The world’s first HDR-enabled VR glasses: what is known about the prototype from Panasonic

Konosuke Matsushita’s heirs surprised CES 2020 visitors with the world’s first HDR-enabled VR glasses. The presented device turned out to be a prototype, while it aroused keen interest of visitors and experts. Despite the fact that there is currently no information on the release dates for serial glasses, there is an assumption that it will be able to compete with the best-sellers from SONY and the HTC Vibe Pro VR helmet, which was recognized as the best serial device of this type in the world. Under the cut about what is known about the exhibition samples of a promising device.


Known and implemented

Form Factor and Ergonomics

These are glasses, not a helmet, with a design that was created under the influence of steampunk aesthetics. No additional mounts, everything is compact and intuitive – put on, took off. From what you see, there is a feeling that they will be difficult to use in dynamic games, since they will fall. Those present at the exhibitions partially refute this impression and report that the glasses hold well enough.

Characteristics and participation of third-party companies

Stated Ultra HD-resolution, which corresponds to what the HTC Vibe Pro has. Equipped with micro OLED displays supporting extended dynamic range (HDR). Let me remind you that HDR technology provides a brightness range that exceeds the capabilities of other currently existing technologies.

So, the dynamic “ceiling” of the sRGB standard is about 3000: 1, while the HDR allows you to bring the brightness range to values ​​close to 1,000,000: 1.

It is also known that OLED micro-panels for glasses are a joint product created by Panasonic and Kopin Corporation. It is also stated that 3M took part in the creation of the optical module. Detailed technical data is not provided.

The glasses are also equipped with in-ear headphones with Technics speakers and silicone ear pads. The technical data of the device were also not disclosed, but in the release the manufacturer indicates that the headphones have ultra-low distortion (I’ll say that THD will be somewhere around 0.5%, if indicated in the specification).

Also, the manufacturer separately emphasizes the moment on the lower boundary of the frequency range (they say, it’s hard to imagine lower, I think it will be no lower than 10 Hz, but probably higher). But this, as you obviously understand, is not accurate.

What do they say at Panasonic and what are they silent about?

Representatives of Panasonic and their corporate press claim that in addition to HDR, UHD-resolution and, in a subjective opinion, a very attractive design, the stake is made on the low weight and form factor of the glasses. In their opinion, this is what awaits the market, which is tired of bulky helmets.

Panasonic also claims that they managed to defeat the “lattice effect” – when thin lines between pixels are noticeable and realism is lost. Special emphasis is also placed on this. However, it is not clear whether the glasses can provide support for 96 fps, which is no less than HDR useful for creating realistic images.

On the other hand, the corporation is betting on the development of 5G networks, sports Internet broadcasts, etc. There is an assumption that serial products will reach the domestic Japanese market even before the start of the Tokyo Olympics. Panasonic is also silent about the cost and release date, as an officer of the Kwantung Army during interrogation. No hints, insiders and sinks …

Total

The device even at the prototype stage receives well-deserved attention. Of course, the implementation of 96 fps will effectively apply it to games, creating a more realistic picture. The reviews available on the network with CES-2020 are promising and do not look like purchased ones. There remains the risk that the device will kill the price, but in Panasonic, as far as I know, supporters of mass and relatively budget products, so it’s quite possible that glasses will not cost crazy money. In my opinion, the bet on the form factor and the declared characteristics are more than justified. I suggest everyone to vang in the survey for a subject will take off or not.

Photo content used:
itsotnya.xyz/panasonic-predstavila-prototip-sobstvennyx-vr-ochkov-s-neobychnym-dizajnom
panasonic.ru/press_center/news/detail/472320
composter.com.ua/content/vr-ochki-s-hdr-ot-panasonic

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