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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The DepthQ® HD 3D Video Projector:
Q: What is the DepthQ® HD 3D video projector?
A: The DepthQ® HD 3D video projector is a revolutionary lightweight single lens video projector capable of achieving true output frame rates of 120Hz at the WXGA resolution of 1280x720. When used with a stereoscopic 3D image source and liquid crystal (LC) "3D" shutter glasses, DepthQ® will provide a rock solid stereo 3D experience.
Q: Why are active LC shutter glasses required?
A: Active liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses are used to create the stereo effect. The DepthQ® HD 3D video projector displays an interleaved stream of left and right images at 120 frames per second. The glasses are synchronized with this stream (typically wirelessly, via an infra-red (IR) signal) and block images so that the right eye only sees the right image and the left eye only sees the left.
Q: Are LC shutter glasses and an IR emitter included?
A: No. Liquid crystal eyewear and infra-red emitters are available from several manufacturers in a variety of configurations and price points, and must be purchased separately.
Q: Does my IR emitter plug in to the projector?
A: No. Your IR emitter typically connects to a 3-pin DIN3 connector on the computer’s graphics card (stereo ready cards). The projector does not have a DIN3 connector.
If your graphics card has an onboard DIN3 connector (NVIDIA FX3700, FX4600, etc.) you will connect your IR emitter directly to the onboard DIN3 connector.
If your graphics card does not have on onboard DIN3 connector (NVIDIA FX1500, FX3800) you may be able to use a stereoscopic breakout cable (VGA to VGA + DIN3). Please see these related FAQ questions.
Nvidia's 3D Vision emitter connects to a USB port instead of using a DIN3.
Q: What display technology is DepthQ® based on?
A: DepthQ® uses the latest Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing® technology with BrilliantColorTM to produce richer, more vibrant colors and a stunning 2000:1 contrast ratio. DLP® is the world’s only all-digital display solution. DLP® is based on a unique, fast, digital, reflective semiconductor called the Digital Micromirror Device, or DMD.
Q: What is special about the DepthQ® HD 3D video projector?
A: The new DepthQ® HD 3D video projector (patent pending) is based on an existing InFocus projector engine design, which has been used in literally hundreds of thousands of projectors. At Lightspeed’s direction, this engine has been customized to support stereoscopic visualization requirements, particularly frame synchronous output, custom color-sequencing, and refresh rates of 120Hz. This is accomplished at a resolution of 1280x720 and the projector can accomodate 120 unique frames per second at this resolution. Visually, this is roughly equivalent to 1920x1080 60P in 2D. The result is extremely high-quality, flicker-free, high-definition 3D imagery from a single lens projector.
Most projected stereo 3D requires two separate projectors that are stacked and must be aligned by a skilled technician. Because DepthQ® is a single projector solution, stereo 3D becomes very simple for any user.
Q: What stereo 3D format does the DepthQ® HD 3D video projector support?
A: DepthQ® only accepts 3D data in VESA VGA, page flip, stereo 3D format at 120 Hz. This is a time-sequential format, ie. L-R-L-R, and is usually generated by a graphics card which supports Quad Buffered OpenGL Stereo. Most NVIDIA Quadro cards support this. We often recommend the Quadro FX3700 card.
DepthQ® is then used in conjunction with liquid crystal shutter eyewear to create the stereo 3D effect in the mind of the viewer.
Q: Your specifications state that DepthQ® has 2 VGA inputs. Does this mean I supply Left to one and Right to the other?
A: No. DepthQ® only accepts 3D data in VESA VGA, page flip, stereo 3D format at 120 Hz (see above question for more detail).
The projector does have two VGA inputs. However, this is to allow you to connect two different VGA signal sources to the projector and switch between them. Either input can be 3D or 2D, but the two do not combine to create the stereo, nor can you display signals from both inputs at the same time.
Q: Can DepthQ® operate in normal 2D mode?
A: Yes. All functions and inputs are operational at 60 Hz. Some functions are limited at 120Hz.
Q: What is the DepthQ® HD 3D video projector’s resolution and aspect ratio?
A: 1280x720 (16:9 aspect ratio).
Q: Can DepthQ® sync to any other resolutions and aspect ratios?
