3D Vision 2 Glasses

The New 3D Vision 2 Glasses

Upon first glance, the new 3D Vision glasses may look the same as the outgoing model but there are a number of changes built into their design. Nonetheless, NVIDIA has retained their iconic profile and black and green colour scheme while the underlying technology itself hasn’t changed one iota; these are still active shutter glasses which receive their signal from an infrared emitter. Their range has remained the same at around 40 feet provided a clear line of sight between the emitter and glasses is retained.

Instead of plastic these are fabricated out of a durable composite nylon which makes them very, very durable while minimizing on weight. The matte finish also prevents any unwanted scratches and ensures that finger prints become almost invisible. Unfortunately, the material NVIDIA used causes a few small squeaks when the glasses are manipulated but I’m going to guess our pair just needed to be broken in a bit more.

Note that in the picture above and those below, it appears the lenses are different colours but that is just an effect of the polarization at certain angles.

Starting off at the front of the glasses, NVIDIA has included a small return at the top and bottom which acts as a baffle to prevent light from entering around the frames. The previous design used a completely flat frame and in daylight viewing conditions, light tended to seep in and diminish the contrast and brightness of on-screen images. Hopefully, this small but significant addition will all but eliminate that issue.

Above you can also see a glossy finish around the outer lens which looks good but as we will discuss in the Initial Impressions section, it does cause some significant issues as well.

Instead of a mini USB connector of yesteryear, the 3D Vision 2 glasses use a micro USB connector that can accept power from most cell phone chargers. This should allow for a complete recharge from any power outlet provided you have a micro USB charger. Battery life has remained constant at 60 hours of continual use and roughly three months of standby time.

Along with a brushed black chrome cover, the area directly over your temple includes a small on/off button with an integrated LED. Personally, I found the button nearly impossible to hit once the glasses were on my head and it will take several minutes of fumbling around before you find it in a dark room.

The changes continue onto the sides which have been slimmed down and shaped in a way that will have minimal impact upon headphones. Also, instead of the frames resting only on your ears this new design lightly clasps the back of your head for additional security. Coupled with the glasses’ feather-like weight, this addition allows 3D Vision 2 to steamroll the older generation unit when it comes to long term comfort.

Much like the older glasses, interchangeable nose bridge “adaptors” are included to ensure perfect fitment.

When placed next to the outgoing glasses, 3D Vision 2’s differences really become apparent. The new version looks much larger due to the installation of light baffles but also because NVIDIA increased the lens size by a good 20% for wider viewing angles. In addition, the infrared receiver has been moved from the right hand side to a central location between the lenses.

Along with the increase in lens size, the polarization has been slightly changed as well. These new glasses are supposed to let a bit more light through the active shutters which should increase in-game contrast and brightness.

NVIDIA claims they listened closely to gamers’ feedback when it came time to redesign their 3D glasses. From what we have seen, it looks like most of the changes will indeed benefit the in-game stereoscopic experience but most of 3D Vision 2’s differences come from the supporting monitors. That’s exactly what we’re going to look at next.