VIRTUAL I-GLASS REVIEW:

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OVERVIEW AND INTRO:

Manufacturer: Virual IO
Site:  www.vio.com
Cost: $499 (based on VIO website)

Thanks to my friend for this loaner, the unit I got is the TV NSTC (U.S. Television Video standard) with standard resolution (150,000).  This is the $499 "Low Ended" version.  There are also the 2X and the VGA version ($799 and $1499 respectively). 

The I-Glasses is suppose to be a consumer level "VR" head set.  The company never explicitly stated that it is suppose to be a "ultimate game accessory" it merely stated that it can be used for games so I wouldn't say they made any claims.  The headset is also targeted for dentist and cameramen.  They did claim that the picture looks like a 50" tv as seen from 15 feet away

INITIAL IMPRESSION:

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This is what you get with the packages: headset, AC adaptor, a/v cables and a/v breakout box (also a Intro VSH tape but not shown).  No, the guy in the picture is not me. The pictures are screen shots from the VHS intro tape (my digitial camera is not that good so I'm using the video tape for pictures).  The picture should give you a general idea of how it looks when you wear it. (You'll look MUCH COOLER if you put on the black opaque eye cover tho)

The headset itself is somewhat sturdy.  The conponent's is not that heavy or complicated so dropping it on the floor a few times will not damage it.  You still have to be delicate with it cause even though it's not that fragile it's not as durable as say a regular pair of sunglass you throw around

One thing that surprised me was how light the headset was.   The only thing that's on your head is mainly the display LCD and headphones basically.  The powersupply and a/v cables are connected outside of the headset though the breakout box so most of the weight is not on your head.

As for wearing the acutal headset it's pretty comfortable. What u? say u already wear glasses? No problem, the headset is design to accommodate people who wears glasses.  I wear glasses myself and it fits nice and comfy (the headset is held up by the pad on your forehead so it don't add weight to the glasses on your nose bridge).  Just don't tighten the backstrap too tight or your forehead will be red and people will look at you funny when you go out to buy pizza.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION:

All the connection is hooked up through the breakout box.  Click here viosetup.JPG (11350 bytes) for diagram. It basically hooks up like a VCR with L & R audio, Video In and power. It don't get simplier than that folks.  Since this uses NSTC, your pc games won't work with unless you have tv out on your video card or a tv out converter

[ Enough of this blabbering! How does playing games with thing feels? ]