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|Type = Head-mounted display
|Type = Head-mounted display
|Subtype = PC-Powered VR
|Subtype = PC-Powered VR
|Platform =  
|Platform = Windows, Linux
|Creator =  
|Creator =  
|Developer = NVIS Inc.
|Developer = NVIS Inc.
|Manufacturer = NVIS Inc.
|Manufacturer = NVIS Inc.
|Announcement Date =  
|Announcement Date = December 2002
|Release Date = 2003
|Release Date = January 2003
|Price =  
|Price = $24,000
|Website = https://www.nvisinc.com
|Website = https://www.nvisinc.com
|Versions =  
|Versions =  
|Requires = PC
|Requires = PC/Workstation with dual-link DVI or VGA
|Predecessor =  
|Predecessor =  
|Successor = nVisor SX111
|Successor = nVisor SX111
|Operating System = Windows
|Operating System = Windows, Linux
|Chipset =  
|Chipset =  
|CPU =  
|CPU =  
Line 25: Line 25:
|SD Card Slot =  
|SD Card Slot =  
|Display = LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
|Display = LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
|Subpixel Layout =  
|Subpixel Layout = None (sequential color)
|Peak Brightness =  
|Peak Brightness = 30 foot-lamberts
|Resolution = 1280x1024 per eye (SXGA)
|Resolution = 1280x1024 per eye (SXGA)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Pixel Density =  
|Pixel Density = 3084.34 PPI
|Persistence =  
|Persistence =  
|Precision =  
|Precision =  
|Field of View = 60° diagonal (44° reported)
|Field of View = 60° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV =  
|Horizontal FoV = 44°
|Vertical FoV =  
|Vertical FoV = 35°
|Visible FoV =  
|Visible FoV =  
|Rendered FoV =  
|Rendered FoV =  
Line 41: Line 41:
|Peak Pixel Density =  
|Peak Pixel Density =  
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Custom engineered optics
|Optics = Custom engineered aspherical lenses
|Ocularity = Stereoscopic
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range =  
|IPD Range = 53-72 mm (manual adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter =  
|Adjustable Diopter =  
|Passthrough =  
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 3 DoF
|Tracking = 3 DoF (6 DoF with optional external trackers)
|Tracking Frequency =  
|Tracking Frequency = Up to 180 Hz (tracker-dependent)
|Base Stations = No
|Base Stations = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Eye Tracking = Optional (Viewpoint Binocular/Monocular Eyetracker)
|Face Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = No
|Positional Tracking = Optional (with external trackers)
|Update Rate =  
|Update Rate = Up to 180 Hz (tracker-dependent)
|Tracking Volume =  
|Tracking Volume = Tracker-dependent
|Play Space =  
|Play Space =  
|Latency =  
|Latency =  
|Audio =  
|Audio = Optional stereo headset with boom microphone
|Microphone =  
|Microphone = Optional (with audio upgrade)
|3.5mm Audio Jack =  
|3.5mm Audio Jack =  
|Camera =  
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = VGA
|Connectivity = DVI, VGA, RS-232
|Ports =  
|Ports = DVI, VGA, RS-232
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wired Video = Yes
|Wireless Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = External
|Power = External (via PC connection)
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions =  
|Dimensions =  
|Weight =  
|Weight = 1000 g (headset only)
|Material =  
|Material =  
|Headstrap =  
|Headstrap = Adjustable head-fitting apparatus
|Haptics = No
|Haptics = No
|Color =  
|Color =  
|Sensors = Inertial sensor
|Sensors = External IMU (InertiaCube 2/2+/3)
|Input =  
|Input =  
|Compliance =  
|Compliance =  
|Size =  
|Size =  
|Cable Length =  
|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.</ref><ref name="vrcompare">VRcompare. "NVIS nVisor SX60: Full Specification." Retrieved 2025.</ref>. The device was designed for high-end military, industrial, and research applications, representing state-of-the-art technology for its time.
The '''NVIS nVisor SX60''' is a professional [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) for [[virtual reality]] applications, announced in December 2002 at [[SIGGRAPH]] and released in January 2003 by [[NVIS Inc.]]<ref name="roadtovr">Road to VR. "A Look at 4 Virtual Reality HMDs Before Oculus." Engadget, November 27, 2016.</ref><ref name="vrcompare">VRcompare. "NVIS nVisor SX60: Full Specification." Retrieved 2025.</ref><ref name="specpdf">NVIS Inc. "nVisor SX60 – Product Specifications" (PDF). SpectraTech. 2009.</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.</ref>.


