Varjo Aero
The Varjo Aero is a high-end consumer and prosumer PC-powered virtual reality head-mounted display announced on October 21, 2021, by Varjo Technologies. Marking Varjo's entry into the broader VR market beyond enterprise, the Aero eliminated the dual-display "Bionic Display" architecture in favor of high-resolution Mini-LED panels while removing subscription requirements.[1]
| Varjo Aero | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC-Powered VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, OpenXR |
| Developer | Varjo |
| Manufacturer | Varjo |
| Announcement Date | October 21, 2021 |
| Release Date | December 2021 |
| Price | $1,990 (reduced to $990 in 2023) |
| Website | https://varjo.com |
| Versions | Aero |
| Requires | High-end PC |
| Predecessor | Varjo VR-3 |
| Successor | None (discontinued) |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Storage | |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Mini-LED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 150 nits |
| Resolution | 2880×2720 per eye |
| Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Precision | Sub-pixel precision |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 115° horizontal × 134° diagonal |
| Horizontal FoV | 115° |
| Vertical FoV | N/A |
| Visible FoV | 115° |
| Rendered FoV | 115° |
| Binocular Overlap | 95° |
| Average Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (dynamic with eye tracking) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Custom aspheric lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 57-73mm (automatic adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No |
| Passthrough | No |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0/2.0 (base stations and controllers required, sold separately) |
| Tracking Frequency | 1000 Hz |
| Base Stations | Required (sold separately) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (200Hz) |
| Hand Tracking | No (optional Ultraleap module; requires compatible SteamVR controllers) |
| Rotational Tracking | 6DOF |
| Positional Tracking | 6DOF |
| Update Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Up to 10m × 10m |
| Play Space | Room-scale |
| Latency | less than 20ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm audio jack (earbuds typically bundled; no integrated off-ear speakers) |
| Microphone | Via bundled earbuds or external microphone (no integrated microphone) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0+ |
| Ports | 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB 3.0+ Type-A |
| Wired Video | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Power | External power adapter (12V 5A) |
| Device | |
| Weight | 487g (headset only), 717g (with standard headstrap) |
| Material | Lightweight composites |
| Headstrap | Balanced ergonomic design |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | 200Hz eye tracking, 9-axis IMU |
| Input | Compatible with all SteamVR controllers (sold separately) |
| Compliance | CE, FCC, IC, UKCA |
| Size | Medium/Large (adjustable) |
| Cable Length | 5 meters |
History
The Aero represented a strategic shift for Varjo, targeting "leading-edge VR users" including enthusiasts, independent professionals, and small studios previously priced out of Varjo's enterprise ecosystem. Development focused on maintaining visual quality while dramatically reducing cost and complexity.[2]
Key strategic decisions:
- First Varjo headset without subscription requirement
- Single display architecture for cost reduction
- Consumer-grade pricing while maintaining professional features
- Focus on flight simulation and creative professional markets
Technical Specifications
Mini-LED Display Technology
The Aero pioneered Mini-LED in VR applications:
- Panel Type: Dual 2880×2720 Mini-LED displays
- Pixel Density: 35 pixels per degree (uniform)
- Brightness: 150 nits typical
- Local Dimming Zones: 320 zones per display
- Contrast Ratio: 7,500:1 typical
- Color Gamut: 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
Optical Design
- Lens Type: Custom aspheric non-Fresnel lenses
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity: Minimal distortion across FOV
- God Ray Elimination: No visible artifacts
- Chromatic Aberration: Software correction
- Sweet Spot: Nearly entire lens surface
Visual Quality
- Resolution: 5.8K combined (higher than Valve Index)
- Clarity: Crystal clear edge-to-edge
- Motion Clarity: Excellent low persistence implementation
- Color Accuracy: Factory calibrated displays
Key Features
200Hz Eye Tracking
Professional-grade eye tracking system:
- Sampling Rate: 200Hz with sub-degree accuracy
- Automatic IPD: Motor-driven lens adjustment (57-73mm)
- Foveated Rendering: Up to 40% GPU performance improvement
- Analytics: Heat mapping and attention tracking
- Calibration: Single-point quick calibration
Ergonomic Design
Lightest Varjo headset to date:
- Weight Distribution: Front-back balanced design
- Total Weight: 717g (headset with standard headstrap)
- Cooling: Active cooling system and passive airflow channels
- Comfort Features: Replaceable cushions, adjustable strap
Audio System
The Varjo Aero relies on a 3.5mm audio jack for audio output, typically used with bundled in-ear headphones or other user-provided audio solutions. It does not feature integrated off-ear speakers. Microphone input is also handled via the connected headset's microphone or an external microphone, as there is no microphone integrated into the HMD itself.
- Audio Output: 3.5mm audio jack
- Bundled Audio: In-ear headphones often included
- Microphone: Via connected headset's microphone or external microphone
- Sound Stage: Dependent on chosen audio solution, capable of wide spatial audio with appropriate headphones.
Software and Compatibility
No Subscription Model
Revolutionary for Varjo:
- One-Time Purchase: $1,990 (later $990). Note: SteamVR base stations and controllers are required and sold separately.
