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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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Tag: Reverted
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|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release Date = October 2021
|Release Date = Q4 2021
|Announcement Date = October 21, 2021
|Discontinued = 2024
|Price = $1,990 USD
|Price = $1,990 USD
|Website = https://varjo.com/products/aero/
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Chipset = N/A (PC tethered)
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-3]]
|Display = Mini-LED LCD
|Successor = [[Varjo XR-4]]
|Display = Mini-LED (dual)
|Resolution = 2880x2720 per eye
|Resolution = 2880x2720 per eye
|PPD = 35 PPD peak
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 115° horizontal
|Field of View = 115°
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0 (outside-in)
|Eye Tracking = Integrated (200 Hz)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (automatic IPD)
|Tracking = SteamVR Lighthouse (external)
|Audio = Integrated 3D spatial audio
|IPD = Auto-adjust (57-73mm)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4 + USB 3.0
|Audio = 3.5mm jack (no integrated)
|Active Cooling = Yes
|Weight = 487g (headset) + 230g (headband)
|Weight = ~500g
}}
}}


The '''Varjo Aero''' is a professional PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], released in October 2021 at $1,990 USD. Designed for high-end consumers and professionals, the Varjo Aero features ultra-high resolution mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, 115° horizontal field of view, built-in eye tracking with automatic IPD adjustment, and Variable Resolution technology for optimized performance. Using SteamVR 2.0 tracking and featuring active cooling, the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual quality to a more accessible price point compared to their enterprise XR-3 and VR-3 headsets.
The '''Varjo Aero''' is a professional-grade PC-tethered [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], announced October 21, 2021 and released Q4 2021 at $1,990 (no subscription). Varjo's first prosumer headset featuring dual mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, industry-leading 35 PPD peak clarity with variable resolution aspheric lenses, 115° field of view, 200 Hz eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and active cooling for extended use. Discontinued 2024, succeeded by XR-4 series.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Varjo announced the Aero in October 2021 as their first headset targeting high-end consumers and prosumers rather than solely enterprise customers. While still priced at $1,990, the Aero was significantly more accessible than Varjo's XR-3 ($5,495) and VR-3 ($3,195) enterprise headsets. The Aero brought Varjo's renowned visual clarity to simulation enthusiasts, professional creators, and demanding VR users who required the highest image quality available in a consumer-accessible product.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/aero/ |title=Varjo Aero |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Varjo announced the Aero on October 21, 2021, shipping Q4 2021 at $1,990 without annual subscription (unlike enterprise Varjo headsets). Positioned as "professional-grade VR for prosumers," the Aero brought Varjo's ultra-high-resolution technology to enthusiasts, simulation users, and professionals at a more accessible price point than their $5,000+ enterprise headsets. Discontinued in 2024 as Varjo consolidated around the XR-4 series.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/aero |title=Varjo Aero |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 34: Line 37:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Ultra-high resolution mini-LED:
Mini-LED excellence:


* '''2880x2720 per eye''' resolution
* '''2880x2720 per eye''' resolution
* '''Mini-LED LCD''' panels
* '''Dual mini-LED''' displays
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* '''150 nits''' brightness
* '''115° horizontal FOV'''
* Individual color calibration
* Exceptional pixel density
* '''99% sRGB / 95% DCI-P3'''
* '''90 Hz''' refresh rate
* '''115° field of view'''
 
=== Pixels Per Degree ===
 
* '''35 PPD peak''' (center)
* Variable resolution lenses
* Human-eye-like foveation
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* No screen door effect
* Industry-leading sharpness
* Professional-grade visuals


=== Variable Resolution ===
=== Optics ===


Performance optimization:
* '''Variable resolution aspheric lenses'''
 
* Non-Fresnel (no god rays)
* '''Variable Resolution technology'''
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Eye-tracked rendering
* Major improvement over consumer optics
* Foveated rendering support
* Optimized GPU utilization
* Maintains visual quality
* Reduces system requirements


