Jump to content

Varjo VR-1: Difference between revisions

← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
(3 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:Varjo vr-11.png|350px]]
|name = Varjo VR-1
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[PC VR Headset]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise VR]], [[High-Resolution VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = Windows (SteamVR)
|Creator = Urho Konttori, Klaus Melakari, Niko Eiden, Roope Rainisto
|Creator = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = Flex
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Announcement Date = October 2, 2017
|Announcement Date = October 2017
|Release Date = February 19, 2019
|Release Date = February 2019
|Price = $5,995 + $995/year subscription
|Price = $5,995 + $995/year service license
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Versions = VR-1
|Versions = Varjo VR-1
|Requires = High-end PC
|Requires = High-end Windows PC (GTX 1080+), SteamVR Base Stations
|Predecessor = None
|Predecessor = Varjo prototypes
|Successor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Successor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Operating System = Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
|Operating System = Windows 10+
|Chipset =  
|Chipset = PC-dependent
|CPU =  
|CPU = Intel Core i7-6700 minimum
|GPU =  
|GPU = NVIDIA GTX 1080 / Quadro P5000 minimum
|HPU =  
|HPU =
|Storage =  
|Storage = PC-dependent
|Memory =  
|Memory = PC-dependent
|SD Card Slot = No
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual OLED displays per eye (Bionic Display)
|Display = Dual display per eye (Bionic Display)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Peak Brightness =  
|Peak Brightness = High
|Resolution = Focus: 1920×1080 per eye, Context: 1440×1600 per eye
|Resolution = Context: 1440×1600/eye, Focus: 1920×1080/eye
|Refresh Rate = Focus: 60 Hz, Context: 90 Hz
|Pixel Density = 60+ PPD (focus area), 3000 PPI
|Pixel Density = 60+ PPD (focus area), 14 PPD (periphery)
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz (focus), 90Hz (context)
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Precision = Sub-pixel precision
|Field of View = 87°
|Field of View = 87° (82° diagonal)
|Horizontal FoV = 87°
|Horizontal FoV = 87°
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Vertical FoV = 87°
|Visible FoV = 87°
|Average Pixel Density = 60+ PPD (focus)
|Rendered FoV = 150°
|Peak Pixel Density = 60+ PPD (3000 PPI)
|Binocular Overlap = less than 85%
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed-foveated (hardware)
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Optics = Dual optical path (Bionic Display)
|Peak Pixel Density = 60+ PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (fixed foveated)
|Optics = Custom hybrid optics
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual adjustment)
|IPD Range = Adjustable
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Passthrough = No
|Passthrough = No (VR only)
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR/outside-in)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000 Hz
|Tracking Frequency = High-speed
|Base Stations = Required (SteamVR 2.0)
|Base Stations = Required (SteamVR)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (20/20 Eye Tracker)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (integrated)
|Face Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = 6DOF
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = 6DOF
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 1000 Hz
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Tracking Volume = Up to 10m × 10m
|Tracking Volume = Base station dependent
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Latency = less than 20ms
|Latency = Low latency
|Audio = 3.5mm jack
|Audio = 3.5mm jack
|Microphone = Yes
|Microphone = No
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB
|Ports = 1× DisplayPort 1.2, 2× USB 3.0
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0
|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.2
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wireless Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = External power adapter
|Power = Tethered (PC-powered)
|Battery Capacity =  
|Battery Capacity = N/A (tethered)
|Battery Life =  
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time =  
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions =
|Dimensions = Professional headset form
|Weight = 905g (headset + headband)
|Weight = ~605g
|Material = Aluminum, plastic
|Material = Professional-grade housing
|Headstrap = Professional headband
|Headstrap = Adjustable head strap
|Haptics = No
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Color = Black/Grey
|Sensors = Eye tracking sensors
|Sensors = Eye tracking, IMU
|Input = Compatible with SteamVR controllers
|Input = SteamVR controllers
|Compliance = CE, FCC
|Compliance = Enterprise certified
|Size =
|Cable Length = 10 meters
}}
}}
The [[Varjo VR-1]] is a professional [[PC-Powered VR|PC-powered]] [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]], a Finnish company founded by former [[Nokia]] and [[Microsoft]] executives. Announced on October 2, 2017, and released on February 19, 2019, the VR-1 was the world's first VR headset to achieve "human-eye resolution" through its revolutionary Bionic Display technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-announces-vr-1-worlds-first-human-eye-resolution-vr-headset-for-industrial-use/|title=Varjo Announces VR-1, World's First Human Eye-Resolution VR Headset For Industrial Use|publisher=Varjo|date=February 19, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>


