February 15, 2010 at 11:35Vuzix Wrap 920 video glasses - virtual reality or a regular gadget for iPod
Recently, I often see news on the appearance of video glasses with support for playing video from iPhone and iPod in IT publications and blogs. A few days ago, I was asked to write a review for one online store in which this type of device is present. Before writing an article, I searched the entire Habr and did not find a single review of video points, so I want to share it with you. Moreover, in one post there was a mention of this model and in the reviews people asked whether it was convenient to walk in them, how high-quality the picture was, and so on. I think that many will be interested to know what the top-end model Wrap 920 of the well-known Vuzix company is capable of playing video and iPhone / iPod.
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A little bit about the company
After the start of successful sales of innovative Vuzix Wrap 310 video glasses supporting iPhone video playback, the company announced a new model, the Wrap 920. This is currently the oldest model in the Wrap line. Soon another glasses from this series will go on sale - the Wrap 920AR, which, among other things, is equipped with two cameras with a resolution of 752 x 480 for recording video.
The American company Vuzix is a manufacturer of video glasses and has been on the market for 9 years, but only in 2005 began to produce a series of video glasses for a wide range of consumers, and received an award for its invention of Vuzix V920.
The range of models is presented by the models: iWear, Wrap and special glasses for medical and military needs. The iWear series is widely represented on the Russian market. Depending on the model, iWear makes it possible to observe a virtual screen from 44 ”to 62” in size at a distance of 3 meters. They are well suited for watching videos on portable DVD players, game consoles, laptops, etc. Only the appearance of such a device can cause great interest and surprised looks of passers-by.
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But back to our "culprit" of the review. What catches your eye is the appearance of the Wrap 920 video glasses. They really look like sunglasses, like other models of glasses in this series. But more on that later, after opening the package.
Equipment
Medium-sized packaging, all the necessary information is indicated on the back of the box.
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We open and get the following items: video glasses, a soft case for glasses, a wired remote control, a composite AV adapter, an RCA cable, headphones with two additional nozzles (S and L), two Duracell batteries, an English manual and a warranty card.
A good set, but there is one “but." To connect Vuzix video glasses with a laptop or computer via a VGA port, you will need to purchase an additional Wrap VGA Adapter, which is not included in the standard package. It will have to be ordered separately, which is quite problematic to do in Russian stores.
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Specifications Vizux Wrap 920:
• Virtual 67-inch screen, "visible" at a distance of about 3 m;
• Resolution 640 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors;
• Support for 2D and 3D video formats;
• Adjustable image parameters: contrast, brightness, color saturation
• Compatibility with formats: PAL and NTSC;
• Low energy consumption;
• Operating time from two AA batteries - up to 6 hours;
• High-quality noise isolation system in the headphones;
• Manage settings using the OSD menu;
• Can be used with or without glasses;
• Focus setting for visually impaired people. Range: +2 to -5 diopters;
• Customizable hypoallergenic nose bridge arms
• Weight: 85 grams
Fairly good specifications for this class of devices. Not every video glasses boasts a screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, 3D mode support and an iPod connection. In theory, image quality should be up to par. In fact ... But more on that below.
Design and appearance
As I said, the device really resembles sunglasses, though the distance between the bridge of the nose and the screen of the glasses is quite large. There is no trace of the design of the iWear series. The lenses are black and opaque. The nose arches are soft to the touch and soft rubber pads. The wire can be attached to one of the arms, so as not to interfere with the use of glasses when watching a video.
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Video glasses support changing the focal length for visually impaired people. Adjusting the focal length is done by adjusting the screws on the top of the frame. In this case, a small plastic screwdriver for adjustment is included. But, as it turned out, finding her is not so simple. It is located on the back of the control panel. In addition, glasses can be used together with conventional medical glasses, which has a sufficient distance between the bridge of the nose and mini-screens.
