Sharp launches 3D desktop LCD

Huntington Beach (CA) - Sharp today introduced a LCD with 3D technology, which previously only was available for certain models of its notebooks line. The screen can be switched between 2D and 3D display, the latter offers a greater level of depth perception resulting in a more realistic display of three-dimensional graphics.

Called the LL-151-3D, the LCD is Sharp's first model to include its 3D technology. Users of graphics cards that currently support OpenGL 3D displays with glasses, such as the Nvidia Quadro cards, will be able to shed their shutter glasses and go 3D right away.

According to Sharp, target markets will include drug discovery, medical imaging, dental, mapping/GIS, oil and gas, CAD and other design applications, entertainment, and education. The LL-151-3D also will be marketed to the gamer, to which it promises to increase the level of realism of games without the need for glasses.

Using a parallax barrier, light from Sharp's LCD is divided so that different patterns reach the viewer's left and right eyes. The direction in which light leaves the display is controlled so that the left and right eyes see different images. When centered in front of the display, each eye receives the correct visual information for the brain to process. This makes it possible for the image on the screen to appear in three dimensions without the user having to wear special goggles, Sharp said.

Users who are already looking for a nice spot for Sharps 3D LCD should be prepared to pay a premium for Sharp's new monitor. The 15" LCD retails for about $1500 about five times more than a regular entry-level 15" LCD.