Product FAQs
General | AV230 | AV920 | DV920 | M920 | VR920
General FAQs
Can I watch your 3D DVDs on my computer?
No. Computers follow a different set of rules when it comes to refreshing the image on the screen. Most importantly, they do so at very different rates. The DVDs are setup to refresh at the same rate as a television, and running it on a PC will cause the 3D to fall in and out of sync, rapidly.
Can your products' focus be adjusted, so I can wear them without my glasses?
The iWear IP230, AV230, and DV920 have focus adjustments for each eye, allowing approximately +2 to -6 diopters of adjustment.
What Cables do I need?
| Cx |
Item to Order |
Description |
Compatibility |
AV230 |
AV920 |
DV920 |
M920 Video |
VR920 |
IP230 |
| C1 |
MA0000026 |
STD CAMCORDER , Pinout / Type: T234 / 4-band |
Camcorder |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C2 |
MA0000027 |
PORTABLE DVD Pinout / Type: 2T43 / 4-band |
|
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C3 |
MA0000029 |
iPOD VIDEO Pinout / Type: T432 / 4-band |
iPod, Zune |
C |
 |
C |
C |
|
|
| C4 |
MA0000028 |
PORTABLE DVD (Zen) Pinout / Type: T342 / 4- |
DAISY, Cowon A2, Archos, Zen, N95, Mediasonic Media player |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C5 |
MA0000032 |
FEMALE RCA 1-Ft |
Generic RCA |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| C6 |
MA0000133 |
STD PORTABLE DVD PLAYER Bifurcated with |
DVD players with separate audio and video jacks |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C7 |
MA0000031 |
YY MALE RCA 1-Ft |
Generic RCA |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C8 |
MA0000030 |
6 FT MALE RCA 6-Ft |
Generic RCA |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| C9 |
MA0000025 |
STD PORTABLE DVD PLAYER Bifurcated with short reach |
(obsolete - replaced by C6) |
 |
 |
C |
C |
|
|
| C11 |
MA0000037 |
4Band to S-Video and Audio |
S-Video players with stereo miniplug |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
|
| |
CA0000082 |
VGA/ AUDIO TO HIROSE, 2 FT. |
S-Video players with stereo miniplug |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
CA0000083 |
VGA/ AUDIO TO HIROSE, 6 FT. |
|
|
|
C |
C |
|
|
| |
CA0000084 |
S-VIDEO/ RCA(2) TO HIROSE, 6 FT. |
|
|
|
C |
C |
|
|
| |
CA0000085 |
USB POWER, 6 FT. |
|
|
|
C |
 |
|
|
| |
CA0000110 |
AV, 3.5MM PHONE PLUG TO 3X RCA MALE |
|
C |
C |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
CA0000111 |
AV, 3.5MM PHONE PLUG TO 3X RCA FEMALE |
|
C |
C |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
CA0000128 |
USB, TYPE - A TO 5 PIN MINI - B |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
C |
|
Version: 1-Apr-08, = In Box, C = Compatible
Custom Services
Can Vuzix build me a custom microdisplay system?
Yes. Vuzix has built many custom systems for companies, including Hitachi and Raytheon, to meet their particular requirements. We have been designing custom systems since 1997 for military and non-military customers. Our competencies range from optics and low-power electronics to mechanical and industrial designs.
What is the process to get more information on these services?
Call us with your requirements. If you have a statement of work already written, this is helpful, but we would be happy to provide you with some options and help you write one. We will then prepare a quotation based on the level of effort required.
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AV230
How do I connect my iWear AV230 to my portable DVD player?
There are a couple of different ways to do it. The connection can be made using our portable DVD player cable that came with your unit if the DVD player has the appropriate jacks. Typically, they will be labeled with a picture of headphones for audio, and the letters AV for video.
My portable DVD player doesn't have those jacks! Now what?
In that case, your DVD player came with a composite video cable. These are also called RCA, and they have three plugs colored yellow, red, and white. That will plug into your player, and we have provided you with a cable that can be mated to it.
When I'm shopping for an AV230, I noticed in the shopping cart that there are two different models. What's the difference?
The two versions, NTSC and PAL, are for different parts of the world. NTSC is the broadcasting standard used in the US, and if you plan on only using your iWear AV230 in the US, it is the proper choice for you. PAL, on the other hand, is used in most of the rest of the world, and is the choice for people who will be traveling internationally, or live overseas. The default choice is NTSC. Only change it if you will require PAL compatibility.
My AV230 suddenly stopped working! I have sound, but no video. When I unplug my video player, the green light stays on, and never turns off. Do I need to send it in for repair?
