NVIDIA 3DTV Play Adds HDMI 1.4 Support, Free To 3D Vision Users

The Game Developers Conference just wrapped up in California, but one lingering piece of news that didn't quite make the cut for the show has emerged today. NVIDIA has just announced that their 3DTV Play is making its debut, enabling consumers to connect their GeForce GPU-powered computer to newer 3D HDTVs that are equipped with HDMI 1.4. This whole thing is a software solution, making it even more easy to swallow for those who cower at the thought of buying even more hardware.

At first, NVIDIA is partnering with Panasonic to allow consumers to test the product out on the new VIERA Full HD 3D HDTVs that just launched this month. The software will also leverage the power of your GPU to deliver high-frame-rate 3D games to your television, not to mention push pixels from 3D Blu-ray Disc titles. It'll be provided for free to current NVIDIA 3D Vision owners, while it will be available later this Spring for $39.99 to everyone else.

Facts about NVIDIA 3DTV Play:

• Can be run on GeForce GPU-based desktop or notebook PCs equipped with an HDMI or DVI connector
• Full support for all HDMI 1.4-compatible 3D TVs, including Panasonic VIERA Plasma full HD 3D TVs
• Enables 1080p24, 720p60, and 720p50 3D formats
• Advanced NVIDIA software and graphics drivers automatically convert more than 400 games to stereoscopic 3D in real time, without the need for special patches.
• Enjoy full HD Blu-ray 3D playback with real-time GPU accelerated decoding and playback on GeForce GPUsⁱ
• Watch streaming 3D movies
• View 3D photographs directly on the 3D TV
• NVIDIA 3DTV Play software will be available later this spring and sold separately with an anticipated U.S. MSRP of $39.99. It will also be available for free for current NVIDIA 3D Vision™ customers.

Quotes:
“NVIDIA is a premier choice for gamers, and 3D Vision TV delivers an easy way for them to game on the big screen, for the ultimate, immersive experience,” said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We’re pleased that NVIDIA shares our commitment to providing awesome technology to savvy consumers, and we are happy to offer NVIDIA the opportunity to highlight their 3D solution as part of our nationwide road show.”

“NVIDIA is all about raising the bar of PC gaming, and gamers are going to love playing in 3D on one of the new Panasonic VIERA 50-inch full HD 3D TVs,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. “This is truly one of those ‘must experience to believe it’ moments, and we are ecstatic that consumers will have the chance to try it for themselves on any of our 15 stops across the US.”

About the Panasonic Touch the Future Tour
The 2010 Panasonic Touch the Future Tour will give consumers the chance to experience hands-on demos of exciting new Panasonic products, including its first full HD 3D home theater system. The tour will spend three days at popular venues in 15 national markets between March 15-April 17, and one lucky sweepstakes winner in each market will receive a complete Panasonic full HD 3D home theater system—featuring a Panasonic VIERA® 50” full HD 3D TV, a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc player, and a pair of Panasonic 3D Eyewear. Visit www.panasonic.com/future for tour locations and details.