i-Glasses HR 920 - Introduction

IO Display Systems i-Glasses series was, for many years, essentially the default choice for keen enthusiasts, professionals and aspiring-professionals who wanted top-level image quality and functionality without the bulk (or price) of a pro-level HMD system such as the Liteye LE-750A. The older i-Glasses models were successful and popular video glasses and you didn't have to spend long wearing them to understand why. However, like every other sector of the technology market, there are some very competitive rivals, in terms of both price and features. Video glasses such as Myvu Crystal EV and the newly announced Vuzix Wrap 920 AV have meant the most recent video glasses and video eyewear have been held to higher standards and have found it a little harder to stand-out.

Which brings us to the i-Glasses HR 920, a head mounted display that, for the price, seems determined to wrestle ...

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i-Glasses HR 920 - Specifications

Product Classification: Binocular Head Mounted Video Display

Mechanical:
Virtual Screen size: 80 inches from 6ft - 8ft away

Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Polymer

Headset Weight: 2.4 oz

Battery Operation Time: 3.5 Hours

Headset Temples: Foldable

Battery Charging: USB Mini Connection Cable, 5 Volts/350 mA

Charging Time:
Earphones: In-Ear, removable

Display:

Operating Temperature: 0 - 40 degrees Celsius

Optical System: CyberDisplay^速 VGA

Electrical:

Display Resolution: 920,000 pixels | 640 x 480 (VGA)

Color Depth: 24 bit Color

A/V Input Connector: 3.5 mm A/V Jack

Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Video Input: Composite Video, NTSC/PAL

3D Video Format: Interlaced 3D Video

Field of View: 35 degrees diagonal

Audio Input: Stereo line audio or headphone audio input

Eye Relief: N/A mm

Video Controls: Volume, Brightness, Contrast

Display Technology: Transmissive LCD MicroDisplay

Audio Controls: Volume

Nominal IPD Accomodation: N/A mm

Other:

Display Focal Distance ...

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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 ...

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We tested the HR 920's with a number of devices in a variety of situations. The input devices were as follow:

· Xbox 360

· iPod

· Laptop

XBOX 360 and i-Glasses HR 920

The image and audio quality while watching a video through the Xbox 360 is good and depending on your situation they might make a
good choice for you. For example, if you plan to travel with your Xbox and or portable gaming device and will not have access to a large HDTV, a pair of HR 920's will work nicely for you. They would also work well for you if you have a small non-HDTV and do not intend to upgrade.

But the HR 920's cannot replace an equally priced HDTV for the following reasons. While the image appears about the size of a 42 - 80 inch screen from ...

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