Philips Scuba - Revision history

Xinreality at 09:39, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:39:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:39, 26 June 2025
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	===Release===		===Release===
	Philips first teased the device at trade shows in late 1996<ref name="ultragppsg"/> and released the Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor in 1997-1998 at a retail price of $299 USD.<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="retrovolve"/> This price point was notably $100 more than the launch price of the [[Nintendo 64]], making it an expensive peripheral for the ~~time—roughly~~ $550 adjusted for 2025 inflation.<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="ultragppsg"/>		Philips first teased the device at trade shows in late 1996<ref name="ultragppsg"/> and released the Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor in 1997-1998 at a retail price of $299 USD.<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="retrovolve"/> This price point was notably $100 more than the launch price of the [[Nintendo 64]], making it an expensive peripheral for the time, roughly $550 adjusted for 2025 inflation.<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="ultragppsg"/>

	===Market Performance===		===Market Performance===
	The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide ~~optics—technology~~ that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.		The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide optics, technology that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.

	==Technical Specifications==		==Technical Specifications==

Xinreality at 09:36, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:36:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:36, 26 June 2025
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	{{Device Infobox		{{Device Infobox
	\|image =		\|image = [[File:Philips Scuba1.jpeg\|200px]]
	\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]		\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
	\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]		\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
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	</references>		</references>

			[[Category:Vintage Devices]]
			[[Category:Vintage VR]]
			[[Category:Devices]]
			[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
	[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]		[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
	[[Category:Philips products]]		[[Category:Philips products]]

Xinreality at 09:34, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:34:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 26 June 2025
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	===Market Performance===		===Market Performance===
	The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide optics—technology that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.~~<ref name="retinaldisplays"/>~~		The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide optics—technology that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.

	==Technical Specifications==		==Technical Specifications==

Xinreality: /* References */

2025-06-26T09:34:46Z

References

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	<ref name="youtube">YouTube. "Philips Scuba VR headset from 1997 (VIV100) – capacitor test & teardown". February 1, 2024.</ref>		<ref name="youtube">YouTube. "Philips Scuba VR headset from 1997 (VIV100) – capacitor test & teardown". February 1, 2024.</ref>
	<ref name="vrsarticle">VR Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon". 2018. https://vrs.org.uk</ref>		<ref name="vrsarticle">VR Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon". 2018. https://vrs.org.uk</ref>
	~~<ref name="retinaldisplays">XVRWiki. "Retinal Displays". Last edited March 6, 2024.</ref>~~
	<ref name="reddit">Reddit Gaming Post. "I still own this it was a virtual reality headset". https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1h82oc/</ref>		<ref name="reddit">Reddit Gaming Post. "I still own this it was a virtual reality headset". https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1h82oc/</ref>
	<ref name="ebaylisting">eBay. "Philips SCUBA A/V Headset VIV100AT". Item 266739527771.</ref>		<ref name="ebaylisting">eBay. "Philips SCUBA A/V Headset VIV100AT". Item 266739527771.</ref>

Xinreality at 09:34, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:34:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 26 June 2025
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	\|Cable Length =		\|Cable Length =
	}}		}}
			The '''Philips Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor''' (models '''VIV100''', '''VIV100AT''', '''VIV100AT01''') was a [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) released by [[Philips]] Consumer Electronics in 1997-1998. Despite being marketed as a [[virtual reality]] headset during the 1990s VR craze, it was essentially a wearable television display or "video headset" that provided a stereoscopic viewing experience without true VR capabilities such as [[head tracking]].<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="vrshop"/> The device created a perceived 30-inch image at approximately 1.5 meters viewing distance.<ref name="googlearts"/>
	The '''Philips Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor''' (models '''VIV100''', '''VIV100AT''', '''VIV100AT01''') was a [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) released by [[Philips]] Consumer Electronics in 1997-1998. Despite being marketed as a [[virtual reality]] headset during the 1990s VR craze, it was essentially a wearable television display or "video headset" that provided a stereoscopic viewing experience without true VR capabilities such as [[head tracking]].<ref name="retrovolve"~~>Retrovolve. "The Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor May Be the Worst Gaming Peripheral of All Time". July 14, 2020.<~~/~~ref~~><ref name="vrshop"~~>The VR Shop. "Scuba Visor - Info, Specs, Release Date". February 19, 2022.<~~/~~ref~~> The device created a perceived 30-inch image at approximately 1.5 meters viewing distance.<ref name="googlearts"~~>Google Arts & Culture. "Philips Scuba VR Visor head-mounted display".<~~/~~ref~~>

