JVC Kenwood has announced the upcoming availability of the company’s enterprise focused, extended reality headset, the HMD-VS1W. The headset is intended to be connected to and operate in conjunction with an external computer.
A feature of a so-called extended reality headset is that it does not block the user’s direct view of the outside world. This feature distinguishes the HMD-VS1W from many other commercially available headsets in which the view of the outside world is seen indirectly, through an optical system. In the HMD-VS1W, direct view of the outside world is accomplished based on what the company calls a “half mirror” approach.
JVC claims that the half mirror approach provides a “natural field of view” of the outside world: there is no peripheral blur or chromatic aberration. In addition, the design of the display and optical system used to superimpose virtual imagery on the direct view of the real world is such that the virtual image is free of the screen door effect.
Given the superior image qualities claimed for the headset, the HMD-VS1W product is planned to target high end enterprise applications. This includes the design of car interiors, flight simulators, remote control of medical equipment or heavy machinery and training solutions.
A video that presents the JVC Kenwood model HMD-VS1W is appended to the end of this article. Note that the commentary in this video is in Japanese. The figure below illustrates the headset from three perspectives.
The JVC Kenwood model HMD-VS1W headset
Specifications of the HMD-VS1W headset include the following:
|
Display device |
5.5 inch LCD |
|
Resolution |
One eye: 2560 x 1440. Both eyes: 5120 x 1440 |
|
Viewing angle |
Horizontal: 120 degrees, vertical: 45 degrees |
|
Frame frequency |
60 Hz / 72 Hz |
|
Tracking |
Compatible with Valve Corporation’s SteamVR Tracking System 2.0. This unit can be tracked by combining it with a commercially available base station (SteamVR Base Station 2.0). |
|
Input terminal |
Video / audio input on PC side: DisplayPort 1.2 x2 * HDCP 2.2 compatible |
|
Output terminal |
Audio output (main unit): one stereo mini plug. Any headphone or earphone can be used. |
|
Control terminal |
On PC side: one USB 2.0 (Type-A) |
|
Cable length |
3 m (DisplayPort, USB and power cable bundled) |
|
Power supply |
DC12V (AC adapter included) |
|
External dimensions |
280 W x 135 D x 134 H mm (excluding bands and cables) |
|
Weight |
640 g (excluding bands and cables) |
JVC Kenwood provides recommendations for the capabilities of a computer that should be used in conjunction with the headset. These recommendations include the following:
|
OS |
64 bit Windows 10 |
|
CPU |
Intel Core i9 9900K and above |
|
GPU |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 or GeForce RTX 3070 and above |
|
Memory |
32 GB or more |
|
USB port |
One USB 2.0 |
Pads on the physically large headset that come into direct contact with the user’s skin can be disinfected with alcohol (ethanol) or easily replaced.
Due to the fact that the HMD-VS1W headset uses SteamVR tracking, it is compatible with several widely available VR controllers including the Vive wand and Valve Index.
At this time, the HMD-VS1W does not have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Rather, it is listed as an “open price” product meaning that interested business customers will need to get a direct quote. In addition, it appears that, at least initially, the HMD-VS1W will only be available in Japan as there is no mention of the headset on JVC Kenwood’s U.S. website. Product launch is scheduled for late March. -Arthur Berman
JVC Kenwood Corp., Moriya-cho, 045-444-5310 3-12
