Waiting for 3D monitors - good idea?

[Craig234]

I pssed up the sale on the Dell U2410 for one reason, 60Hz lacking 3D support.

If I'm buying a new monitor for gaming, I'd like the option for 3D.

There doesn't seem to be a great option for a 3D gaming monitor yet. I'm not locked into a size, but the main ones seem to be big screen 120 Hz tv's.

Is it a good idea waiting for newer choices for 120Hz monitors - possibly IPS - for gaming? I've got an older CRT with problems that can wait, but it'd be nice to upgrade sooner.

 

[zerocool84]

If you care about 3D then sure but I know I don't. Just another gimmick to sell new monitors/hardware. It's the same thing with movies too. I hate it.

 

[Seero]

If you care about 3D then sure but I know I don't. Just another gimmick to sell new monitors/hardware. It's the same thing with movies too. I hate it.

Clearly, for those who never seen 3D before, it is a gimmick. For those who are on 3D now, won't go back to 2D.

Most games are 3D ready, but several problems with 3D in general. FPS drops 30-50% as soon as 3D is on, simply because 2 frames are needed for each 3D frame. If you have powerful video cards, than that is solved. Non 3D cursor is another problem if you are a hardcore player. Having 2D cursor makes it very difficult to click on objects that are in 3D. Many RTS/MMO/RPG games have UI in 2D, like health's and stuffs which looks funny. However, there are games that resolved, which claims to be 3D ready, like WoW and batman AA. Shadows in some games are messed up. Sometimes you can turn them off, sometimes you can't. Some CGs are rendered in 2D, some are rendered in 3D. However, new games have 3D in mind, and those problem doesn't exists.

Aside from that, the problem of the tech is ghosting, where the frame that is suppose to be visible to the left eye are also visible to the right, making objects appears to have to ghost images on each side. Both the quality of the LCD and the glasses play a role on this, but it is pretty good atm as some games of 0 ghosts. Of course games with high contrast still has problems.

 

[zerocool84]

Clearly, for those who never seen 3D before, it is a gimmick. For those who are on 3D now, won't go back to 2D.

Who hasn't seen it? They have it in practically every electronics store. That's why I said if he thinks it's important. He can go check it out anywhere. If you like it great but I don't. It's just like motion controls to me. A gimmick to sell new hardware.

 

[ChippyUK]

I've got a U2410 and the quality is exceptional both for games and browsing.

I think 3D in games will be an afterthought for a few years as it'll take a long time before a development studio puts a lot of work into it (as only a few have the hardware required) but I could well be wrong too :S

I think it's more for your 'big screen' to watch 3D TV broadcasts than for games at the moment.

 

[MarcVenice]

3d gives me a headache

We have this new 3d tv from Samsung, and I'd buy it just for it's clear image. The 3d is nice though, but like I said, gives me a headache.

Problem with 3d monitors right now is size, prize and they are tn-panels.

This is the biggest you can get afaik: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-222-_-Product

Besides the looks ( to each their own I guess), besides being 120Hz, it doesn't have a lot going for it ...

 

[Sylvanas]

The best reason for a 120hz monitor is....120hz. Really tbh I don't care for 3D but the increased refresh rate is excellent for gaming. From all accounts just moving the mouse on the desktop there is a noticable difference with 120hz monitors- let alone fast moving FPS titles. Unfortunately I think it was BFG that said 120hz and 1920x1080 is the limit until we get to Displayport as there is not enough bandwidth with DVI/HDMI.

 

[43st]

I have the Acer posted above.. While 3d may be questionable, 120Hz is not. It's awesome, and makes using my flicker-tastic 60Hz monitors at work a PITA.

The Acer is not perfect though, and others 120Hz monitors are on the way. But it may be a while before there is a better selection, and hopefully non-TN 120Hz. option.

 

[davidrees]

120hz on a TV is nothing like 120hz on a monitor. 3D TVs may be more like monitors, but your standard TV that says 120hz just inserts an interpolated frame and is not helpful to gaming.

 

[NoQuarter]

I'm waiting till next year to buy a 120Hz monitor, not enough options atm, plus there should be better glasses out by then.

 

[StinkyPinky]

I have zero interest in 3D.

 

[Ben90]

The best reason for a 120hz monitor is....120hz. Really tbh I don't care for 3D but the increased refresh rate is excellent for gaming. From all accounts just moving the mouse on the desktop there is a noticable difference with 120hz monitors- let alone fast moving FPS titles. Unfortunately I think it was BFG that said 120hz and 1920x1080 is the limit until we get to Displayport as there is not enough bandwidth with DVI/HDMI.

120hz monitors are absolutely amazing compared to 60fps. EVERYTHING is so much smoother, even mouse movements, or the animation for windows minimizing/maximizing.

A single link DVI can transmit up to 1920x1200 @ 60hz so I'm going to extrapolate and say dual DVI can handle 1920x1200 @ 120hz. I don't think there is any overhead that would prevent it.

Unfortunately I don't think we will see 19x12@120hz for a while because the market is starting to get flooded with 1080p marketing-nonsense.