eDimensional's Wireless E-D Glasses

By Alan Frerocious (26 November 2001)

The included driver CD has Direct X v7a drivers but I had already installed Direct X v8.0. The installation docs mention the GeForce 256 generically instead of by manufacturer's name. Since Creative Labs wasn't on the list, I checked out eDimensional's web site and found that they recommended NVidia Reference Drivers rather than the current Creative Labs drivers I had installed. The reference drivers are Version 12.41 and you also need the stereo drivers which are 12.40. I was able to install these drivers without too many problems. I had occasional problems with losing sync and having the screen go bananas. When this happens, there are two ways to fix it depending on how accessible your system is. You can either disconnect/connect the dongle from your video card or power cycle your system. Another thing I found was that most games have to be run in full screen mode so that the drivers have absolute control of your screen's resolution and refresh rate. This may be a bit unfortunate since Microsoft put a lot of work in increasing the frame rate in windows mode. But if you have problems, you are not far away from expert help. If you do need help, they have very knowledgeable support and your questions are quickly answered.

Once the drivers are installed, there is a setup program where you set the resolution and refresh rates you want as well as tweak some of the stereo effects settings. This is where you get your first peak at 3D. It is pretty awesome and makes you want to skip on and get flying. Objects definitely appear to be 3D! It almost makes you feel you can just reach through your monitor and touch them.

At this point, it was time to go flying! I started up Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2002. The view was astounding. Everything seemed to be in 3D. You could see the buildings, trees, and other objects very distinctly. You are not just looking at your monitor, you are seeing through it. Very interesting effect indeed. It also gives you a better idea of your height with relation to the ground and enhances the feeling of actually being in a cockpit. I didn't notice any apparent loss of frame rate with the 3D effect on. Everything seemed to appear smooth and fluid. There are hot keys to turn the effect on and off. This is handy when the menu pages weren't written for 3D or when you are accessing help files. If you have 3D selected and you don't have the glasses on, you get a fuzzy double vision sort of image. Your co-pilot and passengers will want to have these glasses also! I tried out the new FS2002 virtual cockpit mode and even that looks good in 3D.

I also tried these glasses with Microsoft's Train Simulator, Crimson Skies, and Combat Flight Simulator with excellent results.

The wireless version of these glasses are $99.95 direct and $69.95 for ones with wires. Unfortunately they don't work for LCD monitors so I couldn't install it on my gaming laptop.

So, if you have ever hankered with the idea of trying 3D glasses, start with these and you won't go back to the flat lands.

And, last but not least: "The best 3-D graphics EVER, or your money back!"

Alan Frerocious
alanf@flightsim.com

Visit eDimensional's web site.