First Looks: Vuzix's Virtual Reality Headset

 

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Posted on 1 Apr 2008 at 11:07

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have been around for some time, but have never really caught on. Vuzix's VR920 is the latest attempt to create an affordable headset display for PC gamers. Vuzix has a background in developing headsets for military applications, which quelled some of our usual cynicism about such devices.

The VR920's 640x480 native resolution is impressive for a headset, though nowhere near that of most desktop displays. Vuzix has produced 3D stereoscopic drivers for a reasonable selection of games, including Call of Duty 4, Half Life 2 and Microsoft Flight Sim X. Sensors can change the in-game view in response to head movements, but this head tracking is supported by a more limited range of titles, and not all of those support the 3D mode.

The stereoscopic effect is a nice touch, each screen displays a slightly different image to fool the brain into perceiving depth. Although not noticeable all the time, it does create a strong sensation of depth in the right circumstances - like when circling a large object in the foreground.

Unfortunately, the low resolution is a problem. Both 3D graphics and the Windows desktop have visible lines between the individual pixels. It might be easier to ignore this and get into the game if the headset was more comfortable, but the earpieces are too broad for some heads and too narrow for others. It tends to slip down your face, making it difficult to focus on the screens. It comes with a head strap, but this can't be attached securely enough to hold it in position. After just 20 minutes using the VR920 we had a sore neck and a slight headache.

Despite some intriguing innovations, like 3D, the VR920 isn't much fun to use. We'd like to see the same technology in a better fitting headset - maybe a goggle-style design would work better. Although technically a step in the right direction, these comfort issues would have to be overcome before we could recommend such a headset.

The VR920 and the rest of Vuzix's iWear range is available now from www.firebox.com for £250 inc VAT. You can find out more from its manufacturers at www.vr920.com and www.vuzix.co.uk.

Author: Kat Orphanides