	==History==		==History==
	===Development===		===Development===
	The Scuba's technology was originally developed as a VR helmet for the [[Atari Jaguar]] home game system (released in 1993), descended from [[Retinal Displays]]' "Visor" family of HMDs. However, when that project fell through, the technology was sold to [[Philips]], who licensed the optics and chassis design while removing the [[head tracking]] component that Atari had intended to use for its Missile Command VR game.<ref name="googlearts"~~>Google Arts & Culture. "Philips Scuba VR Visor head-mounted display".<~~/~~ref~~><ref name="vrsarticle"~~>VR Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon". 2018.<~~/~~ref~~>		The Scuba's technology was originally developed as a VR helmet for the [[Atari Jaguar]] home game system (released in 1993), descended from [[Retinal Displays]]' "Visor" family of HMDs. However, when that project fell through, the technology was sold to [[Philips]], who licensed the optics and chassis design while removing the [[head tracking]] component that Atari had intended to use for its Missile Command VR game.<ref name="googlearts"/><ref name="vrsarticle"/>

	===Release===		===Release===
	Philips first teased the device at trade shows in late 1996<ref name="ultragppsg"~~>Ultra Game Players #104. "Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor mini-review". December 1997.<~~/~~ref~~> and released the Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor in 1997-1998 at a retail price of $299 USD.<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="retrovolve"/> This price point was notably $100 more than the launch price of the [[Nintendo 64]], making it an expensive peripheral for the time—roughly $550 adjusted for 2025 inflation.<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="ultragppsg"/>		Philips first teased the device at trade shows in late 1996<ref name="ultragppsg"/> and released the Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor in 1997-1998 at a retail price of $299 USD.<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="retrovolve"/> This price point was notably $100 more than the launch price of the [[Nintendo 64]], making it an expensive peripheral for the time—roughly $550 adjusted for 2025 inflation.<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="ultragppsg"/>

	===Market Performance===		===Market Performance===
	The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide optics—technology that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.<ref name="retinaldisplays"~~>XVRWiki. "Retinal Displays".<~~/~~ref~~>		The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run before being discontinued in 1999.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device with claims like "You hadn't played a game until you'd played it wearing an Immersion Visor," consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding. The molds were later reused for low-cost TV viewers in Asia, while Retinal Displays pivoted toward wave-guide optics—technology that ultimately seeded [[DigiLens]] in the mid-2000s.<ref name="retinaldisplays"/>

	==Technical Specifications==		==Technical Specifications==
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	* '''Resolution''': 263 × 230 pixels per eye<ref name="googlearts"/><ref name="vrshop"/>		* '''Resolution''': 263 × 230 pixels per eye<ref name="googlearts"/><ref name="vrshop"/>
	* '''TV Lines''': 400 TV lines<ref name="vrshop"/>		* '''TV Lines''': 400 TV lines<ref name="vrshop"/>
	* '''Refresh Rate''': 60 Hz (NTSC) / 50 Hz (PAL)<ref name="youtube"~~>YouTube. "Philips Scuba VR headset from 1997 (VIV100) – capacitor test & teardown". February 1, 2024.<~~/~~ref~~>		* '''Refresh Rate''': 60 Hz (NTSC) / 50 Hz (PAL)<ref name="youtube"/>
	* '''Field of View''': 50° diagonal (40° horizontal × 30° vertical effective)<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="mellott"~~>Mellott's VR Page. "The Philips Scuba Review".<~~/~~ref~~>		* '''Field of View''': 50° diagonal (40° horizontal × 30° vertical effective)<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="mellott"/>
	* '''Optics''': Single-element plastic lenses with fixed focus; no [[IPD]] or [[diopter]] adjustment<ref name="ultragppsg"/>		* '''Optics''': Single-element plastic lenses with fixed focus; no [[IPD]] or [[diopter]] adjustment<ref name="ultragppsg"/>