A: Yes, in 3D mode, DepthQ® will also sync to 1024x768 and 800x600 inputs (4:3 aspect ratios) at 120Hz, in addition to 1280x720 (16:9).
In 2D, DepthQ will synch to VGA (640x480), SVGA (800x600), XGA (1024x768), SXGA (1280x1024), SXGA (1400x1050), WXGA (1280x720), WXGA+ (1440x900), plus NTSC, PAL, SECAM, 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i.
Q: If DepthQ® will synch to 1024x768, why can't I use 1280x768?
A: When DepthQ® synchs to a 1024x768 input, it smoothly scales the input proportionally to fill its maximum vertical resolution of 720 pixels.
Q: Isn't "HD" 1920x1080?
A: Actually, high-definition (HD) is any display with resolution exceeding standard definition (SD), which in the US is 640x480. Displays of 1024x768 are considered HD. Technically speaking, our first DepthQ® projector (introduced in 2005) at 800x600 could have been considered HD. In fact, many were quite surprised at the level of quality achieved at this resolution. Nonetheless, we considered it SD and marketed it as such.
However, the new DepthQ®-WXGA 3D Projector, with a resolution of 1280x720 per eye, rightfully earns the "high-definition" moniker - not only because 720P is a widely utilized broadcast standard roughly equivalent to 1080i in bandwidth, but because the projector runs at twice the normal frame rate. At 120 unique frames per second, the total amount of data presented to your visual system by the DepthQ® projector is actually roughly equivalent to the highest 2D high-definition broadcast standard to date: 1080 60P.
Q: Why does 1280x720 look so good on the DepthQ®?
A: Background: In the early days of broadcast HD, the two formats competing for the HD standard were 1280x720 at 60 frames per second (720 60P) and 1920x1080 at 60 fields per second (1080 60i). The "P" stands for progressive, meaning a full frame is displayed every 60th of a second; while the "i" stands for interlaced, meaning only half of the information - using every other line - is displayed in the same time frame. Subsequently, 1280x720 60P equates to 921,600 pixels displayed every 60th of a second; while 1920x(1080/2) 60i equates to 1,036,800 pixels displayed in that same 60th of a second. This reveals that the two competing formats are actually very close in terms of the actual amount of data being presented to the visual system within the same time interval.
Sports broadcasters ultimately selected 720P over 1080i because it displays 60 full frames per second, with none of the motion artifacts associated with interlaced frames. In the end both formats were included in the HD broadcast standard; but when motion and detail together are critical, 720P is preferred over 1080i.
The DepthQ® HD 3D projector is actually displaying 1280x720 at 120P, which is 60P per eye. The brain integrates these two views into a higher resolution result than either eye sees separately. This equates to 1,843,200 unique pixels per fused stereo pair, every 60th of a second - nearly twice the bandwidth of 1920x1080 60i, and roughly equivalent to 1920x1080 60P.
Q: What screen size can I use for any given throw distance?
A: The DepthQ® HD 3D Projector has a 1.1:1 zoom lens, thus there is a maximum and a minimum screen size attainable for any given throw distance. Please refer to the following table for approximate values.
You can calculate the approximate minimum and maximum screen widths or screen diagonals for any throw distance not included in the table below by dividing your throw distance by one of the four throw ratios provided (htr = horizontal throw ratio; dtr = diagonal throw ratio). Note: Because focus and focal length both affect image size, the relationship between size and distance with respect to the zoom is actually non-linear, but this will at least get you very close.
Image Size as a Function of Throw Distance
Horizontal Image Size = Distance/htr; Diagonal Image Size = Distance/dtr
(diagonal based on native 16:9 aspect ratio)
| Distance to Screen |
Min Horizontal Image Size htr(min) = 1.83 |
Max Horizontal Image Size htr(max) = 1.49 |
Min Diagonal Image Size dtr(min) = 1.59 |
Max Diagonal Image Size dtr(max) = 1.30 |
| 2.5' : 46.2cm |
16.4" : 41.7cm |
20.1" : 51.1cm |
18.8" : 47.75cm |
23" : 58.4cm |
| 5' : 1.52m |
32.8" : 83.3cm |
40.2" : 102.1cm |
37.7" : 95.8cm |
46.1" : 117.1cm |
| 10' : 3.1m |
65.7" : 1.67m |
80.3" : 2.04m |
75.4" : 1.92m |
92.2" : 2.34m |
| 15' : 4.57m |
98.5" : 2.5m |
120.5" : 3.1m |
113.0" : 2.87m |
138.2" : 3.51m |
| 20' : 6.1m |
131.3" : 3.34m |
160.6" : 4.08m |
150.7" : 3.83m |
184.3" : 4.68m |
Q: What throw distance do I need to fill any given screen size?
