First 3D Games Forced To Scale Back Visual Resolution
See Full ImageWhen brand new technology arrives, it's rarely in tip-top shape. So does it come as any surprise that the first 3D PlayStation 3 games might not be as graphically brilliant as they're supposed to be?
There's an interesting article that talks about the making of 3D for the PS3, and we learn that early 3D efforts will have to be scaled back in terms of resolution. For instance, Wipeout HD has always been displayed in gorgeous full 1080p HD but in order to achieve the 3D perspective, it has to be scaled back to 720p. Therefore, it might be safe to assume that games that normally run at 720p will go below high-definition resolution when they implement 3D. MotorStorm is an example of that. However, there's one very important thing to remember, here: the titles they speak of are being "retrofitted" to run in 3D and they're also the very first games to receive this treatment. Hence, in regards to brand new titles specifically designed to support 3D, we shouldn't have to worry about suffering visuals. But here's my question: it's freakin' 3D...will it be easier or harder to spot the visual discrepancy between 1080p and 720p? I really have no idea how your eyes would record the information...
But anyway, don't be surprised if you're an early adopter of 3D gaming and existing titles that just got the 3D overhaul don't look as crisp as they once did. The sacrifice for progress, I suppose.
4/24/2010 10:33:06 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (57 posts)
JPBooch
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 11:11:07 AM
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That being the case, a game dropping from 1080P to 720P for a mode that requires you to wear a pair of shades isn't going to change anything.
Also, I don't think it is fair to assume that a game running in 720P will drop to a sub-standard high def.
The amount of resources used is significantly greater from 1080P to 720P. Not so much from 720P to 480P.
1080P = 2073600 pixels
720P = 345600 pixels
Difference of 1728000
480P = 921600 pixels
difference from 720P to 480P = 576000
I'd bet the PS3 can handle 720P just fine in 3D, it's just the 1080P rez that's a beast.
3 up, 3 down
Taha1
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 12:32:30 PM
and 480p = 345600
7 up, 0 down
manofchao5
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 2:21:27 PM
anyway dont mind 1080p-720p cause its still at least its still a high resolution but i dont want to see standard definition 3d then its not even worth it
0 up, 0 down
eLLeJuss
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 6:00:43 PM
0 up, 0 down
JPBooch
Monday, April 26, 2010 @ 8:55:11 AM
1080P is 1920x1080
However, I just read an article that says MotoStorm will be scaled down to a subHD level. The reason being that in order to do 720P in 3D you basically have to render to images (one for each eye) in 720P. That would be like having a game using a higher rez that 1080P.
With that information, it makes my point moot anyway, lol.
It looks like 3D gaming will have to take hold on the next generation systems. These systems won't be able to handle it with a high rez.
0 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Monday, April 26, 2010 @ 7:26:42 PM
720p = 1280 x 720 = 921,600
480p = 853 x 480 = 409,440 (or sometimes 720 x 480 = 345,600)
So, yes, you got your numbers switched. No big deal, though.
Each is 2.25 x the next lower resolution.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 4/26/2010 7:35:43 PM
0 up, 0 down
Kowhoho
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 11:28:36 AM
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1 up, 0 down
SmokeyPSD
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 11:34:22 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Superman915
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 11:36:19 AM
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2 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 12:54:11 PM
7 up, 2 down
MysteriousMagus
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 6:52:44 PM
I been gaming on pc and ps3 and i can tell you there is a heck lot of difference between them... But you don't get to see it until you play in a 21.5 inch screen really close to it.... lol or in a 50in plasma
I want to get that game but they don't sell psn cards here yet plus i don't have a credit card lol
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:39:03 PM
I never said there was NO difference, I can tell there's a difference but its a small one. Not one that should make anyone shun new tech because of a reduction from 1080p to 720p.
As i said, there is HARDLY a difference.
1 up, 2 down
Zorigo
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 6:30:18 AM
also @Magus, where are you, because europe has them i think. i haven't checked but im pretty sure ive seen them in game.
0 up, 0 down
Taha1
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 12:28:25 PM
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in 3d the differencce between 720p and 1080p is almost non-existent.
sure, you can pack more detail in with 1080p but it still looks good in 720p.
btw theres a really good digital foundry article on this : http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-making-of-ps3-3d-article
1 up, 2 down
Scarecrow
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 12:42:36 PM
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This one of those cases where Sony (and other companies, Sony's not alone in this) want to push ANY idea they think will make more money through
Last edited by Scarecrow on 4/24/2010 12:43:10 PM
4 up, 7 down
Scarecrow
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 1:35:42 PM
0 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 1:36:57 PM
So much hatred for 3D. What did 3D do to you?
