View source for NVIS nVisor SX60

{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:NVIS nVisor SX601.png|350px]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]], [[Vintage VR]]
|Platform = Windows, Linux
|Creator = 
|Developer = [[NVIS Inc.]]
|Manufacturer = NVIS Inc.
|Announcement Date = 
|Release Date = 2003
|Price = $24,000
|Website = https://www.nvisinc.com
|Versions = 
|Requires = PC/Workstation with dual-link DVI or VGA
|Predecessor = 
|Successor = nVisor SX111
|Operating System = Windows, Linux
|Chipset = 
|CPU = 
|GPU = 
|HPU = 
|Storage = 
|Memory = 
|SD Card Slot = 
|Display = LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
|Subpixel Layout = None (sequential color)
|Peak Brightness = 30 foot-lamberts
|Resolution = 1280x1024 per eye (SXGA)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Pixel Density = 
|Persistence = 
|Precision = 
|Field of View = 60° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV = 44°
|Vertical FoV = 35°
|Visible FoV = 
|Rendered FoV = 
|Binocular Overlap = 
|Average Pixel Density = 
|Peak Pixel Density = 
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Custom engineered aspherical lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 53-72 mm (manual adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = 
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 3 DoF (6 DoF with optional external trackers)
|Tracking Frequency = Up to 180 Hz (tracker-dependent)
|Base Stations = No
|Eye Tracking = Optional (Viewpoint Binocular/Monocular Eyetracker)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Optional (with external trackers)
|Update Rate = Up to 180 Hz (tracker-dependent)
|Tracking Volume = Tracker-dependent
|Play Space = 
|Latency = 
|Audio = Optional stereo headset with boom microphone
|Microphone = Optional (with audio upgrade)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = 
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DVI, VGA, RS-232
|Ports = DVI, VGA, RS-232
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = External (via PC connection)
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = 
|Weight = 1000 g (headset only)
|Material = 
|Headstrap = Adjustable head-fitting apparatus
|Haptics = No
|Color = 
|Sensors = External IMU (InertiaCube 2/2+/3)
|Input = 
|Compliance = 
|Size = 
|Cable Length = 4.5 m
}}
The '''NVIS nVisor SX60''' is a professional [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) for [[virtual reality]] applications, released in 2003 by [[NVIS Inc.]]<ref name="roadtovr">Road to VR. "A Look at 4 Virtual Reality HMDs Before Oculus." Engadget, November 27, 2016. https://www.engadget.com/2016-11-27-road-to-vr-a-look-at-4-virtual-reality-hmds-before-oculus.html</ref><ref name="vrcompare">VRcompare. "NVIS nVisor SX60: Full Specification." Retrieved 2025. https://vr-compare.com/headset/nvisnvisorsx60</ref><ref name="specpdf">NVIS Inc. "nVisor SX60 – Product Specifications" (PDF). SpectraTech. 2009. https://www.spectratech.gr/Web/NVIS/pdf/nVisor-SX60.pdf</ref>. Priced at $24,000 at launch, the device was designed for high-end military, industrial, and research applications, representing state-of-the-art technology for its time<ref name="reddit">Reddit. "My rarest VR find so far! This is the nVisor SX60, which was sold for $24000 in 2003." February 10, 2022. https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/sp4cj4/my_rarest_vr_find_so_far_this_is_the_nvisor_sx60/</ref>.

==Overview==
The nVisor SX60 was positioned as a high-resolution professional VR headset, incorporating advanced [[microdisplay]] technology and custom optics. The "SX" designation stands for [[SXGA]] resolution, while "60" refers to the 60-degree diagonal [[field of view]]<ref name="tekgear">TekGear. "nVisor SX by NVIS." Retrieved 2025. https://www.tekgear.com/nvisor-sx.html</ref>. The headset promised a [[collimated optics]] design to minimize eye strain and deliver superior image quality for professional applications<ref name="eurographics">Conradi, J. & Alexander, T. "Display Devices for Virtual Environments." Eurographics EGVE 2008. pp. 103-106.</ref>.

