, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by runadumb
Remember that 3D screens also run at 120hz. Even if you don't give a flying F about the 3D you get 120hz on your monitor. No downside

...but the compensation for what are basically weak sunglasses in the color reproduction makes the screen rubbish for 2D usage

RichCreedy 15th October 2010, 22:37

wired glasses doesnt seem a bad idea to me, as most peeps are sat within a foot and a half of their monitor, and it saves on adding infrared tr/rcvr, maybe they could tie it in with some headphones :)

Woodspoon 16th October 2010, 12:37

Still think all this 3d stuff is just a gimmick to get people buying untill they come up with something better to flog.

wuyanxu 16th October 2010, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodspoon
Still think all this 3d stuff is just a gimmick to get people buying untill they come up with something better to flog.

agree, £300 for a 1080p monitor? no thanks, i'd rather spend a bit extra for a IPS monitor at 1920x1200

frontline 16th October 2010, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodspoon
Still think all this 3d stuff is just a gimmick to get people buying untill they come up with something better to flog.

Agree with this. Normal HD TV's and monitors are getting cheaper and cheaper and they need something to tout as 'the next big thing'. Unfortunately, i don't think 3D is it (certainly not with the current technology limitations).

Disco 16th October 2010, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by enciem
...but the compensation for what are basically weak sunglasses in the color reproduction makes the screen rubbish for 2D usage

Many find the pros outweigh the cons for 2D gaming.

120Hz monitor
Pros
Virtually no input lag.
Less trailing on motion (more frames means less of the sample and hold effect)
More responsive and smoother (due to having more images 120 per second rather than 60 per second)

Cons
Black levels can't match IPS
Colour reproduction can't match IPS
Poor viewing angles

A 120Hz IPS would be the best of both worlds.

Grape Flavor 16th October 2010, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodspoon
Still think all this 3d stuff is just a gimmick to get people buying untill they come up with something better to flog.

good thing no one's forcing us to buy them then.

leveller 16th October 2010, 20:02

Will be good to see this in action, hope I get a chance.

But I won't be buying until they hit 27 or 30"

Snips 18th October 2010, 08:45

Am I right in my assumption that 3D requires a much higher Hz to work? What is the minimum requirement for the AMD and Nvidia 3D cards?

If it is just the Hz side which holds it back, then why can't I use my 600Hz LG non-3D Plasma as a monitor with a compatible GFX card and 3D glasses?

JA12 19th October 2010, 11:49

Dynamic contrast ratio is so useless it shouldn't be even mentioned.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrast_ratio#Dynamic_Contrast_.28DC.29