Regarding the quality of the materials used, it deserves high praise. The plastic used in the Wrap 920 model is quite durable and flexible, there is a pleasant “velvet” coating on the nose arches, there are no gaps or backlashes. Nose bow is adjustable. The frame of the handle can change its position with a little pressure with your fingers, while it is quite rigid and without additional efforts will not change shape by itself. In addition, the bow can move in a plane perpendicular to the screen, which allows you to place the glasses farther from the eyes.
Sound
Near the mini-screens are jacks for connecting headphones in-channel design. The design resembles that of the Sennheiser CX300. It allows you to place the headphones directly inside the external auditory canal, providing a minimum distance between the radiating membrane and the eardrum, as well as a high level of sound insulation, compared to conventional droplets. Each headphone has its own connector, so they can be disconnected if you watch video without sound (if there are such lovers) or photos. The quality of the reproduced sound will satisfy the needs of most buyers, but they are still far from the Sennheiser CX300. The sound is comparable to the standard headphones that come with most mp3 players. Light weight headphones and comfortable fit provide high comfort. The kit comes with additional nozzles in sizes S and L. It only bothers that each earphone ends with a 2.5 minijack. If one of the headphones is lost, it will be difficult to find a replacement for it.
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Management and OSD menu
Image and sound settings are controlled using a special remote controller, to which you need to connect the Wrap 920. As I mentioned, there is a screwdriver on the back of the remote for adjusting the focal length.
To adjust the volume, just press the left or right arrow buttons. In this case, the volume level menu appears on the glasses screen. Image adjustment is also performed from the remote control by pressing the “+” or “-“ buttons. Available settings: brightness, contrast, color saturation, enable 3D support, enable automatic support for 3D mode (if there is a special marker in the original image). In addition, the battery charge is displayed in the upper right corner. Adjustment of settings occurs in a wide range, which allows to achieve sufficiently saturated colors.
Now we are moving smoothly to the most important function of video glasses, namely, the quality of the reproduced picture.
Picture
For the test, an iPhone was used with the recording of one of the latest films: “Sherlock Holmes” in DVDRip quality.
Vuzix Wrap 920 support high resolution for devices of this class - 640x480 pixels. What in practice? Pixels are faint and you don’t pay attention to them at all. The technical specifications indicate that the reproduced picture corresponds to a size of 67 ”diagonally at a distance of 3 meters. It's hard to disagree with this, the screen is really decent. It seems that you are in a small cinema and sitting in the center of the hall (especially if the film is interesting), but for the best effect, it is advisable to be in a dimly lit room. In bright daylight, using video glasses is not as comfortable as we would like.
Image lacks saturation. Partially this problem can be solved by the menu settings, but they are not completely corrected. It is recommended that the first time you play immediately with the settings. Glasses are more suitable for a pleasant pastime while traveling than for professional purposes and demanding on the image quality and sound of people.
Vuzix boasts 3D mode support. In order to feel the beauty of a 3D image, you need to focus your eyes on the distance, otherwise the impression of a three-dimensional image disappears. For the rest, the picture resembles a similar one that can be obtained in cinemas using cardboard glasses with two filters.
.jpg)
Conclusion
So to summarize. Vuzix's new development, the Wrap 920, stands out from other products in the first place with its design. These video glasses really look like ... sports sunglasses. For the design, you can safely put a solid five. The glasses sit quite comfortably, but the relatively heavy functional parts make themselves felt after a long time of wearing. The weight is concentrated in the nose bridge, so you will not succeed in running along the treadmill watching the next film, as they strive to fly off all the time. On the other hand, the gadget may be suitable for watching movies in a more comfortable environment, for example, when traveling by train, car (not driving), flight, and just for home use. When watching a movie, it really seems that you are looking at the big screen, but you must first get used to focusing your gaze into the distance, otherwise there will be an impression that the two screens slightly overlap each other. The image lacks full color rendering. The display of white color can be compared with the first plasma TVs, in which a slightly beige shade corresponded to white. Also, do not expect clarity of the picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture.
