Virtuality Visette 2
The Virtuality Visette 2 was a virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Virtuality Group for use in the Virtuality 2000 series arcade VR systems. Introduced in 1994, the Visette 2 represented a significant upgrade over the original Visette 1, featuring a redesigned lighter-weight form factor, higher resolution displays, improved optics, and enhanced graphics capabilities including texture mapping.[1]
| Virtuality Visette 2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Arcade VR |
| Platform | Virtuality 2000 series arcade system |
| Creator | Virtuality Group |
| Price | System cost ~£30,000+ (manufacturing) |
| System | |
| CPU | Intel 486DX 33 MHz |
| GPU | Expality PIX 1000 (proprietary) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x 1.6" LCD |
| Resolution | 800 x 600 per eye (378 x 244 active) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (magnetic) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Built-in |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Networked multiplayer |
| Device | |
| Weight | Reduced from Visette 1 |
| Input | 6DoF controller |
History and Development
Evolution from Visette 1
Building on the success and lessons learned from the Virtuality 1000 series, Virtuality Group (formerly W Industries) developed the 2000 series to address key limitations of the original systems. The Visette 2 headset was completely redesigned to improve comfort, visual quality, and overall user experience.
1994 Introduction
The Virtuality 2000SU and 2000SD models were introduced in 1994. These systems featured significant improvements in both the headset design and the underlying computing hardware, enabling more sophisticated VR experiences with texture-mapped graphics.[2]
Design and Hardware
Redesigned Form Factor
The Visette 2 featured a completely redesigned housing that was significantly lighter than the original Visette 1. This weight reduction improved comfort during extended play sessions and reduced neck strain for users.
Display Technology
The headset utilized two 1.6-inch LCD screens:
- Panel Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels per eye
- Active Resolution: 378 x 244 per eye
- Mounting: Direct-view configuration (improved from Visette 1)
The new display mounting system provided a wider field of view compared to the original Visette.
Field of View
The Visette 2 offered a 60-degree diagonal field of view, representing an improvement over the first-generation headset thanks to the enhanced lens system.
Optical Improvements
The improved lens system in the Visette 2 provided:
- Wider field of view
- Better image quality
- Reduced optical distortion
Audio System
Like its predecessor, the Visette 2 included integrated speakers and a built-in microphone for immersive audio and multiplayer communication.
Tracking System
The Visette 2 continued to use magnetic tracking technology for 6DoF head tracking, providing accurate position and orientation data for immersive VR experiences.
Computing Hardware
The Virtuality 2000 series represented a significant upgrade in computing power:
Host System
- Intel 486DX processor running at 33 MHz
- SBC (Single Board Computer) architecture
Graphics Processing
- Expality PIX 1000 - A proprietary graphics card designed by Virtuality in 1993
- Support for texture mapping and enhanced graphics effects
- Improved polygon rendering compared to TMS34020-based 1000 series
Enhanced Graphics Capabilities
Texture Mapping
One of the most significant improvements in the 2000 series was the addition of texture mapping support. This allowed for more realistic and detailed virtual environments compared to the flat-shaded graphics of the 1000 series.
Visual Fidelity
The combination of higher resolution displays and texture-mapped graphics provided a substantially improved visual experience, making VR games more immersive and visually appealing.
System Variants
2000SU (Stand-Up)
A stand-up configuration for arcade installation, where players stood within the tracking ring while wearing the Visette 2.
2000SD (Sit-Down)
A seated configuration, often used for racing and flight simulation games.
Multiplayer Capabilities
Like the 1000 series, multiple 2000 series pods could be networked together for multiplayer VR experiences. The improved graphics and performance of the 2000 series enabled more complex multiplayer scenarios.
Legacy
The Virtuality 2000 series and Visette 2 represented the pinnacle of 1990s arcade VR technology. While Virtuality Group would eventually declare bankruptcy in 1997, the 2000 series demonstrated the potential for continued advancement in VR technology and left a lasting impression on those who experienced it.
Comparison with Visette 1
| Feature | Visette 1 | Visette 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 1990 | 1994 |
| Display Size | Panasonic LCD | 1.6" LCD |
| Resolution | 372 x 250 per eye | 800 x 600 per eye |
| Field of View | Limited | 60° |
| Weight | ~3.5 kg | Reduced |
| Host CPU | Amiga 3000 | Intel 486DX 33MHz |
| Graphics | TMS34020 | Expality PIX 1000 |
| Texture Mapping | No | Yes |
| Tracking | Polhemus magnetic | Magnetic (improved) |
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x 1.6" LCD |
| Panel Resolution | 800 x 600 per eye |
| Active Resolution | 378 x 244 per eye |
| Field of View | 60° diagonal |
| Tracking | 6DoF magnetic |
| Host CPU | Intel 486DX 33 MHz |
| Graphics | Expality PIX 1000 |
| Features | Texture mapping support |