A: The DepthQ® HD 3D Projector has a 1.1:1 zoom lens, thus there is a range of distances that will accomodate any given screen size. Please refer to the following tables for approximate values. For your convenience, two tables are provided - one with "friendly" screen widths, the other beginning with familiar diagonal screen sizes commonly used by LCD and Plasma monitors.
You can calculate the approximate minimum and maximum throw distance for any horizontal or diagonal screen size not included in the tables below by multiplying your screen size by one of the four throw ratios provided (htr = horizontal throw ratio; dtr = diagonal throw ratio). Note: Because focus and focal length both affect image size, the relationship between size and distance with respect to the zoom is actually non-linear, but this will at least get you very close.
Throw Distance as a Function of Horizontal Screen Size
Throw Distance = Horizontal Screen Size * htr
| Horizontal Screen Size |
Minimum Throw Distance htr(max) = 1.49 |
Maximum Throw Distance htr(min) = 1.83 |
| 2' : 61cm |
3' : 91.4cm |
3.7' : 111.4cm |
| 3' : 91.4cm |
4.5' : 1.37m |
5.5' : 1.67m |
| 4' : 1.22m |
6' : 1.83m |
7.3' : 2.23m |
| 5' : 1.52m |
7.5' : 2.28m |
9.1' : 2.78m |
| 6' : 1.83m |
9' : 2.74m |
11' : 3.35m |
| 7' : 2.13m |
10.5' : 3.19m |
12.8' : 3.9m |
| 8' : 2.44m |
12' : 3.66m |
14.6' : 4.46m |
| 9' : 2.74m |
13.5' : 4.1m |
16.4' : 5m |
| 10' : 3m |
14.9' : 4.55m |
18.3' : 5.57m |
| 11' : 3.35m |
16.4' : 5m |
20.1' : 6.13m |
| 12' : 3.66m |
17.9' : 5.46m |
21.9' : 6.68m |
| 13' : 3.96m |
19.4' : 5.92m |
23.75' : 7.24m |
| 14' : 4.27m |
20.9' : 6.38m |
25.6' : 7.8m |
Throw Distance as a Function of Diagonal Screen Size
Throw Distance = Diagonal Screen Size * dtr
(diagonal based on native 16:9 aspect ratio)
Diagonal Screen Size |
Minimum Throw Distance dtr(max) = 1.30 |
Maximum Throw Distance dtr(min) = 1.59 |
| 19" : 48.3cm |
No Focus |
2.5' : 76.9cm |
| 21" : 53.3cm |
2.3' : 69.5cm |
2.8' : 84.9cm |
| 32" : 81.3cm |
3.5' : 105.8cm |
4.25' : 1.29m |
| 42" : 1.07m |
4.6' : 1.39m |
5.8' : 1.7m |
| 50" : 1.27m |
5.4' : 1.65m |
6.6' : 2.02m |
| 56" : 1.42m |
6.1' : 1.85m |
7.4' : 2.27m |
| 65" : 1.65m |
7.1' : 2.15m |
8.6' : 2.63m |
| 72" : 1.83m |
7.8' : 2.38m |
9.6' : 2.91m |
| 85" : 2.16m |
9.2' : 2.81m |
11.3' : 3.44m |
| 8' : 2.44m |
10.4' : 3.18m |
12.7' : 3.88m |
| 10' : 3.05m |
13' : 3.97m |
15.9' : 4.85m |
| 12' : 3.66m |
15.6' : 4.76m |
19.1' : 5.82m |
| 14' : 4.27m |
18.2' : 5.56m |
22.3' : 6.8m |
| 16' : 4.88m |
20.8' : 6.35m |
25.5' : 7.77m |
Q: What viewing distances do you recommend?
A: Based on the size and density of cones in the fovea centralis (the highest resolution area of the retina), the smallest resolvable detail humans with 20/20 vision can generally see under optimal conditions is contained within approximately 1 arc-minute of angle, or 1/60th of one degree. Any details smaller than that simply blend together. Think of it as biological anti-aliasing.
