Online console gaming is the status quo, but nothing will ever usurp the joys of throwing your controller in disgust, cursing and punching your friends in the arm during couch multiplayer. Sony has a magical, magical reinvention of offline competition.
What Is It?
An expensive 24-inch 3D HDTV that lets two people see two different images on the same TV. Whoa!
Who’s it For?
Anyone with a) a love for same-room multiplayer; b) deep-ish pockets in need for a stellar TV for a small space.
Design
It’s a Sony television — it looks beautiful. It’s black, shiny (though not distractingly so), and will look handsome wherever you stick it. But why the hell are all of the control buttons unlabelled and crammed in the back?
Using It
It’s a TV — a TV with a gorgeous, bright, 1080p picture. Turn it on, watch shows, movies or, ideally, play PS3 games in 3D. The lightweight active shutter glasses sync quickly and easily, and are both comfortable and expectedly dorky looking.
The Best Part
SimulView is the reason to buy this set — you and a friend will be looking at the same TV and be seeing two different images. No screenlooking, no cheating, no cramped splitscreens — just a nice picture and 1v1 grappling.
Tragic Flaw
Only a small handful of PS3 titles support SimulView, the chief quality of a 24-inch TV that costs $700 in Australia.
This Is Weird…
Though rare, I was occasionally able to see traces of my frenemy’s screen during SimulView mode. An annoying distraction.
Test Notes
• That glossy screen is sure shiny. Nearby lights could be a problem — position accordingly.
• Extended SimulView sessions caused some eye stream for me and my gaming partner — sensitive sockets, beware.
• Non-SimulView 3D viewing was great — no ghosting detected.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re a gamer who can afford it, the 3D display makes for an absolutely fantastic secondary or small room TV. In that case, yes. If you don’t own a PS3, don’t bother.
Sony PlayStation 3D Display
• Resolution: 1080p
• Glasses: Active Shutter, two included
• Size: 24 inches
• Input: 2x HDMI, Component
• Price: $700
Republished from Gizmodo.
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