The STAR 1200 Augmented Reality System uses Vuzix patented quantum optic see-through display technology. You can see the real world directly through its transparent widescreen video displays while computer content is overlaid in full color 2D or 3D.
Undergoing continual improvement, the STAR 1200 now ships with an improved 1080p HD camera. This new camera is UVC (Universal Video Class) compliant, meaning it's plug 'n play with no additional drivers required for most computer operating systems to function as a standard USB webcam. Reduced weight and size and enhanced performance enable this single camera to address the most demanding AR requirements.
The versatile STAR 1200 comes with a broad assortment of software and accessories. Included are a removable head-tracker with compass, VGA computer interface, rechargeable battery powered interface for composite and component audio/video devices, and the powerful easy to use maxReality AR authoring software.
STAR 1200 is one of the most popular first-person AR display solutions available today – compatible with virtually all of the most popular augmented reality development software.
The STAR 1200 is the first see-through augmented reality system that allows you to mix computer generated objects and data directly into your view of the real world.
You see the real world directly, the STAR’s HD camera captures markers and/or recognizable target objects, and your AR software projects the desired content, in 2D or 3D, into the see though displays.
See-through Displays
Vuzix is patented Quantum Optics see-through displays provide a direct view of the real world with computer provided content displayed in what appears to be a 43-inch display, as seen from 10 feet (~3m)
Twin 16:9 native aspect ratio WVGA (852 x 480) displays with independently adjustable eye-separation and focus provide 2D or 3D video playback from virtually any VGA, composite or component audio/video source.
Audio
Great video is always enhanced by stunning audio and the STAR 1200 provides both. High fidelity, noise-isolating earphones provide crisp clear audio while dramatically reducing external noise. Its earphones come complete with noise-isolation rings and they can be removed to enable the use of alternate audio systems.
Video Capture
Video Capture is an important component in enabling a realistic AR experience. An improved UVC (Universal Video Class) compliant 1080p HD camera now offers reduced weight and size with high definition performance. The STAR’s new HD camera operates independent from other eyewear components and is seen by Windows as a standard UVC webcam for maximum plug ‘n play convenience and flexibility.
Head Tracker
An AR application may know its global location through its host device but without head tracking the application is unaware of the user’s current direct and/or angle of view. A Wrap Tracker, included with the STAR 1200, provides pitch, yaw and roll data to supporting applications, indicating where the user is looking and enabling spacial awareness in those apps.
A Vuzix SDK (free download) provides a Windows DLL and programming examples making software integration fast and easy.
Compatibility
AR is an emerging market undergoing constant change. The STAR 1200 is designed to provide the broadest range of compatibility possible through its extensive use of industry standard components.
The STAR 1200 comes with host device interfaces. A VGA Controller enables connection to VGA equipped host devices, such as Windows based personal computers, while a PowerPak Controller connects to composite and component host devices, such as mobiles phones and tablets.
The STAR’s see-through optics display video from any of these host devices while the ports and/or drivers availability other host devices govern their compatibility the STAR’s camera and tracker.
AR Content
The unique design of STAR AR eyewear ensures broad compatibility with all leading AR authoring software.
To a Windows based personal computer, the STAR 1200 is seen as a standard external VGA monitor, a separate USB stereo speaker system, and a standard UVC webcam. As long as your choice of AR authoring systems supports all of these standard devices, it is out-of-the-box compatible with the STAR 1200. Use of the head tracker requires support within the authoring software.
In addition to this broad authoring software compatibility, the STAR 1200 includes a full maxReality license. maxReality is an Autodesk 3ds Max plugin that empowers 3ds Max content and scenes to be transformed into 3D AR content with as little as a few mouse clicks. (Does not include Autodesk 3ds Max)
* Subject to change without notice.
* Some features and capabilities not supported by non-Windows based operating systems and mobile devices.
Subject to change without notice.
The STAR 1200 is a modular design enabling maximum flexibility with a variety of host devices.
Some of the product’s components may be compatible with certain host devices while others may not. To fully understand what works a given host device you must look at each major component separately and consider how they interact when combined together.
The STAR 1200 is composed of the following primary components:
The video display, audio system and head tracker all connect to the host device through the host device interface, typically referred to as the Controller. A variety of Controllers are provided with a STAR 1200 and this and the host device have a major impact of the compatibility of the components connected through each Controller.
The video camera(s) connect independently and are not impacted by the model of Controller being used.
The STAR 1200 comes with two (2) Controllers. A Wrap VGA Controller is provided for computer connections and a Wrap PowerPak+ Controller for connecting to composite and component host devices.
Wrap VGA Controller: The VGA Controller is provided for connecting to a Windows 7, Vista or XP host computer. It connects through a VGA and a USB connector. A VGA specification compliant adapter can be used for connection to other video port formats. If insufficient USB 2.0 ports are available on the host computer, a powered hub can be used.
Some components may be used with other operating systems but such configurations are not officially recognized or supported. See the "General" section of the FAQs page for additional information.
Wrap PowerPak+ Controller: The STAR 1200 can connect to a variety of host devices such as mobile phones and tablets that provide either a composite or component A/V connection. The Wrap Tracker 6TC is not supported through by this Controller as support is not available through most of the host devices it connect to.
Video Display - The video display is enabled and powered through the Controller. Both 2D and stereoscopic 3D video is supported when connected to all supported Windows PC, composite or components host devices. 3D video requires side-by-side content played full-screen. No additional video drivers are required for 3D.
Audio System - The STAR 1200 is equipped with removable stereo headphones, compatible with all Windows PC, composite or components host devices.
Head Tracker - The Wrap Tracker 6TC connects to the host device through the Wrap VGA Controller. Head tracking support is not inherently supported by the Windows operating system and therefore requires specific support in the target application’s code. An SDK, is available from Vuzix to aid in the addition of head tracking support in Windows software.
Cameras - The STAR 1200’s HD camera is UVC (Universal Video Class) compliant, meaning it will work with Windows, Mac and Linux based PCs with the need for product specific drivers. Additional features and benefits may be available with added drivers and software. This camera is based upon a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 and its software can be used to enhance the camera’s performance. The camera requires its own USB 2.0 connection to the host device.
A variety of software is provided with the STAR 1200 and, in some cases, drivers or other software may need to be downloaded from 3rd party websites.
The software provided by Vuzix consists primarily of "VR Manager", for head tracker and virtual reality support, and "maxReality" for AR content authoring and viewing. Both of these software applications are available for Windows only.
* Available for download from the Vuzix website: www.vuzix.com/dd