Dell Visor
The Dell Visor is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Dell, released on October 17, 2017 at $349 (headset) or $449 (with controllers). Part of the Windows Mixed Reality platform, the Visor features dual Sharp 1440x1440 LCD displays (706 PPI) with higher resolution than Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, 110° field of view, 90 Hz refresh rate, inside-out 6DoF tracking without external sensors, flip-up visor design, and comfortable rigid headband similar to PlayStation VR. An ergonomic and affordable entry to PC VR.
| Dell Visor | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR |
| Developer | Dell |
| Manufacturer | Dell |
| Release Date | October 17, 2017 |
| Price | $349 (headset) / $449 (with controllers) |
| Website | https://www.dell.com/ |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD (dual, Sharp) |
| Resolution | 1440x1440 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0 |
| Device | |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer |
History and Development
Dell announced the Visor alongside other Windows Mixed Reality headsets in 2017 as part of Microsoft's platform initiative. Pre-orders opened in September 2017, with shipping beginning October 17, 2017. The Visor competed with similar headsets from Lenovo, HP, Acer, and Samsung, distinguished by its ergonomic design and flip-up visor feature. Dell positioned the Visor as an accessible entry point to VR without the setup complexity of external tracking systems.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Sharp LCD panels:
- 1440x1440 per eye resolution
- 2880x1440 combined
- Dual 2.89-inch Sharp LCD panels
- 706 PPI pixel density
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Higher resolution than Rift/Vive
Tracking
Inside-out system:
- 6DoF tracking
- Inside-out tracking
- Dual cameras
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Magnetometer
- No external sensors required
Flip-Up Visor
- Flip-up design
- Quick reality check
- No removal needed
- Convenient transitions
Build
Ergonomic design:
- Rigid headband
- Similar to PlayStation VR
- Thumbwheel adjustment
- Fits any head size
- Anti-stain coating
- Fits over glasses
- Weight on top of head
- More comfortable than face-mounted
Controllers
WMR motion controllers:
- 6DoF tracking
- Tracked by headset cameras
- Included in bundle
- Standard WMR design
Audio
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- External headphones required
Connectivity
- HDMI 2.0
- USB 3.0
- Standard PC interface
Configurations
| Configuration | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Headset Only | Dell Visor HMD | $349 |
| Controller Kit | 2x WMR Controllers | $99 |
| Full Bundle | HMD + Controllers | $449 |
PC Requirements
Minimum
- CPU: Intel Core i5 / AMD equivalent
- GPU: Discrete graphics
- RAM: 8 GB
- Video: HDMI 2.0
- USB: USB 3.0
- OS: Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1440x1440 Sharp LCD x2 |
| Combined | 2880x1440 |
| PPI | 706 |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 110° |
| Tracking | Inside-out (2 cameras) |
| Sensors | Gyro, Accel, Mag |
| Interface | HDMI 2.0 + USB 3.0 |
| Price | $349-$449 |
Reception
Praise:
- $349-$449 affordable
- 1440x1440 higher than Rift/Vive
- Flip-up visor convenient
- No external sensors needed
- Rigid headband comfortable
- Weight distribution good
- Easy setup
- Fits over glasses
- Anti-stain coating
- Sharp LCD panels
Criticism:
- LCD vs OLED blacks
- 2-camera tracking limited
- Controller tracking zones
- No integrated audio
- WMR platform limitations
- Front-only tracking
- Controller availability
- 90Hz only
- Limited content at launch[2]