Takara HMD Dynovisor: Difference between revisions
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{{Device Infobox | {{Device Infobox | ||
|image = [[File: | |image = [[File:Dynovisor1.jpg|300px]] | ||
|VR/AR = Virtual Reality | |VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] | ||
|Type = Head-mounted display | |Type = [[Head-mounted display]] | ||
|Subtype = Console-Powered VR | |Subtype = [[Console-Powered VR]], [[Vintage VR]] | ||
|Platform = Atari Jaguar | |Platform = Atari Jaguar | ||
|Creator = Virtuality (original technology) | |Creator = Virtuality (original technology) | ||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
|Manufacturer = Takara | |Manufacturer = Takara | ||
|Announcement Date = July 1994 | |Announcement Date = July 1994 | ||
|Release Date = | |Release Date = 1996 | ||
|Price = $ | |Price = $320 USD / ¥38,800 / £237 | ||
|Website = | |Website = | ||
|Versions = TAK-8510 | |Versions = TAK-8510 | ||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
|Predecessor = Atari Jaguar VR (unreleased) | |Predecessor = Atari Jaguar VR (unreleased) | ||
|Successor = | |Successor = | ||
|Operating System = | |Operating System = | ||
|Chipset = | |Chipset = | ||
|CPU = | |CPU = | ||
|GPU = | |GPU = | ||
|HPU = | |HPU = | ||
|Storage = | |Storage = | ||
|Memory = | |Memory = | ||
|SD Card Slot = | |SD Card Slot = | ||
|Display = Sony Active TFT LCD | |Display = Sony Active TFT LCD | ||
|Subpixel Layout = | |Subpixel Layout = | ||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
|Average Pixel Density = | |Average Pixel Density = | ||
|Peak Pixel Density = | |Peak Pixel Density = | ||
|Foveated Rendering = | |Foveated Rendering = | ||
|Optics = Pupil Projection System with Sony Active TFT LCD lenses | |Optics = Pupil Projection System with Sony Active TFT LCD lenses | ||
|Ocularity = Binocular/Stereoscopic | |Ocularity = Binocular/Stereoscopic | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
|Tracking = 3 DoF (gyroscope-based) | |Tracking = 3 DoF (gyroscope-based) | ||
|Tracking Frequency = | |Tracking Frequency = | ||
|Base Stations = | |Base Stations = | ||
|Eye Tracking = No | |Eye Tracking = No | ||
|Face Tracking = No | |Face Tracking = No | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
|Audio = Hi-Fi Stereo (built-in speakers) | |Audio = Hi-Fi Stereo (built-in speakers) | ||
|Microphone = No | |Microphone = No | ||
|3.5mm Audio Jack = | |3.5mm Audio Jack = | ||
|Camera = No | |Camera = No | ||
|Connectivity = Composite video (NTSC), Audio (Red/White RCA), Proprietary Atari Jaguar connection | |Connectivity = Composite video (NTSC), Audio (Red/White RCA), Proprietary Atari Jaguar connection | ||
|Ports = Proprietary Atari Jaguar port | |Ports = Proprietary Atari Jaguar port | ||
|Wired Video = Yes | |Wired Video = Yes | ||
|Wireless Video = | |Wireless Video = | ||
|WiFi = | |WiFi = | ||
|Bluetooth = | |Bluetooth = | ||
|Power = External power supply required / Powered via Atari Jaguar | |Power = External power supply required / Powered via Atari Jaguar | ||
|Battery Capacity = | |Battery Capacity = | ||
|Battery Life = | |Battery Life = | ||
|Charge Time = | |Charge Time = | ||
|Dimensions = | |Dimensions = | ||
|Weight = 550 g (1.21 lb) | |Weight = 550 g (1.21 lb) | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Takara HMD Dynovisor''' (model '''TAK-8510''') is a [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] released by [[Takara]], a Japanese toy manufacturer, in | The '''Takara HMD Dynovisor''' (model '''TAK-8510''') is a [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] released by [[Takara]], a Japanese toy manufacturer, in 1996<ref name="ausretrogamer">AUSRETROGAMER. "A Brief History of Virtual Reality." February 28, 2025. https://ausretrogamer.com/a-brief-history-of-virtual-reality/</ref>. The device was developed using technology originally created for the cancelled [[Atari Jaguar VR]] headset through a partnership between [[Atari Corporation]] and [[Virtuality]]<ref name="ausretrogamer" />. Released exclusively in Japan, the Dynovisor aimed to bring immersive VR gaming to the consumer market but was hindered by low resolution, limited game support, and the declining popularity of its host console<ref name="retrovideo">Retro Video Game Systems. "Takara HMD Dynovisor." November 26, 2013. https://retrovideogamesystems.com/takara-hmd-dynovisor/</ref>. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Origins=== | ===Origins=== | ||
