EMagin Z800 3DVisor
| EMagin Z800 3DVisor | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC, Mac |
| Creator | eMagin Corporation |
| Price | $899 |
| Website | https://www.emagin.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | nVidia (for 3D stereo drivers) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x OLED (SVGA) |
| Resolution | 800 x 600 per eye |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Built-in noise-canceling |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Ports | USB |
| Power | USB powered |
| Device | |
| Weight | <8 oz (~227g) |
| Sensors | 3-axis gyroscopes, accelerometers, compasses |
| Input | Head tracking |
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The eMagin Z800 3DVisor was a virtual reality head-mounted display developed by eMagin Corporation. Released in Q2 2005 at a price of $899, the Z800 was eMagin's first personal display system designed for consumers and featured dual OLED microdisplays with integrated head tracking. The device won the CEA's Best of Innovations award in the digital display category.[1]
History and Development
eMagin Corporation
eMagin Corporation specializes in OLED microdisplay technology. The company's microdisplays incorporate OLED technology used in military applications including the US Army Land Warrior program and other high-performance display systems.[2]
2005 Release
The Z800 3DVisor began shipping in Q2 2005, entering the market at a time when consumer interest in VR had largely waned following the failures of the 1990s VR wave. Despite this challenging market environment, the Z800 represented a significant technological advancement in display quality.[3]
Industry Recognition
The Z800 was featured at I/ITSEC (Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference) and won the Consumer Electronics Association's Best of Innovations award in the digital display category.
Design and Hardware
OLED Display Technology
The Z800's primary feature was its dual OLED microdisplays:
- Resolution: 800 x 600 (SVGA) per eye
- Display Type: 3D OLED
- Color Depth: Over 16 million colors
- Equivalent Screen Size: 105-inch display viewed from 12 feet
The OLED technology provided advantages over LCD displays used in earlier VR headsets, including faster response times and better contrast ratios.
Field of View
Each eye received a 40-degree diagonal field of view through magnifying lenses positioned in front of the OLED displays.
Weight
Weighing less than 8 ounces (approximately 227 grams), the Z800 was remarkably lightweight compared to most earlier VR headsets.
Power
The Z800 required only a standard USB port for power, simplifying setup and eliminating the need for external power supplies.
Tracking System
MEMS-Based Head Tracking
The Z800's integrated head tracker used Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology:
- Gyroscopes: Three gyroscopes, one for each axis (X, Y, Z)
- Accelerometers: Corresponding accelerometers for each axis
- Compasses: Electronic compasses to ensure consistent performance
Range of Motion
- Horizontal: 360 degrees of motion
- Vertical: 60 degrees of motion
The combination of multiple sensor types ensured accurate tracking across varying forms of motion.
Audio System
The Z800 included a complete audio system:
- Speakers: High-fidelity ear buds
- Microphone: Built-in noise-canceling microphone
This enabled both immersive audio and voice communication for multiplayer gaming.
Software Compatibility
nVidia Stereo 3D
The Z800 utilized nVidia stereo 3D drivers for stereoscopic image display, working with compatible nVidia graphics cards for 3D gaming experiences.
2D Monitor Mode
The visor could also function as a 2D portable monitor for:
- Computers without nVidia video cards
- Systems running other operating systems
- Macintosh computers
Applications
The Z800 3DVisor was designed for multiple applications:
- PC Gaming: Immersive 3D gaming with head tracking
- Training and Simulation: Professional training applications
- Personal Entertainment: Portable display for media consumption
- Military: Based on display technology used in military programs
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x OLED (SVGA) |
| Resolution | 800 x 600 per eye |
| Color Depth | >16 million colors |
| Refresh Rate | 85 Hz |
| Field of View | 40° diagonal per eye |
| Virtual Screen Size | 105" at 12 feet |
| Head Tracking | 3DoF (MEMS) |
| Sensors | 3 gyroscopes, accelerometers, compasses |
| Horizontal Tracking | 360° |
| Vertical Tracking | 60° |
| Audio | Hi-fi ear buds + noise-canceling mic |
| Power | USB |
| Weight | <8 oz (~227g) |
| Price | $899 |
Legacy
The eMagin Z800 3DVisor represented an important step forward in display technology for VR headsets. Its use of OLED microdisplays presaged the eventual widespread adoption of OLED technology in modern VR headsets. eMagin continues to develop and manufacture OLED microdisplays for various applications including defense, medical, and consumer electronics.
See Also
References
- ↑ "eMagin's OLED Z800 3DVisor". New Atlas. https://newatlas.com/emagins-oled-z800-3dvisor/9374/.
- ↑ "eMagin Unveils Z800 3DVisor". eMagin Corporation. http://ir.emagin.com/news-releases/news-release-details/emagin-unveils-z800-3dvisor.
- ↑ "eMagin unveils the Z800 3D Visor with two 800x600 OLED microdisplays". OLED-Info. https://www.oled-info.com/emagin/emagin_unveils_z800_3d_visor.