==Overview==
==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.</ref>.
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.</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==
==Technical Specifications==


===Display Technology===
===Display Technology===
The nVisor SX60 utilized [[LCOS]] ([[Liquid Crystal on Silicon]]) display technology, specifically [[FLCOS]] (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal on Silicon) according to some sources<ref name="est">EST Engineering Systems Technologies. "nVisor SX." Retrieved 2025.</ref>. The device featured:
The nVisor SX60 utilized dual 0.83-inch reflective [[LCOS]] ([[Liquid Crystal on Silicon]]) display panels sourced from [[Forth Dimension Displays]]<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:


* Resolution: 1280×1024 pixels per eye ([[SXGA]] standard)<ref name="vrcompare"/>
{| class="wikitable"
* Native display resolution: 2048×1536 (according to some reports)<ref name="roadtovr"/>
|+ Display Specifications
* Color microdisplays with custom engineered optics
! Parameter !! Value
|-
| Display type || Dual reflective LCOS
|-
| Resolution || 1280×1024 pixels per eye (SXGA standard)
|-
| Native display resolution || 2048×1536
|-
| Pixel density || 3084.34 PPI
|-
| 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
* [[Stereoscopic 3D]] capability
* 60 Hz refresh rate


===Field of View===
===Field of View===
The headset offered a diagonal field of view of 60 degrees, though some sources report 44 degrees<ref name="vrcompare"/>. This discrepancy may be due to different measurement methods or configurations.
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===
===Tracking Capabilities===
The nVisor SX60 featured [[3 degrees of freedom]] (3DoF) tracking<ref name="vrcompare"/>, allowing for rotational head tracking (pitch, roll, and yaw) through an integrated [[inertial sensor]]. The device did not include positional 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). 2021.</ref>.


===Connectivity===
===Connectivity===
The headset connected to PCs via [[VGA]] cables, requiring a graphics adapter capable of outputting the appropriate resolution. For stereoscopic operation, the system required dual monitor configuration support, often achieved through "horizontal span" mode on [[NVIDIA]] graphics cards<ref name="worldviz">WorldViz. "nVis HMDs Documentation." Retrieved 2025.</ref>.
The headset connected to PCs via<ref name="worldviz">WorldViz. "nVis HMDs Documentation." Retrieved 2025.</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.</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==
==Applications==
The nVisor SX60 was primarily used in:
Due to its collimated optics and high pixel density, 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"/>


* Military training and simulation
* '''Research and Academia'''
* Industrial visualization
** University VR laboratories
* Research institutions
** [[Human factors]] research
* Medical simulation
** [[Motion capture]] caves with large tracking volumes<ref name="artracking"/>
* Virtual reality development
 
* '''Industrial Applications'''
** [[CAD]] visualization
** Engineering design review
** Industrial training simulations


==Software Support==
==Software Support==
The headset was supported by various VR development platforms, including:
The headset was supported by various VR development platforms, including:
* [[Vizard]] VR toolkit, which included a dedicated nvis module for proper stereo and projection settings<ref name="worldviz"/>
* [[Vizard]] VR toolkit - included a dedicated nvis module for proper stereo and projection settings<ref name="worldviz"/>
* Custom military and industrial simulation software
* Custom military and industrial simulation software
* Demonstrated running consumer software including *[[Half-Life 2]]* at [[GDC]] 2013<ref name="gdc2013">Lang, B. "GDC 2013: Inside Half-Life 2 with the $15,000 NVIS SX60 HMD." Road to VR. 2013.</ref>


==Video Control Unit==
==Reception and Legacy==
The nVisor SX60 was typically paired with an Advanced Video Control Unit that provided:
Academic reviewers praised the display clarity and "retina-caliber" 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>.
* Plug-and-play support for analog and digital video inputs
* Stereo and monoscopic output modes
* Analog and digital monitor output repeater functionality<ref name="est"/>


==Market Position==
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.
At its release in 2003, the nVisor SX60 represented cutting-edge VR technology, offering features that remained unmatched for several years<ref name="roadtovr"/>. However, like most professional VR equipment of its era, it was priced well beyond consumer reach, targeting institutional and commercial customers.


==Legacy==
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.</ref>.
The nVisor SX60 was succeeded by the [[nVisor SX111]], which offered improved specifications including a wider field of view (111° diagonal) while maintaining the same resolution<ref name="ndsu">NDSU Center for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience. "Facilities." Retrieved 2025.</ref>.


==Company History==
==Company History==
NVIS Inc. was a major player in the professional VR space, developing numerous products for military, industrial, and commercial organizations. The company was later acquired by [[Kopin Corporation]], and all NVIS products and support are now handled through Kopin's Training & Simulation division<ref name="kopin">NVIS/Kopin. "NVIS Products." December 19, 2023.</ref>.
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 2016, 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.</ref>.


