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Reviewing the NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Experience Featuring the ASUS VG278H 120Hz LCD Monitor 3D Bundle

Eric Garay
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Even though NVIDIA 3D Vision ushered in a new age visual experience, I only vaguely remember it simply because there were limited games that offered a really great 3D experience. Not to mention, ill fitting 3D Vision glasses and flicker issues didn’t win many over. However, 3D technology has come a long way and enthusiasts are revelling in the Fermi and new Kepler architectures that give smooth frame rates and monitor manufacturers have stepped up with better products. With 3D Vision 2 available, there are many advancements that have made the technology totally viable (and fun) for every day gaming and use. Today we check out the combo that launched 3D Vision 2, the ASUS VG278H LED 3D Monitor and NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Bundle!


One Part NVIDIA 3D Vision 2

The new better looking 3D Vision 2 glasses have bigger, clearer lenses. They’re not so big you look like you’re wearing coke bottle bottoms but they are big enough to wear over a respectable sized pair of prescription lenses. The glasses also feature improved lens transition in response to the emitter signal built in to monitors (or external USB emitters). In other words, it should turn on and off more fluidly while eliminating flicker. This allows you the ability to look away without that delay.

While the second best part about 3D Vision 2 (3DV2) is that the new glasses are wireless, the amazing thing is that they only weigh 56 grams (1.96 ounces) which is just 6 grams more than the previous gen. That’s pretty neat considering they are a bit larger and house a rechargeable battery insie. The nose bridge is now completely made of rubber and is just about the perfect size for most faces. If it isn’t, two additional nose bridges are included for some additional sizing adjustments.

Keeping track of when the glasses need recharging is quite easy thanks to the LED indicator. And, of course, you can use them at the same time they’re charging. That’s right, there’s no breaks in battle so why should it all stop just because the battery is low?

If you’re purchasing these glasses for a compatible monitor, you can purchase them two ways. You can buy just the glasses for $99.99 US which work with monitors that have the emitter built in, like the ASUS VG278H as reviewed, or you can purchase a kit that includes the emitter for $149.99 US.

Two Parts ASUS VG278H 1080p Monitor

The better the visual source, the easier and longer it is to game in 3D before fatigue becomes an issue. If your eyes tire easily, you’re going to need a good quality 3D monitor with strong contrast and back lighting. While there are several 23 and 24″ models to choose from, I have the ASUS VG278H here in the lab that not only has impressive 3D features, but it was also the monitor that launched 3D Vision 2 back at the 2011 GeForceLAN Event on the USS Hornet.

Here are the specs:

  • Large 27″ 1080p Monitor – Maximum viewing area
  • NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Bundle – Flicker free, sharper 3D images
  • NVIDIA 3D LightBoost Technology – Twice the brightness and contrast with no increase in energy consumption
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate with 2ms Response Time – eliminate tracing (blurring) for crisp, clear video
  • Advanced Dual-Side LCD Driving Technology – Reduces LCD charging time to prevent ghosting or anomalies
  • Vivid Color Performance – Automatically adjusts color accuracy and image fidelity.
  • Six Video Presets – Scenery, Standard, Theater, Game, Night View and sRGB.
  • Ergonomic Design – Monitor base swivels, tilts (2 inches) and adjusts for height (4 inches).
  • Built-in Adjustable 3D Emitter – Adjusts to fit the user height
  • Connectivity – HDMI 1.4, Dual-link DVI-D, D-Sub and Analog Audio

Overall, this is the largest LCD 3D 120Hz monitor in the ASUS arsenal. There are other VG series 3D monitors starting at $289.99 that offer similar Vivid and 3D Vision Ready performance minus the 3D Emitter and 3D Vision 2 bundled glasses that come with the VG278H. However, the VG278H is meant to be the flagship monitor of choice at $659 US/CA and the performance is fantastic.

Test System Setup

In order to eliminate a few variables while testing NV3D2, I set up four different test systems just to see if there were any issues. I was mostly concerned with how well 3D Vision 2 works with various chipsets especially the Z77 chipset which support Lucid Virtu MVP covered in the next section. Here are the four systems I used.

Common Components

Test System Alpha

Test System Beta

Test System Charlie

Test System Delta

While this COULD be considered overkill, we just wanted to be sure we weren’t missing something that could adversely affect performance.





Lucid Virtu MVP Issues with NVIDIA 3D Vision 2

MVP does its best work when coupled with entry or performance level graphics cards. While it’s suppose to be helpful in all configurations, I found MVP can actually hurt performance when paired up with high performance cards like the GeForce GTX 580, 670 or 680 in 3D mode. I also found that MVP can prevent NVIDIA Control Panel from opening properly. If you use the MVP directly from LucidLogix webpage, you shouldn’t have any issues. However, if NCP still doesn’t open, simply disable MVP which worked every time. If Intel’s HD 4000 graphics is suppose to work through MVP to assist 3D gaming, it’s going to need a little more polishing.

