[citation]You, me, and a lot of people did that. I even built a polarized dual-projector system in my basement. You probably shouldn't assume I'm a 3D newb because I don't share your opinions.[/citation]
The problem is you're sharing an opinion as fact. Your article, and even your own admittance in the replies, insists the depth quality of Tridef's Virtual 3D mode is "on par" with 3D Vision and other modes. You are misleading the buying public with that stance. I'm simply trying to correct your assertion, because it's just plain stereoscopically impossible for V-I-R-T-U-A-L 3D to offer the same depth perception as other modes by virtue of how each works.
Now, it seems much of your problem stems from the fact that you are not able to play games beyond default stereoscopic settings. 3D vision settings by default is very low, as with Tri-def default and IZ3D. In that SPECIFIC stance, then you can likely say Virtual 3D is "on par" (since there's hardly a good 3D effect for all 3). However, once you adjust stereoscopic settings with 3D Vision/Tridef Standard/IZ3D more appropriately, then Virtual 3D doesn't even come close to offering the same level of depth quality these other modes offer. There's only so much information that can be extracted from Z buffer, that's why Virtual 3D mode looks basically flat. Crysis 2 uses this exact same method...if you're a 3D gamer as you say you are, then you should have known about the backlash the game received for its lackluster fake 3D.
[citation]I'd agree about the iZ3D configuration, I've used it before. unfortunately, their solution won't work with my test equipment. I've been in contact with them directly with little help or interest from the company so I can't review their solution.[/quote]
You can still review their solution in side by side mode instead of AMD HD3D.
[citation]Dude... come on. Don't even go there.
If you know as much about 3D imagery as you say you do, then you know there's a hell of a lot of difference between the TriDef Virtual 3D mode using information in the depth buffer vs. extrapolating 3D from movement in a movie scene. That is not a valid comparison on any level.[/citation]
It is a valid comparison. Both methods (2D to 3D conversion and Z buffer extrapolation) use a single eye point of reference to extrapolate a secondary viewpoint (you think 3D movie conversion is just based on movements in a scene? Boy, then YOU are the one that really needs to learn about 2D-3D conversion), whereas 3D vision/IZ3D/Tri-def standard intercepts Direct3D draw calls and renders two independant viewpoints, just like a movie shot with a true dual lens 3D camera.
Tridef's own website states Virtual 3D is just an approximation to facilitate faster rendering and there is a trade-off for 3D quality. Virtual 3D is only good for LOW depth and most objects are rendered flat across different panes (i.e, the "paper cutout" effect). This is painfully obvious in your very own screenshots. If you want to call that "on par" with low default 3D vision settings, then you need to add a big disclaimer in your article...because most 3D Vision users crank up their settings beyond 15% and unlock convergence to attain the best 3D effect.
[citation]Your opinion does not make it so because you've spent a lot of time with the tech. Admittedly, it doesn't make my opinion right either, and I've spent years with the tech, too. But I do not subscribe to the notion that extreme pop-out is the only way 3D gaming can be enjoyed. Nor do I believe that hardcore 3D junkies who requite strong settings are correct because they are the most passionate about it. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one, sir.[/citation]
I never said extreme popout is the only way 3D gaming can be enjoyed. In fact, the higher the convergence, the less "popout" there is, because the scene is pushed deeper into the monitor, creating a window pane effect (and objects are more lifelike). Many people DO enjoy more popout and have high depth settings with lesser convergence, the point is that people want their 3D to be as real as can be according to their tastes. Some people like driving games where the 3D is like radio controlled cars (dollhouse effect) but lots of popout, others like the 3D monitor as the dashboard and the road far out in front of them. In either case, Tridef's Virtual 3D mode doesn't come ANYWHERE NEAR to approximating those 3D preferences, EXCEPT for low depth and the near-flat objects that come associated with it.
I don't know what else to say other than try it for yourself, but like I said before you seem stuck with accepting low 3D settings as default. Tridef's Virtual 3D mode is just that, a fake approximation...if it were TRULY on par with 3D vision and other modes, it would be the main driving technology for 3D and the main choice for 3D gamers wouldn't it? Obviously it is not...for obvious reasons.
I see you have the Samsung 3D monitor listed for your AMD graphics machine. Assuming you sit at normal level, load up IZ3D side by side mode for either half life 2 or Portal 2. Use convergence setting -.50000 and stereo separation 30%. Next try it with Virtual 3D with Tri def and you tell me if Tri-def Virtual 3D is "on par" with that kind of 3D effect. I know the answer, because I tried. In one area where there were railroad tracks, with my IZ3D settings if I looked down it was if the tracks were spatially right down by my feet, the depth effect for small near objects was incredibly real and curved, contoured appropriately (especially barrels), and the distance scenery was perfectly distant according to my eyes. With Tri def Virtual 3D mode, no such effect...even after tinkering with all settings: everything was basically flat but at different planes, no robust depth contours on the barrels, about the only thing that "floated" was the gun...and even that was quite flat in itself.
By the way, what Tri def 3d settings did you use for Sacred 2, Risen and Witcher 2? I will try it out for myself and create a profile with my own settings that you can try. I don't know how else to explain it to you further other than to see if you can experience it for yourself.
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