Curvilicious
As you can see, the CDM43 is a curved display measuring 43 inches diagonally. The curvature is designed so that sitting 24 inches back from the center of the screen provides a 90-degree horizontal field of view without having to turn your head. Its resolution is 2880x900, which corresponds to an aspect ratio of 3.2:1.
Interestingly, this monitor uses DLP technology. In fact, there are four separate XGA (1024x768) single-chip microprojectors within the unit, each illuminated with red, green, and blue LEDs from Osram. All four imagers are oriented vertically with some overlap for blending and warping. The monitor accepts a scaled image from the computer's graphics processor—for example, the Nvidia GeForce 8 Series—via DVI or HDMI and splits it into four subimages, which are sent to the corresponding projectors while Ostendo's algorithms stitch them together and compensate for the screen's curvature. In addition, the monitor's response time is a blazing fast 16 microseconds.
The CDM43's price tag has yet to be finalized, but it's expected to be between $5000 and $10,000. The display is intended to replace multiple monitors in certain applications, such as simulation, broadcasting, video editing, and gaming. And the aspect ratio of 3.2:1 is too wide for movies, which generally don't extend beyond 2.5:1. (On the other hand, if the image's aspect ratio can be preserved with windowbox bars on the sides, this could be the ultimate single-person display for watching movies on a computer.) Ostendo has no plans to enter the home-theater market, but I can easily imagine a large rear projector based on this technology that would significantly enhance a movie's sense of envelopment and immersion compared with flat screens.
Sponsored Technology Center
This, on a larger scale, would make Cinerama movies work without the smilebox option.
That's exactly why I find it so interesting.
Do you know, or can you ascertain from the specs, whether it is capable of 120hz refresh rate to be used with 3D visualization?
Godd question! I don't know, but I'll try to find out.
Alienware had a similar LCD screen as this but I don't think it ever went on sale. I have been waiting for a surround style monitor for a long time. Right now I have three 19" monitors hooked up as one big monitor via the Matrox TripleHead2Go. It completely changes first person shooter video games. The increase field of view really puts you in the game. Also movies keep their aspect ratio with the black bars on the sides. The thing that stinks about my setup is the obvious separation between monitors. Hence my desire for this CDM43. What concerns me is its resolution and the price. My setup was less than a grand and I have a resolution of 3840x1024. Of course the idea of buying two more front projectors and using it with the Matrox has crossed my mind.
Cool monitor! This is a very interesting approach to a monitor. They could really be on to something that could change the flatpanel world if you could stretch movies onto it without pillarbox bars.
Where can I get one? I have never maxed out my credit cards but I can see me making payments for one of these. This high end "golden ears","golden eyes" stuff has driven me nuts for 30 years. I dreamed of the day when I could own the Infinity IRS 80 speaker system. It was made up of four 61/2 foot towers and cost $200,000.00 in 1980's money. It came with an engineer from the company who helped you to install this monster system. Alas,it was not to be so I settled for my B&W 801 system and I am a happy man. These beauties are 25 years old and sound is better than ever. But I can still dream.
Bill - You can get one at ostendo.com. Bruce - We were the OEM for Alienware and we decided to market this product on our own for the time being. Wes - It is 60 Hz though the technology is capable of 120 Hz so would require a redesign. Thanks for teh interest, check out www.ostendo.com for more info.
$6500 is very pricey for a DLP projector no matter how much PR spin you put on it.
$6500 is very pricey for a DLP projector no matter how much PR spin you put on it.
I really like it, I know it's a little fat but whatever. But the price is insane!