E-2 Emitter Q&A

Q: What is the E-2 Emitter?
A: The StereoGraphics E-2 is an infrared emitter used with StereoGraphics' CrystalEyes® Stereo3Dtm visualization system. The E-2 was developed to take advantage of the new generation stereo-capable graphics cards using the VESA standard 3-pin mini-DIN connector.

Q: What is Stereo3D?
A: Humans perceive depth stereoscopically - which is to say through the use of both eyes together to understand depth and perspective in a physical environment. StereoGraphics' family of products enables high-definition stereoscopic viewing in an electronic environment. This concept is known as Stereo3D. Stereo3D delivers the most realistic visual representation possible of complex digital solid models. This provides engineers and scientists with a significantly better understanding of three-dimensional information and yields levels of technical proficiency not available using a typical 2D view.

Q: Who is E-2 for?
A: StereoGraphics' E-2 is for mechanical design, molecular/chemical engineering and architectural CAD professionals working with complex 3D images. The product delivers Stereo3D viewing capability on Windows NT workstations in conjunction with stereo-enabled software and standard workstation displays.

Q: What's the difference between E-2 and StereoGraphics' other emitters?
A: The E-2 was designed specifically to work with the VESA standard 3-pin connector. It is also designed to work with the VESA-specified 5-volt and 12-volt output. The product therefore eliminates the need for any extra cabling and does not require an external power supply. It also has a wide/narrow I/R switch which allows the I/R signal to be more focused to the user. This is particularly useful where you have many stereo workstations in close proximity.

Q: The E-2 has a wide/narrow switch. What does this do?
A: The wide/narrow switch allows the I/R beam to be focused according to user needs. When set to wide the spread is approximately 130 degrees, on narrow this spread is reduced to 60 degrees. This is particularly useful where you have many stereo workstations in close proximity.

Q: How do I connect E-2 to my computer?
A: The user simply plugs the E-2 3-pin mini-DIN connector into the back of a compatible graphics card.

Q: How is E-2 turned on and off?
A: StereoGraphics' E-2 turns on automatically whenever the Stereo3D capability is activated in an application. The product automatically turns off when Stereo3D is not being used.

Q: What graphics cards support E-2?
A: Any graphics card or UNIX graphics sub-system which has the VESA 3-pin mini-DIN stereo connector. View our graphics cards section for an up to date list.

Q: What software packages support E-2?
A: Several software applications commonly used for mechanical CAD, pharmaceutical research, earth resource sciences and industrial VR can be used with E-2 and CrystalEyes. These include SolidWorks 98, SDRC I-DEAS Master Series 6, 3DView for AutoCAD, dVISE from Division, as well as products from Oxford Molecular, Erdas, Sense8, Hypercube and MSI.

Q: What are the key benefits of E-2?
A: E-2 brings UNIX workstation-level Stereo3D imaging capabilities to Windows NT computers running stereo-ready OpenGL applications. The CrystalEyes system, it improves the productivity of engineering and scientific professionals working with multi-dimensional data on Windows NT computers.

Q: I have an older StereoGraphics model that does not work on my new PC .
A: Your current emitter will not work on a modern PC on its own.  The E-2 emitter will resolve this. You can purchase it online from us. Visit our emitter page for more information and pricing.

Q: How do I contact REAL D for general information?
A: For additional information on E-2 and other REAL D Scientific products, contact REAL D Scientific at (800) 783-2660 or send an email to sales.

Troubleshooting

Q: My graphics card has a 3-pin connector, how do I get Stereo3D to work?
A: Load the latest driver from the board manufacturer. It is still very common for the drivers originally supplied with the video board package to not contain correct Stereo3D support, so we strongly recommend going to the manufacturer's web site to get the current driver. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions when prompted. Then, restart your system. It is usually necessary to select a stereo-enabling option in the graphics driver once it is installed. You must do so according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Q: Is there a test program I can use to confirm proper operation of the product?
A: There is a diagnostic utility you can download from StereoGraphics' website that will confirm proper system stereo support as well as help determine if E-2 is working properly. It can be downloaded here. Please note that this utility does not display any Stereo3D images. If you would like to download a test file that does provide Stereo3D, a version of the OpenGL Pipes screen saver is also available here.

Q: When I try to run stereo in SolidWorks, I get an error message saying my graphics board is not configured for stereo. What is going on?
A: Most likely, the stereo option has not been enabled in your card's driver, or you are running at a resolution that is not supported in stereoscopic mode by your card. Make sure you have loaded the latest driver and turned the stereo option and set the resolution and refresh rate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Restart your computer and re-activate the stereo option in SolidWorks.