	===Physical Design===		===Physical Design===
	The headset weighed 544 grams (1.19 pounds / 19.2 ounces) and featured a design similar to a diving mask, hence the "Scuba" name.<ref name="vrshop"/> It was heavier than contemporary video glasses such as the [[Sony Glasstron]], which reviewers criticized for causing neck strain during extended sessions.<ref name="dogey"~~>Dogey's Lair. "The Scuba Review".<~~/~~ref~~> The device utilized:		The headset weighed 544 grams (1.19 pounds / 19.2 ounces) and featured a design similar to a diving mask, hence the "Scuba" name.<ref name="vrshop"/> It was heavier than contemporary video glasses such as the [[Sony Glasstron]], which reviewers criticized for causing neck strain during extended sessions.<ref name="dogey"/> The device utilized:
	* A rubber face mask that pressed against the user's face to block external light<ref name="mellott"/>		* A rubber face mask that pressed against the user's face to block external light<ref name="mellott"/>
	* An adjustable head harness with a rear cradle and elastic top strap for weight distribution<ref name="mellott"/>		* An adjustable head harness with a rear cradle and elastic top strap for weight distribution<ref name="mellott"/>
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	==Compatibility==		==Compatibility==
	The Philips Scuba was promoted as universal, compatible with various gaming consoles and devices that supported [[NTSC]] or [[PAL]] composite video output:<ref name="shopgoodwill"~~>ShopGoodwill.com. "Philips Magnavox Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor".<~~/~~ref~~><ref name="etsy"~~>Etsy. "Vintage Virtual Immersion Visor Scuba by Philips Display".<~~/~~ref~~>		The Philips Scuba was promoted as universal, compatible with various gaming consoles and devices that supported [[NTSC]] or [[PAL]] composite video output:<ref name="shopgoodwill"/><ref name="etsy"/>

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	* '''High price''': At $299, it was considered expensive for what was essentially a head-mounted television<ref name="retrovolve"/>		* '''High price''': At $299, it was considered expensive for what was essentially a head-mounted television<ref name="retrovolve"/>
	* '''Physical discomfort''': The 544g weight led to neck cramps and the rubber facemask left marks on users' faces<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="mellott"/>		* '''Physical discomfort''': The 544g weight led to neck cramps and the rubber facemask left marks on users' faces<ref name="retrovolve"/><ref name="mellott"/>
	* '''Health issues''': Some users reported nausea, with effects compared to those of the [[Virtual Boy]]<ref name="reddit"~~>Reddit Gaming Post. "I still own this it was a virtual reality headset".<~~/~~ref~~>		* '''Health issues''': Some users reported nausea, with effects compared to those of the [[Virtual Boy]]<ref name="reddit"/>

	Some reviewers noted that the headset performed better when disassembled, suggesting fundamental design flaws in the optical assembly.<ref name="retrovolve"/> One review rated it 4/10, noting that while it outperformed competitors in field of view, its optics were subpar compared to alternatives like [[Virtual I/O Glasses]].<ref name="mellott"/>		Some reviewers noted that the headset performed better when disassembled, suggesting fundamental design flaws in the optical assembly.<ref name="retrovolve"/> One review rated it 4/10, noting that while it outperformed competitors in field of view, its optics were subpar compared to alternatives like [[Virtual I/O Glasses]].<ref name="mellott"/>
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	Three model numbers have been identified:		Three model numbers have been identified:
	* '''VIV100''': The standard retail model<ref name="shopgoodwill"/>		* '''VIV100''': The standard retail model<ref name="shopgoodwill"/>
	* '''VIV100AT''': A variant model<ref name="ebaylisting"~~>eBay. "Philips SCUBA A/V Headset VIV100AT".<~~/~~ref~~>		* '''VIV100AT''': A variant model<ref name="ebaylisting"/>
	* '''VIV100AT01''': Another variant with the same specifications<ref name="ebay"~~>eBay. "PHILIPS MAGNAVOX SCUBA VIRTUAL IMMERSION VISOR VIV100 BOXED".<~~/~~ref~~>		* '''VIV100AT01''': Another variant with the same specifications<ref name="ebay"/>

	==See Also==		==See Also==

Xinreality at 09:31, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:31:09Z

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	\|Adjustable Diopter =		\|Adjustable Diopter =
	\|Passthrough =		\|Passthrough =
	\|Tracking = 3 [[DoF]] Non-positional		\|Tracking = 3 DoF Non-positional
	\|Tracking Frequency =		\|Tracking Frequency =
	\|Base Stations = No		\|Base Stations = No

Xinreality at 09:30, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:30:57Z

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	\|Platform =		\|Platform =
	\|Creator =		\|Creator =
	\|Developer = [[Philips], Philips Consumer Electronics		\|Developer = [[Philips]], Philips Consumer Electronics
	\|Manufacturer = [[Koninklijke Philips N.V.]], Philips Consumer Electronics		\|Manufacturer = [[Koninklijke Philips N.V.]], Philips Consumer Electronics
	\|Announcement Date = Late 1996		\|Announcement Date = Late 1996

Xinreality at 09:30, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:30:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:30, 26 June 2025
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	{{Device Infobox		{{Device Infobox
	\|image =		\|image =
	\|VR/AR = Virtual Reality		\|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
	\|Type = Head-mounted display		\|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
	\|Subtype = Console-Powered VR / Video headset		\|Subtype = [[Console-Powered VR]], [[Video headset]], [[Vintage VR]]
	\|Platform =		\|Platform =
	\|Creator =		\|Creator =
	\|Developer = [[Philips]~~] /~~ Philips Consumer Electronics		\|Developer = [[Philips], Philips Consumer Electronics
	\|Manufacturer = [[Koninklijke Philips N.V.]] / Philips Consumer Electronics		\|Manufacturer = [[Koninklijke Philips N.V.]], Philips Consumer Electronics
	\|Announcement Date = Late 1996		\|Announcement Date = Late 1996
	\|Release Date = 1997-1998		\|Release Date = 1997-1998
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	\|Website =		\|Website =
	\|Versions = VIV100, VIV100AT, VIV100AT01		\|Versions = VIV100, VIV100AT, VIV100AT01
	\|Requires = [[Nintendo 64]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Sony PlayStation]], [[DVD player]], or PC with composite video output		\|Requires = [[Nintendo 64]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Sony PlayStation]], [[DVD player]], PC with composite video output
	\|Predecessor =		\|Predecessor =
	\|Successor =		\|Successor =
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	\|Storage =		\|Storage =
	\|Memory =		\|Memory =
	\|SD Card Slot = No		\|SD Card Slot =
	\|Display = Dual [[AMLCD]] (Active Matrix LCD), approx. 0.7 inches each		\|Display = Dual AMLCD (Active Matrix LCD), approx. 0.7 inches each
	\|Subpixel Layout =		\|Subpixel Layout =
	\|Peak Brightness =		\|Peak Brightness =
	\|Resolution = 263 × 230 pixels per eye		\|Resolution = 263 × 230 pixels per eye
	\|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz (NTSC) / 50 Hz (PAL)		\|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz (NTSC), 50 Hz (PAL)
	\|Pixel Density =		\|Pixel Density =
	\|Persistence =		\|Persistence =
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	\|Average Pixel Density =		\|Average Pixel Density =
	\|Peak Pixel Density =		\|Peak Pixel Density =
	\|Foveated Rendering = No		\|Foveated Rendering =
	\|Optics = Single-element plastic lenses with fixed focus		\|Optics = Single-element plastic lenses with fixed focus
	\|Ocularity = Binocular		\|Ocularity = Binocular
	\|IPD Range = Fixed (no adjustment)		\|IPD Range = Fixed (no adjustment)
	\|Adjustable Diopter = No		\|Adjustable Diopter =
	\|Passthrough = No		\|Passthrough =
	\|Tracking = 3 [[DoF]] Non-positional		\|Tracking = 3 [[DoF]] Non-positional
	\|Tracking Frequency =		\|Tracking Frequency =
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	\|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes (audio input)		\|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes (audio input)
	\|Camera = No		\|Camera = No
	\|Connectivity = [[RCA]] composite video input, stereo audio input		\|Connectivity = RCA composite video input, stereo audio input
	\|Ports = Composite video (RCA), 3.5mm stereo audio		\|Ports = Composite video (RCA), 3.5mm stereo audio
	\|Wired Video = Yes		\|Wired Video = Yes
	\|Wireless Video = No		\|Wireless Video =
	\|WiFi = No		\|WiFi =
	\|Bluetooth = No		\|Bluetooth =
	\|Power = External power supply via control box (9V DC)		\|Power = External power supply via control box (9V DC)
	\|Battery Capacity = ~~N/A~~		\|Battery Capacity =
	\|Battery Life = ~~N/A~~		\|Battery Life =
	\|Charge Time = ~~N/A~~		\|Charge Time =
	\|Dimensions =		\|Dimensions =
	\|Weight = 544 g (1.19 lb / 19.2 oz)		\|Weight = 544 g (1.19 lb / 19.2 oz)

Xinreality at 09:29, 26 June 2025

2025-06-26T09:29:17Z

Show changes

Xinreality: Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = |VR/AR = Virtual Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = Console-Powered VR |Platform = |Creator = |Developer = Philips |Manufacturer = Koninklijke Philips N.V. |Announcement Date = May 1996 |Release Date = August 1998 |Price = $299 USD |Website = |Versions = VIV100, VIV100AT01 |Requires = Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, or PC with NTSC output |Predecessor = |Successor = |Operating System = |Chipset..."