Examining NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Comfort

So how do the new glasses fit? Well, I have a standard sized noggin with rather dashing facial features. The glasses sit pretty comfortably despite the generic shape of the frame and don’t slip thanks to the rubber bridge. The folding ear pieces have square rubber pads that grip your head snugly. The temple arms aren’t curved so they don’t actually allow the tips to site behind the ears.

Do they stay on when gaming? That depends on what you do with your head when you’re pwning your opponent or getting pwned by your opponent. I shook my head pretty vigorously to simulate a crazy gamer who just lost a $5,000 tournament and they stuck to my head pretty well compared to previous generation glasses. That brings us to the next point. How long before the glasses bug your head?

Being a physically active person, I can wear the glasses for hours if the game keeps me involved. However, my eyes are a different matter as they’re affected by the 3D monitor’s visuals. There is a direct correlation between visual fatigue and the visual source.

Examining NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 and ASUS VH278H 3D Performance

With the help of various members of my family, I scrutinized 3D performance over a solid two week period.

I found that the monitor’s emitter and glasses communicate very well and was quick. When a 3D program is running, the monitor detects the glasses on the user and the lenses slightly darken indicating they’re active. When looking away from the monitor, the glasses turn off the lenses which slightly lighten making it much easier to see your surroundings. In either case, the transition is very quick and offsets the monitor’s brightness very well. Another great thing is that the glasses needed recharging once in the two week time frame so if you forget your power cord at the LAN, it’s OK. You’ll live through the weekend without it.

The monitor was the defining factor in this visual test. Your experience will depend on which programmed video preset fits your preference. Remember, some of the presets are very bright as you’re expected to view the monitor through the slightly darkened 3D glasses. Naturally, you can manually turn down brightness for 2D viewing. Otherwise, here are my observations about each preset.

  • Scenery Mode – The brightest of all presets. Can be over powering without 3DV2 glasses.
  • Standard Mode – Uses lower video levels all around to create images easy on the eyes for average use. Best for working.
  • Theater Mode – Slightly dimmer than Scenery mode with enhanced contrast.
  • Game Mode – Similar to Theater with slightly sharper images.
  • Night View Mode – Similar to Game mode with slightly more contrast.
  • sRGB Mode – Meant for Photoshop or users who want to create a profile.

Ultimately, I found the video quality to be very vibrant, colorful and great contrasted at all times. With the exception of sRGB mode, the screen is still quite viewable through the 3D Vision 2 glasses which is very important. That’s the main reason why the ASUS VH278H monitor is so bright. Keep that in mind if you plan to do any 3D games.

Final Thoughts on NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 and the ASUS VG78H Bundle

So how does NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 measure up in this new world of 3D perception? Honestly, that will depend on the game and especially, if not more importantly, the 3D monitor you’re using. While many of the latest game titles have polished up the 3D effects, it’s still the monitor that portrays the image you’re hoping to see. And, 3D Vision 2 translates the overall 3D viewing experience thanks to the great new lens design and rechargeable features.

With the ASUS VH278H 1080p 3D monitor and 3D Vision 2, I have experienced the coolest games and video. It’s like watching everything brand new again. The monitor displays a picturesque image that many critics can appreciate. The colors are indeed vivid and the contrast is quite rich. While the high brightness is suited for 3D viewing by default, the monitor provides presets and manual tuning to please all. Most surprising was the sRGB setting allowing the monitor to service your work and play needs. It is truly something to behold through the lense of a pair of 3D Vision 2 glasses.

What we have here is a collaboration of the best software and hardware that money can buy. NVIDIA’s 3D Vision 2 glasses can be found from most major retailers for $99.99 US/CA for glasses only, or $149.99 US/CA if you need an emitter and your 3D compatible monitor doesn’t have one. This makes it possible to upgrade from 3D Vision 1 and it’s totally worth it. Mainly because of all the new features that increase performance and decrease fatigue. So if you have an old setup, you can still move to the new technology, however please note that Lightboost only works on newer monitors like the ASUS looked at here.

And, while you can find a smaller 23″ ASUS VG236H for about $359.99, our 27″ ASUS VG278H with its immaculate display and features can be found for $659.99. Basically, you’re spending a couple hundred more for the most perfect 3D Vision 2 bundle that money can buy. But whether you go small or go all the way, 3D Vision 2 has proven that NVIDIA’s technology is here to stay. It gets my Editors’ Choice Award.

Pros

  • Better 3D Vision 2 design
  • Rechargeable 50 hour lenses
  • Larger, better quality lenses
  • Flicker free powered 3D lenses
  • Monitor picture is impressive
  • Vivid colors and strong contrast
  • Built-in adjustable 3D emitter
  • Quick 3D transition with 3D Vision 2
  • Largest 3D monitor available
  • Best 3D experience and quality for the price

Cons

  • Only monitor on the market to bundle 3D Vision 2

Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0








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