The Dynovisor's origins trace back to 1994 when Atari Corporation partnered with Virtuality to develop a VR headset for the [[Atari Jaguar]] console<ref name="wikipedia-jaguar">Wikipedia. "Atari Jaguar." Retrieved 2025.</ref>. The initial prototype (known as the "red unit") was rejected by Atari officials due to low resolution. A second, improved prototype (the "blue unit") featured better voice communication, higher resolution, and [[IPD]] (Inter Pupil Distance) adjustment, but by the time it was completed, Atari had cancelled the project in October 1995<ref name="retrovideo"> | The Dynovisor's origins trace back to 1994 when Atari Corporation partnered with Virtuality to develop a VR headset for the [[Atari Jaguar]] console<ref name="wikipedia-jaguar">Wikipedia. "Atari Jaguar." Retrieved 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Jaguar</ref>. The initial prototype (known as the "red unit") was rejected by Atari officials due to low resolution. A second, improved prototype (the "blue unit") featured better voice communication, higher resolution, and [[IPD]] (Inter Pupil Distance) adjustment, but by the time it was completed, Atari had cancelled the project in October 1995<ref name="retrovideo" /><ref name="jagcube">JagCube. "Jaguar VR Information!" Retrieved 2025. https://jagcube.atari.org/jaguarvr.html</ref>. | ||
===Commercial Release=== | ===Commercial Release=== | ||
Following the cancellation of the Jaguar VR project, the technology was licensed to two companies: Takara in Japan and [[Philips]] in Europe. In 1996, both companies | Following the cancellation of the Jaguar VR project, the technology was licensed to two companies: Takara in Japan and [[Philips]] in Europe. In 1996, both companies produced VR headsets based on this technology, with Takara releasing the TAK-8510 Dynovisor HMD and Philips its Scuba Visor<ref name="ausretrogamer" />. The devices were virtually identical to each other and utilized the same core technology from the abandoned Jaguar VR project<ref name="retrovideo" />. | ||
The Dynovisor was marketed as a consumer-friendly VR solution, boasting a groundbreaking 120° field of view and Hi-Fi stereo audio. Despite selling out its initial production run, it failed to gain widespread adoption due to the Atari Jaguar's dwindling market share and limited VR-compatible games | The Dynovisor was marketed as a consumer-friendly VR solution, boasting a groundbreaking 120° field of view and Hi-Fi stereo audio. Despite selling out its initial production run in Japan<ref name="ausretrogamer2">AUSRETROGAMER. "Virtuality Reality Holy Grail." January 3, 2016. https://ausretrogamer.com/thrill-of-the-chase-virtual-reality-holy-grail/</ref>, it failed to gain widespread adoption due to the Atari Jaguar's dwindling market share and limited VR-compatible games. The headset is now a rare collector's item, valued for its historical significance in the evolution of consumer VR. | ||
==Technical Specifications== | ==Technical Specifications== | ||
| Line 102: | Line 102: | ||
===Display Technology=== | ===Display Technology=== | ||
The Dynovisor featured advanced display technology for its time: | The Dynovisor featured advanced display technology for its time: | ||
* Display: 180,000 Active TFT Pixel Resolution (320x240 per eye, estimated)<ref name=" | * Display: 180,000 Active TFT Pixel Resolution (320x240 per eye, estimated)<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Pupil Projection System with a ground breaking 120-degree field of view (FOV) display using Sony's Active TFT and LCD lenses<ref name="ausretrogamer2" | * Pupil Projection System with a ground breaking 120-degree field of view (FOV) display using Sony's Active TFT and LCD lenses<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Stereoscopic 3D capability with binocular displays | * Stereoscopic 3D capability with binocular displays | ||
* 30 Hz refresh rate<ref name=" | * 30 Hz refresh rate<ref name="retrovideo" /> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 138: | Line 138: | ||
| '''Material''' || High impact ABS plastic | | '''Material''' || High impact ABS plastic | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''IPD Adjustment''' || Yes (range | | '''IPD Adjustment''' || Yes (range undocumented) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Connection Type''' || Wired (Composite/Atari Jaguar port) | | '''Connection Type''' || Wired (Composite/Atari Jaguar port) | ||
| Line 146: | Line 146: | ||
===Tracking and Input=== | ===Tracking and Input=== | ||
The Dynovisor supports [[3 degrees of freedom]] (3 DoF) tracking, limited to rotational tracking using gyroscope-based sensors | The Dynovisor supports [[3 degrees of freedom]] (3 DoF) tracking, limited to rotational tracking using gyroscope-based sensors: | ||
