HP launches what it says is a "a step closer to true holographic viewing"-- the Zvr Virtual Reality Display, a "Blended Reality" monitor allowing users to view and manipulate 3D animated objects in real-time, first seen at CES 2015.

The Zvr consists of a 23.6-inch desktop display armed with four head-tracking IR cameras. Use requires the wearing of passive 3D glasses, while interaction with on-screen objects come through a stylus. As for actual specifications, the display handles 1920x1080 resolution, with input via either DVI or DisplayPort 1.2.

Aimed mainly at architectural, educational and MCAD applications, the Zvr display also features a n optional zView solution for the real-time sharing of 3D models on a 2D big screen, while zSpace technology handles the interactive on-screen visuals.

According to IDC global Q3 2014 monitor shipments total 33.4 million units-- a -5.1% Y-o-Y decline leading to forecasts of flat Q4 2014 shipments reaching 33.5m units.

"We found modest Y-o-Y shipment growth for Q3 2014 in W. Europe and the US-- – 4.4% and 4.5%, respectively-- two of the largest regions for PC monitor unit shipments," the analyst remarks.

However one segment is actually growing-- touchscreen monitors. IDC says the segments sees "double-digit" growth across all territories, with W. Europe being the largest in terms of touchscreen unit shipments.

According to DigiTimes the October launch of the Apple iMac with 5K (5120 x 2880) resolution Retina Display has led to LCD monitor vendors considering the release of similar high-end displays in 2015.

How come? Apparently LCD monitor shipments face declines in the coming years-- from a 136 million unit high in 2014 to 132m in 2015 and 128m in 2017-- and as a result vendors are looking into high-end niches in order to remain profitable.

One such vendor is Philips, DigiTimes reports. LG Display is apparently the company supplying "most" of the 5K panels of the market.

Samsung puts the technology from its curved TV range to PC display use with the SD590C, a 27-inch curved LED monitor the company describes as "architected as the ultimate entertainment display."

Promising to be "completely immersive," the SD590C features a narrow bezel and built-in dual-channel 5W speakers, as well as a "carefully selected" curvature providing a supposedly wider field of view than traditional flat 27-inch panels.

Technical features include up to 350 nit brightness and 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. A Game Mode provides automated settings during play, enhancing colours, brightness and contrast according to what is on screen.