From Vuzix Wrap 920 you should not expect incredibly high quality image and sound. Apparently, it is still too early to expect image quality from devices of this class to satisfy the most demanding users. Glasses are more likely a high-tech gadget that will allow you to pass the time on the road by watching movies on your favorite iPhone. They can also be an original gift for both adults and children (if nothing else comes to mind).
If you have any questions, please contact. I will be glad to answer! Soon I will publish a review of one more interesting video points: Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus
A little bit about the company
After the start of successful sales of innovative Vuzix Wrap 310 video glasses supporting iPhone video playback, the company announced a new model, the Wrap 920. This is currently the oldest model in the Wrap line. Soon another glasses from this series will go on sale - the Wrap 920AR, which, among other things, is equipped with two cameras with a resolution of 752 x 480 for recording video.
The American company Vuzix is a manufacturer of video glasses and has been on the market for 9 years, but only in 2005 began to produce a series of video glasses for a wide range of consumers, and received an award for its invention of Vuzix V920.
The range of models is presented by the models: iWear, Wrap and special glasses for medical and military needs. The iWear series is widely represented on the Russian market. Depending on the model, iWear makes it possible to observe a virtual screen from 44 ”to 62” in size at a distance of 3 meters. They are well suited for watching videos on portable DVD players, game consoles, laptops, etc. Only the appearance of such a device can cause great interest and surprised looks of passers-by.
But back to our "culprit" of the review. What catches your eye is the appearance of the Wrap 920 video glasses. They really look like sunglasses, like other models of glasses in this series. But more on that later, after opening the package.
Equipment
Medium-sized packaging, all the necessary information is indicated on the back of the box.
We open and get the following items: video glasses, a soft case for glasses, a wired remote control, a composite AV adapter, an RCA cable, headphones with two additional nozzles (S and L), two Duracell batteries, an English manual and a warranty card.
A good set, but there is one “but." To connect Vuzix video glasses with a laptop or computer via a VGA port, you will need to purchase an additional Wrap VGA Adapter, which is not included in the standard package. It will have to be ordered separately, which is quite problematic to do in Russian stores.
Specifications Vizux Wrap 920:
• Virtual 67-inch screen, "visible" at a distance of about 3 m;
• Resolution 640 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors;
• Support for 2D and 3D video formats;
• Adjustable image parameters: contrast, brightness, color saturation
• Compatibility with formats: PAL and NTSC;
• Low energy consumption;
• Operating time from two AA batteries - up to 6 hours;
• High-quality noise isolation system in the headphones;
• Manage settings using the OSD menu;
• Can be used with or without glasses;
• Focus setting for visually impaired people. Range: +2 to -5 diopters;
• Customizable hypoallergenic nose bridge arms
• Weight: 85 grams
Fairly good specifications for this class of devices. Not every video glasses boasts a screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, 3D mode support and an iPod connection. In theory, image quality should be up to par. In fact ... But more on that below.
Design and appearance
As I said, the device really resembles sunglasses, though the distance between the bridge of the nose and the screen of the glasses is quite large. There is no trace of the design of the iWear series. The lenses are black and opaque. The nose arches are soft to the touch and soft rubber pads. The wire can be attached to one of the arms, so as not to interfere with the use of glasses when watching a video.
Video glasses support changing the focal length for visually impaired people. Adjusting the focal length is done by adjusting the screws on the top of the frame. In this case, a small plastic screwdriver for adjustment is included. But, as it turned out, finding her is not so simple. It is located on the back of the control panel. In addition, glasses can be used together with conventional medical glasses, which has a sufficient distance between the bridge of the nose and mini-screens.
Regarding the quality of the materials used, it deserves high praise. The plastic used in the Wrap 920 model is quite durable and flexible, there is a pleasant “velvet” coating on the nose arches, there are no gaps or backlashes. Nose bow is adjustable. The frame of the handle can change its position with a little pressure with your fingers, while it is quite rigid and without additional efforts will not change shape by itself. In addition, the bow can move in a plane perpendicular to the screen, which allows you to place the glasses farther from the eyes.
