Majority of the Indian audience who want to enjoy the eye-popping effects of 3-D movies, usually visit a multiplex to catch the latest movie. While there are plenty of 3-D television sets available in the market for even more personal experience, the fact is they are way too expensive. Yet another ground reality is that the number of quality 3-D movies and games is still relatively small. If my memory serves me right, there are about 85 Blu-ray movies in 3-D, and I can easily recall the renowned ones?The Lion King, Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Alice in Wonderland, Rio and Kung Fu Panda 2. Thankfully, the success of Shahrukh Khan starrer Ra.One has given birth to a new 3D trend in Bollywood. And with Steven Spielberg?s The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn slated to hit the cinema screens tomorrow, that too in 3D, my curiosity is through the roof, especially on this one.

Here?s my first reaction when I played some of the content mentioned above on the ViewSonic V3D231 3D monitor? it?s 3-D, high definition and in your face. The American tech major in visual displays, ViewSonic, has recently introduced the 23-inch LED display with advanced 3D technology. ViewSonic is pushing its monitor for home entertainment (3D movies and 3D gaming) and also for animation professionals. My verdict: great looks, awesome sound and the monitor hardly occupies any space on the table.

Believe it or not, the monitor offers an incredible 3D experience with just a pair of polarised glasses?there is no need for an additional 3D image transmission device. While common with TV, the 23-inch screen of the V3D231 monitor is one of the few computer displays to let viewers to wear inexpensive polarised 3D glasses instead of the usual active shutter glasses.

The setup too is simple. But, let us talk about some of the interesting features first. The V3D231 is equipped with a 23-inch screen and full high definition 1920 x 1080 resolution to present clear, vibrant colour performance and high-quality digital images. The monitor boasts of ClearMotiv II technology with 2 ms response time; for a layman this means there are clear and fluid images that do not blur. Moreover, 3D images become vivid and real, so gamers can picture themselves in a scene alongside their favourite characters, such as those in Batman: Arkham City, the action-adventure video game developed by Rocksteady Studios.

Equipped with advanced 3D technology, the V3D231 relies on a FPR (Frame Patterned Retarder) panel in order to add the sense of depth to the images displayed. All-new HDMI 1.4 support enables extra smooth video transmissions. Support for the latest HDMI 1.4 format allows you to easily connect with any 3D imaging device and transmit high-quality video and audio files. In addition, HDMI 1.4 supports stereo 3D technology, offering the most realistic 3D effects with perfect performance at any time.

To ensure all users have access to a plethora of 3D content from which to choose from, ViewSonic?s V3D231 monitor also includes a TriDef 3D software suite which can easily convert and view 2D PC images in 3D.

Two integrated 2W speakers in the monitor are powered with SRS Premium Sound, offering a superior audio experience and eliminating your need to find external speakers. This means listen to music, watch videos and play games in style.

In a nutshell, V3D231 brings you the ultimate satisfaction of 3D vision. At a personal level, I am waiting to catch up with Steven Spielberg?s 3D adaptation of Tintin on the big screen, and eventually create my personal 3D theatre experience. My gut feel is that 3D is here to stay and will impact not only our movie viewing habits, but also our enjoyment of personal photos and video.

Specs

Dimensions: 548 x 388 x 190 mm (W x H x D)

Display type: LED panel

Panel surface: Anti-glare type, hard coating

Display area: 23-inch

True resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast ratio: 1000 :1 (typ), 20,000,000:1 (max)

Compatibility: PC (From VGA up to 1920 x 1080 non-interlaced); Macintosh (Up to 1920 x 1080)

Audio speakers: 2W x 2 (SRS Premium)