Nvidia released its 3D Vision stereoscopic 3D package two years ago, aiming it at gamers who wanted to play games that jumped out at them in more ways than one. This week, however, Nvidia expanded its focus to include professional environments by introducing 3D Vision Pro.

The system is designed to let architects, artists, computational chemists, engineers, and physicians see complex 3D designs in greater detail. It works with Nvidia Quadro workstation video cards, and like the original 3D Vision combines the wireless, 120-Hz active shutter glasses, an RF communications hub, and advanced software that translates graphics applications into full stereoscopic 3D. Also like the gamer-oriented 3D Vision, a 120-Hz monitor is required to correctly view the 3D effects.

According to Nvidia, the big difference between the two versions of 3D Vision is that 3D Vision Pro has been designed for video walls, collaborative virtual environments, studios, theaters, and other venues that will require large-scale visualization. 3D Vision Pro has an extended range of up 100 feet, does not have a line-of-sight requirement between the glasses and the emitter (which Nvidia claims will aid in multi-user or large-scale locales), bidirectional communication that lets systems verify the glasses are working and check their battery levels, and explicit connection between the glasses and the hub without crosstalk.

The 3D Vision Pro system may be run on both the 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7; Nvidia claims it will also support 32- and 64-bit Linux distributions in the future. 3D Vision Pro is available now from authorized channel partners, such as PNY Technologies in the United States. Each pair of 3D shutter glasses is priced at $349, with each RF hub priced at $399.

Original post here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2376692,00.asp