Detonation of the topic of the year 3D plasma and 3D LCD on the same stage PK

IT168 Review 2010 audio-visual entertainment products the hottest topic is naturally 3D, a "Avatar" caused many viewers to watch 3D movies at home desire, after the intensive product release in April, two bearing the latest 3D technology and features of the TV products to IT168 evaluation room, a newly listed Samsung 46C7000, the other is far away from Japan, Panasonic 50VT2 plasma, it seems that a pair of LCD and plasma enemies will be inevitable PK battlefield 3D HD. Panasonic 50VT2 plasma shipped from Japan, it seems that LCD and plasma this pair of enemies in the 3D high-definition battlefield PK will be inevitable. Along with them came a new Blu-ray player DMP-BDT300, which supports Blu-ray 3D discs, to experience the difference between the two types of display devices in the 3D era by playing the 3D demo disc and Monsters vs Aliens, which are the only Blu-ray 3D movie discs, and at the same time, to help readers to understand the equipment they need to build a brand-new 3D theater, and of course, there are more articles about the application of 3D TV. The article then dedicates, of course, first of all, to understand the current mainstream active shutter 3D glasses and 120Hz 3D TV technology.

Active shutter glasses become the mainstream of home 3D

Simply put, the two keys to the realization of 3D video, one is the left and right picture of the storage, transmission mode, a left and right picture of the display mode, the early years of the red and green color separation of the movie, left and right picture after the color separation process is stored in the same picture, the storage, transmission, display have no special requirements, you only need to bring a Red and green color separation glasses, but the separation effect is poor, the screen color is seriously distorted, in addition to bring a little stereoscopic view, itself does not have too good an experience; and the current cinema 3D display is the two projectors were polarized by the polarization angle difference of 90 degrees of the polarizer, and then by the silver curtain reflecting the respective polarization of light, with the polarization of the glasses is just the same difference of 90 degrees, left and right eyes to see the corresponding picture; and the current The current home 3D equipment is the left and right screen interval display, and then by the active shutter-type eyes staggered open, so that the left and right eyes to see the corresponding picture, so that the TV in addition to the need to double the refresh rate, there is no other special needs, the following animation is very good explanation of this way of working:

Active shutter-type glasses schematic (animation is larger please wait)

How to choose and use active Shutter glasses

Active shutter glasses are actually two monochrome LCD screens, like the kind used in calculators, which open and close at a frequency of 60 times per second, and at the same time synchronized through the infrared transmitter of the TV to ensure that the opening and closing time is the same as the time of the appearance of the picture on the screen of the TV set, which also requires power to work, and need to use batteries, from the type of batteries are divided into rechargeable and button cell battery type, such as the Samsung C-Code, the Samsung C-Code, the Samsung C-Code, the Samsung C-Code and the Samsung C-Code. Button battery type, for example, Samsung C7000 series comes with glasses for rechargeable, charging two hours can be used for 30 hours, Panasonic VT2 is equipped with button battery, the size looks similar to the motherboard batteries, the trouble of replacing them in the future is also to be considered.

Samsung C7000 equipped with rechargeable glasses

The Panasonic glasses with a button battery

In the beginning of the use of 3D glasses, occasionally feel the flicker is very strong, and later found with fluorescent lamps, after all, a single eyeglasses lens refreshing frequency of 60hz, with the domestic grid of the existence of the 50Hz difference between the beat effect, which in fact, the manual also reminded of this, and then Look carefully at the manual, that inside the text about the warning 3D discomfort symptoms can be quite a lot, so here is also the first to remind the user attention.

Finally, it should be noted that the two brands of 3D glasses are not compatible, this is certainly because the synchronization signal format is different, but at the same time there may be interference, for example, the plasma and LCD at the same time when the Samsung random glasses can not be synchronized, compatible with the glasses in the future will not become a big deal?

Stay away from fluorescent lights

Warning text for 3D discomfort symptoms

As mentioned earlier, the two key parts of 3D video, in addition to the display device, but also to consider the storage and transmission, leaving aside the red and green color separation of blue light, NV Stereoscopic Phantom in the promotion of a lot of video DEMOs, most of which are used in the left-right split (or left-right merger) of the storage method, the left-right split, such as Samsung 3D TVs. Left and right split as Samsung 3D TV comes with a random 3D video, in the 1920x1080 screen, the left and right images of each half, that is, the resolution of 960x1080 of the two parts of the 2010 World Cup 3D broadcast will also be the use of half of the division of the storage and transmission, the biggest advantage is that you do not need to replace any equipment, there is also a hard to put the left and right two video Put together, such as the following Oldtimers_1080p_Side-by-Side.wmv file, the resolution of 2880x1080, can reach 1440x1080 quasi-Full HD resolution, but basically can only be realized in the PC playback, and in the 3D TV can be adjusted to achieve the final display of the 3D display, but this is not able to match the effect of Blu-ray 3D.