==History==
The '''Varjo VR-1''' was the world's first [[virtual reality]] headset to achieve "human-eye resolution," developed by Finnish company [[Varjo]] and released in February 2019 at $5,995 plus a $995 annual service license. Utilizing Varjo's revolutionary patented Bionic Display technology, the VR-1 combines two displays per eye: a low-persistence AMOLED "Context Display" (1440×1600 per eye) for peripheral vision, and a high-resolution Sony micro-OLED "Focus Display" (1920×1080, 0.7-inch) positioned in the center, delivering an unprecedented 60+ pixels per degree (PPD) resolution—equivalent to 20/20 vision—in the foveal region, with 3000 PPI pixel density. This fixed-foveated approach, combined with integrated eye tracking, enables users to read small text, examine fine details, and perform precision tasks impossible on conventional VR headsets. The 87° field of view headset requires SteamVR Base Stations for 6DoF tracking and demands high-end PC hardware (minimum NVIDIA GTX 1080 or Quadro P5000). Compatible with Unity, Unreal Engine, Autodesk VRED, and Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D flight simulator, the VR-1 targeted industrial design, training simulation, architecture, engineering, and construction professionals. Early access partners included Airbus, Audi, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Foster & Partners, Saab, Volkswagen, and Volvo. The VR-1 was discontinued following the release of the Varjo VR-2 in October 2019, though it established the benchmarks for professional VR resolution that continue to influence the industry.
[[Varjo]] was founded in 2016 by Urho Konttori (CEO), Klaus Melakari (CTO), Niko Eiden, and Roope Rainisto, who brought collective expertise from Microsoft's [[HoloLens]] and [[Xbox]] VR teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atomico.com/partners/varjo|title=Varjo|publisher=Atomico|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref> The company raised $8.2 million in Series A funding led by [[EQT Ventures]] in 2017, followed by $31 million in Series B funding in 2018 led by [[Atomico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atomico.com/insights/our-investment-in-varjo-the-industrialisation-of-vr-has-arrived|title=Our Investment in Varjo: The Industrialisation of VR has arrived|publisher=Atomico|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>


The VR-1 was first demonstrated at [[CES]] 2018, generating significant industry attention for its unprecedented visual clarity. The headset officially launched in February 2019, targeting enterprise customers in [[automotive design]], [[aerospace]], and [[architecture]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varjo|title=Varjo|publisher=Wikipedia|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
== History and Development ==


==Technical Specifications==
=== Varjo Origins ===
Company background:
* Finnish VR startup
* Founded 2016
* Ex-Nokia/Microsoft engineers
* Human-eye resolution goal


===Bionic Display Technology===
=== Technology Development ===
The VR-1's defining feature is its patented Bionic Display system, which uses two displays per eye to create variable resolution similar to the human visual system. The high-resolution focus display covers approximately 20 degrees of the user's central vision, while a lower-resolution context display provides peripheral vision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/blog/twice-the-performance-half-the-price-%E2%80%AFsee-how-the-new-varjo-xr-3-and-vr-3-improve-from-earlier-varjo-headsets/|title=Twice the Performance, Half the Price – See How the New Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 Improve from Earlier Varjo Headsets|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
Bionic Display creation:
* Dual-display concept
* Optical path innovation
* Resolution breakthrough
* Patent portfolio


===Display Specifications===
=== October 2017 Announcement ===
* '''Focus Display''': 1920×1080 [[OLED]] per eye at 60 Hz
Initial reveal:
* '''Context Display''': 1440×1600 OLED per eye at 90 Hz
* Concept demonstration
* '''Peak Resolution''': Over 60 [[pixels per degree]] (PPD) in the focus area
* Industry attention
* '''Peripheral Resolution''': 14 PPD in the context area
* Early access program
* '''Field of View''': 87° horizontal (82° diagonal)
* Partner engagement