Wouldn't the fact that 3DTV's are 240Hz help negate these effects?
3 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 1:59:00 PM
9 up, 1 down
bridgera
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 3:12:25 PM
3D technology may very well be awesome in 5-10 years, and might make it into the next gen consoles, but I just don't see a whole lot of developers picking up 3D at this point.
Go ahead and buy this stuff if you want it, it may be fun/neat, but don't be too surprised if 2 years from now, you don't see a whole lot of games in 3D.
2 up, 5 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 4:35:41 PM
Also, i think there would be people calling this a gimmick regardless of when it was presented or made available.
Have either of you had a chance to play with this the 3D tech? It's actually quite impressive. I suggest you go to your nearest Sony Style and see for yourself. Its shaping up to be more then a "gimmick."
3 up, 2 down
shadowscorpio
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:25:56 PM
Sony has been in the electronic making business (TVs, VCRs, Stereos, etc) even before the decided to dive into the console gaming biz. Its only natural that they promote new technologies concerning their field of expertise.
2 up, 0 down
bridgera
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 10:46:48 PM
Now if 2 years from now there are 100+ 3D games, well I'll be wrong, but I really don't see that happening.
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 12:47:31 PM
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7 up, 2 down
Vitron
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 7:45:57 PM
0 up, 0 down
rell
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 1:36:23 PM
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0 up, 0 down
FullmetalX10
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 2:05:17 PM
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I'll stick with my good ol' 32" Sony Bravia flat screen HDTV.
3 up, 0 down
DemonNeno
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 3:35:40 PM
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2 up, 1 down
Mystearica
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 3:46:50 PM
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Last edited by Mystearica on 4/24/2010 3:47:53 PM
0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 4:02:01 PM
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Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
0 up, 0 down
RadioHeader
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 5:09:42 PM
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PS3 only does everything, including starting the next gen with current gen hardware.
3 up, 0 down
FullmetalX10
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 5:38:41 PM
2 up, 0 down
Nlayer
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 6:01:55 PM
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Does anyone know how the 3D entertainment will effect one's eyes? When I watch a 3D movie, it is stressful to my eyes a little, but it's only around 2 hours. I can only imagine what will happen after I play a video game for 5+ hours everyday with the 3D glasses on.
0 up, 0 down
Nlayer
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 7:13:05 PM
It was the cheapest one I could find, plus I know a lot of people who have Plasmas. I prefer them more, personal preference of course. I've never run into any problems nor have my friends who also own a Plasma.
I've also done a lot of research on the matter before buying. I was scared of the Burn-In that occurred on older models, but I found that newer models do not have this problem(You have to work really hard at it to create a Burn-In for newer Plasmas, so it isn't impossible to have it). Actually my Plasma has a "Game Mode" specifically made for gaming so that the TV will preform better without any worries. I've done my research. I've also found in my research that gameplay looks better on Plasma than it does on LCD's, of course it all boils down to personal preferences.
Sorry for the long post, which was really off-topic; I just wanted to state that I have done my research and I believe I bought the correct TV for my personal needs. =]
3 up, 0 down
Shams
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:03:56 PM
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:40:34 PM
0 up, 2 down
___________
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 1:58:46 AM
im really regretting getting my sony Z series, i should of gone with the plasmas.
LCDs just look far to washed out, no matter what i do with the settings it still does not look right.
burn in on plasmas are no where near as bad as they use to, its almost gone now.
my cuz bought a new series 8 plasma a year ago, leaves it on at least 6 hours a day and its fine.
not to mention the picture quality is 10 times better than my set, not to mention it was 1400 bucks cheaper than mine!
plasmas are dirt cheap in comparison to LCDs even LEDs and they have better picture quality.
only downside to a plasma is their power consumption but well they are a sh*t load cheaper so thats basically covered.
the light reflection can be a problem, you need a much darker room for plasmas than you do for others.
0 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 6:37:04 PM
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It's the same as with split-screen. Devs are avoiding split-screen multiplayer (esp. co-op) because they can't make the graphics as good. 3D will likely be the same until the next generation appears with graphics cards capable of creating 1080p x 120 f.p.s. images without difficulty.
As Jawknee said, most current-gen games don't even render in 1080p x 30 f.p.s. as it is.
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 6:52:02 PM
0 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 10:33:09 PM
Though, I think it's cool Sony is putting the effort to even bring us 3D gaming to begin with. I'm happy it's coming. But I don't suspect any real true strides until the next generation of consoles land.