From this data, a little trigonometry provides us with a simple rule of thumb: The viewing distance at which those of us with 20/20 vision maximize natural blending without any perceived loss of resolution = Pixel Width / .0003. This equates to 1 meter of distance for every .3 millimeters of pixel offset (pitch); and this is true for any picture-element-based display (including printing). Beyond this distance we actually begin to throw away display resolution.
This is another reason why 1280x720 or even 800x600 can look better than we think it should. Namely, picture quality is not determined by resolution alone - for when viewed from the appropriate distance, no individual pixels will be perceived at all.
Of course, in practice human acuity varies widely from this theoretical high mark, especially in the darker environments in which we tend to watch projected images (acuity decreases as pupil diameter increases). Subsequently, at the other end of the spectrum we have observed that pixels begin to adequately blend approximately one screen width distant from the DepthQ® HD 3D Projector.
These two distance calculations provide us with our maximum and minimum recommended viewing distances, based on display width:
Lightspeed Recommended Viewing Ranges for the DepthQ® Stereoscopic Video Projector
| Display Width (feet) |
2' |
4' |
6'> |
8' |
10' |
12' |
14' |
| Optimal Viewing Range |
2' to 5' 4" |
4' to 10' 9" |
6' to 16' 1" |
8' to 21' 6" |
10' to 26' 10" |
12' to 32' 3" |
14' to 37' 7" |
| Display Width (meters) |
0.6m |
1.2m |
1.8m |
2.4m |
3m |
3.7m |
4.3m |
| Optimal Viewing Range |
0.6 to 1.6m |
1.2 to 3.3m |
1.8 to 4.9m |
2.4 to 6.5m |
3 to 8.2m |
3.7 to 9.8 m |
4.3 to 11.5m |
Q: Are there any special requirements for the projection screen?
A: No. While the best results will be obtained using an actual projection screen, any light-colored surface can act as your screen in a pinch - even an ordinary wall.
However, if your ambient light levels are expected to be high, we recommend an ambient-light-rejecting screen, such as the Supernova CoreTM Front Projection Screen as featured in our booth at Siggraph 2008:

DepthQ® HD 3D Video Projector on Supernova CoreTM front-projection screen under high ambient light (tradeshow lighting).
Another option for high-ambient light is to consider using a rear-projection screen, as pictured below:


DepthQ® 3D Video Projector in action under extremely high ambient light (tradeshow lighting).
Q: How much does the DepthQ® HD 3D Video Projector cost?
A: Please contact Lightspeed Design for exact pricing. We offer a 10% educational discount for schools.
Q: What is the Warranty period?
A: Limited warranty periods are as follows:
Projector Limited Warranty Period (Excluding Lamps): Two years from date of product shipment.
Original Lamp Limited Warranty Period: Six months from date of product shipment.
Replacement lamps for the DepthQ-WXGA will have a six month Limited Warranty from date of lamp proof-of-purchase.
Q: Can I purchase an extended Warranty?
A: Yes. After-purchase extended warranties for both the projector and the lamp are available directly from Lightspeed or from the InFocus Store.
One Year Service Protection Plans (Product: $149.00 Lamp: $49)
Q: What are the shipping dimensions and shipping weight?
A: DepthQ®-WXGA
- Shipping Dimensions: Height: 8.0 in (20.3 cm) Length: 12.0 in (30.5 cm) Width: 16.0 in (40.6 cm)
- Shipping Weight: <11 lbs (5 kg)
Q: How much will shipping cost?
A: The following rates are approximate shipping costs and are for example only. Actual rate will vary based on final shipping destination. Rates apply only to projectors and do not include glasses.
Standard USA domestic order, 2-5 business days ARO,(UPS Ground) $25.00
Please contact us for an international freight quote. However, please note that VAT and/or customs duties are additional, and vary widely from country to country. We recommend you contact your local branch of your preferred shipping company (UPS, FedEx, etc.) for an estimate.
Q: Where can I get accessories?
A: A large variety of accessories are available. Please visit our accessory page for details.
Q: Where do I find manuals and documentation?
A: Please visit our support page for a variety of documentation.
