VictorMaxx CyberMaxx
| VictorMaxx CyberMaxx | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Consumer VR |
| Platform | PC, Game consoles |
| Creator | VictorMaxx Technologies |
| Price | $699 (1.0), $899 (2.0) |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | Host PC dependent |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x TFT Active Matrix LCD |
| Resolution | 505 x 230 per eye |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (gyroscope-based) |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | VGA, Composite NTSC |
| Ports | 9-pin serial (tracking data) |
| Power | 110VAC to 9VDC (4 Watts) |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~400g |
| Sensors | Gyroscope (yaw, pitch, roll) |
| Input | Head tracking |
The VictorMaxx CyberMaxx was a consumer virtual reality head-mounted display manufactured by VictorMaxx Technologies. Released in November 1994, the CyberMaxx was one of the first affordable VR headsets marketed directly to consumers for use with personal computers and gaming consoles. The device featured twin TFT Active Matrix displays with stereo headphones, creating a 3D stereoscopic video virtual reality experience.[1]
History and Development
Company Background
VictorMaxx Technologies was a company that entered the consumer virtual reality market in the mid-1990s during the first wave of consumer VR interest.
Model 120 (Version 1.0)
The original CyberMaxx, designated Model 120, was released in November 1994 at a retail price of $699. This first version featured displays with 120,000 pixels per display (505 x 230 resolution) and was compatible with IBM PC systems but not Apple computers.[2]
CyberMaxx 2.0
In August 1995, VictorMaxx released an updated version called the CyberMaxx 2.0. This revision increased the display resolution to 180,000 pixels per display and expanded compatibility to include any device with a composite video output. The retail price increased to $899.[3]
Demise
Despite the improvements in version 2.0, sales remained disappointing. VictorMaxx reported sales of approximately $670,729 in 1995, representing fewer than 1,000 units sold in the entire year. In early 1996, company management concluded that the headset was unlikely to gain widespread consumer acceptance in the immediate future. By the end of 1996, VictorMaxx exited the consumer electronics business, ending the CyberMaxx product line.[4]
Design and Hardware
Display System
The CyberMaxx utilized twin TFT Active Matrix color LCD panels:
- Model 120: 120,000 pixels per display (505 x 230)
- Model 2.0: 180,000 pixels per display
The dual displays provided stereoscopic 3D vision, with each eye receiving a separate image for depth perception.
Refresh Rate
The displays operated at 30 Hz, which was higher than some competing products of the era but still below the threshold for completely comfortable extended use.
Field of View
The CyberMaxx offered a 40-degree diagonal field of view, similar to many consumer VR products of its generation.
Weight
At approximately 400 grams, the CyberMaxx was significantly lighter than the VFX1 Headgear (which weighed 1,300 grams), making it more comfortable for extended sessions.
Optical Adjustments
The headset featured:
- Adjustable interocular distance (IPD)
- Individual focus adjustment for each eye
These adjustments allowed users to customize the viewing experience for their specific vision requirements.
Audio System
Integrated Headphones
The CyberMaxx 2.0 included dynamic stereo sound through integrated headphones, providing immersive audio without requiring external audio equipment.
Audio Inputs
- Separate left and right channel RCA jacks
- 1/8" stereo plug input
Head Tracking
3DoF Tracking
The CyberMaxx contained a 3D motion tracking unit using gyroscope-based sensors. The system detected:
- Yaw: Left-right rotation
- Pitch: Up-down rotation
- Roll: Tilt rotation
This 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) tracking was non-positional, meaning it could not detect physical movement through space, only head rotation.
Tracking Data Output
Head tracking data was transmitted to the host computer via a 9-pin serial connector.
Connectivity
The CyberMaxx accepted multiple video input formats:
VGA Input
Direct connection to PC graphics cards via VGA, enabling use with computer games and applications.
Composite NTSC
The 2.0 version added composite video input, allowing connection to:
- Game consoles (without head tracking support)
- VCRs
- Other NTSC video sources
Power
The headset used a 110VAC to 9VDC wall-mount transformer with a power consumption of 4 watts.
Compatibility
PC Games
The CyberMaxx was compatible with PC games that supported VR headsets or stereoscopic 3D output. Head tracking was functional with compatible software.
Game Consoles
While the 2.0 version could connect to game consoles via composite video, the head tracking functionality was not available in this mode. The headset essentially functioned as a head-mounted display without the VR tracking features.
Reception and Market Performance
Competition
The CyberMaxx competed against other 1990s VR headsets including:
Sales Challenges
Despite a lower price point than some competitors, the CyberMaxx struggled to find a market. The limited software support, modest visual quality, and general consumer skepticism about VR technology contributed to poor sales.
Specifications
| Specification | Model 120 (1.0) | Model 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 1994 | August 1995 |
| Price | $699 | $899 |
| Display | TFT Active Matrix LCD | TFT Active Matrix LCD |
| Pixels per Display | 120,000 | 180,000 |
| Resolution | 505 x 230 per eye | Improved |
| Refresh Rate | 30 Hz | 30 Hz |
| Field of View | 40° | 40° |
| Tracking | 3DoF (gyroscope) | 3DoF (gyroscope) |
| Video Input | VGA | VGA, Composite NTSC |
| Audio | Stereo | Dynamic stereo |
| Weight | ~400g | ~400g |
| Power | 4 Watts | 4 Watts |
See Also
References
- ↑ "CyberMaxx by VictorMaxx". The Video Game Kraken. http://videogamekraken.com/cybermaxx-by-victormaxx.
- ↑ "VictorMaxx CyberMaxx: Full Specification". VRcompare. https://vr-compare.com/headset/victormaxxcybermaxx.
- ↑ "Cybermaxx2 Review". Stereo3D. http://www.stereo3d.com/cybermaxx.htm.
- ↑ "Victormaxx CyberMaxx - Info, Specs, Release Date, Price". Virtual Reality Shop. https://www.virtual-reality-shop.co.uk/victormaxx-cybermaxx/.