No, this problem can be solved using just a paperclip. On the back of the battery box, to the left of the Vuzix label, is a very small hole, just large enough for a paperclip to be inserted. Connect your AV230 to power, and make sure that there is no video source connected to it. Slip a straightened paperclip into the hole, and you will feel a button. Press and hold this button for about three seconds, and release. Allow the AV230 to completely recharge, and your problem should be solved permanently.
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AV920
What is the difference between the AV230 and AV920?
The most obvious difference is the size and quality of the displays. The AV230 provides 230,000 pixels while the AV920 delivers 920,000 pixels through its 640 x 480 displays. This increase the virtual display perception from a 44-inch screen to 66-inches viewed from 9 feet. Additional notable differences include the AV920’s wider field of view and lighter weight. See the product specifications for a complete list of differentiating features.
Does the AV920 provide independent focus for each eye?
No. The AV920’s higher resolution negates the need for focal adjustment for most viewers. Its lightweight design and adjustable nose bridge enables it to be worn over top of prescription eyeglasses – or without glasses, of course.
Does the AV920 support NTSC or PAL?
Two versions of the AV920 are available, NTSC and PAL. NTSC is the broadcasting standard used in the US, and if you plan on only using your iWear AV920 in the US, it is the proper choice for you. PAL, on the other hand, is used in most of the rest of the world, and is the choice for people who will be traveling internationally, or live overseas. The default choice when ordering from our Vuzix Store is NTSC. Only change it if you will require PAL compatibility.
Which portable media devices does the AV920 connect to?
The AV920 is compatible with almost any audio/video device that has some form of video output. These include Portable DVD players, media players, digital cameras, camcorders, cellular phones with video output, and console gaming systems such as the Xbox, Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation. The AV920 comes with a DVD cable and a composite audio/video cable. Some devices may require an optional cable or cable adaptor to accommodate various connector formats.
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DV920
Do I need special software drivers to view data from my PC in 3D?
To view 3D images on a PC, you need a video card that is able to generate 3D frame sequential output. These cards (nVidia for example) come with SW drivers that enable 3D stereoscopic output. There are no drivers required specifically for the DV920, you only need to put your PC into 3D stereoscopic mode, with a display resolution of 640 x 480 and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz.
Do I need special video equipment to view movies in 3D?
No. Field sequential video content is fully compatible with standard DVD and VCR equipment. The DV920 plugs into your video source like any other video monitor or display.
Can you explain how I will see a 62" monitor in these tiny glasses?
The optics in the DV920 perform the same function as a microscope, enlarging the 0.44 inch diagonal LCDs almost 100x, and placing the focus plane at an apparent distance of 9 feet. Your eyes focus the same as if you are looking at a 62" diagonal flat screen display that is 9 feet away.
How do I get the best video performance from the DV920?
The DV920 is designed to get the best performance when plugged directly into a video source, or the VGA connector on a PC. If you have more than one device sharing the connection (Y cables) the image quality will be reduced. If you need to connect your DV920 and another device (monitor for example) at the same time, you will get the best image quality if you use an amplified video splitter (one that has a power supply).
The DV920 is setup for the default settings for both VGA and NTSC video. If your video source (DVD player, VCR, game console, satellite receiver, VGA card) has a display setup menu, make sure the brightness, contrast, saturation, gamma, centering, settings are at the default or normal settings. Then if you want to tweak the image, adjust the settings from there.
Can the DV920 accept two separate video inputs?
The DV920 can only be used with one image source at a time, either the AV input (RCA connectors), the VGA input, or the optional S-Video cable. Nothing prevents you from physically connecting the AV and Aux cables at the same time, but a signal can only be present on one cable at a time or the DV920 will not know which source you wish to use and will attempt to display both. The result will be a scrambled image. For best image quality only one cable should be connected.
Some 3D stereoscopic video camera setups use two cameras. If you wish to use this type of equipment you will need to combine the two video signals by means of a field sequential multiplexer. 3D twin camera multiplexers are commercially available. We do not have a source identified at this time.
Can I use the DV920 on my computer at resolutions other than VGA (640x480)?
The DV920 is designed to work with a resolution of 1024x768 to 640x480, with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
What comes with the DV920?
 |
DV920 |
 |
Controller/Battery Box |
 |
2 AA Starter Batteries |
 |
AC Power Adapter |
 |
Carrying Case |
 |
Composite A/V cable (2, one male, one female) |
 |
VGA cable |
 |
Stereo Headphones |
 |
3 sizes of nose bridges |
 |
2 sizes of temple tips |
 |
Manual (English) |
 |
Manual (Japanese) |
 |
Quick Start Guide |
 |
Warranty Registration Card |
 |
Drivers/Samples disc |
How does the DV920 compare to other video glasses on the market?