Sound
Near the mini-screens are jacks for connecting headphones in-channel design. The design resembles that of the Sennheiser CX300. It allows you to place the headphones directly inside the external auditory canal, providing a minimum distance between the radiating membrane and the eardrum, as well as a high level of sound insulation, compared to conventional droplets. Each headphone has its own connector, so they can be disconnected if you watch video without sound (if there are such lovers) or photos. The quality of the reproduced sound will satisfy the needs of most buyers, but they are still far from the Sennheiser CX300. The sound is comparable to the standard headphones that come with most mp3 players. Light weight headphones and comfortable fit provide high comfort. The kit comes with additional nozzles in sizes S and L. It only bothers that each earphone ends with a 2.5 minijack. If one of the headphones is lost, it will be difficult to find a replacement for it.
Management and OSD menu
Image and sound settings are controlled using a special remote controller, to which you need to connect the Wrap 920. As I mentioned, there is a screwdriver on the back of the remote for adjusting the focal length.
To adjust the volume, just press the left or right arrow buttons. In this case, the volume level menu appears on the glasses screen. Image adjustment is also performed from the remote control by pressing the “+” or “-“ buttons. Available settings: brightness, contrast, color saturation, enable 3D support, enable automatic support for 3D mode (if there is a special marker in the original image). In addition, the battery charge is displayed in the upper right corner. Adjustment of settings occurs in a wide range, which allows to achieve sufficiently saturated colors.
Now we are moving smoothly to the most important function of video glasses, namely, the quality of the reproduced picture.
Picture
For the test, an iPhone was used with the recording of one of the latest films: “Sherlock Holmes” in DVDRip quality.
Vuzix Wrap 920 support high resolution for devices of this class - 640x480 pixels. What in practice? Pixels are faint and you don’t pay attention to them at all. The technical specifications indicate that the reproduced picture corresponds to a size of 67 ”diagonally at a distance of 3 meters. It's hard to disagree with this, the screen is really decent. It seems that you are in a small cinema and sitting in the center of the hall (especially if the film is interesting), but for the best effect, it is advisable to be in a dimly lit room. In bright daylight, using video glasses is not as comfortable as we would like.
Image lacks saturation. Partially this problem can be solved by the menu settings, but they are not completely corrected. It is recommended that the first time you play immediately with the settings. Glasses are more suitable for a pleasant pastime while traveling than for professional purposes and demanding on the image quality and sound of people.
Vuzix boasts 3D mode support. In order to feel the beauty of a 3D image, you need to focus your eyes on the distance, otherwise the impression of a three-dimensional image disappears. For the rest, the picture resembles a similar one that can be obtained in cinemas using cardboard glasses with two filters.
Conclusion
So to summarize. Vuzix's new development, the Wrap 920, stands out from other products in the first place with its design. These video glasses really look like ... sports sunglasses. For the design, you can safely put a solid five. The glasses sit quite comfortably, but the relatively heavy functional parts make themselves felt after a long time of wearing. The weight is concentrated in the nose bridge, so you will not succeed in running along the treadmill watching the next film, as they strive to fly off all the time. On the other hand, the gadget may be suitable for watching movies in a more comfortable environment, for example, when traveling by train, car (not driving), flight, and just for home use. When watching a movie, it really seems that you are looking at the big screen, but you must first get used to focusing your gaze into the distance, otherwise there will be an impression that the two screens slightly overlap each other. The image lacks full color rendering. The display of white color can be compared with the first plasma TVs, in which a slightly beige shade corresponded to white. Also, do not expect clarity of the picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture. The image is rather slightly “blurred”. The remaining image parameters are adjustable and allow you to achieve a sufficiently contrast picture.
From Vuzix Wrap 920 you should not expect incredibly high quality image and sound. Apparently, it is still too early to expect image quality from devices of this class to satisfy the most demanding users. Glasses are more likely a high-tech gadget that will allow you to pass the time on the road by watching movies on your favorite iPhone. They can also be an original gift for both adults and children (if nothing else comes to mind).
If you have any questions, please contact. I will be glad to answer! Soon I will publish a review of one more interesting video points: Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus