The latest 3D gaming glasses have better fit, longer playing time and a trendier look.
Aiming to boost their selections, China suppliers of 3D gaming viewers are improving usability, features and aesthetics.
To heighten fit and comfort, new designs are made lighter, weighing 21g compared with the average 35 to 45g. Smaller styles are available for younger children as well.
Companies are also enhancing the play experience by extending the battery life up to 160 hours. Moreover, the field refresh rate is now 480Hz from 120. This upgrade helps improve response speed and image brightness.
Further, makers are creating 3D glasses that boast synchronized RF signal transmitters to allow multiple-player interaction. Currently, most 3D viewers use a one-to-one IR system.
In terms of aesthetics, suppliers are choosing brighter colored frames instead of the conventional black. Fashion trends are also adopted, with some emulating sunglasses.
China’s output of 3D gaming viewers, however, remains marginal, contributing only 5 to 8 percent to the stereoscopy industry. One reason for this is the higher demand for home TV 3D glasses. Considering more consumers own these monitors rather than PC and video games, makers allot a larger investment to the development of the first.
Further, additional specialized equipment such as 120Hz LCD screens are needed to observe advanced gaming images properly. It may therefore take some time before the majority of users upgrade to this technology.
Compounding the situation is patent challenges. Because most makers yield only glasses, the pairs need to be created compatible with parts such as signal transmitters and graphics cards from third-party providers. Before doing so, however, manufacturers must pay expensive licensing fees. US-based Nvidia holds a monopoly on 3D graphics cards and a significant share of the emitter supply.
Nevertheless, businesses remain optimistic that output will improve in coming years as demand is expected to climb.
Most 3D gaming viewers are light-speed LCD shutter models. Using alternate-frame sequencing, IR, RF or even Bluetooth signals trigger the darkening of one lens, and the refreshing of the other in time with the monitor’s renew rate. This alters the perspective of each eye and creates the illusion of a stereoscopic image. The glasses are mainly powered by rechargeable Li-ion batteries and have a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. They come in a wired or wireless configuration.
Low-end models utilize local or Taiwan-sourced LCD shutters. MCUs are procured from the latter. The field refresh rate is 120Hz and the playing time is 50 to 100hr. Synchronized IR signals are common. These are $28 to $35.
Upscale models employ LCD shutters from Taiwan and South Korea. The refresh speed is 120 to 480Hz, and IR or RF is utilized. Midrange designs are $36 to $50. High-end pairs are above $50 and include emitters.
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