SplitView
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
ML63
SplitView
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.
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.
Last edited by Terminator2029; Mar 29, 2014 at 09:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
ML63
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 123
2023 BMW 760i and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
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?
Is that not what you found?
What did you decide for your S65?
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Mar 29, 2014 at 11:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
ML63
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,494
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
W211 w221
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,494
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
2015 S63 AMG
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.
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 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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 123
2023 BMW 760i and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
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.
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.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Mar 30, 2014 at 12:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
ML63
- You perform a side-by-side visual comparison of the two screens.
- Your passenger who likes paying attention to details asks - "Why not all pixels are lit?"
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
ML63
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 123
2023 BMW 760i and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
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.
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.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Mar 30, 2014 at 03:59 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
2013 Porsche Cayenne
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. It is actually obvious.
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.
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. It is actually obvious.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
W211 w221
I personally think that you will NOT notice the difference until one of the following events, whichever occurs first:
- You perform a side-by-side visual comparison of the two screens.
- Your passenger who likes paying attention to details asks - "Why not all pixels are lit?"
BTW, the splitview screen is in the middle, right?
Last edited by Lifelong mb; Mar 31, 2014 at 01:16 PM. Reason: extra question
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 123
2023 BMW 760i and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
2015 S63 AMG
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 123
2023 BMW 760i and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
2015 S63 AMG