2025-06-26T09:26:18Z

Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = |VR/AR = Virtual Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = Console-Powered VR |Platform = |Creator = |Developer = Philips |Manufacturer = Koninklijke Philips N.V. |Announcement Date = May 1996 |Release Date = August 1998 |Price = $299 USD |Website = |Versions = VIV100, VIV100AT01 |Requires = Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, or PC with NTSC output |Predecessor = |Successor = |Operating System = |Chipset..."

New page

{{Device Infobox
|image =
|VR/AR = Virtual Reality
|Type = Head-mounted display
|Subtype = Console-Powered VR
|Platform =
|Creator =
|Developer = [[Philips]]
|Manufacturer = [[Koninklijke Philips N.V.]]
|Announcement Date = May 1996
|Release Date = August 1998
|Price = $299 USD
|Website =
|Versions = VIV100, VIV100AT01
|Requires = [[Nintendo 64]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Sony PlayStation]], or PC with NTSC output
|Predecessor =
|Successor =
|Operating System =
|Chipset =
|CPU =
|GPU =
|HPU =
|Storage =
|Memory =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = [[AMLCD]] (Active Matrix LCD)
|Subpixel Layout =
|Peak Brightness =
|Resolution = 263 × 230 pixels
|Refresh Rate = 18 Hz
|Pixel Density =
|Persistence =
|Precision =
|Field of View = 50° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV = 45°
|Vertical FoV =
|Visible FoV =
|Rendered FoV =
|Binocular Overlap =
|Average Pixel Density =
|Peak Pixel Density =
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics =
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 3 [[DoF]] Non-positional
|Tracking Frequency =
|Base Stations = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes (Gyroscope Based)
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate =
|Tracking Volume =
|Play Space =
|Latency =
|Audio = Built-in stereo headphones
|Microphone = No
|3.5mm Audio Jack =
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = [[RCA]] composite video input, audio input
|Ports =
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = External power supply via control box
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions =
|Weight = 544 g (1.19 lb)
|Material = Plastic with rubber face mask
|Headstrap = Adjustable head harness with rear cradle
|Haptics = No
|Color = Gray/Black
|Sensors = Gyroscope
|Input = Control box with power button, brightness/contrast controls, volume control
|Compliance =
|Size =
|Cable Length =
}}

The '''Philips Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor''' (model '''VIV100''') was a [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) released by [[Philips]] in August 1998. Despite being marketed as a [[virtual reality]] headset, it was essentially a wearable television display that provided a stereoscopic viewing experience without true VR capabilities.<ref name="retrovolve">Retrovolve. "The Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor May Be the Worst Gaming Peripheral of All Time". July 14, 2020.</ref><ref name="vrshop">The VR Shop. "Scuba Visor - Info, Specs, Release Date". February 19, 2022.</ref>

==History==
===Development===
The Scuba's technology was originally developed as a VR helmet for the [[Atari Jaguar]] home game system. However, when that project fell through, the technology was sold and released by other companies without the [[head tracking]] component that Atari had intended to use for its Missile Command VR game.<ref name="googlearts">Google Arts & Culture. "Philips Scuba VR Visor head-mounted display".</ref>

===Release===
Philips announced the Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor in May 1996 and released it in August 1998 at a retail price of $299 USD.<ref name="vrshop"/> This price point was notably $100 more than the launch price of the [[Nintendo 64]], making it an expensive peripheral for the time.<ref name="retrovolve"/>

===Market Performance===
The Scuba sold approximately 55,000 units during its commercial run.<ref name="googlearts"/> Despite Philips' marketing efforts positioning it as a virtual reality device, consumer reception was mixed to negative, with many criticizing its poor image quality and misleading VR branding.

==Technical Specifications==
===Display Technology===
The Scuba featured an [[Active Matrix LCD]] (AMLCD) display panel with the following specifications:
* '''Resolution''': 263 × 230 pixels per eye<ref name="googlearts"/><ref name="vrshop"/>
* '''TV Lines''': 400 TV lines<ref name="vrshop"/>
* '''Refresh Rate''': 18 Hz<ref name="vrshop"/>
* '''Field of View''': 50° diagonal, approximately 45° horizontal<ref name="vrshop"/><ref name="mellott">Mellott's VR Page. "The Philips Scuba Review".</ref>

