iZ3D

iZ3D, Inc. was an American company that operated in the software and hardware sectors of the 3D visualization market. Its origins trace back to 1997 with the founding of NeurOK LLC in Russia, which initiated a 3D project. This endeavor led to the spin-off of Neurok Optics in 2001, which initially focused on glasses-free auto-stereoscopic 3D displays before pivoting to polarization-based technology with passive glasses. A significant milestone occurred in January 2007 when Neurok Optics entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Taiwanese TFT-LCD manufacturer Chi Mei Optoelectronics, forming iZ3D, LLC. This partnership was pivotal in launching the company's 22-inch 3D monitor for gamers in 2007, a product that became a cornerstone of their offerings.

The company's primary business involved the development and sale of stereoscopic 3D monitors and specialized software drivers. These drivers were designed to enable 3D effects on graphics cards from both ATI and NVIDIA. The target market was initially focused on corporate and professional clients but shifted towards gamers and the broader consumer entertainment market. Revenue was generated through the sale of its 3D monitors and, later, through the sale of its software drivers to end-users and OEMs. After initially bundling the drivers with their monitors, iZ3D began selling them as a standalone product, supporting various 3D outputs beyond their own hardware.

iZ3D's core product was a dual-panel polarized 3D monitor, which was available in 17-inch and later 22-inch models. This technology allowed for a full-resolution 3D experience with passive, lightweight polarized glasses, differentiating it from solutions that required active shutter glasses. The monitor could be switched between 2D and 3D modes and was bundled with glasses and the necessary software drivers. The company's drivers were a key component, rendering games into stereoscopic 3D and supporting a wide array of games compatible with DirectX 8 and 9. Despite its efforts, including being selected for the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program in 2008, iZ3D faced challenges. The company discontinued monitor production in August 2010 to focus solely on its 3D software business, before ceasing all operations on July 30, 2012. The source code for their driver was later made available to the public.

Keywords: stereoscopic 3D, 3D monitor, 3D gaming, polarization technology, passive 3D glasses, 3D software driver, Neurok Optics, Chi Mei Optoelectronics, dual panel display, 3D visualization, DirectX 3D, anaglyph 3D, NVIDIA 3D Vision competitor, gaming hardware, 3D entertainment, PC gaming accessories, defunct technology company, 3D display solutions, stereoscopic injector, consumer electronics