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Eye Tracking ===


* '''Built-in eye tracking'''
* '''200 Hz''' tracking rate
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* Foveated rendering data
* Foveated rendering support
* User analytics
* Gaze analytics
* Gaze-based interaction


=== Optics ===
=== IPD ===


* Aspheric lenses
* '''Automatic adjustment'''
* Wide sweet spot
* '''57-73mm range'''
* Minimal distortion
* Eye tracking driven
* Clear edge-to-edge
* Optimal per-user fit
* Optimized for clarity


=== Audio ===
=== Tracking ===


* '''Integrated speakers'''
* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' required
* '''3D spatial audio'''
* 2.0 recommended / 1.0 compatible
* Directional sound
* External base stations
* No headphones required
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* Audio jack available


=== Cooling ===
=== Cooling ===


* '''Active cooling system'''
* '''Active cooling'''
* Quiet fan operation
* Fan-based thermal management
* Prevents fogging
* Extended session support
* Extended comfort
* Comfortable temperature
* Thermal management


=== Build ===
=== Comfort ===


* '''~500g weight'''
* '''487g headset'''
* Premium materials
* '''230g headband'''
* Professional build quality
* '''717g total'''
* Adjustable head strap
* 3-point precision fit
* Face gasket options
* Optimized ergonomics
* Comfortable for extended use


=== Tracking ===
=== Audio ===
 
* '''SteamVR 2.0 tracking'''
* Base stations required (sold separately)
* Outside-in tracking
* Sub-millimeter precision
* Lighthouse compatible
 
=== Connection ===
 
* '''DisplayPort 1.4'''
* '''USB 3.0'''
* PC tethered (wired)
* High-bandwidth connection
* No wireless option
 
== Requirements ==
 
=== PC Specifications ===
* High-end GPU required
* DisplayPort 1.4 output
* USB 3.0 port
* VR-ready system
* SteamVR compatible
 
=== Additional Hardware ===
* Base stations (sold separately)
* Controllers (sold separately)
* Compatible with existing SteamVR setup
 
== Applications ==
 
=== Simulation ===
* Flight simulation
* Racing simulation
* Military training
* Professional simulation
 
=== Design & Creation ===
* 3D modeling review
* Architectural visualization
* Product design
* Creative professional use


=== Enterprise Training ===
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
* Professional training
* No integrated audio
* Skills development
* External headphones required
* Safety training
* Medical education


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2880x2720 per eye (mini-LED)
| Display || 2880x2720 mini-LED x2
|-
| PPD || 35 peak
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 115° horizontal
| FOV || 115°
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (auto IPD)
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR 2.0
|-
|-
| Audio || Integrated 3D spatial
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz
|-
|-
| Cooling || Active
| IPD || 57-73mm (auto)
|-
|-
| Connection || DP 1.4 + USB 3.0
| Tracking || SteamVR Lighthouse
|-
|-
| Weight || ~500g
| Weight || 717g total
|-
|-
| Price || $1,990
| Price || $1,990
Line 177: Line 132:


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 2880x2720 per eye exceptional clarity
* 35 PPD exceptional clarity
* Mini-LED quality excellent
* 2880x2720 resolution
* 115° FOV wide for high-res display
* Variable resolution lenses
* Eye tracking built-in
* No god rays
* Automatic IPD convenient
* Aspheric optics
* Variable Resolution innovative
* 200 Hz eye tracking
* Active cooling prevents fogging
* Auto IPD convenient
* 3D spatial audio integrated
* $1,990 prosumer pricing
* SteamVR ecosystem compatible
* No subscription required
* Professional build quality
* Active cooling