===Physical Design===
The headset weighed 544 grams (1.19 pounds) and featured a design similar to a diving mask, hence the "Scuba" name.<ref name="vrshop"/> It utilized:
* A rubber face mask that pressed against the user's face to block external light<ref name="mellott"/>
* An adjustable head harness with a rear cradle for weight distribution<ref name="mellott"/>
* Built-in stereo headphones for audio<ref name="mellott"/>

===Control Box===
The Scuba included an external control box that housed:<ref name="mellott"/>
* Power supply input
* Headset connection port (resembling a keyboard plug)
* Volume control
* Brightness and contrast adjustment controls
* Power on/off button
* 30-minute automatic timer shut-off feature

===Tracking===
The device featured basic 3 [[degrees of freedom]] (3DoF) non-positional tracking using [[gyroscope]]-based sensors for rotational head movement detection.<ref name="vrshop"/>

==Compatibility==
The Philips Scuba was compatible with various gaming consoles and devices that supported [[NTSC]] video output:<ref name="shopgoodwill">ShopGoodwill.com. "Philips Magnavox Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor".</ref><ref name="etsy">Etsy. "Vintage Virtual Immersion Visor Scuba by Philips Display".</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Console/Device !! Compatibility
|-
| [[Nintendo 64]] || Yes
|-
| [[Sega Saturn]] || Yes
|-
| [[Sony PlayStation]] || Yes
|-
| PC with NTSC output || Yes
|-
| Other NTSC consoles || Yes
|}

==Reception==
===Critical Response===
The Philips Scuba received largely negative reviews from critics and consumers. Common criticisms included:
* '''Poor optics''': Users frequently reported blurry visuals and eye strain after extended use<ref name="mellott"/>
* '''Misleading marketing''': Despite being marketed as a VR device, it lacked true virtual reality capabilities<ref name="retrovolve"/>
* '''Limited visibility''': Some users reported difficulty seeing screen corners and issues with lens placement<ref name="retrovolve"/>
* '''High price''': At $299, it was considered expensive for what was essentially a head-mounted television<ref name="retrovolve"/>

Some reviewers noted that the headset performed better when disassembled, suggesting fundamental design flaws in the optical assembly.<ref name="retrovolve"/>

===Legacy===
The Philips Scuba has been retrospectively cited as one of the worst gaming peripherals ever made, representing the challenges and failures of 1990s attempts at consumer VR technology.<ref name="retrovolve"/> It serves as an example of how marketing hype around [[virtual reality]] in the 1990s led to products that failed to deliver on their promises.

==Variants==
Two model numbers have been identified:
* '''VIV100''': The standard retail model<ref name="shopgoodwill"/>
* '''VIV100AT01''': A variant model with the same specifications<ref name="ebay">eBay. "PHILIPS MAGNAVOX SCUBA VIRTUAL IMMERSION VISOR VIV100 BOXED".</ref>

==See Also==
* [[Virtual Boy]]
* [[Atari Jaguar VR]]
* [[1990s in video games]]
* [[Head-mounted display]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="retrovolve">Retrovolve. "The Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor May Be the Worst Gaming Peripheral of All Time". July 14, 2020. https://retrovolve.com/the-scuba-virtual-immersion-visor-may-be-the-worst-gaming-peripheral-of-all-time/</ref>
<ref name="vrshop">The VR Shop. "Scuba Visor - Info, Specs, Release Date". February 19, 2022. https://www.virtual-reality-shop.co.uk/philips-scuba-visor/</ref>
<ref name="googlearts">Google Arts & Culture. "Philips Scuba VR Visor head-mounted display". https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/philips-scuba-vr-visor-head-mounted-display/pAEuQPvHhOdtTQ?hl=en</ref>
<ref name="mellott">Mellott's VR Page. "The Philips Scuba Review". https://mellottsvrpage.com/index.php/the-philips-scuba-review/</ref>
<ref name="shopgoodwill">ShopGoodwill.com. "Philips Magnavox Scuba Virtual Immersion Visor". https://shopgoodwill.com/Item/65691344</ref>
<ref name="etsy">Etsy. "Vintage Virtual Immersion Visor Scuba by Philips Display". https://www.etsy.com/jp/listing/1315375304/vintage-virtual-immersion-visor-scuba-by</ref>
<ref name="ebay">eBay. "PHILIPS MAGNAVOX SCUBA VIRTUAL IMMERSION VISOR VIV100 BOXED VINTAGE/RETRO VR". https://www.ebay.com/itm/273155691856</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
[[Category:Philips products]]
[[Category:Video game accessories]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:1990s toys]]