===Optical System===
=== February 2019 Release ===
The VR-1 employs custom hybrid optics to blend the two display systems seamlessly. The optical combiner uses proprietary technology to merge the high-resolution center with the wider peripheral view without visible boundaries when properly calibrated.
Commercial launch:
* Production headset
* $5,995 price point
* Enterprise sales
* Global availability


===Eye Tracking===
=== Discontinuation ===
The integrated 20/20 Eye Tracker technology enables:
Product lifecycle:
* [[Foveated rendering]] optimization
* VR-2 successor (October 2019)
* Automatic [[interpupillary distance]] (IPD) measurement
* Technology advancement
* Gaze-based interaction capabilities
* Legacy product
* Professional analytics for research applications
* Foundation established


==System Requirements==
== Design Philosophy ==
The VR-1 requires a high-performance workstation:
* '''Operating System''': [[Windows 10]] Pro 64-bit
* '''Processor''': [[Intel Core i7]]-6700 or better
* '''Graphics Card''': [[NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080]] or better (Quadro recommended)
* '''Memory''': 32 GB RAM minimum
* '''Ports''': DisplayPort 1.2, 2× USB 3.0 Type-A


==Tracking and Controllers==
=== Human-Eye Resolution ===
The VR-1 utilizes [[SteamVR]] 2.0 tracking technology, requiring external [[base stations]] for positional tracking. The system is compatible with SteamVR controllers, including the [[HTC Vive]] controllers and [[Valve Index]] controllers.
Visual priority:
* 20/20 vision equivalent
* 60+ PPD target
* Readable fine text
* Detail examination


==Software Compatibility==
=== Bionic Display ===
The VR-1 supports:
Dual-display approach:
* Native Varjo software ecosystem
* Foveal focus area
* [[SteamVR]] applications
* Peripheral context
* [[Autodesk VRED]] (native integration)
* Combined viewing
* [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] and [[Unreal Engine]]
* Natural vision emulation
* Custom enterprise applications via Varjo SDK


==Professional Features==
=== Professional Focus ===
* '''Calibration Tools''': Professional-grade IPD and display calibration
Enterprise targeting:
* '''Color Accuracy''': Factory-calibrated displays for design work
* Industrial applications
* '''SDK Access''': Full API access for custom application development
* Training simulation
* '''Support Services''': Enterprise-level technical support included with subscription
* Design review
* Precision work


==Business Model==
=== Premium Positioning ===
The VR-1 was sold through a subscription model:
Market segment:
* '''Hardware Price''': $5,995
* Enterprise-only
* '''Annual Subscription''': $995 per year
* Premium pricing
* '''Total First Year Cost''': $6,990
* Professional support
* Mission-critical use


The subscription included software updates, technical support, and access to professional features.
== Bionic Display Technology ==


==Industry Applications==
=== Dual Display Per Eye ===
Display configuration:
* '''Focus Display''': 1920×1080 micro-OLED (Sony)
* '''Context Display''': 1440×1600 AMOLED
* Combined viewing
* Seamless transition


===Automotive Design===
=== Focus Display ===
Early adopters included [[Audi]], [[Volkswagen Group]], and [[Volvo Cars]], who used the VR-1 for:
High-resolution center:
* Interior design validation
* '''Resolution''': 1920 × 1080
* Ergonomics testing
* '''Size''': 0.7 inch (Sony ECX335AF-7)
* Virtual prototyping
* '''PPI''': 3000 pixels per inch
* Design review sessions
* '''PPD''': 60+ pixels per degree
* 20/20 vision quality


===Aerospace and Aviation===
=== Context Display ===
Companies like [[Airbus]] and [[Boeing]] implemented VR-1 for:
Peripheral view:
* Cockpit design verification
* '''Resolution''': 1440 × 1600 per eye
* Training simulation development
* Low persistence AMOLED
* Maintenance procedure visualization
* Wide angle coverage
* Standard VR quality


===Architecture and Construction===
=== Optical Path ===
Architecture firms utilized the VR-1 for:
Display combination:
* Photorealistic architectural visualization
* Two optical paths
* Client presentations
* Foveal area superimposition
* Design validation at 1:1 scale
* Peripheral surrounding
* Seamless blending


==Manufacturing==
== Resolution Achievement ==
The VR-1 was manufactured by [[Flex Ltd.]] (formerly Flextronics), a leading electronics manufacturing services provider. Production took place in Europe to maintain quality standards and reduce shipping times to primary markets.