Q: Can I still access a manual for the original DepthQ® 3D Projector, the DQ-3120?
A: Yes, you can download a PDF of the DQ-3120 manual, which was based on the InFocus X2, here. This manual covers general operation. Please note: since there are no specific stereo adjustments on this projector, there is no information specific to stereo operation.
Lamp:
Q: Is there anything special about the DepthQ® lamp?
A: No, it is a standard InFocus lamp. But with a maximum output of 2000 lumens in 3D mode, and 2500 lumens in 2D mode, DepthQ® delivers superior brightness at work or anywhere else.
Q: How many hours of operation can I expect to get before replacing the lamp?
A: The long-life lamp can shine for an incredible 3000 hours (Eco Mode).
Actual lamp life will vary based on operating modes and ambient environment. Conditions that affect lamp life include temperature, altitude and rapidly switching the projector on and off.
Q: What is the lamp's Warranty period?
A: The original installed lamp has a six month Limited Warranty from date of shipment. Replacement lamps have a six month Limited Warranty from date of lamp proof of purchase.
Q: Can I purchase an extended lamp Warranty?
A: Yes. An after-purchase one year extended warranty for the lamp is available directly from Lightspeed or from the InFocus Store.
One Year Lamp Warranty $49.00
Q: Where can I get a new lamp?
A: Lamps can be purchased directly from Lightspeed or from the InFocus Store.
Replacement Lamps $199.00
Applications:
Q: What is stereo 3D Visualization?
A: Stereo 3D/VR (virtual reality) is the process of interacting with a computer simulation in a three-dimensional virtual world. These worlds can be as realistic as an aircraft interior or as abstract as a protein molecule. In principal, any true 3D computer world, for example 3D games, can be transformed into a stereoscopic 3D image.
Q: What makes stereoscopic visualization so valuable?
A: The public's longstanding attraction to stereo 3D is undeniable. There is an inherent excitement that surrounds a 3D presentation. Additionally, scientific studies have proven conclusively that viewing in 3D results in deeper impressions, better retention of information, and a more memorable experience.
For a more in-depth examination of this process look here.
Q: What markets currently use stereo 3D Visualization?
A:
Government and Defense:
Aerospace/Military
Digital Battlespace
NASA
GIS/Geographic Information Systems |
Resource Management:
Oil Exploration/Extraction
Mining
Timber/Habitat Management
Subsurface 3D Seismic |
Life Sciences:
Pharmaceutical Research
Molecular Modeling
Medical Devices
Surgical Planning/Stereo Microscopy
Human Modeling (3D ultrasound) |
Manufacturing CAD/CAM:
Virtual prototyping
Automotive/Truck/Heavy Equipment
Aerospace/Commercial
Architectural/Engineering/Construction
Consumer Products |
Education and Entertainment:
University Research
Location Based Entertainment
Museum Attractions
3D Video Games |
Training:
Law Enforcement/Weapons training
Hazardous Material Removal
Military Tactics
Flight Simulators |
Q: What software applications support stereoscopic visualization?
A: There are a growing number of professional applications which natively support the VESA VGA page-flip stereoscopic visualization compatible with the DepthQ® projector. Additionally, some applications support stereo 3D via custom plug-ins. To see if your application is supported, please check with your application vendor. Here's a list of some example applications.
Type |
Product |
Company |
CAD/CAM/CAE |
CATIA V5R13 |
Dassault Systemes |
CAD/CAM/CAE |
SolidWorks |
SolidWorks Corporation |
CAD/CAM/CAE |
UGS Teamcenter Visualization Mockup |
UGS PLM Solutions |
CAD/CAM/CAE |
Rhinoceros |
NcNeel |
GIS / OIL & GAS |
Erdas Imagine |
Leica Geosystems |
GIS / OIL & GAS |
Landmark GeoProbe |
Landmark |
ArcGIS / Direct Data QA & 3D Feature Digitizing |
PurVIEW |
I.S.M. International Systemap Corporation |
Molecular Imaging |
Accelrys Discovery Studio Visualizer 2.0 |
Accelrys |
Software Development |
Open Inventor |
TGS |
Visualization / VR |
Amira |
TGS |
Visualization / VR |
EON Studio 4.0 |
EON Reality Inc |
Visualization / VR |
Opus Realizer Opus Studio |
Opticore |
Visualization / VR |
Rtre Plugin 3ds max/VIZ |
Cubispace |
VRML / VR Viewer |
Cortona VRML Client 4.2 |
Parallel Graphics |
3D Games |
NVIDIA 3D Vision |
NVIDIA Corporation |
Universal Drivers |
more3DSTEREO |
more3D GmbH |
Q: How do I enable stereo output in SolidWorks?