1920x1080 tp file split in half

For HD, you'll have to use a special format like wmv

3D TVs mostly support a wide range of 3D storage formats

By the way, the effect of the 2D to 3D feature isn't noticeable, and isn't really worth it compared to the added discomfort of wearing 3D glasses, so While these 3D storage methods can be relatively simple to implement, TVs do not recognize such 3D signals and need to be turned on manually. Blu-ray 3D disks and HDMI 1.4 are the perfect solution for true 3D Full HD.

Based on Blu-ray 3D and HDMI 1.4 in order to realize 3D Full HD

Blu-ray 3D storage, transmission are based on a parallel approach, the left and right images are divided into two video files, the primary version of HDMI 1.4 does not increase the bandwidth, but rather, in a data transmission cycle, while sending the left and right image data, HDMI 1.3 up to support 1920x1080 60P video, the current primary version of HDMI 1.4 can only transmit 1920x1080 24P and 1280x720 60P 3D video, which is like the original 8-meter-wide single lane, was divided into 4-meter-wide dual carriageway, the total amount of data does not break through the limits of HDMI 1.3, so the cable does not need to be upgraded, but to identify such parallel data, the data definitions of the sending and receiving ICs must be modified, including the format of the EDID information.

Blu-ray 3D each video contains a main video and 3D extended article, and there exists a virtual file SSIF with an additive capacity

HDMI 1.4's 3D video transmission format

With the new specification, the device is recognized more clearly, and when a 3D Blu-ray player is playing a Blu-ray 3D disc, the 3D TV will automatically recognize the 3D video signal, and pop up a prompt box asking the user to turn on the 3D video signal. and a prompt box pops up asking the user to turn on the 3D glasses and pay attention to physical comfort.

Samsung's C7000 pops up in the lower left corner

Panasonic's VT2 pops up right in the middle

So apart from the loss of half the clarity of 3D video, can HDMI 1.3 devices also deliver full HD 3D? This answer can not be given at present, Samsung C7000 TV 3D options in a switch, seems to tell us there is still hope, and the old version of the PS3 after upgrading to version 3.30, but also appear 1080P 24 and 720P 60 two 3D video output format, to know the old version of the PS3's HDMI connector is not even a complete HDMI 1.3, but at present, PS3 s new firmware is prepared for games, to play Blu-ray 3D disks is currently impossible, according to Sony's official reply: ? It's not impossible to consider, it will be the end of the year at the earliest?

Detecting 3D from HDMI 1.3?

The PS3's 3D video option just doesn't have any use yet

Many AV enthusiasts have just recently upgraded their next-generation amplifiers, and are experiencing the high-quality sound that comes from lossless source code, but Blu-ray 3D with HDMI 1.4 immediately puts people's moods at rock bottom, and they can't afford to upgrade again! I'm not sure if I want to upgrade again. In this case I take the Dragon 1910 next-generation amplifier connected to a 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray machine to do an experiment, it should be noted that the Panasonic 3D Blu-ray machine DMP BDT300 with two HDMI output.

Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc Player DMP BDT300

Dual HDMI output

1 According to the traditional serial connection HDMI method

Serial connection can only realize 2D playback

According to the traditional way of connecting, we will connect the 3D Blu-ray Disc Player's HDMI output to the input of the amplifier, and then connect the amplifier's output to the 3D TV. At this time, the disc player detects devices that do not support 3D, and can only output normal 2D signals.

2 Sub HDMI output to AV amplifier and turn off the video

Turn off the video output of the sub HDMI port in the Blu-ray player menu

The panel of the disc player shows HDMI SUB Video Off

3D can be realized normally

By transmitting the video separately from the audio, the system can realize 3D function normally. The 3D function, so as long as the upgrade of 3D Blu-ray player choose dual HDMI output models, you can avoid the trouble of upgrading the amplifier, and like HDMI cable do not have to replace.