If you have used head mounted displays in the past, you will notice a number of differences. First is probably the weight - the DV920 is extremely light and was designed with portable use in mind. It was designed to be comfortable enough for you to watch a full length movie. Secondly, you will not be mounting it on your head. It goes on like a pair of sunglasses, no straps and ratchets to fit it on your head. The DV920 was also designed to be non-immersive, meaning when you put it on, you can still see the world around you. This is important, especially if you are in a public setting. Lastly, we are confident that the price to performance is better than any other product currently on the market or in development.
Can I wear my glasses/contacts with the DV920?
Yes, the DV920 will fit over most eyeglasses without a problem. Contacts will also function normally. The image appears as if it is at a distance of 11 feet. If you wear bifocals, you will need to adjust the DV920 to view the displayed image through the upper (distant) part of your lenses. The DV920 has separate focus adjustments for each eye, so you may find you do not need to wear your glasses while using the DV920.
Is the DV920 going to damage my eyes after prolonged use?
Children under the age of seven are still learning to focus and track with their eyes. Their vision is still immature. For this reason, the DV920 should not be used by children under the age of seven. For anyone over seven, watching stereoscopic 3D movies or other 3D content with a device like this causes your eyes to focus at a constant distance while your mind perceives the images are closer or further away. For some people this can cause eyestrain or headaches after prolonged use. Most people adapt to this unique form of visual imagery. When viewing 3D content, you should take breaks if your eyes feel strained until your eyes adapt to this type of equipment. Using the DV920 will not cause any damage to your vision.
Will the DV920 help me watch TV or movies if I have low vision problems, like macular degeneration?
The image on the DV920 appears the same as a 42 inch diagonal flat screen monitor viewed from a distance of 11 feet. There is no optical difference to your eyes. If you wear the headset tight against your nose then it will block out surrounding light, as if you are watching TV in a dark room. The DV920 is not designed to enhance images for a person who is vision-impaired.
How do I clean the lenses?
To clean your video eyewear, use the provided soft carrying case material for the lenses, or a lint free cotton towel. Do not use water or any liquid.
Can I use a regular VGA cable to connect to my laptop?
No, the VGA cable for the DV920 uses a proprietary interface.
How does the DV920 get its power?
It can use two alkaline AA batteries, rechargeable batteries, a standard wall outlet, or if you are using a PC or laptop, you can connect it to an available USB plug with our optional USB power cable. Our testing has indicated that rechargeable NiMH batteries offer the best value, and the longest operation time per battery. Disposable Lithium AA batteries will also operate for a long period (approximately four hours), however these batteries are slightly over 1.5 volts when new, and you may see some image noise for the first several minutes of operation with Lithium batteries. This will not harm your DV920 in any way.
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M920
How does the M920 CF plug into my PDA?
Your PDA must have an available CompactFlash card interface. Our display electronics are fully contained in a CF card and plug into this slot.
Will the M920-CF work with a Windows based computer?
Not at this time. To do this requires special drivers to make the CF card "talk" to the computer and these are not available at this time.
Will the M920-CF work with a Linux based Handheld?
Not Yet. The drivers are in development. Please contact us to get on the list to be notified when they are available.
Will the M920-CF work with Windows Mobile 5.0?
Not at this time.
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VR920
What are the advantages of an iWear VR920 over a traditional flat screen monitor?
In addition to the obvious privacy and portability advantages of the iWear, the VR920 provides head tracking, 3D stereoscopic video and an integrated audio system.
The tracking and 3D capabilities are features simply not available through a traditional monitor viewing environment. The effects of these capabilities will vary from one application to anther and might be best explained from the perspective of a sample application such as the popular Microsoft Flight Simulator program.
Imagine yourself piloting a plane on approach to a landing strip 45 degrees off to your left. As you turn your head left and look down, you see the airport in the distance, just as you would see it in the real world. A quick glance at your monitor shows nothing of the airport as its beyond the range for your desktop monitor and is viewable only when its view is changed using a multitude of keystrokes. Then, using your VR920, you glance down at your flight controls and ease back on the throttle and adjust your flaps. You see your flight controls moving in full 3D, giving you the feeling that you can reach out and touch them.
To put it simply – you just cannot achieve the same sense of realism looking at a flat 2D image and pressing keystrokes to change your viewing perspective.
How immersive is the VR920 experience?
The VR920 is a semi-immersive device. We want people to be able to see around the iWear so they can type and keep a “foot” in the real world.
For those wating a more immersive experience we offer a shield that fully blocks out the real world, for total immersion.
I’ve heard of people trying VR systems in the past and experiencing eye strain. Is that something I should be concerned with?
Eye strain is not a concern when using the VR920. The VR920 screens are not directly in front of your eyes – what you see are virtual screens that have been placed about 7 – 9 feet away. To your eyes, they appear as a 62 inch screen 9 feet away. Testing has shown that the strain on your eyes is no different, in fact probably better, than in front of a traditional flat screen monitor sitting on your desk.
How do I connect a VR920 to my computer?
