Virtual Research VR4
The Virtual Research VR4 was a virtual reality head-mounted display released in 1994 by Virtual Research. Designed for high-performance immersive applications, the VR4 was part of the first wave of commercial VR headsets that emerged during the 1990s VR boom.[1]
| Virtual Research VR4 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC |
| Creator | Virtual Research |
| Price | Professional pricing |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | Host PC dependent |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x 1.3" LCD |
| Resolution | 742 x 230 per eye |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
History and Development
1990s VR Era
The Virtual Research VR4 was developed during the height of interest in virtual reality technology in the mid-1990s. The company positioned the VR4 for professional and high-performance applications rather than the consumer market.
Market Context
The VR4 competed in a market that included other pioneering headsets such as the Forte VFX1 (announced at CES 1994) and VictorMaxx CyberMaxx. However, these early VR headsets faced significant technical limitations and market challenges, with critics like John Carmack describing the experience as "like looking through toilet paper tubes."[2]
Design and Hardware
Display System
The VR4 featured twin 1.3-inch LCD displays, providing a resolution of 742 x 230 pixels per eye. This resolution was higher than many competing consumer headsets of the era.
Field of View
The headset offered a 60-degree diagonal field of view at full overlap, providing a reasonably immersive viewing experience for its time.
Rugged Design
The VR4 incorporated design elements intended to increase durability for professional applications:
- Front visor for protection
- Reduced number of moving parts compared to consumer designs
- Industrial-grade construction
Tracking
The VR4 utilized 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) head tracking, detecting rotational movement on three axes (yaw, pitch, and roll) but not positional movement through space.
Target Applications
The Virtual Research VR4 was intended for:
- High-performance immersive applications
- Professional visualization
- Industrial training
- Research and development
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x 1.3" LCD |
| Resolution | 742 x 230 per eye |
| Field of View | 60° diagonal (full overlap) |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Target Market | Professional/Industrial |