Monitor ZScreen Q&A

Q: What is Monitor ZScreen 2000/2000i and how does it work?
A: A stereoscopic visualization system comprising a stereoscopic viewing panel and polarized eyewear. The panel is affixed to a standard CRT computer monitor to deliver Stereo3D. In conjunction with stereo-ready software on a stereo-ready workstation, the Monitor ZScreen® 2000 Series circularly polarizes the left-eye and right-eye images in opposing directions. Viewers wearing the polarized eyewear see a Stereo3D image on the display.

Q: How are these different from the prior generation Monitor ZScreen?
A: Both models have a larger viewing area and improved anti-reflective coating while providing significantly faster start-up time. The Monitor ZScreen 2000i, the most advanced model, comes with a 3-year warranty. It offers a streamlined design by featuring a modulator controller that is integrated into the shroud for reduced cabling and a smaller desktop footprint.

Q: What is Stereo3D?
A: The effect of three-dimensionality is a combination of what our eyes see and our brain processes. The distance between human eyes results in each eye seeing an image from a slightly different perspective. The brain interprets information from these two perspectives to create the perception of three dimensions - an effect known as stereopsis. Monitor ZScreen relies on the same stereoscopic principle. The product works with the users computer display and software to separate left-eye- and right-eye-specific images to create the illusion that on-screen objects have depth and presence in three-dimensional space.

Q: Do I need special software to use the Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series?
A: Yes, Monitor ZScreen Series requires the use of software that produces stereoscopic images. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of workstation-based software applications that are Monitor ZScreen-compatible.

Q: Who are the products intended for?
A: Engineers, scientists, cartographers and medical professionals who view complex computer graphics models. They are ideal for GIS/mapping, molecular modeling and medical applications, particularly for dual monitor systems and small group visualization.

Q: On what platforms does the Monitor ZScreen Series work?
A: Monitor ZScreen Series is compatible with all UNIX (Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SGI and Sun Microsystems) and Windows NT workstations as well as LINUX systems (requires stereo-ready graphics card and driver).

Q: What are the differences between the Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series and CrystalEyes?
A: CrystalEyes are active stereoscopic viewing eyewear, which employ liquid crystal shutters with integrated electronics. CrystalEyes uses an infrared emitter to trigger the shutters. As an active system, CrystalEyes produces a higher dynamic range than Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series, but is more vulnerable to flicker from room light sources and multiple emitters in working environments with multiple workstations. Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series uses passive polarized eyewear. While delivering a slightly lower dynamic range than CrystalEyes, the Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series system is impervious to flicker from other light sources and can be used with multiple displays simultaneously running at various sync rates.

Q: Which environments are better suited for the Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series and which are better for CrystalEyes?
A: In brightly-lit rooms with many light sources, for applications running at low field-rates, or for environments in which several displays are used simultaneously, Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series is a more suitable solution. CrystalEyes is best suited to environments in which only a single display is used, where two or fewer individuals need to view images simultaneously and where the absolute highest-definition images are a premium.

Q: What is dynamic range and why is it important?
A: Dynamic range refers to the image rejection/transmission ratio of left-eye and right-eye images in a stereoscopic environment. A high dynamic range is important to ensure that only the correct image is shown to each eye. Otherwise, ghosting and double-images result. A major contributor to ghosting and a low dynamic range is monitor phosphor persistence. StereoGraphics Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series actively suppresses monitor persistence, guaranteeing a crisp Stereo3D image.

Q: How do I purchase the Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series?
A: For pricing and information on Monitor ZScreen 2000 Series, CrystalEyes and other StereoGraphics Stereo3D visualization products, contact REAL D Scientific at (800) 783-2660 or send an email to sales.