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ViewSonic VP3D1 3D Converter Box Review

Isn't it great when a new product comes out that doesn't make your old one obsolete? In fact, it makes it better ? That's exactly what happened when ViewSonic released its VP3D1 3D converter box . If you already own a 3D-ready DLP projector, which could only produce 3D images from a computer with a special video card, ViewSonic's VP3D1 opens up your world to the latest 3D source components, including Blu-ray 3D players and 3D-capable satellite and cable set-top boxes. It won't turn a 2D TV into a 3D TV or a 2D projector into a 3D projector, but it will turn an inexpensive 3D-capable DLP projector into the centerpiece of a high definition 3D home theater.

The Set-up

Not much to say here. After plugging the adapter into AC power, I plugged an HDMI cable from a Panasonic Blu-ray 3D player into the VP3D1's HDMI 1 input, and plugged the VP3D1's HDMI output into an Optoma HD66 3D-capable DLP projector and pressed play on the player. The projector detected a 3D signal and displayed it in 3D. Ta da! I did run a second HDMI cable from the player to my receiver to handle the sound (my current receiver does not support 3D passthrough), but that was about it on the set-up.

Although any DLP-Link glasses will do with the Optoma projector, I happened to use their BG-ZD101 DLP-Link glasses .  They're fairly heavy and not terribly comfortable, but they're inexpensive and work well for 3D viewing.  ViewSonic has a new pair on the market that are a bit lighter and more comfortable -- the PGD-250 .  Definitely worth a look.

In addition to Blu-ray 3D, the VP3D1 also supports side-by-side 3D as you get with some cable and satellite boxes. If you tune into 3D programming and see two identical images, left and right, hit the "Side by Side" button on the front of the unit. Oh and make sure your set-top box is set to 1080i output if it is not already.

From what we've heard, although we did not have any suitable sources to test, some set-top boxes that use a top/bottom (also called "over/under") 3D image, instead of side by side, may not be compatible with this box. ViewSonic says top/bottom sources are supported, but there are forum threads that have owners claiming otherwise .  If you're not sure which type of 3D service you have, check with your pay TV provider.  And based on ViewSonic's statements and documentation, top/bottom 3D should work so you can always contact their customer service team if you have problems.  The Optoma 3D-XL required a firmware upgrade (delivered in June) in order to properly support top/bottom 3D sources, but ViewSonic says this is not necessary for the VP3D1.

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