If you have but a single port on your graphics card or laptop, the VR920’s VGA connector can be plugged in directly or through a “Y” cable, enabling a second monitor to be connected as well. If your graphics port is equipped with an HDMI connector, you can use the included HDMI adaptor to make your connection. If you have two graphic ports, the iWear VR920 can connect to either and be used as your primary, secondary or a cloned monitor.
Do I need a special graphics card to view 3D Stereoscopic content on my computer?
It depends upon the application you are running. The content must designed for 3D stereoscopy and it or your graphics card must be enabled with 3D drivers. Some applications provide Vuzix Stereoscopic 3D support embedded in the application and these require nothing more – they just work. Others may require a VR920 patch, provided through the iWearMonitor software that is included with the VR920. Some patches enable 3D stereoscopy with any graphics card while others require a graphics card with compatible 3D stereo drivers. A growing list of titles is available in the Vuzix iWearMonitor application.
Watch for an iWear VR920 Compatibility Chart soon to be available on this website!
Why doesn’t my NVIDIA® graphics card display 3D Stereoscopy?
In order for an NVIDIA® graphics card to display 3D Stereoscopy you must install compatible NVIDIA® 3D drivers. For technical support on NVIDIA® products, go to their website at www.nvidia.com.
Extensive information on NVIDIA® 3D drivers, driver downloads and 3D stereoscopy in general can also be found at www.guru3d.com and www.mtbs3d.com.
How does the VR920 accommodate different head and nose bridge shapes?
The iWear VR920 is designed with these and several other ergonomic factors in mind.
- The VR920’s “eye box” is designed to accommodate both close set eyes as well as those set further apart.
- The optics module, on the front of the VR920, tilts +- 15 degrees to allow you to adjust where the display image is and accommodate a wider range of positioning on the bridge of your nose.
- Weight is a critical comfort factor for multi-hour play in your favorite games. The VR920’s meager 3 oz. weight makes it the lightest VR system currently available.
- The nose bridge of the VR920 is incredibly comfortable and adjustable to accommodate virtually all nose sizes and shapes; including when worn over glasses.
Will the iWear VR920 work for users wearing prescription eyeglasses.
The optics and VR920 platform have been designed to fit over top (in front) of glasses. Its optics also addresses and alleviates the issues normally associated with astigmatism.
Will the iWear VR920 work with any game, or only with a few supported titles?
There are three aspects of game or application compatibility: functioning as a monitor, providing 3D stereoscopic video and offering tracking support.
As a monitor: The VR920 is compatible with Macintosh and Windows as a standard monitor. No special drivers or support is required.
3D Stereoscopy: The VR920 supports 3D stereoscopy either using its own Vuzix 3D drivers or an NVIDIA graphics and compatible 3D drivers. The Vuzix 3D drivers incorporate the latest technology and work with virtually any graphics card using a Windows XP or Vista operating system. 3D is also available in hundreds, if not thousands, of titles when used with an NVIDIA graphics card and compatible 3D drivers. Games or applications must support one of these to enable 3D video; without this support, you see a 2D image.
Head tracking: Tracking requires application specific. Tracking support is provided in a growing number of titles plus Vuzix provides the iWearMonitor application and VR920 extensions that add this capability to many game ad simulation titles.
Vuzix works with game developers and provides them with a SDK (software development kit) to enable the addition of full VR920 support.
Tracking and/or 3D Stereoscopy does not work in my favorite game. What can I do?
Tracking and 3D Stereoscopy can be provided through a patch, or preferably, through native support embedded in the application. Try as we might, it’s not possible for our engineering staff to create patches for all game and simulation programs. It’s time consuming and some applications, despite our best efforts, cannot be patched. Let us know the titles you want supported.
The best way to implement tracking and 3D Stereoscopy support is for the program’s authors to embed the support directly in their programs. Vuzix makes a SDK (software development kit) available free of charge to all developers. Contact them and ask for Vuzix VR920 support. We’ll be happy to work with them to make it fast and easy.
Can I use a different audio system instead of, or in conjunction with, the iWear VR920.
Yes. The VR920’s headphones are removable to allow you to use other headphones as an alternative and they sit outside your ear, enabling then to work in conjunction with alternate audio sources.
Using the VR920’s audio has the added advantage of providing directional or 3D audio support. For example, if you are using Ventrilo, the chat program in World of Warcraft, and someone to the right and behind you talks, that is where you’ll hear the sound coming from.
I am a software developer. How do I get more information on supporting the VR920?
An SDK is available to all software and hardware developers through our complimentary Vuzix iWear Developer Program. To download the VR920 SDK, click the “Downloads and Drivers” menu option on our “Support” page.
Is there another source for additional information on the iWear VR920?
Yes, you find additional information at more Vuzix VR920 FAQs
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