3DTV Play FAQ

What 3D TVs does NVIDIA 3DTV Play support?

Please visit the NVIDIA 3DTV Play system requirement page for a full list of supported 3D TVs.

If I am using a DVI-to-HDMI cable will audio be transmitted over this cable to the 3D TV?

The audio can be carried over DVI to HDMI cable depending on the card. For newer GPUs, you just need to set the HDMI audio device in the Windows Sound control panel. Older GPUs need to use a digital audio S/PDIF cable to connect from the PC to the graphics board's on board S/PDIF connector. Please contact your graphics board manufacturer if you have questions on supporting HDMI audio over DVI.

If your graphics card does not support HDMI audio over DVI or it does not have an S/PDIF cable built onto the card, you can use the motherboard's digital or analogue audio connectors to output audio to the 3D TV or an external receiver. You will also need to disable the HDTV HDMI audio option from the NVIDIA Control Panel.

What is the difference between HDMI 1.4 and 1.4a?

HDMI 1.4 requires that 3D TVs support the frame packing 3D format at 720p50, 720p60 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24. HDMI 1.3 cables can support the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats. HDMI Licensing LLC recently announced the HDMI 1.4a specification, which adds two mandatory formats for broadcast 3D content: Side-by-Side Horizontal and Top-and-Bottom. The mandatory HDMI 3D formats are now:

• For movie content:
• Frame Packing:
• 1080p @ 23.98/24Hz
• For game content:
• Frame Packing
• 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
• For broadcast content: (NEW IN HDMI 1.4a)
• Side-by-Side Horizontal
• 1080i @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
• Top-and-Bottom
• 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
• 1080p @ 23.97/24Hz

Which GPUs will support 3D TVs?

Please visit the NVIDIA 3DTV Play system requirement page for a full list of supported GPUs.

Will I need a special HDMI 1.4a cable?

No, you can use standard HDMI cables.

I have seen some brand new 3D TVs launching in 2010 that only support HDMI 1.4, not HDMI 1.4a.

Yes, these 3D TVs are capable of supporting some of the HDMI 1.4a 3D mandatory formats. Please consult your 3D TV manufacturer to ensure they support the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats.

Does NVIDIA 3DTV Play support Mitsubishi or Samsung 3D DLP HDTVs that use HDMI 1.3?

No, NVIDIA 3DTV Play does not support these products. These 3D DLP products use a different 3D format called "checkerboard pattern." NVIDIA 3DTV Play does not support this format. You must use NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses with Mitsubishi and Samsung 3D DLP HDTVs.

I own one of the GPUs listed above and the product specification states it supports HDMI 1.3.

The HDMI 1.3 interface on the NVIDIA GPUs can be programmed to support the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats. Also, a DVI port on the PC can be programmed to output the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats, and can connect to a 3D TV using a DVI-to-HDMI adapter.

Are there any HDMI 1.4 3D desktop monitors?

No, there are no HDMI 1.4 desktop monitors currently being manufactured. 3D Vision-Ready desktop LCD monitors use dual-link DVI.

What 3D modes are supported by NVIDIA 3DTV Play?

NVIDIA supports standard HDMI 1.4a 1080p24 and 720p50/60 stacked frame modes.

If I have previously purchased 3D Vision glasses or I have a laptop with 3D Vision built-in, do I get NVIDIA 3DTV Play for free?

Yes, 3D Vision glasses owners will be able to download and use NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software as a free upgrade to play their 3D content on 3D TVs.

I have seen some brand new 3D TVs launching in 2010 that only support HDMI 1.3.

Some 3D TVs are capable of supporting the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats but may not support all HDMI 1.4a requirements. NVIDIA 3DTV Play will support these 3D TV products as long as they support the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats. Please consult your 3D TV manufacturer to ensure they support the mandatory HDMI 1.4a 3D formats.

If I have purchased NVIDIA 3DTV Play, do I need additional software for Blu-ray 3D movie playback?

Yes, Blu-ray 3D support requires the purchase of a compatible video playback software application from Corel, CyberLink, ArcSoft, or Roxio.