0 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Monday, April 26, 2010 @ 7:44:21 PM
0 up, 0 down
Wage SLAVES
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:40:17 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Lucifer_Light
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 9:23:32 PM
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But beside the point, I played the Motorstorm 3D Demo at Sony Showroom in Ginza the other day. Played in a dark theatre on the LX900 60". I am not a person who delves into pixels and resolutions and all the tech talk. When I play, I just know enough to tell if it is beautiful or not, or is it fun. And speaking for myself, I had A LOT of fun!!
I have played the normal version of Motorstorm, beautiful graphics (720p I think). I have watched the 3D demo, a bit of a motion sickness there watching someone else play. But I did not notice any drop in resolution (I may be blind). But when you play it yourself, it is like you have been absorbed into a different game all together. When you crash the truck, it actually feels like you have actually crash a miniature toy truck. It feels like I have taken a toy truck from my world and crash it into that 2D cliff (I sucks at words).
I know 3D gaming is going to be fad... but don't write it off as yet. I am hooked on to it the moment I played the PS3 on it. Watching movies on 3DTV on the other hand is a different story for another day.
2 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 10:24:22 PM
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0 up, 0 down
RebelJD
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 12:58:57 AM
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You know, a lot of TVs with smaller screens only display as high as 720p. It can't possibly be true that everyone complaining about the difference with 1080p and 720p actually have a screen larger enough at home that displays 1080p.
How about people just support a new technology so things can start to look better for everyone. Don't tell me Apple is the ONLY company people will bend over backwards for..come on now.
1 up, 0 down
___________
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 2:00:52 AM
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sounds like the 1080P 120HZ father ken promised us is nothing but a pipe dream!
granted these are early days and these games are not coded for 3D so that could improve.
i just cant see it taking off at all, most high tech PCs struggle to produce true 3D effects, so how the hell is a humble console suppose to keep up?
0 up, 3 down
mid10smaradoarg
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 7:05:16 AM
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________________ plasmas better than lcd and leds???? ur crazy man
the only way i will buy a 3d tv is if they make the screen ready to watch it without having to put the glasses.
100$ for glasses?? hell no!! what if i have friends o family coming home???
3d=Useless
0 up, 0 down
___________
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 9:13:15 AM
there are TVs in china that do not need the use of 3D TVs the news is give it a year or 2 and it should be out worldwide.
im only getting a new TV because the one i use is 4 years old its not even full HD so its about time i switch over.
plus i HATE LCDs they drive me insane because they make everything look so washed out.
black looks like Grey on my TV.
plasmas are the best by far the color depth, contrast is far superior.
not only are the colors brighter, more vibrant but plasmas create natural colors where LCDs and LED sets over saturate the colors making them look faked.
reds are far to red, and create a haze over near scenes.
plasmas are by far the best of the 3, any specialist home cinema owner will tell you that.
theres a reason why Panasonic TVs largest most popular manufacture only make high end plasmas, LCDs they dont bother they only create cheap ones.
there cheaper, have far superior picture quality.
i really can not see why LCDs and LEDs are still being made theres absolutely no competition between the 3.
its like comparing a Ferrari to a suziki and a kia.
it does not take a brain surgeon to tell you which one of those is best.
0 up, 2 down
eLLeJuss
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 6:03:53 PM
0 up, 0 down
___________
Monday, April 26, 2010 @ 8:33:03 AM
its only a 32 inch and i leave it on for 20 minutes and no joke if you touch the screen you will burn your freaking hand off!
i have never had another TV do that to me, every other TV i have used barley gets warm.
my TV + laptop + ps3 = enough generated heat to warm the house for the next 52 years!
and at lease 70% of that heats from my TV.
0 up, 0 down
Robochic
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 9:05:33 AM
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1) price is down
2) price for the glasses are down
3) make sure to have a good sturdy bucket.LOL, I get motion sickness, it'll be interesting in June when I take my son to Toy Story 3.
0 up, 0 down
kiwami_nemesis
Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 11:33:32 AM
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3D is a new technology the playstations are know for improving & pushing it's limits as developers get to know the system better, so it will take a while to see 3D titles @ the same levels as some of the best looking 1080p 2D titles.perhaps with the next ps4 we will get bettet 3d looking games. But we should see a resolution jump to 2160P in the future TVs so let's see what the future PS4 is going to bring us.
In my case i just bought a LED TV so for the next few years i don't care about 3D since i won't buy a new tv for quiet some time. So i would take any well made 1080P game. "Release GT5 already"..lol
0 up, 0 down
DeathOfChaos
Monday, April 26, 2010 @ 7:22:05 AM
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0 up, 0 down
little dreamer
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Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 11:02:39 AM