* Rotational head tracking only (pitch, roll, yaw) | * Rotational head tracking only (pitch, roll, yaw) | ||
* No positional tracking capabilities, meaning it cannot track movement in 3D space | * No positional tracking capabilities, meaning it cannot track movement in 3D space | ||
* Neither | * Neither the Dynovisor nor Scuba Visor had motion tracking, hence their relatively low retail price<ref name="ausretrogamer" /> | ||
* The tracking system relies on the Atari Jaguar's processing capabilities | * The tracking system relies on the Atari Jaguar's processing capabilities | ||
* No external [[base stations]] or additional sensors required | * No external [[base stations]] or additional sensors required | ||
| Line 155: | Line 155: | ||
===Physical Design=== | ===Physical Design=== | ||
* Weight: 550 g (1.21 lb)<ref name=" | * Weight: 550 g (1.21 lb)<ref name="retrovideo" /> | ||
* Made from high impact ABS moulded components<ref name="ausretrogamer2"/> | * Made from high impact ABS moulded components<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Contrast, Brightness and IPD control is within reach<ref name="ausretrogamer2"/> | * Contrast, Brightness and IPD control is within reach<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Inter Pupil Distance (IPD) focus adjustment for user personalization<ref name=" | * Inter Pupil Distance (IPD) focus adjustment for user personalization (adjustment range undocumented)<ref name="ausretrogamer" /> | ||
* Adjustable headstrap for comfort during seated gameplay | * Adjustable headstrap for comfort during seated gameplay | ||
===Connectivity and Power=== | ===Connectivity and Power=== | ||
* Compatible with any NTSC composite/AV console<ref name="ausretrogamer2"/> | * Compatible with any NTSC composite/AV console<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Composite video input (NTSC) | * Composite video input (NTSC) | ||
* Red/white analog audio ports (RCA) | * Red/white analog audio ports (RCA) | ||
* Proprietary Atari Jaguar connection for direct console interface | * Proprietary Atari Jaguar connection for direct console interface | ||
* PC version included a custom VGA PC interface<ref name="ausretrogamer"/> | * PC version included a custom VGA PC interface<ref name="ausretrogamer" /> | ||
* Required external power supply (can also draw power directly from console) | * Required external power supply (can also draw power directly from console) | ||
* Does not support wireless connectivity, [[WiFi]], or [[Bluetooth]] | * Does not support wireless connectivity, [[WiFi]], or [[Bluetooth]] | ||
| Line 172: | Line 172: | ||
===Audio=== | ===Audio=== | ||
The Dynovisor includes built-in Hi-Fi stereo speakers, providing immersive audio for gaming<ref name=" | The Dynovisor includes built-in Hi-Fi stereo speakers, providing immersive audio for gaming<ref name="ausretrogamer2" />. It does not feature a [[microphone]] or a 3.5mm audio jack, relying solely on the integrated audio output. The audio quality was considered a strong point for the headset, enhancing the VR experience despite visual limitations. | ||
==Applications and Software Support== | ==Applications and Software Support== | ||
| Line 183: | Line 183: | ||
! Game !! VR Support | ! Game !! VR Support | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Missile Command 3D]] || Yes (VR mode included)<ref name="wikipedia-missile">Wikipedia. "Missile Command 3D." March 13, 2025.</ref> | | [[Missile Command 3D]] || Yes (VR mode included)<ref name="wikipedia-missile">Wikipedia. "Missile Command 3D." March 13, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile_Command_3D</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Other Titles || Limited or none (undocumented) | | Other Titles || Limited or none (undocumented) | ||
|} | |} | ||
Unlike the original Jaguar VR which had Missile Command 3D as its only compatible game<ref name="wikipedia-missile"/>, the Dynovisor could theoretically display any NTSC video source, though none of the old games played on the unit were designed to take advantage of virtual reality, so the experience lacked the full VR immersion<ref name=" | Unlike the original Jaguar VR which had Missile Command 3D as its only compatible game<ref name="wikipedia-missile" />, the Dynovisor could theoretically display any NTSC video source, though none of the old games played on the unit were designed to take advantage of virtual reality, so the experience lacked the full VR immersion<ref name="ausretrogamer" />. | ||
==Market Reception and Limitations== | ==Market Reception and Limitations== | ||
