Avegant Glyph
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| Avegant Glyph | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Personal Theater |
| Platform | External HDMI video source[1] |
| Creator | Avegant |
| Developer | Avegant Corporation |
| Manufacturer | Avegant |
| Announcement Date | 18 December 2013 (beta concept)[2] |
| Release Date | 2016 (backer shipments documented in February)[3] |
| Price | US$599 preorder (2015); US$699 in a 2016 review[4][5] |
| Website | https://www.avegant.com/ |
| Versions | Founder's Edition; also listed as Glyph HD[6] |
| Requires | 720p HDMI output; adapter as required[1] |
| Storage | |
| Storage | No onboard content storage[5] |
| SD Card Slot | No[5] |
| Display | |
| Display | LED-illuminated DLP micromirror display[7] |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 per eye; 16:9; approximately 2 million mirrors total[8] |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz in the cited 2019 research setup[9] |
| Image | |
| Field of View | Approximately 40° diagonal (listed)[8] |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Retinal Imaging Technology (Avegant terminology)[6] |
| Ocularity | Binocular[7] |
| IPD Range | Adjustable[10] |
| Adjustable Diopter | +1 to -7 diopters (listed)[8] |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 9-axis IMU; firmware and host dependent[8][11] |
| Rotational Tracking | Head tracking; see software history[11] |
| Play Space | Seated use recommended in video mode[10] |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated over-ear headphones; 20 Hz-20 kHz, listed 95 dB dynamic range[8] |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Audio input; passive headphone mode[10] |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Micro HDMI; Micro USB; 3.5mm input; Bluetooth[8][11] |
| Ports | Micro HDMI, Micro USB, 3.5mm audio[8] |
| Wired Video | Micro HDMI[8] |
| Wireless Video | External HDMI wireless bridge documented[1] |
| Bluetooth | Yes (companion app/firmware updates)[11] |
| Power | Internal lithium-ion polymer battery[10] |
| Battery Capacity | 2060 mAh (listed)[12] |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 hours video (listed)[12] |
| Charge Time | Initial charge: at least 4 hours per guide[10] |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 190.5 × 101.6 × 190.5 mm (W × H × D, retailer)[8] |
| Weight | 411 g (retailer); 434 g (Lufthansa)[8][12] |
| Headstrap | Headphone band; optional support strap[12] |
| Color | Black with silver-colored earcup plates (pictured) |
| Sensors | 9-axis IMU (listed)[8] |
| Input | Source controls; headset audio/display buttons[10] |
| Compliance | FCC Part 15; IC and CE statements in original guide[10] |
The Avegant Glyph is a personal theater and video headset developed by Avegant Corporation. It combines a flip-down near-eye display with over-ear headphones. Texas Instruments identifies its image source as LED-illuminated DLP projection, using the DLP3010 micromirror chip.[7] Avegant announced the beta concept in December 2013 and documented backer shipments in February 2016.[2][3]
History and development
Origins
Avegant was founded in 2012. Its December 2013 announcement described a beta consumer concept, with a Kickstarter launch planned for January 2014.[2] In a later interview, co-founder Edward Tang said that he met Allan Evans at the University of Michigan and that they worked on research grants for night-vision vehicle applications.[13]
Crowdfunding and design
The Kickstarter campaign ran from 22 January to 21 February 2014, raising US$1,509,506 from 3,331 backers against a US$250,000 goal.[14] On 5 January 2015, Avegant unveiled a revised design at CES. It offered US$499 preorders through 15 January, followed by US$599, and forecast autumn 2015 delivery.[4]
Shipment and editions
On 4 February 2016, Avegant reported that it was shipping that week and had sent more than 200 tracking numbers. Engraved units and international deliveries remained later stages of fulfillment. The same update said that initial hardware shipped with head tracking switched off.[3] GetFPV's product listing identifies its "Glyph HD" headset as the Founder's Edition, rather than establishing a separate higher-resolution successor.[6]
Later company direction
In March 2017, Avegant introduced separate light-field technology for augmented and mixed reality, with multiple focal planes. That announcement described development work stemming from Glyph; it did not turn Glyph into a light-field display.[15] Tang's January 2018 Intel Capital interview described a shift toward selling or licensing optics and light-field technology to other companies.[13] Avegant's website, checked in October 2026, markets AR light engines.[16]
Design philosophy
The display optics fit inside the headphone headband. Lowering that band in front of the eyes changes the wearing position from audio to video; the viewer can still see around the display's edges.[7] The name "Retinal Imaging Technology" is Avegant's terminology for the optical approach.[6]
Display technology
The system reflects LED light from a digital micromirror array through its optics. TI specifies a 0.3-inch-diagonal DLP3010 array with 720p resolution.[7]
Resolution and viewing angle
Field of view describes the image's angular extent; screen-size equivalents are viewing analogies. The 2019 research setup discussed below used a 1280 × 720 signal at 60 Hz.[9]
Viewing comfort
Retailer copy promoted Glyph as avoiding eye fatigue.[6] Its own safety guide nevertheless lists eye strain, visual disturbances and nausea among reasons to discontinue use and recommends seated use in video mode.[10] These documents do not establish a general clinical reduction in fatigue.
