-
CNET editors' rating:
3.5
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating -
Average user rating:
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Product summary
The
good: Video glasses with a 70-inch virtual screen; 800x600-pixel resolution; fine image detail; headphones play relatively loudly; S-Video connection included.
The
bad: Expensive; somewhat bulky; battery costs extra; poor black level and color reproduction.
The
bottom
line: The i-glasses HRV is a unique--and pricey--alternative to portable DVD players and laptops, but don't expect great image quality.
Specifications: Display Type: Head mounted display ; Max Resolution: 800 x 600 / 60 Hz See full specs
See all products in the i-O Display Systems i-glasses HRV series
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 10/29/2003
- Released on: 01/15/2002
When we first donned the HRV, we had to tighten its elastic strap to counter the front-heavy fit, but the headset felt comfortable enough--if not exactly natural--after a while. Two small windows, each with an LCD behind it, pair up with your eyes, and headphones flip down over your ears. Unlike other video goggles we've tested, the HRV fit fine on top of our normal eyeglasses.
The package includes two 16-foot cables. One has S-Video, RCA stereo-audio, and power connectors; the other cord is for composite video. We tried using the S-Video jack with a computer's TV Out function, but the desktop was illegible; the HRV is strictly for A/V. The device comes with an AC power adapter; the optional battery pack for on-the-go use costs $139.
By navigating the onscreen menu with three awkwardly placed buttons on top of the glasses, you can adjust contrast, brightness, color, and position. But even set to zero, the brightness was overwhelming. Our black patterns came out gray, and faint vertical lines striped darker sections. Colors were muted, and a haze softened and obscured the image.
On the other hand, we watched all of Monsters, Inc. without suffering any more eye fatigue than we did at the theater. The detail in Sully's fur and the alternating colors of Randall's scales looked good, and the 70-inch virtual screen provided a fully immersive experience. And the HRV, like bifocals, preserves enough peripheral vision to let you look down and see the real world. The headphones' volume canceled out the drone inside an airplane cabin, but our ears were mighty uncomfortable. We recommend using separate high-quality earbuds, such as Sony's MDR-NC11.
Overall, the HRV won't blow you away with its video quality, but it is a big-screen alternative to your laptop or portable player. If you can throw down the extra cash, step up to the HRV Pro, which offers a significantly better picture. People seeking lighter and more-stylish video goggles should consider the Ingineo Eyetop.
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