| Line 195: | Line 195: | ||
===Technical Limitations=== | ===Technical Limitations=== | ||
* '''Low Resolution''': The estimated 320x240 resolution per eye resulted in a pixelated image, reducing visual clarity and immersion | * '''Low Resolution''': The estimated 320x240 resolution per eye resulted in a pixelated image, reducing visual clarity and immersion | ||
* '''Limited Tracking''': 3 DoF tracking restricted movement to head rotation, lacking the positional tracking found in modern VR headsets | * '''Limited Tracking''': 3 DoF tracking restricted movement to head rotation, lacking the positional tracking found in modern VR headsets | ||
* '''Refresh Rate''': The 30 Hz refresh rate could cause [[motion sickness]] or discomfort during extended use | * '''Refresh Rate''': The 30 Hz refresh rate could cause [[motion sickness]] or discomfort during extended use | ||
| Line 203: | Line 203: | ||
* '''Console Dependency''': Requiring an Atari Jaguar, which was commercially unsuccessful, limited the headset's market | * '''Console Dependency''': Requiring an Atari Jaguar, which was commercially unsuccessful, limited the headset's market | ||
* '''Game Support''': Only a handful of games supported VR mode, with Missile Command 3D being the primary example | * '''Game Support''': Only a handful of games supported VR mode, with Missile Command 3D being the primary example | ||
* '''Price Point''': At $ | * '''Price Point''': At $320 USD (¥38,800), it was expensive for an accessory to a failing console<ref name="ausretrogamer" /> | ||
* '''Limited Release''': Exclusive to Japan, reducing global market reach | * '''Limited Release''': Exclusive to Japan, reducing global market reach | ||
===User Experience=== | ===User Experience=== | ||
* Even though the Takara HMD DynoVisor is considered to be laughable, their uniqueness and rarity in the wild makes them highly desirable among gamers and collectors alike<ref name="ausretrogamer2"/> | * Even though the Takara HMD DynoVisor is considered to be laughable, their uniqueness and rarity in the wild makes them highly desirable among gamers and collectors alike<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
* Like their contemporaries, they failed due to a lack of VR specific software and causing many a headaches after prolonged use<ref name="ausretrogamer"/> | * Like their contemporaries, they failed due to a lack of VR specific software and causing many a headaches after prolonged use<ref name="ausretrogamer" /> | ||
* These consumer products quickly sold-out upon release in Japan<ref name="ausretrogamer2"/> | * These consumer products quickly sold-out upon release in Japan<ref name="ausretrogamer2" /> | ||
==Usage Warnings== | ==Usage Warnings== | ||
These units came with a warning to rest your eyes after 30 minutes of play<ref name=" | These units came with a warning to rest your eyes after 30 minutes of play<ref name="ausretrogamer" />. Users reported that Playing on these old-school VR HMDs is like having an IMAX screen two inches away from your eyeballs, which could cause eye strain with extended use<ref name="ausretrogamer" />. | ||
==Comparison with Sister Product== | ==Comparison with Sister Product== | ||
| Line 218: | Line 218: | ||
* Using the same Virtuality-developed technology | * Using the same Virtuality-developed technology | ||
* Featuring identical specifications | * Featuring identical specifications | ||
* Being marketed more as "television goggles" than true VR headsets<ref name="vrs">Virtual Reality Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon." April 17, 2018.</ref> | * Being marketed more as "television goggles" than true VR headsets<ref name="vrs">Virtual Reality Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon." April 17, 2018. https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/</ref> | ||
* Released | * Released in 1996 after the Jaguar VR project was cancelled in October 1995 | ||
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
The Takara HMD Dynovisor is a significant artifact in the history of consumer VR, representing an early attempt to bring immersive gaming to the home. Its 120° field of view and lightweight design were ambitious for the time, but technical limitations and the Atari Jaguar's failure prevented widespread adoption. The Dynovisor, alongside the Philips Scuba Visor, demonstrated the potential and challenges of consumer VR in the 1990s, paving the way for later headsets like the [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]]. | The Takara HMD Dynovisor is a significant artifact in the history of consumer VR, representing an early attempt to bring immersive gaming to the home. Its 120° field of view and lightweight design were ambitious for the time, but technical limitations and the Atari Jaguar's failure prevented widespread adoption. The Dynovisor, alongside the Philips Scuba Visor, demonstrated the potential and challenges of consumer VR in the 1990s, paving the way for later headsets like the [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]]. | ||