==Technical Specifications==

===Display Technology===
The nVisor SX60 utilized dual reflective [[LCOS]] ([[Liquid Crystal on Silicon]]) display panels<ref name="specpdf"/>. LCOS' sequential-color drive eliminates sub-pixels, producing a continuous "film-like" image that avoids the [[screen-door effect]]<ref name="roadtovr"/>. The device featured:

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Display Specifications
! Parameter !! Value
|-
| Display type || Dual reflective LCOS
|-
| Resolution || 1280×1024 pixels per eye (SXGA standard)
|-
| Refresh rate || 60 Hz (VESA SXGA)
|-
| Brightness || 30 foot-lamberts
|-
| Contrast ratio || 100:1
|-
| Spatial resolution || 2 arc-minutes per pixel
|-
| Color || Full color microdisplays
|}

===Optical System===
The headset employed custom engineered [[aspherical lenses]] with the following specifications<ref name="specpdf"/>:
* Exit pupil: 9 mm
* Eye relief: 23 mm (allowing use with prescription glasses)
* Geometric distortion: < 15%
* Focus/Convergence: Collimated at infinity
* [[Stereoscopic 3D]] capability

===Field of View===
The nVisor SX60 offered:
* Diagonal field of view: 60 degrees
* Horizontal field of view: 44 degrees  
* Vertical field of view: 35 degrees

===Physical Specifications===
* Weight: 1000 g (headset only)
* [[Inter-pupillary distance]] (IPD) range: 53-72 mm (manual adjustment via slider)
* Cable length: 4.5 m tether
* Adjustable head-fitting apparatus for comfort and balance

===Tracking Capabilities===
The nVisor SX60 featured [[3 degrees of freedom]] (3DoF) tracking as standard, with support for [[6 degrees of freedom]] (6DoF) through external tracking systems<ref name="vrcompare"/>. The headset included mounting points (both internal and external) for various tracking solutions:

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Supported Tracking Systems
! Category !! Supported Solutions !! Tracking Type
|-
| Inertial tracking || [[InertiaCube]] 2, 2+, 3 || 3-DoF orientation
|-
| Optical tracking || [[InterSense]] IS-300, IS-900 || 6-DoF positional
|-
| Magnetic tracking || [[Ascension]] [[Flock of Birds]], 3D-Bird || 6-DoF positional
|-
| Passive markers || ART "Tree Target SX60" || Custom retro-reflective frame
|-
| Eye tracking || Viewpoint Binocular/Monocular Eyetracker || Optional accessory
|}

Update rates could reach up to 180 Hz depending on the tracking system used<ref name="artracking">Advanced Realtime Tracking GmbH. "Technical Datasheet – Targets" (PDF), p. 2. 2021.</ref>.

===Connectivity===
The headset connected to PCs via<ref name="worldviz">WorldViz. "nVis HMDs Documentation." Retrieved 2025. https://docs.worldviz.com/vizard/latest/nVis_SX_HMD.htm</ref>:
* Video inputs: [[DVI]] (digital) or [[VGA]] (analog)
* Control port: [[RS-232]] for firmware upgrades
* Graphics requirement: Dual monitor configuration support (2560x1024 combined resolution in horizontal span mode)
* Compatible with [[NVIDIA]] graphics cards supporting "horizontal span" mode

==Video Control Unit==
The nVisor SX60 was typically paired with an Advanced Video Control Unit that provided<ref name="est">EST Engineering Systems Technologies. "nVisor SX." Retrieved 2025. https://est-kl.com/manufacturer/nvis/nvisor-sx.html</ref>:
* Plug-and-play support for analog and digital video inputs
* Stereo and monoscopic output modes
* Analog and digital monitor output repeater functionality
* Optional battery for portable use

==Applications==
Due to its collimated optics and high resolution, the nVisor SX60 was primarily used in:

* '''Military and Defense'''
** [[Flight simulation]] and training
** Target acquisition research
** Dangerous scenario training for U.S. Army and NATO partners<ref name="specpdf"/>

* '''Medical and Healthcare'''
** [[Surgical simulation]] and planning
** [[Telepresence]] studies at major medical VR laboratories<ref name="eurographics"/>

* '''Research and Academia'''
** University VR laboratories
** [[Human factors]] research
** [[Motion capture]] caves with large tracking volumes<ref name="artracking"/>

* '''Industrial Applications'''
** [[CAD]] visualization
** Engineering design review
** Industrial training simulations

==Software Support==
The headset was supported by various VR development platforms, including:
* [[Vizard]] VR toolkit - included a dedicated nvis module for proper stereo and projection settings<ref name="worldviz"/>
* Custom military and industrial simulation software
* Consumer software demonstrations including *[[Half-Life 2]]*

==Reception and Legacy==
Academic reviewers praised the display clarity and image quality but noted the limited field of view compared to later consumer headsets<ref name="eurographics"/>. A 2015 University of Wisconsin comparison found the SX60's 60 Hz refresh "serviceable" but inferior to modern 90-120 Hz systems<ref name="tsgdoc">Technical Support Group. "Head-Mounted Displays – Comparison Table." TSG Doc Wiki. 2024.</ref>.