A: How to download the SolidWorks stereo driver:
Go to the SolidWorks web site
Go to the "Graphics Cards and Systems" page
( http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html)
Select "NVIDIA" from the venders list
Select SolidWorks 2005 from the version list
Click the "Show Passing" button.
Find any card that has the picture of Blue and Red glasses and click "View Notes"
(the FX1100 for example - http://www.solidworks.com/pages/popups/videonotes.html?ID=1221)
In the popup, click the link "SolidWorks stereo Add-in"
( http://www.solidworks.com/downloads/videocarddriver/stereo/stereosw.zip)
Q: Does Pro-E support stereo output?
A: No, not at this time.
Q: Can I play stereo movies, videos, or pre-rendered visualizations on DepthQ®?
A: Yes. Movies that have been filmed using two cameras or pre-rendered computer graphic animations can be played back on DepthQ®. Please see our DepthQ®PlayerTM product page for details.
Q: How do I take a CGI project that is stereoscopic and project it using this system?
A: Unless your rendering software can render both eyes into a single stereoscopic format, you will need to render your left and right eyes separately, typically as separate Left and Right image sequences, and then concatenate and encode the two image sequences into a single movie file using compositing software.
There are many different ways you can choose to encode your movie; however, for the highest quality we suggest using the "Above/Below Full" format (to learn about other possible formats you can download our DepthQ®PlayerTM Manual and refer to the section entitled "DepthQ® OpenGL Renderer Properties Dialog | Renderer Dialog Control Tabs | Input Movie Control Tab").
To encode using the Above/Below format, import your final rendered left and right eye image sequences into your favorite compositing software. Then simply create a canvas that is double high (e.g. if each eye was rendered at 1280x720, your canvas should be 1280x1440). You then position your left eye in the top half of your canvas and your right eye in the bottom half. At this point you export using your favorite codec as a single movie file. Information regarding various output filters and codecs can be found in the DepthQ®PlayerTM Manual in the section entitled "Movie Formats, Filters & Codecs".
Finally, for playback using a stereoscopic media server like the free DepthQ®PlayerTM LITE, you select "Above/Below Full" as your input and "OpenGL HW" for your output mode. As with input formats, there are many different stereoscopic output modes you can choose from. These depend for the most part upon your playback hardware (again reference the DepthQ®PlayerTM Manual in the "Output Movie Control Tab" section to learn more about each of them). However, "OpenGL HW" is the correct mode for playback on the DepthQ® HD 3D projector.
Please Note: The above playback instructions are for computer systems using NVIDIA's Quadro graphics cards. Specific instructions on how to use the DepthQ® OpenGL Renderer can be found here. If you have an NVIDIA 3D Vision system with a GeForce graphics card, you will run DepthQ®PlayerTM in DirectX mode, and you will not choose an output mode. Specific instructions on how to use the DepthQ® DirectX Renderer can be found here.
Remember, to properly support the projector you will need to have set your desktop to 1280x720 resolution at 120Hz, and have your graphics card properly configured for stereoscopic output. And of course your computer's hardware will need to be up to the task. You can read more about our system recommendations here.
Q: Can I play video games in stereo 3D?
A: Yes. Many PC video games can now be played in stereoscopic 3D. The 3D is created via a specialized game driver for your graphics card, along with compatible 3D display devices. One leading 3D gaming solution is available from NVIDIA, and is used in combination with certified '3D Vision Ready' display devices like the DepthQ® HD 3D projector, plus NVIDIA's new 3D Eyewear.
To learn more about this exciting new form of immersive entertainment
visit the NVIDIA 3D Vision web site.
Products carrying the NVIDIA® 3D VisionTM Ready Logo are designed and tested to ensure seamless compatibility with NVIDIA 3D Vision and deliver the best quality, most immersive 3D experience possible.
Q: Is it necessary to download or purchase DepthQ®PlayerTM to play video games with the projector?
