3D for PC gaming has been available for far longer than hollywoods recent interest in it. Nvidia for example have been providing drivers which do this with their hardware for many years now.
Yes, in fact, I've tried Nvidia's 3D vision system with Orbiter, and it works perfectly.
The downside is that their 3D visions kit requires a monitor that can work at 120hz, which is something most can't... Also you need to be wearing the goggles all the time
But yeah, as far as 2D vs virtual cockpit terminology goes, here's a glossary based on the FS community terms:
2D Panel: A 2D version of the cockpit. may or may not have more than one module (like the XR vessels do). Always expected to be functional
2D View: A static image of a section of the cockpit. Usually used for side, diagonals and rear views. These are non-functioning... being there only to add nice visuals to an otherwise empty view of the outside.
VC : Virtual Cockpit. A cockpit modelled as a 3D mesh, so you can rotate your viewpoint all around, and zoom in and out. Does not imply having funcional instruments.
DVC: Dynamic Virtual Cockpit. Same as above, but features functioning instruments and gauges. Some feature clickable areas, but that isn't implied by definition.
Active DVC: A virtual cockpit that is funcional AND interactive, it features clickable areas as well as working gauges and instruments. This is the most complete implementation of a virtual cockpit possible.
Mind that no definition implies that a cockpit will have every single on of it's buttons, switches and gauges operational... even in the best ones, a few items will only be there as eye-candy. That's to be expected anyways... what need does one have for cabin temperature control in a computer simulation? Just turn on the heat in your own room :thumbup:
Cheers