Dr Waldern never really moved away from Virtual Reality. He founded Retinal Displays in 1997, which would produce a head-mounted display suspiciously reminiscent of the Jaguar VR, licensed to Japanese toy manufacturer Takara and rechristened the Dynovisor<ref name="vrs"/>. | Dr Waldern never really moved away from Virtual Reality. He founded Retinal Displays in 1997, which would produce a head-mounted display suspiciously reminiscent of the Jaguar VR, licensed to Japanese toy manufacturer Takara and rechristened the Dynovisor<ref name="vrs" />. | ||
Today, the Dynovisor is a sought-after collector's item among retro gaming and VR enthusiasts, valued for its rarity and historical importance. Its development highlighted the difficulties of introducing VR to a mass market before the technology was mature, influencing future VR designs that prioritized higher resolution, better tracking, and broader software support. | Today, the Dynovisor is a sought-after collector's item among retro gaming and VR enthusiasts, valued for its rarity and historical importance. Its development highlighted the difficulties of introducing VR to a mass market before the technology was mature, influencing future VR designs that prioritized higher resolution, better tracking, and broader software support. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
<ref name="ausretrogamer">AUSRETROGAMER. "A Brief History of Virtual Reality." February 28, 2025. https://ausretrogamer.com/a-brief-history-of-virtual-reality/</ref> | <ref name="ausretrogamer">AUSRETROGAMER. "A Brief History of Virtual Reality." February 28, 2025. https://ausretrogamer.com/a-brief-history-of-virtual-reality/</ref> | ||
<ref name="wikipedia-jaguar">Wikipedia. "Atari Jaguar." Retrieved 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Jaguar</ref> | <ref name="wikipedia-jaguar">Wikipedia. "Atari Jaguar." Retrieved 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Jaguar</ref> | ||
<ref name="retrovideo">Retro Video Game Systems. "Takara HMD Dynovisor." November 26, 2013. https://retrovideogamesystems.com/takara-hmd-dynovisor/</ref> | <ref name="retrovideo">Retro Video Game Systems. "Takara HMD Dynovisor." November 26, 2013. https://retrovideogamesystems.com/takara-hmd-dynovisor/</ref> | ||
<ref name="ausretrogamer2">AUSRETROGAMER. "Virtuality Reality Holy Grail." January 3, 2016. https://ausretrogamer.com/thrill-of-the-chase-virtual-reality-holy-grail/</ref> | <ref name="ausretrogamer2">AUSRETROGAMER. "Virtuality Reality Holy Grail." January 3, 2016. https://ausretrogamer.com/thrill-of-the-chase-virtual-reality-holy-grail/</ref> | ||
<ref name="vrs">Virtual Reality Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon." April 17, 2018. https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/</ref> | <ref name="vrs">Virtual Reality Society. "Virtuality – A New Reality of Promise, Two Decades Too Soon." April 17, 2018. https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/</ref> | ||
<ref name="wikipedia-missile">Wikipedia. "Missile Command 3D." March 13, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile_Command_3D</ref> | <ref name="wikipedia-missile">Wikipedia. "Missile Command 3D." March 13, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile_Command_3D</ref> | ||
<ref name=" | <ref name="jagcube">JagCube. "Jaguar VR Information!" Retrieved 2025. https://jagcube.atari.org/jaguarvr.html</ref> | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
[[Category:Vintage Devices]] | |||
[[Category:Vintage VR]] | |||
[[Category:Devices]] | |||
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]] | |||
[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]] | [[Category:Virtual reality headsets]] | ||
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]] | [[Category:Head-mounted displays]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:1996 in video gaming]] | ||
[[Category:Products introduced in | [[Category:Products introduced in 1996]] | ||
[[Category:Takara products]] | [[Category:Takara products]] | ||
[[Category:Video game accessories]] | [[Category:Video game accessories]] | ||