A: No. The 3D for PC video games is created in realtime via a specialized game driver you must acquire for your graphics card (like the NVIDIA 3D Vision solution - see previous question). DepthQ®PlayerTM is a professional-level stereoscopic media server expressly designed for the playback of pre-recorded or pre-rendered 3D media.
Miscellaneous Questions:
Q: Why can't I use any standard video projector?
A: Standard video projector output engines are internally limited to 60 Hz refresh rates and most do not synchronize to the incoming signal. Those that can by chance synchronize to the incoming signal at 60 Hz flicker unacceptably in 3D, providing only 30 Hz refresh to each eye. Some projectors will sync to 85 Hz, but the amount of flicker is still below the threshold where it is tolerable for any length of time. Synchronizing at 120 Hz provides 60 Hz refresh per eye, and is thus rock-solid.
Q: Will DepthQ® turn my 2D content into stereoscopic 3D?
A: No. The projector cannot change 2D into 3D. The projector must be driven with an application that can playback or create true 3D stereoscopic images.
Q: Can my laptop drive the DepthQ® in stereoscopic 3D?
A: Unfortunately the answer is 'not yet' - for the most part:
There are some notebook-specific graphics cards on the market with mobile Quadro chipsets that support Quad-Buffered OpenGL Stereo, but the problem is they have no way to get the stereo sync signal out of the notebook and into the IR emitter (which signals the LC glasses).
Specifically, since notebook PC's don't have the 3 pin stereo connector, you need to be able to get the stereo sync out of the VGA port. This is a common method which has been supported for a long time by NVIDIA drivers. However, recently NVIDIA has removed this feature from their drivers. Thus, any new graphics chipsets which require newer drivers cannot supply the stereo signal via the VGA port.
While NVIDIA's 3D Vision solution uses the USB port for its Infra-Red emitter, it does not yet support Quad-Buffered OpenGL Page-Flip - though their NVIDIA 3D Vision for Quadro web page indicates that we should see this soon. However, neither the list of supported Quadros on this page, nor NVIDIA's official list of 3D Vision compatible GPU's include the "M" (Mobile) series of graphics cards.
Therefore, at this time we recommend a small form-factor PC (like a Shuttle) with a normal Quadro FX3700 graphics card.
That said, the one solution of which we are aware is to use an older Dell M90 laptop with the NVIDIA Quadro FX3500M card (especially suitable for CAD, digital image-, video editing and scientifical visualizations), combined with the FX3500M_v92.77 driver - a 'tried-and-true', stable driver which still has the "use shutter glasses" option, and is still available on Dell's Website.
Theoretically, this same driver could enable stereo 3D with the FX1500M and the FX2500M on the M90, not just the FX3500M. Please drop us a line if you find this to be true.
Q: Can my Mac Pro drive the DepthQ® in stereoscopic 3D?
A: We have not directly tested this, but have heard it works, providing you have an application that natively supports page-flip stereo (like PyMol, for instance). However, you must use an nVidia Quadro card that has a 3-pin stereo sync connector on the card. The choices of nVidia cards for the Mac are limited, but they are outlined here.
Of the compatible cards, nVidia makes a Quadro FX4800 for Mac which does have the 3-pin stereoscopic sync connector (DIN). This card is probably your best bet.
Please drop us a line with your experience in this matter, as Mac-compatible quadros with DIN connectors are relatively young.
Q: Is DepthQ® easy to setup and use?
A: DepthQ® is designed for easy setup and use. Hookups are simple with color-coded connections. Get started right away with intuitive keypads and menus that deliver one touch operation, so there’s no need to refer to the user manual for common tasks. For 3D viewing just plug in the 3D emitter and put on your 3D glasses. It's even easy to carry: at a mere 6.9 lbs (3.13 kg), DepthQ® is super-portable.
Q: Does DepthQ® support 3D composite video data from a standard DVD or VHS player?
A: No.
Q: Can I invert the projected image?
A: Yes. DepthQ® can be used in any standard projection mode: front, rear, and ceiling mount. A simple menu control allows the user to flip the projected image appropriately. (Rear projection additionally requires the user to switch the L/R signal in either the glass emitter or in the OpenGL software driver.)
Q: Can I mount the DepthQ® projector on its side or vertically?
