Hdmi 1.3 Cables

ViewSonic VP3D1

Similar in many ways to the Optoma 3D-XL ($400 street, 4 stars) that I recently reviewed, the ViewSonic VP3D1 ($300 street) video processor is designed to solve the same problem. Quite simply, it's the missing link that lets 3D-ready projectors show Blu-ray 3D discs and 3D TV signals in 3D. More important, it does the job it's meant for, and does it reasonably well.

As of this writing, today's low-cost 3D-ready projectors all have HDMI 1.3 ports, which means they can't accept 3D signals from sources that require HDMI 1.4. Those sources include Blu-ray players, cable TV, FIOS, and the like. The VP3D1 video processor converts the signal from an HDMI 1.4 source to a form the projectors can handle, so you can watch in 3D at 720p HD resolution.

Physically, the VP3D1 has a sleeker look to it than the Optoma 3D-XL, with a similar matte black case, but a glossy black front panel. The difference translates to more of a consumer electronics look and feel, as opposed to the 3D-XL's more techy look. The ViewSonic version is also much larger, at 1.2 by 16.9 by 8.2 inches, but about the same weight, at 2.7 pounds.

Easy to Setup, Easy to Use
The back panel on the VP3D1 offers same key set of connectors as the Optoma 3D-XL, with two HDMI 1.4a input ports and one HDMI 1.3 output. In addition, there's a USB 2.0 port for service and firmware upgrades. Setup is easy. Connect video sources to one or both HDMI inputs, connect your projector to the HDMI output, and plug in the power cord. That's it.

Using it is also easy. To watch in 2D at resolutions up to 1080p (assuming your projector can handle it), turn on your video source, projector, and the VP3D1. You may or may not also have to press the button on the front of the unit to pick the right HDMI input.

To watch in 3D, follow the same steps, but also set the source and projector to turn on 3D. For sources that use side-by-side format, like FIOS, you also have to press the SBS button on the front of the unit. Then put on DLP-Link glasses, turn them on, and watch.

Complications
I tested the VP3D1 with both FIOS, which uses side-by-side 3D format, and a Sony PlayStation 3 playing Blu-ray 3D discs. For the projector, I used the Editors' Choice Optoma GT720 ($800 street, 4 stars), which offers a native 720p resolution. Once set up, everything worked as promised. However, I ran into a small complication setting up the PlayStation.

Part of the PlayStation 3 setup involves the audio settings, with Manual and Automatic setup choices. When I chose Automatic, however, the PlayStation insisted that the HDMI device had no audio support. After several failed attempts, I chose Manual instead and set the options myself. The good news is that everything then worked.

Abacus 24-7 HDMI 1.3b M/M Cable Retail Package: 25ft

The latest revision for HDMI doubles the bandwidth of the original and has opened the door for a host of potential new advancements in Home Theater Audio/Video performance. New features such as Deep Color, higher color gamut, and high resolution, multi-channel audio formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio will make higher bandwidth demands than ever before. Equipment manufacturers are bringing out new devices to take advantage of these new features.

Be ready for what the future has in store with our HDMI 1.3b cables. These cables have been designed to meet the high bandwidth performance standards set by HDMI 1.3b. Abacus24-7 cables are constructed to the highest quality with full triple layer shielding from end to end, strong, solid wire welds and the highest quality materials including high purity copper, gold plated connectors and tin plated conduits.

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