X1A vs. Z800 or projection vs. HMD? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

stereo3d.com webboard » General 3D Discussion » X1A vs. Z800 or projection vs. HMD? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

cybereality

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 10:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IPPrint Post

I am currently looking into ungrading my 3d gaming rig and I need some advice. Currently I am using a pair of wireless ELSA glasses and a Nvidia 6800GT card on a 21" monitor. The 3d is alright for some games (like DOOM3/HL2) but for the most part it isn't as immersive as I'd like.

My price range is under $1000, but I would like to get the best experience possible. My choices are either the Infocus X1a projector (which seems to be able to provide active stereo w/ one projector) or the soon to be released eMagin Z800 3D HMD. Both will end up running me about $1000 total (the projector is only $700 but will need a mount and screen). For this price range, these seem to be the best options.

So my question is this: which provides a more immersive experience? I am looking for the type of 3D seen in the IMAX3D theaters. I have also used the old Virtuality games in the arcade and those where pretty good, but I hear consumer HMDs arn't as immersive. Will the stereo projector actually make objects pop out of the screen, or will it just be the same as shutterglasses on a monitor only bigger? Also, do the razor 3D-DVDs work with projectors? I am really interested in getting the IMAX3D experience.

Also, I like the idea of the projector because I can also use it as a home theater (so other people can watch) but then I will need a head-tracking solution for gaming. But the HMD seems like it would be more capable of VR applications or augmented reality. I am mainly interested in 3D gaming, but also in custom VR applications in the future. If anyone has any advice, please let me know. I dont want to waste $1000 to have another gadget collecting dust on my shelf. Thanks.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Enrico Fermi

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - 3:54 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IPPrint Post

Well, the thing about the Z800 is that it not only incorporates stereovision but also head tracking. This additional feature makes it far superior to a projector for 3D gaming. That said, it all depends on what you will primarily be using it for. If it is mostly gaming, then I cannot see any reason not to buy the Z800, but IMAX movies are probably better with the projector. Unlike the projector though, the Z800 will place you inside your scene or game while the projector will still be like watching through a window. Turn your head up, down, left, or right and you see that part of the world. I expect this head tracking feature to become more integrated into games and movies in the future, plus I can think of several undeveloped areas that this visor could be used for.

Personally, I would buy both the Z800 and a DLP projector. In fact, I already own the projector, so this is my plan. I chose DLP for its vivid colors and impressive technology, and the Z800 seems to also have a brilliant display. I have always wanted an OLED display anyway.

But, it all depends on how much you think you will use this. If you do lots of online gaming, then I can't think of anything better. For LAN parties these things would probably be antisocial. I bet it would give a huge advantage in Americas Army. I believe that they will be one of the first to fully integrate the visor.

This link shows some videos of the emagin Z800
http://imageevent.com/emagin/e3videos

If anyone here had a chance to use the Z800, I'd appreciate any feedback.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration