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    Question on external monitors and 3D

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by icemanuk4, Jan 6, 2013.

  1. icemanuk4

    icemanuk4 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys,

    I almost bought an external 3d monitor for my m17 ... But I think that I read somewhere that ot all monitors are compatible with NVIDIA.

    I was looking at a 23 or 27 inch Samsung ... But think I that that they are compatible with ATI only.

    Very confused... Can anyone please confirm this?

    If it is the case... Can anyone recommend a quality 3D monitor brand / model to work with a 680gtx...

    Additional info:
    This concern is based around the list here:
    http://www.nvidia.com/object/3d-vision-system-requirements.html

    I don't know if the NVIDIA list is not conclusive, out of date, etc ... but I don't want to shell out a reasonable amount of cash on a 3D monitor that wont work ;)

    I was looking into the Samsung ones (mainly cos they look funky ;) ) Models under consideration were the S23A750DS and the S27A950DSL ... ideally the 27" one ;)

    Thanks ..

    Iceman.
     
  2. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Hi, I might be able to add some info to help you choose.

    Assuming you have a 120hz M17x (?) then the samsung models you list may well not work correctly with the NV glasses. You need a monitor with a 120hz INPUT and most (if not all I found) 3D TV's use internal trickery to achieve a high Hz rate and still input at 50/60hz. Those samsung look like they are of that type since it comes with 3D glasses and talks about 'smoothing technology', along with software for 3D gaming.

    It might look good but you're not using the NV technology and it's a roll of the dice if it accepts a 120hz input. Monitors stating 120hz are usually OK but with the 3D options on those it might not be the case??

    You will need to use the display mini-port output (dual link DVI) on the laptop to be sure of a 120hz sync. I'd be wary of HDMI connection as this has it's own low rate 3D refresh standard - 24hz at 1080i and 50hz at 720p.

    If you do not have the NV glasses/emitter then you would need a monitor like you checked out but picture quality is unknown. The NV driver can output the 3D TV standard (I do this) but unless you have a 3D model laptop you will need to buy the driver pluggin after market - '3D TV Play' is what NV call it.

    HTH, ask away, I know it's confusing ;)
     
  3. zayin101

    zayin101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The only method currently to display 3D 120hz to an external monitor is thru using your "Display Port", HDMI will not work with current monitors on the 680M. I know this because I had an Asus 3D monitor that was 5 months old and had to purchase a BenQ XL2420T to replace it as it was the only model available at the time (and I believe still is) that included said Display Port. I am now able to game in full 3D on this external using my M17's included 3Dvision kit by placing my laptop with the screen open, disabled, and facing towards me/the glasses.
     
  4. icemanuk4

    icemanuk4 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks guys,

    As I suspected - it's like the VHS vs Betamax Video wars (yes - I'm old haha).

    On the monitor front (zayin101) ... There is an Asus monitor that is Compatible with NVIDIA 3D Vision. Can you comment pls?

    ASUS - Display- ASUS VG278H

    Blurb:
    •Uncompromised 27” 3D immersion with NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ 2 glasses and 3D LightBoost™
    •Ultra smooth action with 120Hz refresh rate and 2ms tracer-free
    •Vivid color performance with Splendid™ Video Intelligence Technology
    •Ergonomic design for swivel, tilt angle, and height adjustment
    •Extensive connectivity with HDMI 1.4, dual-link DVI-D, and D-sub

    From MickeyD1234's post ...
    "You will need to use the display mini-port output (dual link DVI) on the laptop to be sure of a 120hz sync. I'd be wary of HDMI connection as this has it's own low rate 3D refresh standard - 24hz at 1080i and 50hz at 720p."

    I assume that perhaps Dual-line DVI-D is DisplayPort? why can't they just have one name eh? ;)

    So - this is my monitor of choice ... hopefully it will be OK (??) - if I can actually find it in Singapore ;)

    (Also - to answer another point... I have an NVIDIA 680 and have the 3D 120Hz panel...)

    Iceman.
     
  5. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Yeah I also remember the VHS/betamax wars :eek:

    That monitor looks perfect :D.

    Yes, the displayport is exactly the same technology as a dual-link DVI-D, only differences are it has audio and a different plug. Apple took it and made it their own :rolleyes:

    Good Luck!
     
  6. zayin101

    zayin101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ugh actually that is very close to the same monitor I had before my BenQ haha.. its now just sitting in my closet want to buy it? ;-) Problem is that will not work right out of the box as we do not have a "DVI" port on our M17's.. the display port technology is a new standard that was recently introduced, the cable actually looks almost like a mini-usb plug and it is found between the HDMI port and the USB on the left side of your laptop. Here is the cable I purchased off Amazon: Amazon.com: Accell B119B-007J UltraAV Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable: Electronics. There is however an adapter available to connect your display port to to DVI also: http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-007B-DisplayPort-Dual-Link-Adapter/dp/B00856WJH8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1357655473&sr=8-7&keywords=accell+displayport but that costs almost a $100 and has issues for many people. Overall would be cheaper for you to just go with a monitor that has a built in Display port already, they are even cheaper without the nvidia vision included because you already have a pair included with your laptop correct? This is the one I currently have: http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420T-Professional-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B006HIKIG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1357655998&sr=1-1&keywords=benq+3d+monitor
     
  7. zayin101

    zayin101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Double Post, how can I delete this?
     
  8. icemanuk4

    icemanuk4 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Zayin ...

    I've done some research and the VG278H should be compatible with 3D Vision over HDMI (VG278HE is not..for example). However, I've read that there are some issues around 3D refresh rates being low if using HDMI or cheaper DVI->MinDP cables, but there is an active Dual Link DVI-D to Mini DisplayPort cable that you can get that allows full 3D vision @ 120Hz. It's a bit expensive, but given the cost of the laptop and the monitor - what's a few more ££ lol.

    I'll wait until I have the monitor and cable - then post further updates :)

    Problem is that BENQ is nearly impossible to find here in Singapore :(

    Fingers crossed heh

    Iceman.


    So -
     
  9. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    That one should work just fine.