A: Yes. But as the projector is not specifically designed to operate in this fashion, you will void either the lamp or the projector warranty, or both (depending upon how you proceed).
Problem 1: The bulb in the projector wants to sit with its factory-installed orientation to the ground. This orientation optimizes bulb life only when the projector is sitting on a table or is mounted on the ceiling.
Rotating the projector either vertically or such that it sits on its side does not maintain that desired lamp orientation; and thus without reorienting the lamp, will result in a shorter bulb life.
When mounting the projector on its side, it is simply not possible to re-orient the lamp to avoid this. When mounting the projector vertically (projecting up or down), it is possible to take the lamp apart and re-orient it (rotate it 90 degrees) such that the proper factory-installed orientation is achieved - but it will take some effort. In either case this will void the warranty on the bulb.
Problem 2: An even more dangerous possibility is that by mounting the projector in this fashion you also block the air vents. This will cause your projector to rapidly overheat and fail catastophically. Projector and/or bulb failure due to blocked air vents is not covered by your warranty.
If you are going to proceed anyway, at the very least you will need to ensure the air vents are not obstructed. As long as you do not block the air vents, you can turn the projector on its side or point it straight up or down without re-orienting the bulb as long as you don't mind assuming the risk of replacing the lamp sooner than you would under normal operating circumstances.
Q: What power modes does DepthQ® support?
A: DepthQ® has an auto-switching power supply and 100V – 240V at 50 –- 60 Hz.
Q: What companies were involved, and how did the DepthQ® HD 3D projector come about?
A: Three companies were involved in the creation of the DepthQ® HD 3D projector: Lightspeed Design, Inc., InFocus Corporation, and Texas Instruments, Inc.
Building on the “first to market” success of the original standard-definition InFocus®DepthQ® 3D projector (introduced in 2005), Lightspeed Design again worked with industry innovator InFocus Corporation to realize our vision of HD resolution in a portable 3D format. The new DepthQ® HD 3D projectors incorporate Lightspeed’s patent-pending technologies with InFocus’ proven reliability, providing our most discerning clientele with high resolution stereo 3D at an affordable price.
Steve Stark, InFocus Vice President of Engineering said, “Coordinating the engineering teams from InFocus, Lightspeed and Texas Instruments was exciting. This effort brought together talented engineers from three industry innovators who really came together to make this new level of 3D projector possible.”
Q: Who uses the DepthQ® projector?
A: Fortune 500 companies, governments, major universities from Beijing to Munich, Hollywood’s top filmmakers, and R&D labs across the globe have all embraced DepthQ®’s unique combination of premium 3D visualization and affordable price.
Our clients represent a wide variety of industries, all of whom place a huge importance on stereo 3D visualization. Without exception they’ve been amazed at the value the DepthQ® 3D projector has offered for the price. The new DepthQ®-WXGA HD 3D projector raises the bar even higher.
About Lightspeed Design, Inc.
Lightspeed is one of the world’s premiere designers of stereoscopic 3D presentations and software technologies, with considerable technical expertise in projection, optics and electronics. Lightspeed has proven expertise in 3D projection, systems design & installation, and software development. Clients include Pfizer, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Harvard & Munich Universities, US Army, NASA, JPL, DreamWorks SKG, IMAX, and Walt Disney Animation.
About InFocus Corporation
InFocus is the industry pioneer and a global leader in the digital projection market. Backed by more than 20 years of experience and innovation in digital projection, as well as 150 patents, InFocus is dedicated to setting the industry standard for large format visual display. The company is based in Wilsonville, Oregon with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. InFocus is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol INFS. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.infocus.com.
About Texas Instruments, Inc.
Texas Instruments develops analog, digital signal processing, RF and DLP® semiconductor technologies that help customers deliver consumer and industrial electronics products with greater performance, increased power efficiency, higher precision, more mobility and better quality.
DepthQ® is exclusively distributed by Lightspeed Design, Inc.
InFocus and Lightspeed reserve the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
DepthQ is a trademark of Lightspeed Design, Inc. InFocus is a registered trademark of InFocus Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Digital Light Processing, DLP, and the DLP medallion are trademarks of Texas Instruments, Inc. NVIDIA is a registered trademark of NVIDIA Corporation. All other trademarks are used with permission or are for identification purposes only and are the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
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