2011 Samsung monitor preview: 3D gets a brand-new bag

Samsung was one of the standout monitor vendors of CES 2011. The company demoed some high-quality, aesthetically pleasing offerings, and although we gave these a cursory look when they were announced, we've had time since then to gather additional information and will be taking a closer at the company's early 2011 monitor lineup this week. Today we take a deeper look at its planned 3D monitors.

This year, Samsung will launch the 950 and 750 in a number of configurations, including both normal monitor versions and HDTV/monitor hybrid versions at 23- and 27-inch screen sizes. All permutations will make use of Samsung's proprietary 3D technology, including its own wireless 3D glasses and built-in 3D emitter.

Here are the basic specs:

• Monitor: S23A750D (23-inch), S27A750D (27-inch), S23A950D (23-inch), S27A950D (27-inch)
• 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution
• Response Time: 2ms
• Contrast ratio:1,000: 1
• Viewing angle: 170 degrees/160 degrees
• Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI
• 950 only: 2D-to-3D conversion
• WLED backlit
• 100 percent sRGB coverage
• Touch of Color on 750 models

• HDTV/Monitor Models: T23A750 (23-inch), T27A750 (27-inch), T23A950 (23-inch), T27A950 (27-inch)
• 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution
• Response Time: 5ms
• Contrast ratio:1,000: 1
• Viewing angle: 170 degrees/160 degrees
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB 2.0, RF In, Audio Out, Digital Audio Out, PC Audio In, Component, Composite, Ethernet, RF Out
• 2D-to-3D conversion
• Audio: Speakers: (2) 7W speakers with Dolby Digital, SRS TheaterSound HD, DTS 2.0 and 3D sound support
• WLED backlit
• 100 percent sRGB coverage
• Touch of Color on 750 models

As you can see, the HDTV/monitor versions include many more features, and although pricing info has yet to be released, it's likely that the HDTV/monitor versions cost more.

As for 3D content, the 950 and 750 are compatible with 3D movies, 3DTV, and user-created 3D content like 3D photos and 3D videos.

Also, the SA950 monitor and the TA950 and TA750 HDTV/monitors can convert normal 2D content to be rendered in 3D. This works for PC games, console games, and movies, and although we can't yet say for certain, it's likely that converted 3D content won't look quite as impressive as content specifically made for 3D.

When I saw these monitors demoed at CES, one of the things that really impressed me was the apparent smoothness of the image when displaying HD movies. Although each monitor uses a TN panel, it includes Samsung's "Ultra Clear Panel" technology that, according to Samsung, "combines the vibrancy of a glossy display while maintaining the ease of viewing afforded by an antiglare matte finish."

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As I said, the results I witnessed at CES were quite impressive and gave content running on the display a level of "pop" I'd not seen in other monitors running similar content.

As for power-saving, the monitors include an ambient light sensor as well as an Eco Motion sensor, which automatically turns the displays on or off if a person is within or has left the vicinity of the monitor. Somewhat creepy? Sure. Will it save energy? Probably a bit.

As an added bonus, owners of the 950 will also get Samsung's Smart TV feature, providig access to YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, and Twitter. They'll also be able to download a variety of Samsung Apps via an onscreen widget.

The 3D-enabled 750 and 950 monitors will all be available in March, 2011. Prices have not yet been determined.