The HR 920 immediately identifies itself as part of the i-Glasses / i-Theater family, but there are a number of distinct differences between it and older versions. The big improvement is in the new Kopin displays. Prior models at this price point had a QVGA resolution of around 230,000 pixels or approximately 320 x 240. This resolution is fine for iPod videos but not so hot when hooked up to an Xbox 360. Most of the video glasses being sold today use the same Kopin displays which puts the emphasis, when making comparisons, on the construction, accessories and price.

The frame is considerably lighter than previous versions of the i-Glasses. It weighs around 2.4 ounces and is worn over the ears like a standard set of glasses. The older style, looked more like a gamers head mounted display. The new frame also boasts the cherry red visor on the front which is either a huge plus or a big negative depending on your personal tastes. Functionally it does nothing at all. Other changes to the frames allow you to customize the i-Glasses to better suit your face and taste and include detachable in-ear earphones, and a removable nose piece.

Beyond the frame changes the HR 920's come with an improved set of accessories which makes them really stand out from previous models. A new wireless controller allows you to adjust contrast and brightness on the fly and to switch display sources from VGA to NTCS. This is a huge improvement over previous models, which had no adjustable controls, as it enables you to make adjustments that suit the ambient light, the video source, and your personal tastes. And there is now an in-line control box for powering the device on, adjusting volume, and plugging in a set of headphones. The box also houses the rechargeable battery. This is an improvement over previous models which had the battery integrated into the frame making them heavier and reducing play time.

The HR 920's are unquestionably lighter and more streamlined than previous versions but they may also be less rugged. IO Displays has a one year warranty on their products which covers manufacturer defects and they are a small company so it's not hard to reach someone who can help you in the event of a problem. But we recommend a gentle hand when using the HR 920's. When wearing video glasses be sure to open them at the joint where the arm meets the frame. Don't pull them open wide by grabbing the end of the arms as this may put stress on the joint. Worn properly, in the right environment, and treated with respect you should have no problems with the HR 920's.

The HR 920 frames weigh in at a mere 2.4 ounces. This makes it .4 ounces lighter than the Myvu Crystal EV's. They fit comfortably on the face but, when sitting upright, can feel a little heavy on one side where the input line plugs into the glasses arm. And it takes a few moments to get them in the right position so that the image is properly focused for your eyes. But, once you get settled, with a fully charged battery, hooked up to an iPhone, the HR 920's work like a dream. They feel light on your face and perform admirably in light or dark conditions, sitting up or lying down, and you could easily watch a movie without difficulty. We had a 10 year old volunteer who loved the styling and form and who was loathe to take them off after watching a couple hours of Pixar shorts. By contrast when hooking them up to an Xbox 360, you have to be close to the device and hook in an additional set of composite video cables. This makes the glasses uncomfortably heavy and limits the place and position that you can be in while watching a video or playing a game. Add in the USB charger line and the problem is compounded.

Weight is not the only consideration. We are not fond of the red visor on the front of the video glasses. It makes them appear more like a costume accessory and less like a serious piece of technology. This is a shame because the HR 920's stack up favorably against most of the competition in most areas. You will be hard pressed to find a comparable set of features and accessories at the same price. Fortunately most users will not be walking around with their HR 920's on. The glasses are really best suited to a reclined position in a semi darkened environment hooked up to a smart mobile device like an iPhone.

Battery Compartment

The battery compartment on the HR 920 is in the in-line power and volume control box behind a simple sliding door. The HR 920 uses a rechargeable lithium battery which provides 3.5 hours of play time and which charges through a USB Mini Connection Cable, 5 Volts/350 mA.

Connections

The HR 920's connectors attach in several places. On the arms of the frame there are two plugs, one by each ear, for the detachable earbuds and one small USB type connection for the in-line controls and video input. The USB connection has a Velcro strap which wraps around the arm to add strength. On the in-line control box, which also houses the battery, you find a small power port for the micro USB charging line and a port where the user can connect their own headphones, including noise canceling headphones. This is beneficial in any noisy environment (like on an airplane). And running from the bottom of the box is the video input cable. The input cable can be attached to a number of different devices but you will need the right connectors for each device.

With the included connectors you can attach the HR 920's to a wide variety of devices including, most DVD players, Gaming platforms and MP4 Players (iPod, Zune, Creative Labs, Archos). For newer iPods and iPhones, however, you will need the Apple Composite Video Cable for iPod or iPhone. Please contact your local Apple retailer or www.apple.com for information on this connection. For the Zune, you will need the Zune AV Output Cable (available from Microsoft). Other MP4 players may require specific cabling/connectors. Please check with your device manufacturer.

Supplied in the box

The HR 920 is, depending on your region, offered as kit with a variety of connectors and accessories.

Included in the box is:

· Lithium Battery/control box

· USB Charger Cable

· Composite Video and Audio Pig Tail

· "Mini-Stereo" A/V Pig Tail

· Stereo Ear Bud type speakers

· Removable Immersion Visor

· Remote Control.

· Manual

Operations and Controls

The controls are fairly straight forward on the HR 920. The in-line control box allows you to power the device on and off with a small sliding switch on the side. A small blue light comes on to let you know that power is flowing to the headset. On the other side of the box is a circular volume control dial.

The wireless remote controls brightness, contrast and video source. You must be wearing the headset to make the adjustments as the buttons are analog and there is no other way to know what your button press did.

Introduction

Body and Design

Specifications

Experience and Conclusion