At its release in 2003, the nVisor SX60 represented cutting-edge VR technology, offering features that remained unmatched in the consumer space for over a decade<ref name="roadtovr"/>. The $24,000 price tag kept it firmly in the professional market, but its influence on VR development was significant.

The nVisor SX60 was succeeded by the [[nVisor SX111]], which offered an improved 111° diagonal field of view while maintaining the same resolution<ref name="ndsu">NDSU Center for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience. "Facilities." Retrieved 2025. https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/cvcn/facilities.php</ref>.

==Company History==
NVIS Inc. was a major player in the professional VR space throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, developing numerous products for military, industrial, and commercial organizations. The company specialized in high-performance [[HMD]] solutions when consumer VR was virtually non-existent. In 2017, NVIS was acquired by [[Kopin Corporation]], a leader in wearable display technologies. All NVIS products and support are now handled through Kopin's Training & Simulation division<ref name="kopin">NVIS/Kopin. "NVIS Products." December 19, 2023. https://www.nvisinc.com/</ref><ref name="acquisition">MarketScreener. "Kopin Corporation acquired NVIS, Inc. for $5.7 million." August 7, 2017. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/KOPIN-CORPORATION-9828/news/Kopin-Corporation-acquired-NVIS-Inc-for-5-7-million-35005174/</ref>.

==See Also==
* [[Head-mounted display]]
* [[Virtual reality]]
* [[LCOS]]
* [[Professional VR systems]]
* [[Kopin Corporation]]
* [[InterSense]]
* [[InertiaCube]]
* [[Ascension Technology Corporation]]
* [[Virtual reality history]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="roadtovr">Road to VR. "A Look at 4 Virtual Reality HMDs Before Oculus." Engadget, November 27, 2016. https://www.engadget.com/2016-11-27-road-to-vr-a-look-at-4-virtual-reality-hmds-before-oculus.html</ref>
<ref name="vrcompare">VRcompare. "NVIS nVisor SX60: Full Specification." Retrieved 2025. https://vr-compare.com/headset/nvisnvisorsx60</ref>
<ref name="specpdf">NVIS Inc. "nVisor SX60 – Product Specifications" (PDF). SpectraTech. 2009. https://www.spectratech.gr/Web/NVIS/pdf/nVisor-SX60.pdf</ref>
<ref name="reddit">Reddit. "My rarest VR find so far! This is the nVisor SX60, which was sold for $24000 in 2003." February 10, 2022. https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/sp4cj4/my_rarest_vr_find_so_far_this_is_the_nvisor_sx60/</ref>
<ref name="tekgear">TekGear. "nVisor SX by NVIS." Retrieved 2025. https://www.tekgear.com/nvisor-sx.html</ref>
<ref name="eurographics">Conradi, J. & Alexander, T. "Display Devices for Virtual Environments." Eurographics EGVE 2008. pp. 103-106.</ref>
<ref name="est">EST Engineering Systems Technologies. "nVisor SX." Retrieved 2025. https://est-kl.com/manufacturer/nvis/nvisor-sx.html</ref>
<ref name="worldviz">WorldViz. "nVis HMDs Documentation." Retrieved 2025. https://docs.worldviz.com/vizard/latest/nVis_SX_HMD.htm</ref>
<ref name="artracking">Advanced Realtime Tracking GmbH. "Technical Datasheet – Targets" (PDF), p. 2. 2021.</ref>
<ref name="tsgdoc">Technical Support Group. "Head-Mounted Displays – Comparison Table." TSG Doc Wiki. 2024.</ref>
<ref name="ndsu">NDSU Center for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience. "Facilities." Retrieved 2025. https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/cvcn/facilities.php</ref>
<ref name="kopin">NVIS/Kopin. "NVIS Products." December 19, 2023. https://www.nvisinc.com/</ref>
<ref name="acquisition">MarketScreener. "Kopin Corporation acquired NVIS, Inc. for $5.7 million." August 7, 2017. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/KOPIN-CORPORATION-9828/news/Kopin-Corporation-acquired-NVIS-Inc-for-5-7-million-35005174/</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Vintage Devices]]
[[Category:Vintage VR]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
[[Category:2003 in technology]]
[[Category:Professional VR equipment]]
[[Category:LCOS technology]]