Build Your Own: Wall-Sized 3D Gaming, Just Like Theaters Do It

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TriDef 2D-To-3D Movie Payback

The TriDef Media player gives us something we did not expect when we started this review: a method to watch standard 2D DVDs and video files in 3D. The TriDef media player converts 2D content to 3D in real time. Frankly, we are surprised by this functionality.

Isn't it great when technology leapfrogs your expectations? As it turns out, the TriDef media player does a surprisingly good job of extrapolating stereo 3D information from 2D video. This media player uses an algorithm that analyzes the color, position, and movement of objects in the video, and renders a stereo 3D version of the movie for your viewing pleasure. You can adjust the apparent depth of the 3D effect with a simple slider or turn it off entirely.

Now, the result isn't perfect, and often the effect is a little off-base, but on the whole it does a servicable job. I found my kids and myself watching the entire DVD of Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D mode even though my original intention was just to test a scene or two. Personally, I find it works best with the 3D effect set to a minimum so that any incorrect estimations made by the software are not pronounced, and frankly it's a little easier on the eyes when it's not turned up high. But the product is solid and I can see myself using it on occasion when I want to experience a movie in 3D.

This scene from Star Trek demonstrates what happens when the 3D extrapolation works well
Don Woligroski
124 Comments Comment from the forums
  • MiamiU
    seems like being a hardcore gamer just keeps getting more and more expensive...
    Reply
  • Don't gives too big an image to try and see it 3d. A monitor can't handle: 800px × 248px!!!! That's just crazy big!!!
    Reply
  • Icehearted
    As for poor folk like me, we'll just settle for those still images where we cross our eyes, and cry because $2,565 is far away from "comfortable".
    Reply
  • winner4455
    I can see this becoming main stream and the next few years... In 3d too.
    Reply
  • tigerwraith
    2.6k now but you know things like this keep getting cheaper and cheaper. Maybe by this time next year, the 1080p 2600 lumens will drop to 500, and the drivers will better support dual projector setups.
    Reply
  • tigerwraith
    But I do have a question would of mattered if you used LCD projectors?
    Reply
  • gti88
    Great article! Thanx a lot.
    But as I can see, 3D stereo is not there yet.
    Almost no movies are available at 3DS, and game developers don't focus on stereo optimisation. Thus, we have some glitches and inconveniences.
    Reply
  • pojih
    ahh, something else to cost an arm and a leg...

    not saying that many people here don't want the fastest and most expensive....

    but it was clearly shown that many people looking at this site want something that performs for what it costs, as seen by the fermi release and the comments .....
    Reply
  • skora
    Whats the next price bracket up for a projector with higher res?

    I like the idea of dual projectors better than the alt-image standard, but they didn't ask me.

    Here's a wild thought, soon, everyone will have their own glasses that not only do the shutter for 3D, but will also be able to be personal monitors. Connect to any computer/phone/TV with your glasses. Displays might even become unnecessary. That will be the next wireless mainstream device. The iShades. Phone, mobile pc and display, earbud is right there. Have pants that have built in keyboard. We'll all just be sitting there with our shades on and never see the person next to us as we get lost in the cloud. And it all starts with 3D glasses. :P
    Reply
  • djab
    IceheartedAs for poor folk like me, we'll just settle for those still images where we cross our eyes, and cry because $2,565 is far away from "comfortable".
    No, you can at least use red/cyan paper glasses with iz3d drivers and a normal display.
    That is not that bad!
    Reply