As the earliest 3D TV on the market, Samsung has spared no effort. The C7000 series is not much more expensive than the 2D models, but the 5,800 yuan gift package is basically a must-have, because the 3D features of the C7000 basically can't be used without a 3D Blu-ray player and 3D glasses and the first Blu-ray 3D movie, "Monsters vs Aliens".

Samsung UA46C7000WF

Samsung UA46C7000WF

Samsung UA46C7000WF

Samsung UA46C7000WF interface with an adapter cable

Samsung C7000 is the thickest of the 3D LCD TVs it launched in April. It's just to say that Samsung has taken thin and light LCD TVs to a new level, so much so that most of the interfaces on the back panel require adapter cables, such as Ethernet ports, VGA ports, optical fiber outputs, and analog video ports, which of course aren't necessary if you're only using USB, HDMI, and wireless NICs.

The C7000 remote control

Turning on the backlight

I can't help but notice that the C7000's remote control is a bit of a showstopper, with its metallic look and feel, and of course the most noticeable feature is the 3D button, which you don't need to press to connect to a 3D Blu-ray player.

The C7000 comes with its own 3D glasses

The power switch for the glasses

Before we talk about the C7000's 3D effect, let's first announce the test results for its display performance. After all, 3D video is also dependent on the effect of the 2D screen display, and since the dynamic backlight can never be completely turned off, the static contrast ratio can only be estimated, and it's probably in the same class as the B7000 series. The color gamut range is slightly higher than that of a regular LED-backlit TV, giving it a certain advantage in color, though the viewing angle and uniformity still haven't improved much. With the help of Motion Plus 200Hz, the dynamic sharpness test score reaches 900 lines, though it may not be as effective in 3D mode.

Test results

Optimized settings

Full-white brightness

397 cd/m2

Dynamic contrast ratio (not with the backlight completely off)

8000:1

Static contrast ratio (estimated)

4800:1

Dynamic clarity

6.5ppf (MP Clear)

900 lines

Color saturation

NTSC gamut equivalent

83%

As already mentioned, this Panasonic 50VT2 is not a domestic model, but a locally-listed model in Japan, so the appearance and configuration are for reference only, and the all-Japanese menus and the BS digital TV reception options have to be set up as soon as you turn on the computer. The full Japanese menu and the option to set up BS digital TV reception as soon as it's switched on really made things difficult for me for a while, but the excellent picture quality still made it possible for him to represent plasma TVs on the 3D PK table.

Nissan original Panasonic 50VT2

Oval base looks cute

Interface is as professional as ever

Four cooling fans still give the impression of a lot of heat

Japanese remote control out of a piece of digital TV control

Though it is difficult to say that the configuration of the original model will be the same as the original model of the domestic market, but some details should be retained.

Random 3D glasses included

Power switch on the left

Optional position of the nosepiece

Panasonic random 3D glasses powered by a coin cell battery, the duration is unknown, with two pairs of nosepiece, the glasses frame size is larger, may be in order to itself on the glasses users can then wear 3D glasses, but from the feelings of many of my colleagues wearing glasses, the two pairs of glasses can not feel very good. However, from the experience of many colleagues who wear glasses, two pairs of glasses can not feel good, may be more suitable for contact lenses.

Results

Optimized Settings

Peak Brightness

248 cd/m2

Static Contrast Ratio

8300:1

Dynamic Contrast Ratio

Unmeasurable

Dynamic Sharpness

6.5ppf (MP Sharp)

1080 Lines

This is the first time that I've seen an image from a 3D camera. p>1080 lines

Color saturation

Equivalent to NTSC color gamut

90%

The VT2's test scores were similar to its predecessor, though dynamic contrast was already difficult to measure because the control circuitry completely turned off the screen display when it went to an all-black screen, and the instrument did not take a reading, which is very similar to the C7000's dynamic backlighting control as well. This is also very similar to the C7000's dynamic backlight control. Plasma in the color gamut and static contrast ratio advantage is still very obvious, for people like this author is more picky about the picture quality, the active light-emitting display device is still very advantageous.

***same problem: left and right image crosstalk, ghosting

In the alone experience for a while after the full HD 3D movie, feel the fresh excitement of the stereoscopic picture, the scene in the picture will even appear as you move, but also experienced some of the problems that exist in the current 3D TV, plasma and LCD***same with the left and right image crosstalk and insufficient separation of the In Panasonic's promotional video, this is called CrossTalk, which means that the right eye shouldn't be able to see the content of the left eye's image, but due to response delays and so on, there is a residual image that creates ghosting.