Optical adjustment
Each eyepiece moves sideways for interpupillary alignment and rotates to adjust focus.[10] Listed focus adjustment is +1 to -7 diopters.[8] This adjustment range is not a guarantee that every prescription can be accommodated.
Physical design
Published weight figures differ: Son-Vidéo lists 411 g, while Lufthansa's 2017 technical background gives 434 g.[8][12] These sources do not explain the difference. The latter also lists four interchangeable nosepieces, a support headband, a lens protector and a soft carrying bag.[12]
Audio system
The headphones receive audio with HDMI video. For audio-only use, the guide describes switching Glyph off and connecting its recessed 3.5mm input to an external source; volume then comes from that source.[10]
Connectivity
Avegant's compatibility chart requires an appropriate video output, with adapters where needed. Its historical examples include Lightning Digital AV, MHL, SlimPort and some USB-C-to-HDMI adapters. Android or iOS version alone does not establish video-output compatibility. The chart specifically excludes direct wired connection from phones such as the Galaxy S6 and Nexus 6, which lack the required output.[1]
The same document lists PCs and MacBooks, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, HDMI-equipped drone controllers, and the GoPro Hero4 Silver/Black. It also describes external wireless-display bridges feeding the HDMI input; that arrangement does not make the headset's video input wireless.[1] GetFPV also lists Xbox One and Xbox 360.[6]
Battery
Lufthansa lists an integrated 2060 mAh battery, up to four hours of video playback and Micro USB charging.[12] The guide calls the battery lithium-ion polymer and specifies at least four hours of charging before first use.[10]
Content support
Glyph receives video from its playback source. Its use as an external display does not require each film or game to be a purpose-built Glyph application.[1]
Stereoscopic video
The compatibility chart documents 720p side-by-side stereoscopic content.[1] On 2 June 2016, Avegant announced an update distributed through version 1.2 of its mobile updater app, adding plug-and-play 3D from HDMI 1.4-compliant frame-packed 720p sources.[11]
Head tracking and 360-degree content
The June update said head tracking would be enabled across the hardware and instructed users to activate it with USB connected. The companion app used Bluetooth for firmware updating.[11] Avegant's compatibility chart also documents head tracking for mouse-look PC games, naming Overwatch, Tomb Raider and Doom as tested examples.[1] The quick-start guide includes a 360-degree mode button, but working playback depends on the source and software.[10] These dated capabilities do not establish current availability of the companion app or old content services.
Package contents
The documented package contains the headset, HDMI and USB cables, four nosepieces, an optional support strap, lens cover and soft bag.[12] The retailer also lists a quick-start guide and warranty/safety sheet.[6]
Use cases
The original design targeted mobile audio, video and gaming.[4] Drone viewing uses an HDMI output from a controller or compatible receiving device.[1] Lufthansa's 2017 account also described aircraft viewing.[12] Lufthansa offered ten Glyph units with six selected videos in its Frankfurt Business Lounge near gate A26 from 23 February to 3 March 2017, a documented travel-entertainment trial.[12]
Comparison with video headsets
The following are historical listed specifications. Weights refer to different assemblies; a dash means that a comparable price was not established by the cited source.
| Feature | Avegant Glyph | Sony HMZ-T3 | Cinemizer OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | US$599 preorder (2015); US$699 in a 2016 review[4][5] | Open price in Japan (2013)[17] | - |
| Display Tech | LED/DLP micromirror[7] | OLED[17] | OLED[18] |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 per eye[8] | 1280 × 720 per eye[17] | 870 × 500 per eye[18] |
| FOV | Approximately 40° diagonal[8] | Approximately 45° (axis unspecified)[17] | 30° (axis unspecified)[18] |
| Audio | Over-ear headphones[7] | Supplied in-ear headphones[17] | Earpieces[18] |
| Form Factor | Headphones/display[7] | Head-mounted unit with separate battery/processor[17] | Glasses with battery box[18] |
| Weight | 411 g (retailer); 434 g (Lufthansa)[8][12] | Approximately 320 g head unit, upper light shield included and cable excluded[17] | 120 g glasses; separate 60 g battery and 30 g HDMI adapter[18] |
| Other feature | Focus adjustment +1 to -7 diopters[8] | OLED[17] | Focus adjustment -5 to +2 diopters[18] |
Strengths and limitations
In his April 2016 hands-on review, Simon Cohen praised the image clarity and stereoscopic presentation but criticized pale blacks, uncomfortable audio-mode fit and weaker passive audio than powered HDMI audio. He also reported that achieving a clear image required repeated fit adjustments. He found video mode initially comfortable, but described nose pressure during longer viewing.[5] These are one reviewer's observations, rather than a controlled comparison or a guarantee of comfort.