==Critical Reception==
=== Human-Eye Resolution ===
Industry reception was generally positive, with reviewers praising the unprecedented visual clarity while noting limitations:
Visual quality:
* '''PPD''': 60+ pixels per degree
* '''PPI''': 3000
* '''Equivalent''': 20/20 vision
* First achievement


'''Strengths''':
=== Detail Visibility ===
* Revolutionary image quality in the focus area
Capability:
* Professional-grade build quality
* Small text readable
* Excellent color accuracy
* Fine detail visible
* Precision measurement
* Professional accuracy
 
== Field of View ==
 
=== FOV Specification ===
Visual coverage:
* '''FOV''': 87°
* Professional adequate
* Resolution prioritized
* Trade-off balance
 
== Refresh Rate ==
 
=== Dual Rate ===
Display speeds:
* '''Focus display''': 60Hz
* '''Context display''': 90Hz
* Low persistence
* Smooth motion
 
== Eye Tracking ==
 
=== Integrated System ===
Gaze detection:
* Built-in eye tracking
* Calibration support
* Performance analytics
* Data capture
 
=== Applications ===
Eye tracking use:
* Attention analysis
* Training assessment
* User research
* Interaction data
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== SteamVR Tracking ===
Position system:
* '''Type''': Outside-in
* SteamVR Base Stations required
* 6DoF tracking
* Room-scale capable
 
=== Base Station Requirement ===
External hardware:
* 2+ base stations needed
* SteamVR ecosystem
* Additional cost
* Setup requirement
 
== System Requirements ==
 
=== Minimum Specifications ===
PC requirements:
* '''CPU''': Intel Core i7-6700
* '''GPU''': NVIDIA GTX 1080 / Quadro P5000
* '''Port''': DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0
* '''OS''': Windows 10
* AMD GPUs not supported
 
=== Recommended ===
Optimal hardware:
* Higher-end GPU
* More VRAM
* Professional GPU (Quadro)
* Workstation PC
 
== Software Compatibility ==
 
=== Game Engines ===
Development platforms:
* '''Unity''': Supported
* '''Unreal Engine''': Supported
* SteamVR integration
* Developer tools
 
=== Professional Software ===
Enterprise applications:
* '''Autodesk VRED''': Automotive design
* '''Prepar3D''': Flight simulation (Lockheed Martin)
* CAD integration
* Professional workflows
 
== Enterprise Partners ==
 
=== Early Access Partners ===
Initial customers:
* '''Automotive''': Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo
* '''Aerospace''': Airbus, Saab
* '''Simulation''': Bohemia Interactive Simulations
* '''Architecture''': Foster & Partners, Sellen
 
== Pricing ==
 
=== Hardware Cost ===
Base price:
* '''Headset''': $5,995
* Enterprise pricing
* Professional market
* High-end segment
 
=== Service License ===
Annual fee:
* '''Cost''': $995/year
* Software updates
* Support access
* Required subscription
 
== Comparison with Enterprise VR (2019) ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Varjo VR-1 !! HTC Vive Pro !! HP Reverb !! Pimax 5K+
|-
| Focus Resolution || 60+ PPD || ~15 PPD || ~20 PPD || ~15 PPD
|-
| Display Type || Bionic (dual) || Single OLED || Single LCD || Single LCD
|-
| FOV || 87° || 110° || 114° || 200°
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes || No || No || No
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR || SteamVR || WMR || SteamVR
|-
| Target || Enterprise || Pro/Enterprise || Consumer/Pro || Enthusiast
|-
| Price || $5,995 + $995/yr || ~$1,400 || ~$600 || ~$700
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* 60+ PPD human-eye resolution (world first)
* 3000 PPI in focus area
* Bionic Display dual-display technology
* 20/20 vision equivalent clarity
* Integrated eye tracking
* Integrated eye tracking
* Fine text readable
* Unity/Unreal/VRED/Prepar3D support
* Professional-grade build
* Enterprise partner ecosystem
* Foundation for Varjo product line


