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Stereo 3D Display Options
This page is for aggregating the latest know-how and links to current Stereo 3D display options best suited for molecular graphics applications like PyMOL. Please strive to provide fact-based objective information based on first-hand experiences while using the displays for real work and teaching.
Let's figure out together what stereo solutions work well in this post-CRT world!
Definitions
- "Active Stereo 3D" requires expensive and/or bulky shutter glasses. For decades, this has been the standard solution for stereo 3D molecular visualization on the desktop
- "Passive Stereo 3D" requires inexpensive lightweight polarized glasses required. This has emerged as the standard solution for delivering stereo 3D to audiences which consist of more than a few people.
- "Autostereoscopic 3D" means that no glasses are required. However, current autostereoscopic displays tend not to work well for molecular graphics due to their inability to faithfully represent fine detail such as thin bonds and wire meshes.
Active Stereo (High-Refresh) LCD Displays
This solution would be analogous to using desktop CRT monitors with shutter glasses. Are any of these displays on the market yet?
Active Stereo (High Refresh) DLP Projection Televisions
These solutions would also be analogous to using CRT monitors with shutter glasses. However, projection televisions tend to be too large and blurry for desktop use.
Passive Stereo 3D Mirror-based LCD Displays
Passive Stereo 3D "One Piece" LCD Displays
Active Stereo 3D (High Refresh) DLP Projectors
Although these displays require shutter glasses out of the box, when combined with the adapters below and a special "silvered" screen, they can be used to project Passive Stereo 3D to a large audience.
Passive Stereo 3D Adaptor Hardware for Projectors
These devices make it possible for a large audience to see projected stereo 3D using inexpensive polarized glasses.