- Full Feature Access: No locked features
- Free Updates: Lifetime software support
- Varjo Base: Full version included
Platform Support
- SteamVR: Native compatibility
- OpenXR: Full specification support
- OpenVR: Legacy application support
- Windows Mixed Reality: Via OpenXR
Content Compatibility
- Steam Library: Access to thousands of VR titles
- Flight Simulators: Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, DCS World
- Creative Tools: Gravity Sketch, Medium, Quill
- Social VR: VRChat, AltspaceVR
Target Markets
Flight Simulation Enthusiasts
Primary target demographic:
- Visual Clarity: Read cockpit instruments clearly
- Wide FOV: See entire instrument panel
- Comfort: Long simulation sessions
- Compatibility: Works with major flight sims
Notable adoption:
- Professional pilots for home training
- Flight simulation communities
- Aviation training organizations
Creative Professionals
- 3D Artists: High-resolution modeling environment
- Architects: Detailed visualization
- Industrial Designers: Precise work in VR
- Film Makers: Virtual production planning
Research and Development
- Universities: Affordable research-grade VR
- Small Studios: Professional features without subscription
- Independent Developers: High-quality testing platform
System Requirements
More accessible than enterprise models, but still demanding:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1909 or newer
- CPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 / RTX 3050 (Note: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or higher is strongly recommended for optimal performance. AMD GPUs are not officially supported by Varjo for the Aero.)
- RAM: 16 GB
- Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0+
Recommended Requirements:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or better
- RAM: 32 GB
Market Performance
Launch Reception
Initial response was positive:
- Praised for eliminating god rays and screen door effect
- Best-in-class clarity noted by reviewers
- Flight simulation community rapid adoption
- Some criticism of limited availability and high total cost of ownership (including necessary peripherals)
Price Reduction
In 2023, Varjo reduced the price by 50%:
- Original Price: $1,990
- Reduced Price: $990
- Reason: Increased competition, manufacturing efficiency
- Impact: Significantly expanded user base
Sales and Adoption
While specific numbers weren't disclosed:
- Became Varjo's best-selling headset
- Expanded Varjo's market beyond enterprise
- Strong adoption in simulation communities
- Influenced competitor product development
Technical Innovations
Automatic IPD Adjustment
Industry-leading implementation:
- Range: 57-73mm (widest in industry)
- Precision: 0.5mm adjustment steps
- Speed: <2 seconds full adjustment
- User Profiles: Save multiple IPD settings
Variable Rate Shading (VRS)
Advanced foveated rendering:
- Performance Gain: 30-40% GPU savings
- Quality Preservation: Imperceptible quality loss
- Dynamic Adjustment: Based on content complexity
- Developer Control: SDK for optimization
Color Calibration
Professional-grade accuracy:
- Factory Calibration: Individual display matching
- Delta E: <2 across sRGB gamut
- Uniformity: <5% brightness variation
- Stability: Minimal drift over time
Comparison to Competition
Versus Enterprise Varjo Headsets
- Pros: No subscription, lighter weight, Mini-LED benefits
- Cons: Lower peak resolution (35 vs 70 PPD), no mixed reality
Versus Consumer Headsets
- Pros: Superior clarity, 200Hz eye tracking, build quality
- Cons: Higher price (especially when factoring in required base stations and controllers), requires base stations, PC only, no official AMD GPU support.
Critical Reception
Professional reviews consistently praised:
- Visual Quality: "Best clarity in consumer VR" - Road to VR
- Comfort: "All-day wearable" - VR enthusiast forums
- Value: "Professional features at prosumer price" - UploadVR (especially after price reduction)
Common criticisms:
- High initial price point ($1,990), plus the additional significant cost of required SteamVR base stations and controllers (not included)
- Limited marketing and availability initially
- No wireless option
- Requires a high-end PC, with no official support for AMD GPUs
Discontinuation
The Aero was discontinued in early 2024:
- Announcement: Stock depletion, no new production
- Support: Continues through 2025
- Reason: Focus shifted to Varjo XR-4 series
- Legacy: Influenced XR-4's consumer-friendly approach
Varjo stated the Aero achieved its goal of expanding their market and validating demand for high-end prosumer VR, with learnings incorporated into the XR-4 series.[3]
Legacy and Impact
The Aero's influence on the VR industry:
- Proved Market Demand: High-end prosumer segment viable
- Technology Validation: Mini-LED superior to OLED for VR clarity
- Price Pressure: Forced competitors to improve quality/price ratio
- Feature Standardization: High-quality eye tracking becoming more expected
Technologies pioneered or popularized in prosumer VR by Aero:
- Mini-LED with local dimming in VR
- Automatic motor-driven IPD adjustment
- Single-display architecture achieving high clarity comparable to some dual-display designs
- Professional-grade features without a mandatory subscription model
See Also
References
- ↑ "Varjo Introduces Varjo Aero Headset To Bring the Highest-Fidelity Virtual Reality For Professionals and Leading-Edge VR Users Alike". Varjo. October 21, 2021. https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-introduces-varjo-aero-headset-to-bring-the-highest-fidelity-virtual-reality-for-professionals-and-leading-edge-vr-users-alike/.
- ↑ "Varjo Aero VR Headset Announced with Price, Specs, Release Date". Road to VR. October 21, 2021. https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-price-specs-release-date-announcement/.
- ↑ "Are you discontinuing Varjo Aero or are you just out of stock?". Varjo Support. https://support.varjo.com/hc/en-us/discontinuing-varjo-aero-or-out-of-stock.
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