==See Also==
==See Also==
Line 146: Line 217:
* [[Professional VR systems]]
* [[Professional VR systems]]
* [[Kopin Corporation]]
* [[Kopin Corporation]]
* [[InterSense]]
* [[InertiaCube]]
* [[Ascension Technology Corporation]]
* [[Virtual reality history]]


==References==
==References==
Line 151: Line 226:
<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="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="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="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="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="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="gdc2013">Lang, B. "GDC 2013: Inside Half-Life 2 with the $15,000 NVIS SX60 HMD." Road to VR. 2013.</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="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="kopin">NVIS/Kopin. "NVIS Products." December 19, 2023. https://www.nvisinc.com/</ref>
Line 162: Line 243:
[[Category:2003 in technology]]
[[Category:2003 in technology]]
[[Category:Professional VR equipment]]
[[Category:Professional VR equipment]]
[[Category:LCOS technology]]

Revision as of 06:33, 26 June 2025

NVIS nVisor SX60
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC-Powered VR
Platform Windows, Linux
Developer NVIS Inc.
Manufacturer NVIS Inc.
Announcement Date December 2002
Release Date January 2003
Price $24,000
Website https://www.nvisinc.com
Requires PC/Workstation with dual-link DVI or VGA
Successor nVisor SX111
System
Operating System Windows, Linux
Storage
Display
Display LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
Subpixel Layout None (sequential color)
Peak Brightness 30 foot-lamberts
Resolution 1280x1024 per eye (SXGA)
Pixel Density 3084.34 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Image
Field of View 60° diagonal
Horizontal FoV 44°
Vertical FoV 35°
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Custom engineered aspherical lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 53-72 mm (manual adjustment)
Passthrough No
Tracking
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
Audio
Audio Optional stereo headset with boom microphone
Microphone Optional (with audio upgrade)
Camera No
Connectivity
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
Device
Weight 1000 g (headset only)
Headstrap Adjustable head-fitting apparatus
Haptics No
Sensors External IMU (InertiaCube 2/2+/3)
Cable Length 4.5 m


The NVIS nVisor SX60 is a professional head-mounted display (HMD) for virtual reality applications, announced in December 2002 at SIGGRAPH and released in January 2003 by NVIS Inc.[1][2][3]. 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[4].

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[5]. The headset promised a collimated optics design to minimize eye strain and deliver superior image quality for professional applications[6].

Technical Specifications

Display Technology

The nVisor SX60 utilized dual 0.83-inch reflective LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display panels sourced from Forth Dimension Displays[3]. LCOS' sequential-color drive eliminates sub-pixels, producing a continuous "film-like" image that avoids the screen-door effect[1]. The device featured:

Display Specifications
Parameter Value
Display type Dual reflective LCOS
Resolution 1280×1024 pixels per eye (SXGA standard)
Native display resolution 2048×1536
Pixel density 3084.34 PPI
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[3]:

  • 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[2]. The headset included mounting points (both internal and external) for various tracking solutions:

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[7].

Connectivity

The headset connected to PCs via[8]:

  • 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[9]:

  • 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 pixel density, 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[3]
  • 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[8]
  • Custom military and industrial simulation software
  • Demonstrated running consumer software including *Half-Life 2* at GDC 2013[10]

Reception and Legacy

Academic reviewers praised the display clarity and "retina-caliber" image quality but noted the limited field of view compared to later consumer headsets[6]. A 2015 University of Wisconsin comparison found the SX60's 60 Hz refresh "serviceable" but inferior to modern 90-120 Hz systems[11].

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[1]. 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[12].

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 2016, 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[13].

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Road to VR. "A Look at 4 Virtual Reality HMDs Before Oculus." Engadget, November 27, 2016. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "roadtovr" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 VRcompare. "NVIS nVisor SX60: Full Specification." Retrieved 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "vrcompare" defined multiple times with different content
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 NVIS Inc. "nVisor SX60 – Product Specifications" (PDF). SpectraTech. 2009. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "specpdf" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ↑ Reddit. "My rarest VR find so far! This is the nVisor SX60, which was sold for $24000 in 2003." February 10, 2022. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "reddit" defined multiple times with different content
  5. ↑ TekGear. "nVisor SX by NVIS." Retrieved 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "tekgear" defined multiple times with different content
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Conradi, J. & Alexander, T. "Display Devices for Virtual Environments." Eurographics EGVE 2008. pp. 103-106.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Advanced Realtime Tracking GmbH. "Technical Datasheet – Targets" (PDF). 2021. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "artracking" defined multiple times with different content
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 WorldViz. "nVis HMDs Documentation." Retrieved 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "worldviz" defined multiple times with different content
  9. ↑ EST Engineering Systems Technologies. "nVisor SX." Retrieved 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "est" defined multiple times with different content
  10. ↑ Lang, B. "GDC 2013: Inside Half-Life 2 with the $15,000 NVIS SX60 HMD." Road to VR. 2013.
  11. ↑ Technical Support Group. "Head-Mounted Displays – Comparison Table." TSG Doc Wiki. 2024.
  12. ↑ NDSU Center for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience. "Facilities." Retrieved 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ndsu" defined multiple times with different content
  13. ↑ NVIS/Kopin. "NVIS Products." December 19, 2023. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "kopin" defined multiple times with different content
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