I stopped by at my dealership today to do a bit of research on the difference between SplitView-capable and non-SplitView screens. To make my tests fair, the dealer offered me a GL63 with SplitView and an ML350 without this feature. These vehicles share the same class of equipment in the dash. Unfortunately, there was only one S550, hence I could not compare screens on an S-class.

It has been visually asserted that a SplitView screen delivers only half of its resolution to each side, regardless if SplitView option is turned on or off. There is a noticeable gap between pixels that can be seen at any viewing angle between 20 and 70. After approx. 70 degrees, the screen manifests a blacked out ribbon covering its center, which exacerbates at 80-90 degrees and completely blocks the view.

To further support my findings on matrix quality, I took a picture from both screens at approx. the same viewing angle. You should notice the difference in how pixels are laid down with and without SplitView. The physics of the split view delivery has to rely on making 50% of pixels available to each side, and this mode is permanent, meaning the SplitView screen always operates at a reduced resolution. It is not possible to tell the SplitView screen to turn itself into a high-resolution mode.

I can only imagine the material loss of resolution on a wider screen that comes with the new S-Class.

Hope my research help some of you make a wise decision.

 

Thank you. This is extremely helpful.

Do we know for sure this has not been fixed in the new S class?

 

I have been told today that one of the recently sold W222 S550 with SplitView has had similar pixel configuration and screen quality was less-than-desired compared to ordinary non-SplitView screens. In other words - no, it has not been resolved in the latest generation.

 

I have read a couple of places where people say that when the split screen is off that it does go into full resolution for the one screen.

Is that not what you found?

What did you decide for your S65?

 

Wow! Thank you Terminator. I sure am glad I did not order the Split View Screen if this is correct.

 

No, the screen does NOT go into full resolution when the split screen is off. What I found today is that it permanently operates at half of its resolution for each side (driver & passenger), regardless whether the SplitView thingy is on or off.

I have removed this option in my S65 build. The high native resolution is important to me on such a large wide screen. If wife wants to watch a movie on the road, she will be asked to move to the rear seat, grab a glass of wine from the refrigerator and relax.

 

Interesting, I did not know that you can remove a feature that is standard on the S65.

 

The SplitView and the refrigerator are the only two options not standard on any car including the S65.

 

Do you think you'll actually notice the difference between the two in normal seating position? I ask because I don't notice the lower resolution in my w221. (having had a pre-facelift version before)

 

I see, that would be for US cars then. For European cars SplitView is standard for the S600 and the S65. The fridge seems to be an option for European S600 and S65 cars too.

 

Thank you for taking the time to research this. Based on this evidence, I have put in a request to my dealer to have this option removed from my 2015 S63 build. I too want the higher resolution. If my passengers want to watch a movie, they can sit in the back seats and watch from there.

 

I too am off to the dealer to eliminate the option. Done some other investigations on my own and what I am being told is that Terminator is correct on the W221 and on the W222 because the screens are right next to each other it can possibly be even more noticeable.

Thank you Terminator for taking the time to share your observations.

By the way, on a side note, I decided to go with the refrigerator. I like the idea of inviting my wife to the back seat to enjoy the movie and a glass of wine although I suppose I'd be the one there.

 

I personally think that you will NOT notice the difference until one of the following events, whichever occurs first:

1. You perform a side-by-side visual comparison of the two screens.
2. Your passenger who likes paying attention to details asks - "Why not all pixels are lit?"

Since a W221 also features the instrument cluster with two large flat panel screens, are you saying that both screens have the same pixel configuration and you don’t notice the difference? Would you mind taking ultra-high resolution picture (>20MP) of both screens and share a small section from each (if possible)?

 

LovinMercedes was correct. The US customers can get SplitView as an extra-cost option. It doesn't come as standard equipment. Having said that, this feature is currently prohibited in 3 states: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin due to these state's respective legislation not distinguishing between a driver and a front passenger when stating that front-seat video playback is not allowed.

 

This is just a personal thing but those displays look so good why would you mess with them for a movie ? Buy a tablet or an iPad instead.

Tom

 

I ordered it back in November........guess I'll keep my expectations low

 

I just got back from the dealer and looked at two 2014 S class cars, one with SplitView and the other without. My dealer is extremely cooperative and put the cars side by side for me to view. Thank you MB of San Francisco.

Here are my observations:

1. The SplitView is very cool. It works flawlessly and the pictures are very distinctive from each side. There is no cross over.
2. There is a difference between the screen with SplitView and the screen without.
3. If you never saw the car without SplitView the screen with SplitView would be fine. Once you compare the two, it is obvious.
4. The SplitView screen resolution reminds me of my older iPhone. Perfectly acceptable. The screen resolution without the SplitView reminds me of the retina display highest quality picture.
5. With the SplitView the navigation screen seems lighter and a little washed out. Without the SplitView the screen colors are vibrant and clearer.
6. Turning off SplitView does not change anything.

Please keep in mind these are only my observations and only my opinion. It is not fact so please don't rely on this as your only source. Obviously, I agree with Terminator but I have now seen the difference on the new S class side by side.

I deleted the SplitView option from my build but I must admit, it is very cool.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks. This is very helpful

 

Completely agree - SplitView is a superb feature. Totally worth it. Just not for everyone.

 

Thanks for the feedback T2029 and LM. Ive also deleted the splitview option.
Ive always wanted to do a side by side comparison but never found the time.

 

No, what I'm saying is that I find the screen of a high enough resolution (compared to my pre-facelift w221) that any quality issues go unnoticed unless I try very hard to see then (and even so, I find it no worse than my 2009)
BTW, the splitview screen is in the middle, right?

 

Were you able to eliminate the SplitView? Based upon your production date you must have been pretty close to B3 status.

 

Yes, my dealer confirmed that SplitView is eliminated from my build per my request. As for status, I don't think I'm anywhere near B3 status since my build isn't scheduled to begin until the first decade in May.

 

You should get to B3 status a little over a month out.

 

Really? I always thought that B3 meant "No Changes Possible" and that B0 (19 Days till Production) and B1 (13 Days till Production) came before B3 status.