From: Leo Nikora Subject: NEW-PROD: Virtual i-O Virtual TV (VTV) Date: 16 Jan 1996 22:30:04 GMT Organization: Virtual i-O From: Leo Nikora VIRTUAL i-O, Inc.: TV WATCHERS, VIDEO GAMERS AND MOVIE FANS FIND HOME THEATER IN LIGHTWEIGHT HEADSET Leading Manufacturer of VR Headsets Unveils $399 Virtual TV LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was released today by Virtual i-O: A new product was unveiled today that will appeal both to people who love TV, and to their family members who, at times, want to escape it. The new i-glasses product, called Virtual TV (VTV)(TM), is designed to give TV watchers, video gamers and movie fans a private, home theater experience via an eight-ounce headset. While wearing the device, viewers see a sharp image which is larger than that provided by most home theater systems, and comes at a fraction of the cost. VTV i- glasses connect to any video source including TVs, VCRs and all major gaming platforms from Sony, Sega and Nintendo. The product also works with laser-disc players and are an ideal display for new portable digital video disc. (DVD) players being shown at CES. "Our product will change the way people watch video entertainment," said Linden Rhoads, president of Virtual i-O. "Using the VTV product, viewers can display programming in full-color on a virtual big screen that appears to be 62 inches in size, eleven feet away. The product also has built-in earphones that deliver full-stereo sound. And, because you wear it like normal eyeglasses, the product lets you get really comfortable -- lying down, reclining in a chair or draped at an angle over the arms of a couch." The product is also expected to be a big hit with family members seeking some peace and quiet. "Anyone who lives with a channel surfer or video gamer knows how annoying it can be when you're constantly surrounded by the sounds of changing channels, TV shows and video game sound effects," said Linden Rhoads, president of Virtual i-O. "Our product provides relief and enjoyment to both the user and the people around them. VTV lets users enjoy video and TV entertainment in a relaxing and fun way and lets others in the house get some quiet time." Virtual i-O believes the product will appeal to a wide range of consumers from college students to insomniacs. "Any college student with a roommate can see the beauty of this product," said Rhoads. "For example, trying to study can become an impossible task with the TV blaring in the background. Our product eliminates the noise created by the TV so students with roommates can study in a quiet environment. At the same time, in the same room, their roommate can watch favorite programs, movies or play video games in a home theater environment." "In another application, late-night TV watchers can wear the VTV i-glasses for viewing Letterman, Leno or Koppel without waking their significant other," said Rhoads. "And, because the product is worn like eyeglasses, users can watch programs in any comfortable position they choose -- on their backs, on their sides or sitting up." Earlier this year, the company successfully released a high-end video product for the medical and dental industries that displays a virtual screen, 80 inches in size. The product, called Virtual i-glasses video version, sells for $599. The product enables patients to watch TV, taped movies or even play video games during stressful procedures. Soon after visits to the dentist or doctors office, patients began calling Virtual i-O to inquire about a home version of the product. "Our decision to develop and market the VTV product was driven by consumer demand," said Rhoads. "Each month we get calls from consumers who have tried the medical/dental product and want one for their homes. Now they'll have one." The VTV i-glasses are expected to reach retailers during March and have a street price of $399. The product will come in four colors including: white, black, red and gray. VTV i-glasses is the newest product in a growing line of virtual display devices developed by Virtual i-O -- the world leader in the design and manufacture of virtual reality headsets. In fact, VTV i-glasses make use of technology Virtual i-O pioneered with its flagship product called Virtual i-glasses. Virtual i-glasses, released in May 1995, connect to the PC for virtual reality gaming in immersive, 3-D environments. That product is sold through major computer retailers including CompUSA, Computer City, Incredible Universe, Hammacher Schlemmer and The Sharper Image. Virtual PC i-glasses have a suggested retail price of $799. "During the past year Virtual i-glasses have added a whole new dimension to the way that people interact with their PCs," said Rhoads. "We believe that our VTV product will have a similar impact on the way people experience television." Virtual i-O, Inc. is based in Seattle, Wash. and employs 200 people. The company was founded in May 1993 by Greg Amadon and Linden Rhoads and is supported by private investors including Tele-Communications, Inc., Logitech International, Thomsom-CSF Ventures and Planar Systems, Inc. CONTACT: Dan Branley, 206-223-2365, or Adam Sugerman, 206-223-6415, or at CES, booth #16519 Sands Expo & Convention Center, 702-691-8235, both of Virtual i-O, Inc. _______________________________________________________ Virtual i-O, 1000 Lenora Street #600, Seattle, WA 98121 website: http://www.vio.com/ e-mail: info@vio.com telephone: 800-646-3759 faxback: 206-382-0570 [MODERATOR'S NOTE: Commercial postings are offered on this newsgroup as a public service. Their appearance here does not indicate endorsement by the moderators or by the USENET or its administrators.]