(Phil Lelyveld comment: for active shutter displays that come with glasses, it would be useful for the tech specs to include the clear-to-black and black-to-clear response times of the mftr’s supplied glasses in addition to the display response time ( 2 ms, listed below). The relationship may have health, image brightness, and enjoyment implications, and become a marketing point.)
Samsung was one of the standout monitor vendors of CES 2011. The company demoed some high-quality, aesthetically pleasing offerings, and although we gave these a cursory look when they were announced, we’ve had time since then to gather additional information and will be taking a closer at the company’s early 2011 monitor lineup this week. Today we take a deeper look at its planned 3D monitors.
This year, Samsung will launch the 950 and 750 in a number of configurations, including both normal monitor versions and HDTV/monitor hybrid versions at 23- and 27-inch screen sizes. All permutations will make use of Samsung’s proprietary 3D technology, including its own wireless 3D glasses and built-in 3D emitter.
Here are the basic specs:
Monitor: S23A750D (23-inch), S27A750D (27-inch), S23A950D (23-inch), S27A950D (27-inch)
1,920 x 1,080 resolution
Response Time: 2 ms
Contrast ratio:1,000: 1
Viewing angle: 170?/160?
Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI
950 only: 2D to 3D conversion
WLED backlit
100 percent sRGB coverage
Touch of Color on 750 models
HDTV/Monitor Models: T23A750 (23-inch), T27A750 (27-inch), T23A950 (23-inch), T27A950 (27-inch)
1,920 x 1,080 resolution
Response Time: 5 ms
Contrast ratio:1,000: 1
Viewing angle: 170?/160?
Connectivity: HDMI, USB 2.0, RF In, Audio Out, Digital Audio Out, PC Audio In, Component, Composite, Ethernet, RF Out
2D to 3D conversion
Audio: Speakers: (2) 7W speakers with Dolby Digital, SRS TheaterSound HD, DTS 2.0 and 3D sound support
WLED backlit
100 percent sRGB coverage
Touch of Color on 750 models
As you can see, the HDTV/monitor versions include many more features, and although pricing info has yet to be released, it’s likely that the HDTV/monitor versions cost more.
As for 3D content, the 950 and 750 are compatible with 3D movies, 3DTV, and user-created 3D content like 3D photos and 3D videos.
Also, the SA950 monitor and the TA950 and TA750 HDTV/monitors can convert normal 2D content and render it in 3D. This works for PC games, console games, and movies, and although we can’t yet say for certain, it’s likely that converted 3D content won’t look quite as impressive as content specifically made for 3D.
When I saw these monitors demoed at CES, one of the things that really impressed me was the apparent smoothness of the image when displaying HD movies. Although each monitor uses a TN panel, they include Samsung’s “Ultra Clear Panel” technology, which according to Samsung, “combines the vibrancy of a glossy display while maintaining the ease of viewing afforded by an antiglare matte finish.”
As I said, the results I witnessed at CES were quite impressive and gave content running on the display a level of “pop” I’d not seen in other monitors running similar content.
As for power saving, the monitors include both an ambient light sensor and an Eco Motion sensor that automatically turn the displays on or off when a user is within or has left the vicinity of the monitor. Somewhat creepy? Sure. Will it save energy? Probably a bit.
As an added bonus, owners of the 950 will also get Samsung’s Smart TV feature, giving users access to YouTube, Netflix, Facebook and Twitter. They’ll also be able to download a variety of Samsung Apps via an onscreen widget.
The 3D-enabled 750 and 950 monitors will all be available in March 2011. Prices have not yet been determined.
Original story here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20028659-1.html?tag=mncol;1n