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* $1,990 premium pricing
* $1,990 still expensive
* External tracking required
* Base stations extra cost
* Base stations extra cost
* Controllers sold separately
* No integrated audio
* PC tethered only
* 90 Hz only
* High PC requirements
* SteamVR ecosystem only
* No standalone capability
* Now discontinued
* 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
* XR-4 successor<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/varjo-aero-review |title=Varjo Aero Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Not for casual users
* Enterprise heritage pricing<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-review/ |title=Varjo Aero Review |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
Line 214: Line 168:
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]

Revision as of 18:02, 7 January 2026

Varjo Aero
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Developer Varjo
Manufacturer Varjo
Announcement Date October 21, 2021
Release Date Q4 2021
Price $1,990 USD
Website https://varjo.com/
Predecessor Varjo VR-3
Successor Varjo XR-4
System
Storage
Display
Display Mini-LED (dual)
Resolution 2880x2720 per eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Field of View 115°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking SteamVR Lighthouse (external)
Eye Tracking Integrated (200 Hz)
Audio
Audio 3.5mm jack (no integrated)
Connectivity
Device
Weight 487g (headset) + 230g (headband)


The Varjo Aero is a professional-grade PC-tethered virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Varjo, announced October 21, 2021 and released Q4 2021 at $1,990 (no subscription). Varjo's first prosumer headset featuring dual mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, industry-leading 35 PPD peak clarity with variable resolution aspheric lenses, 115° field of view, 200 Hz eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and active cooling for extended use. Discontinued 2024, succeeded by XR-4 series.

History and Development

Varjo announced the Aero on October 21, 2021, shipping Q4 2021 at $1,990 without annual subscription (unlike enterprise Varjo headsets). Positioned as "professional-grade VR for prosumers," the Aero brought Varjo's ultra-high-resolution technology to enthusiasts, simulation users, and professionals at a more accessible price point than their $5,000+ enterprise headsets. Discontinued in 2024 as Varjo consolidated around the XR-4 series.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Mini-LED excellence:

  • 2880x2720 per eye resolution
  • Dual mini-LED displays
  • 150 nits brightness
  • Individual color calibration
  • 99% sRGB / 95% DCI-P3
  • 90 Hz refresh rate
  • 115° field of view

Pixels Per Degree

  • 35 PPD peak (center)
  • Variable resolution lenses
  • Human-eye-like foveation
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • Industry-leading sharpness

Optics

  • Variable resolution aspheric lenses
  • Non-Fresnel (no god rays)
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • Major improvement over consumer optics

Eye Tracking

  • 200 Hz tracking rate
  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Foveated rendering support
  • Gaze analytics

IPD

  • Automatic adjustment
  • 57-73mm range
  • Eye tracking driven
  • Optimal per-user fit

Tracking

  • SteamVR Lighthouse required
  • 2.0 recommended / 1.0 compatible
  • External base stations
  • 6DoF tracking

Cooling

  • Active cooling
  • Fan-based thermal management
  • Extended session support
  • Comfortable temperature

Comfort

  • 487g headset
  • 230g headband
  • 717g total
  • 3-point precision fit
  • Optimized ergonomics

Audio

  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • No integrated audio
  • External headphones required

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2880x2720 mini-LED x2
PPD 35 peak
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
FOV 115°
Eye Tracking 200 Hz
IPD 57-73mm (auto)
Tracking SteamVR Lighthouse
Weight 717g total
Price $1,990

Reception

Praise:

  • 35 PPD exceptional clarity
  • 2880x2720 resolution
  • Variable resolution lenses
  • No god rays
  • Aspheric optics
  • 200 Hz eye tracking
  • Auto IPD convenient
  • $1,990 prosumer pricing
  • No subscription required
  • Active cooling

Criticism:

  • $1,990 still expensive
  • External tracking required
  • Base stations extra cost
  • No integrated audio
  • 90 Hz only
  • SteamVR ecosystem only
  • Now discontinued
  • XR-4 successor[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Varjo Aero". Varjo. https://varjo.com/products/aero.
  2. ↑ "Varjo Aero Review". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/varjo-aero-review.
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