Tech Blog

[#1]

I mentioned in my post on the PlayStation 3 price-cut that I felt that the Move wasn't as central to Sony's strategy as 3D, and here is a perfect example of that: Sony went as far as revealing a PlayStation-branded 3D TV at E3 this year, and it's going to be available for pre-order soon, so let's take a look at it, eh?

In the package, you're going to get:

• - The PlayStation 3D Display, which is a 24" TV with full HD 1080p.
• - One pair of PlayStation 3D Glasses, which are active 3D shutter glasses that charge via USB.
• - MotorStorm: Apocalypse for PS3
• - A HDMI cable.

That's going to come in at $499, which is fairly reasonable for a 3D TV these days, and the TV is expected for release in November this year. However, other than the inclusion of MotorStorm: Apocalypse, you might be wondering why you'd want to stump for this 3D TV over another of a similar size, particularly if you're not especially attached to ensuring everything you own is branded PlayStation (oh, and don't worry: an Xbox will work with this TV, if you're feeling ironic.)

The big reason to go for this one is something that Sony are dubbing "SimulView". Now, to use this you are going to have to stump up for another pair of PlayStation 3D Glasses (which will be exclusively able to use this feature) a game that supports SimulView, and, well, a pal to play with. In SimulView, you have to wear your glasses but don't get to see the game in 3D; instead you view the game in full-screen 2D... but your co-op partner (or opponent) sees their own screen rather than yours! So on one TV you will both see different things, which is a clever (if not especially groundbreaking) manipulation of polarity and refresh rate.

I had a chance to mess around with one of these displays while at E3, and I have to say it seemed like it would be a great "starter" 3D TV if you particularly love the 3D experience. SimulView was fun (and useful!) and the TV is overall excellent if you can accept the fact that it's a bit small (24" is intended for "smaller entertainment spaces," but in my opinion 32" is about as small as you can get these days without, you know, feeling like your TV is tiny, or you need to sit with it about two foot away from you.)

And with Sony's commitment to 3D, you can expect there will be lots of 3D games to play for the life of your TV even if some people (myself included, to be honest) think it might turn out to be a bit of a fad... or will it? I suppose buying this TV will prove it one way or the other...

[#2]

I've been looking forward to this release ever since E3.

I really would prefer the passive 3D technology, but this is a good price point and I like the size!  It is nice and portable, and I won't feel bad upgrading to a 40"+ later on.

As mentioned, this might be a great entry point for people on the fence with 3D.

Personally, I think 3D is here to stay.  Right now the technology is new and there are only early adopters.  There is really a lot of potential that 3D can offer which tools today have only scratched the surface.

Imagine being able to walk in Google StreetView in 3D.  Imagine applications for medical surgery.  We are only in the infancy stage right now.

I don't think that ALL movies should be in 3D, but certainly watching modern movies in 3D is more immersive if it is recorded innately in 3D.

Anyways, back to the Playstation 3D Monitor -- I think the two-player aspect is neat, but I wouldn't buy the monitor with that as the primary reason.

The big advantage of this set is (1) it is 'cheap', (2) it is a good small starter size for 3D.

[#3]

Meh not a fan of whats projected here for a couple reasons:

#1- Active shutter I find has nowhere near the 3D effect as the passive (way more extending out of the t.v. with passive.)

#2- The simulview sounds like one of the main selling features which whoops Sony, LG beat you to the punch.

#3- How on earth is active shutter 3D on a 24" going to be worth it, I imagine seeing hardly any 3D effect whatsoever unless your sitting 2 feet from your t.v.

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