The Zalman ZM-M220W is a 3D LCD screen.  We can imagine the hearts of techies everywhere jumping at this point.  Well, the dream has finally become true.  Say goodbye to reality as we know it and say hello to a virtual world where the walls actually move, objects have depth and theere is finally deep immersion in gameplay.  Does it work? Yes!  But there are some catches...

Let’s start with the principle: as the image below illustrates, the graphic card doesn’t emit a single image when 3D is activated but rather two that are slightly separated.  To do this, each image occupies every other line. 

Two sets of lenses are provided in the form of glasses and lens covers

The 2D definition is thus 1680 x 1050 pixels, which is then mathematically decreased (and this is noticeable to the eye) to 1680 x 525 pixels.  Filters on the glasses then perfectly block out respective portions of the images in order that each half image is seen by one eye.  Your brain then combines them and this creates a sensation of depth.

Unfortunately, there are certain conditions to be fulfilled in order for this to function correctly.  The first is that you have to wear the polarized glasses.  The second is that you have a powerful NVIDIA graphics card!

Only very recent and high end models will be able to properly handle the transition from 2D to 3D, especially in Vista.  You should know that not all games are compatible, but the list is long and published on the manufacturer’s site.  However, when you find a game that does work, something you've spent hours playing on in 2D takes on a whole new light in 3D.

3D - it doesn't always work

After the two above conditions are met, there is one other reservation:  not everyone is able to see the 3D well.  And when you do get it, there is a certain eye fatigue and it’s difficult to stay in 3D for long periods of time.  This can be comparable to the ''3D'' books that came out at one time where you had to concentrate on the image and then it magically appears.  In addition, you have to be at the proper distance and height, not move your head too much, and not look away from the monitor (you can’t answer the phone or talk to your friends and family).  In our offices, some immediately saw the 3D without any particular effort while others really had trouble.  For the latter, the eye fatigue was significant from the start and they weren’t able to enjoy the screen at all.

3D:  it’s nice and impressive.  The 2D less

well.  Here, it’s a bit disappointing and the Zalman ZM-M220W is better as a second screen rather than as your main workstation.  The addition of a polarizing filter on the panel, indispensable to activating 3D, affects the homogeneity of brightness in 2D.  In addition, default settings are very average and sadly cannot be significantly improved upon.  More specifically, white is reddish and grays have a blue dominance.  You can noticeably improve the situation by changing into ''TEXT'' mode in the OSD even if black still lacks a bit of depth.  Note that we provide a free calibration profile with which there is serious hope of having perfect colors without any need for manual adjustment.

Another paradox is that it’s a monitor for gamers, but reactivity is rather mediocre.  It’s actually what is currently the slowest on the market and when compared to other 5 ms TNs, it is one of the most modest.  Luckily, the 3D effect is so impressive that we can quickly overlook this.