Crosstalk

The above image is actually a diagram of Panasonic's claimed fast drive technology to reduce crosstalk, but I still occasionally find the presence of these shadows when enjoying 3D video with a plasma, and most people might think that LCD's responsiveness would lead to heavy shadows and crosstalk is worse than that of a plasma, and in fact, only in the case of a large contrast between the main image and the background image would the LCD's shadows be more pronounced, and this is related to the LCD's ability to produce a more accurate image. In fact, only when the contrast between the subject image and the background image is large will the LCD's ghosting be noticeable, which has to do with the LCD's longest full grayscale response time, and the VT2 will also see ghosting from time to time, which may have an effect on the glasses' refresh speed and synchronization mechanism.

Bright edge of the planet in the left lens to leave ghosting

3D LCD's own problems: can not tilt the head

LCD screen is able to form the image grayscale, because the liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched in the middle of the two layers of polarizers, which two layers of polarizers polarization direction of the difference between the 90 degrees, and the application of a voltage to rotate the liquid crystal molecules at different angles, so that the polarization of light through the first polarizer changes polarization direction, so that the first polarizer is the first polarization of light. The liquid crystal molecules rotate at different angles when a voltage is applied, so that the polarized light through the first polarizer changes the direction of polarization, and the angle between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal molecules determines the amount of light transmission. (The liquid crystal molecules themselves are still transparent when voltage is applied). The active shutter glasses are also a liquid crystal screen, which also contains two layers of polarizers, and when the first layer of the glasses' polarizer forms an angle with the TV's outer layer of polarizers, it will darken or even blacken the image. (For those of you who love photography, please refer to CPL). In other words, you can't tilt your head to watch TV with 3D glasses on.

Plasma's own problem: 120Hz refresh leads to deterioration of dark grayscale

Dark details in 2D playback, which are still clean

Switching to 3D mode shows a noticeable appearance of red and green noise

For a display device that inherently relies on the flicker frequency to form grayscale, the most worrisome thing about doubling the refresh rate is the grayscale problem, because at the total Doubling the refresh rate while keeping the total flicker frequency constant narrows the bandwidth used to form grayscale, which is less noticeable with glasses and at a distance.

On how to express the appreciation of 3D movies, this issue is difficult to defeat a piece of editorial, compared to the screen shot in addition to see a little difference between color and texture, a bunch of ghosting is no way to express the details, which had to bring us back to the same situation and Hifi audio auditioner, through the text to express the feeling of repeatedly compared to viewing 3D HD video on a plasma and LCD TV.

The comparison video was selected from a music video by Sarah Brightman, because the music video has more live action scenes and good picture quality, and Monsters vs. Aliens as an animated film is ultimately unsuitable for use as a test-level DEMO.

Video Screenshot

In a scene that contains a rich variety of background objects, such as the one above, the plasma's integration of the vistas and ultra-close-ups with the subject matter is much more realistic, and the plasma is able to provide a more realistic view of the subject matter. This is like the out-of-focus Canon red-ring head to create the feeling of mushiness, coupled with the plasma color advantage, the object between different distances more spatial sense, the object itself is also more thick, compared to the LCD TV to watch 3D, the subject matter is a bit of a paper-thin feeling, of course, 3D depth is obvious, but the plasma looks like the depth of this more continuity, and high-speed movement of the object's Continuity is also one of the advantages of plasma, LCD has a slightly jumpy feeling.

Screenshot of video

It's safe to assume that the advantages of color and grayscale reproduction in 2D images will continue to be extended to 3D video, and that the responsiveness required for moving images will only increase further. As a first 3D PK experience, I may not be able to express myself completely and accurately, but I'm glad to see that the editors who received the test machine at the same time felt quite similarly.

If 50 inches and 46 inches are considered to be the mainstream size of the current TV set, but if you take to see 3D, or too small, 3D depth of field feeling is not implicitly proportional to the size of the screen, which is why in the viewing of the Avatar everyone likes the giant screen IMAX, even if it's a 50-inch VT2, I'm still unconsciously to the nearer to get, in fact, only a little less than 1 meter away! It feels the best, so the screen size is probably more important than any other factor.