Vuzix iWear VR920
| Vuzix iWear VR920 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC |
| Creator | Vuzix |
| Price | $399.95 |
| Website | https://www.vuzix.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | nVidia recommended (for stereo 3D) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x LCD (VGA progressive scan) |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 per eye (920,000 pixels) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (magnetic sensors + accelerometers) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Built-in (VOIP capable) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB, VGA |
| Ports | Mini USB, VGA connector |
| Device | |
| Weight | 3.2 oz (visor only) |
| Sensors | 3 magnetic sensors, 3 accelerometers |
| Input | Head tracking |
The Vuzix iWear VR920 was a consumer virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Vuzix Corporation. Winner of the 2007 CES Innovations Award, the VR920 was marketed as "the world's first fully immersive virtual reality video eyewear." The system featured twin high-resolution LCD displays with integrated 3DoF head tracking, making it one of the most advanced consumer VR products available in the late 2000s.[1]
History and Development
Vuzix Corporation
Vuzix Corporation evolved from the lineage of VR pioneers, having connections to the Forte VFX1 and IIS VFX3D through the acquisition path from Forte Technologies to Interactive Imaging Systems and ultimately to Vuzix.
CES 2007
The iWear VR920 was unveiled at CES 2007, where it won the CES Innovations Award, recognizing its advancement in consumer virtual reality technology.[2]
Design and Hardware
Display System
The VR920 featured twin high-resolution LCD displays:
- Resolution: 640 x 480 per eye (920,000 pixels total)
- Maximum Supported: 1024 x 768
- Color Depth: 24-bit true color (16 million colors)
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz progressive scan
- Display Type: VGA progressive scan LCD
Virtual Screen Size
The VR920 produced a virtual screen equivalent to viewing a 62-inch display from 9 feet away, described as the largest virtual screen of its class.
Field of View
The device offered a 32-degree field of view, providing a balanced experience for gaming and video viewing.
Physical Design
- Visor Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Cable: 6-foot slim cable
- Connectors: Miniature USB and VGA
Tracking System
Multi-Sensor Approach
The iWear VR920 computed head tracking data through a sophisticated sensor array mounted inside the display enclosure:
- Magnetic Sensors: 3 sensors
- Accelerometers: 3 accelerometers
This combination enabled pitch, roll, and yaw head tracking when used with compatible software.
Audio System
Integrated Audio
The VR920 included a complete audio solution:
- Headphones: Adjustable, detachable headphones
- Microphone: Built-in for VOIP communications
This all-in-one configuration eliminated the need for separate audio equipment during gaming sessions.
3D Capabilities
iWear 3D
The VR920 was fully iWear 3D compliant with features including:
- Automatic switching between 2D and 3D modes
- Support for NVIDIA stereo 3D drivers
- Stereoscopic gaming support
Connectivity
The VR920 connected to PCs via:
- USB: For head tracking data and power
- VGA: For video signal
Software Compatibility
Operating Systems
Compatible with all 32-bit and 64-bit versions of:
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
Supported Games
Games with head-tracking support included:
- World of Warcraft
- Unreal Tournament 2004
- Half-Life
- Counter-Strike
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X
- IL-2 Sturmovik
- X-Plane
- GTR-II
- rFactor
- Second Life
Firmware Updates
Vuzix provided firmware updates for the VR920, with updates available through 2010 to improve compatibility and performance.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x LCD (VGA progressive scan) |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 per eye |
| Max Input | 1024 x 768 |
| Color Depth | 24-bit (16 million colors) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Field of View | 32° |
| Virtual Screen | 62" from 9 feet |
| Head Tracking | 3DoF (6 sensors) |
| Audio | Detachable headphones + microphone |
| Connectivity | USB + VGA |
| Weight | 3.2 oz (visor) |
| Price | $399.95 |
See Also
References
- ↑ "Vuzix iWear VR920 - World's First Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Video Eyewear". TechPowerUp. 2007. https://www.techpowerup.com/40081/vuzix-iwear-vr920-worlds-first-fully-immersive-virtual-reality-video-eyewear.
- ↑ "Vuzix immersive video eyewear - the wearable 62-inch screen". New Atlas. https://newatlas.com/vuzix-vr920-video-eyewear/8668/.