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: 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. 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: 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:
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
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 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. / 5kg
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
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.
Q: Where can I get a new lamp?
A: Lamps (for Model IN2106) can be purchased from the InFocus Store.
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.
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 GeForce 3D Vision |
NVIDIA Corporation |
Universal Drivers |
more3DSTEREO |
more3D GmbH |
Q: How do I enable stereo output in SolidWorks?
A: Solidworks currently does not support stereo.
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®.
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 'GeForce 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 GeForce 3D Vision web site.
Products carrying the NVIDIA® GeForce® 3D VisionTM Ready Logo are designed and tested to ensure seamless compatibility with NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision and deliver the best quality, most immersive 3D experience possible.
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 GeForce 3D Vision solution uses the USB port for its Infra-Red emitter, it does not yet support Quad-Buffered OpenGL Page-Flip - though their Quadro Professional Stereo web page indicates that we should see this by "Spring 2009". Additionally, NVIDIA's official list of GeForce 3D Vision compatible GPU's does not yet 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: 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: What power modes does DepthQ® support?
A: DepthQ® has an auto-switching power supply and 100V – 240V at 50 –- 60 Hz.
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 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.
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.
|
|