Does NVIDIA 3DTV Play work with any type of 3D TV glasses, whether its active shutter or passive polarised glasses?

NVIDIA 3DTV Play works with any HDMI1.4a 3D TV. The TV manufacturer can use any type of glasses with their 3D TV.

How much does NVIDIA 3DTV Play cost?

NVIDIA 3DTV Play has an estimated RRP of US $39.99.

How do I get NVIDIA 3DTV Play?

NVIDIA 3DTV Play software will be available for purchase from the NVIDIA Store (Store.NVIDIA.com) or it will be preloaded on select GeForce PCs. Please contact your PC manufacturer for availability on your PC. In addition, 3D Vision glasses owners will be able to download and use NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software as a free upgrade to play their 3D content on 3D TVs.

What type of connector on my GPU do I use to connect my 3D TV?

You can use a DVI or an HDMI connector to connect to a 3D TV. If your GPU has a HDMI connector, you will use an HDMI cable to connect to the 3D TV. If your GPU has a DVI connector, you will use a DVI-to-HDMI adapter. Most notebooks will use a standard HDMI cable to connect to a 3D TV.

Why do 3D TVs have different modes (720p60/50 and 1080p24) and which one should I use?

The 720p60 and 720p50 modes should be used for 3D gaming because they allow you to game at 60fps or 50fps. The 1080p24 mode is recommended for Blu-ray 3D playback only. If you try to play 3D games at 1080p24, you will only be able to play games at 24fps.

Is NVIDIA 3DTV Play game support the same as 3D Vision?

Yes, NVIDIA 3DTV Play supports the same games as 3D Vision. Please click here for a full list of supported games.

Does NVIDIA 3DTV Play work with GeForce notebooks?

Yes, if you have a laptop with medium to high end GeForce GPU (GTS/GTX class) you can use NVIDIA 3DTV Play software. Please visit the NVIDIA 3DTV Play system requirement page for a full list of supported GPUs.

Does my GPU need an HDMI connector to connect to a 3D TV?

No, you can use a GPU with a DVI connector as long as you have a DVI-to-HDMI adapter. NVIDIA recommends using the Wieson G8246CE04-006 adapter that is bundled by our add in board partners with select GeForce GPUs, or use the 3D Vision DVI-to-HDMI cable.

Will NVIDIA 3DTV Play work with NVIDIA SLI?

Yes, NVIDIA 3DTV Play works fine with NVIDIA SLI.

Does NVIDIA 3DTV Play support 3D TVs with two DVI or HDMI inputs, one for each eye?

No, NVIDIA 3DTV Play only works with 3D TVs using a single HDMI input connector.

My TV has an option for swapping the left/right image order. Should I change that?

No, once you have set up your 3D TV the NVIDIA driver automatically handles the correct left/right image order. Do not change any settings to swap the TV's left/right image order.

During the 3DTV Play or HDMI 1.4 3D setup wizard, the hardware test failed. Are there ways to fix this?

There are a few settings to check with your hardware:

• Make sure your 3D TV's 3D mode is set to ON or Automatic mode
• Ensure sure you are using a 3D TV resolution. For example: 1080p24, 720p60, or 720p50
• Check to make sure your 3D TV glasses are powered on and fully charged
• Check your TV settings to make sure you are not swapping the left/right image order
• Ensure there is direct line-of-sight between the IR emitter and your 3D TV glasses if you are using active shutter glasses. Any obstructions may cause the glasses not to function properly causing the lenses to flicker or turn off.
• Do not place objects too close or in front of the 3D TV's IR emitter which could block the signal (e.g. keyboard, coffee mug, etc.). Also, make sure not to place your hand or other objects in front the of the IR receiver on the glasses.
• Run the setup wizard to verify your hardware is operating properly. Go to the NVIDIA Control Panel (right click on the desktop). Select Set Up Stereoscopic 3D. Then select Run Setup Wizard from Test Stereoscopic 3D drop down menu.
• Make sure you are using a GPU that supports HDMI 1.4 modes.
• Consult your TV manual for other common troubleshooting steps.