Technical specifications summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | LED-illuminated DLP micromirror projection[7] |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 per eye[8] |
| FOV | Approximately 40° diagonal (listed)[8] |
| Screen Equivalent | - |
| Diopter | +1 to -7 (listed)[8] |
| Audio | Listed 20 Hz-20 kHz; 95 dB dynamic range[8] |
| Battery | 2060 mAh; up to 4 hours video[12] |
| Connection | Micro HDMI video input[12] |
| Weight | Published figures: 411 g or 434 g[8][12] |
| Price | US$599 preorder (2015); US$699 in a 2016 review[4][5] |
Research use
Cao and Händel used a Glyph Founder's Edition as a visual-stimulus display in their 2019 walking study. Participants carried a Dell laptop in a rucksack; separate mobile EEG and movement-recording equipment accompanied the display. Thirty people were recruited for the first experiment, with 25 complete EEG datasets analyzed. The experiment compared standing, slow walking and normal walking during contrast-detection tasks. The authors reported movement-related changes in peripheral visual processing. This was a perception experiment using Glyph as apparatus, rather than a test showing that Glyph itself improves vision or reduces eye strain.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Avegant Device Compatibility Chart". Avegant (original PDF hosted by Son-Vidéo.com). https://www.son-video.com/images/illustration/pdf/produits/Avenant-Glyphe/Avegant-Glyph-Compatibility.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Avegant Introduces Glyph™ Head Mounted Virtual Retinal Display Technology". Avegant, via PR Newswire. 2013-12-18. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avegant-introduces-glyph-head-mounted-virtual-retinal-display-technology-236369141.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Shipping, Unboxing and Initial First Use Updates". Avegant, Kickstarter. 2016-02-04. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avegantglyph/a-mobile-personal-theater-with-built-in-premium-au/posts/1481517. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Avegant Unveils New Design for Glyph Wearable Display". Avegant, via PR Newswire. 2015-01-05. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avegant-unveils-new-design-for-glyph-wearable-display-300015614.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Simon Cohen (2016-04-07). "Avegant Glyph review: An immersive private viewing experience". MobileSyrup. https://mobilesyrup.com/2016/04/07/avegant-glyph-review-an-immersive-private-viewing-experience-canada/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 "Avegant Glyph HD A/V Headset - Founder's Edition". GetFPV. https://www.getfpv.com/avegant-glyph-hd-a-v-headset-founders-edition.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 DLP Products Staff (2016-06). "How Avegant Is Changing the Entertainment Experience with Head-mounted Displays". Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/lit/ta/ssztb55/ssztb55.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 "Glyph Avegant". Son-Vidéo.com. https://www.son-video.com/article/casques-tv/avegant/glyph. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Cao, Liyu; Händel, Barbara (2019). "Walking enhances peripheral visual processing in humans". PLOS Biology 17 (10): e3000511. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3000511. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 "Glyph Founder's Edition: Quick Start Guide, Health & Safety and Warranty Information, Rev 2.4". Avegant (original PDF hosted by Amazon). https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91m4q%2Bk3FoL.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 "Updated Firmware With New 3D And Headtracking Support Is Now Available". Avegant, Kickstarter. 2016-06-02. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avegantglyph/a-mobile-personal-theater-with-built-in-premium-au/posts/1590772. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 "Netzhaut-Kino in Frankfurter Lufthansa Lounge". Deutsche Lufthansa AG. 2017-02-24. https://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/LUFT/DocumentAssets/481690.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Founder Q&A: Avegant Co-Founder & CTO Edward Tang on Strategy Shifts and Leveraging Partners to Drive Growth". Intel Capital. 2018-01-19. https://www.intelcapital.com/founder-qa-avegant-co-founder-cto-edward-tang-on-strategy-shifts-and-leveraging-partners-to-drive-growth/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ "Glyph: A Mobile Personal Theater With Built In Premium Audio". Avegant, Kickstarter. 2014. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avegantglyph/a-mobile-personal-theater-with-built-in-premium-au. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ "Avegant Introduces Light Field Technology for Mixed Reality". Avegant, via PR Newswire. 2017-03-15. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avegant-introduces-light-field-technology-for-mixed-reality-300423855.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ "Home". Avegant. https://avegant.com/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 "バッテリー搭載 場所を問わずモバイル端末とつないで楽しむヘッドマウントディスプレイ". Sony. 2013-09-03. https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/201309/13-0903/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 "cinemizer OLED Product Information". Carl Zeiss (Internet Archive copy). https://web.archive.org/web/20130307140722/http://cinemizer.zeiss.com/cinemizer-oled/en_us/product-information.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.