Review: TriOviz INFICOLOR 3D Glasses

The most recent entertainment buzzword has been “3D.” From the movie theater to the home, 3D has become more and more prevalent, with major marketing pushes across multiple demographics. Sony’s big push at last year’s E3 was 3D, introducing an entire 3D hardware package including glasses, a screen, and more. Games and movies have been pushing 3D more and more. 3D is now available on 2D screens using INFICOLOR technology, which is essentially classic red/blue (or in this case, red/green) depth 3D. TriOviz has introduced their INFICOLOR 3D glasses for bringing 3D to 2D screens for compatible games.

First off, let me say that it isn’t really 3D, at least not in the way that you would expect when you hear “3D.” Think red/blue 3D, and you’re getting closer to what INFICOLOR 3D really is. Rather than full depth and immersion, you’re getting partial depth and pop from the images on your 2D HDTV. It’s best described on the TriOviz website as a “sensation of depth-of-field.” It doesn’t work with every game, of course. Games must include the INFICOLOR technology in their software to be compatible. Luckily, a list of compatible games is conveniently provided on the product’s homepage:

• Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
• Batman: Arkham Asylum
• Batman: Arkham City
• Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
• Enslaved
• Captain America: Super Soldier
• Thor: God of Thunder

The TriOviz INFICOLOR 3D glasses are compatible with each game on the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

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The glasses themselves are very well constructed. They are plastic, but thick and glossy. They are flexible enough to be forced onto larger than average heads (such as my own), but still feel strong. Before I continue, two disclaimers: I wear glasses, and I have a large skull (which is proportionate to my large frame…I’m no Newt). When I first put the TriOviz glasses on, I lasted about half an hour before my eyes and temples were too sore to continue. As I continued using the TriOviz over the next week and a half, I noticed that I became more accustomed to having them on, and was able to go for longer stretches before experiencing discomfort. Now is where the disclaimers get mentioned again. I do wear glasses to prevent eye strain, and while flexible, the TriOviz glasses had a hard time fitting my head. Combined, it’s very possible, and highly likely, that these two factors contributed to the discomfort I felt. Regardless, I got used to it and was able to get through considerable play sessions before having to stop.

TriOviz INFICOLOR 3D glasses are available directly from TriOviz for $29.99. Currently, there is a special to buy one pair and get another pair for 50% off. The glasses come with a protective slip, and solid construction. For the reasonable price, you get added depth and pop to some really top notch games (and a couple of not-so-top-notch games) and a definite boost in visual quality without sacrificing color.