'''Limitations''':
=== Limitations ===
* High cost of entry
* $5,995 + $995/year enterprise pricing
* Heavy weight (905g) causing fatigue
* Requires SteamVR Base Stations
* Limited 87° field of view
* High-end PC required (GTX 1080+)
* Visible boundary between focus and context displays in some scenarios
* 87° limited FOV
* 60 Hz refresh rate in focus area
* Heavy (~605g)
 
* Tethered operation only
==Legacy and Impact==
* 60Hz focus display refresh
The VR-1 established Varjo as a serious competitor in professional VR, proving market demand for ultra-high resolution displays despite premium pricing. Its Bionic Display concept influenced subsequent VR development industry-wide, with competitors exploring similar multi-resolution approaches.
* No AMD GPU support
* Discontinued (VR-2 successor)
* Enterprise-only availability


The success of the VR-1 validated Varjo's business model targeting enterprise customers rather than consumers, setting the stage for the company's continued focus on professional applications. Technologies pioneered in the VR-1, particularly the 60+ PPD resolution target and integrated eye tracking, became benchmarks for professional VR systems.
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


==Discontinuation==
{| class="wikitable"
The VR-1 was discontinued following the release of the [[Varjo VR-2]] in October 2019, which addressed many of the original's limitations while maintaining the core Bionic Display technology. Varjo continued supporting VR-1 customers through their subscription model.
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Type || Enterprise PC VR headset
|-
| Display || Bionic Display (dual per eye)
|-
| Focus Resolution || 1920×1080 micro-OLED (60+ PPD)
|-
| Context Resolution || 1440×1600 AMOLED
|-
| PPI || 3000 (focus area)
|-
| FOV || 87°
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60Hz (focus), 90Hz (context)
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (integrated)
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR (outside-in)
|-
| Weight || ~605g
|-
| Price || $5,995 + $995/year
|-
| Status || Discontinued (2019)
|}


==See Also==
== See Also ==
* [[Virtual reality headset]]
* [[Varjo]]
* [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Bionic Display]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Enterprise VR]]
* [[Foveated rendering]]
* [[Human eye resolution]]


==References==
== References ==
<references>
{{Reflist}}
<ref name="varjo-announcement">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-announces-vr-1-worlds-first-human-eye-resolution-vr-headset-for-industrial-use/|title=Varjo Announces VR-1, World's First Human Eye-Resolution VR Headset For Industrial Use|publisher=Varjo|date=February 19, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="atomico">{{cite web|url=https://atomico.com/partners/varjo|title=Varjo|publisher=Atomico|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="atomico-investment">{{cite web|url=https://atomico.com/insights/our-investment-in-varjo-the-industrialisation-of-vr-has-arrived|title=Our Investment in Varjo: The Industrialisation of VR has arrived|publisher=Atomico|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="wikipedia-varjo">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varjo|title=Varjo|publisher=Wikipedia|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-blog">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/blog/twice-the-performance-half-the-price-%E2%80%AFsee-how-the-new-varjo-xr-3-and-vr-3-improve-from-earlier-varjo-headsets/|title=Twice the Performance, Half the Price – See How the New Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 Improve from Earlier Varjo Headsets|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr-launch">{{cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-vr-1-retina-fixed-foveated-display-launch-release-date-price/|title=Varjo Launches VR-1 with Retina-quality Fixed-foveated Display & Eye-tracking, Priced at $6,000|publisher=Road to VR|date=February 19, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web|url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/varjovr-1|title=Varjo VR-1: Full Specification|publisher=VRcompare|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
</references>


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Enterprise VR]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2019]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:High-Resolution VR]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Varjo_VR-1"