From: davidson@cs.unc.edu (Drew Davidson)
Subject: WANTED: Reviews of commercial HMDs
Date: 9 Dec 91 15:54:45 GMT
Organization: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill



We are conducting VR research here at UNC-CH.  We currently have 3 VPL
Eyephones, all Eyephone Model II's.  They are used very often, and have 
gotten fairly worn out.  We need a new HMD (or HMDs), and are investigating 
the following:

- The Eyephone LX (or Model III?)
- Eric Howlett's Cyberface
- Virtual Research Flight Helmet
- any other HMD, perhaps the one by W Industries?

Comments:

The Eyephone HRX is right out; too expensive.

The Virtual Research Flight Helmet was seen at a couple of
booths at SIGGRAPH '91.  (I think the Sun booth).  

Questions:

Does any VR research lab/company out there have any comments on the 
above equipment?  Evaluations will be greatly appreciated, specifically:

- Are they solid? (that is, will they remain relatively intact if dropped)
- How long will they last under "normal" wear and tear?  
- Are they comfortable?  Do they fit snugly on the head and face?  How 
  easy are they to put on/take off?
- How are the resolution/optics compared with the standard Eyephone (not HRX)?
- Are there any problems that you have had with the equipment (e.g. washed 
  out video, misalignment, light leaks through mask, etc.)

Please email me directly.  I will post a summary if anyone is interested.

Thanks,
Drew

-- 
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[MODERATOR'S NOTE:  Please do post the results. -- Bob Jacobson]