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Date: Sun, 13 Feb 02 22:59:45 +0100
From: Diego Montefusco <montefus@dsi.unimi.it>
Subject: NEW-PROD: VFX1 from Forte Technolgies
The press release given @ CES in January states this HMD (with
integrated a 3 dof tracker) will be available in August at a target
retail price of under $1000.00, thanks to a joint venture between
Forte and Advanced Gravis. (Forte, btw is the actual designer of the
UltraSound board)
Diego
(as always I am *NOT* affiliated with any of these)
This is their sheet:
FORTE VFX1 Head Mounted System
==============================
The VFX1 Head Mounted System (HMS) brings the next generation of PC
Virtual Reality to the market today. It is a true integrated VR
headset with 3D colour imaging, 3D stereo sound and 3 axis head
tracking. The VFX1 HMS brings a standard design into head mounted
systems by providing an integration of technology and comfort n an
affordable, cost effective package.
3D Stereoscopic imaging:
The VFX1 HMS provides leading edge technology using 2 colour LCD's
each with high resolution 428 x 244 images. Each eye sees
different images, but both eyes work as a team. It is the
equivalent of sitting in a movie theatre near the front row. We
take advantage of this to provide the feeling of total immersion
and put you right where the action is.
3D VOS Head Tracker:
FORTE's proprietary Virtual Orientation System (patent pending)
tracks you head's every move. It provides accurate input and
responsive feedback putting you in the middle of the virtual world.
The VOS head tracker provides roll, pitch, and yaw for precise VR
orientation. Since this tracking system is passive, there is no
need for external tracking equipment. Everything needed, is self-
contained in the headset.
3D Holographic Sound:
FORTE's VFX1 HMS utilizes the Advanced Gravis UltraSound for its 3D
holographic stereo sound. While this headset can work with any
other high quality sound card, 3D sound provides true sound
immersion for that extra VR cyber edge. The VFX1 gives you the
power to be in the string section of an orchestra or the newest
hero blasting evil aliens.
VFX1 Smart Visor:
The Smart Visor allows the VR user to interactively use the PC or
workstation without removing the HMS. With the Smart Visor you
flip up the visor when not immersed. When ready for VR action,
simply pull down the visor and instantly enter the virtual world.
In addition, its easy adjustments allow this head mounted system to
fit most head sizes comfortably.
FORTE's VFX1 Interface Card (VIC):
This unique HMS interface allows the VFX1 to connect with existing
VGA cards. There is no need to purchase a separate video card to
get virtual reality images. So if you like the quality of your
Speedstar(tm) or the speed of your Stealth(tm) , you can keep right
on running with them. As the performance of your video cars
improve, so will the VFX1 headset. This feature also allows you to
use this headset with today's existing software applications.
Lightweight and Durable:
The open architecture of this HMS allows air to circulate through
the headset. This lightweight design does not rest on the face or
nose, but is distributed over the entire head. FORTE's state of
the art design allows us to make the VFX1 HMS ergonomically
comfortable, sporty in appearance and able to withstand the
toughest of poundings from rugged cyberspace users.
Performance Specifications
==========================
Displays:
- 3D stereoscopic Smart Visor - 428 x 244 resolution x 2
- Dual 0.7 inch active matrix liquid crystal display w/backlight
- High contrast full colour video
- Picture size: vertical - 10.6 mm
horizontal - 14.3 mm
- NTSC & PAL compatible
- Provides image of 35 ft screen at a distance of 35 ft.
Optics:
- Field of View (FOV): vertical - 35.2 degrees
horizontal - 46.4 degrees
diagonal - 56.1 degrees
Virtual Orientation System (VOS) Head Tracker:
- Angular range: vertical +/-70 degrees
horizontal 360 degrees
- Angular resolution: vertical - 0.077 degrees
horizontal - 0.251 degrees
- Sensed degrees of freedom: yaw (azimuth)
pitch (elevation)
roll (tilt)
Connections:
- Single 26 pin D connector (High resolution) containing video,
audio and VOS head tracking sensor cable
- Connects to VFX1 interface card (VIC)
- VIC interfaces with standard VGA card feature connector
- Stereo cable from VFX1 to stereo sound card 8 or 16 PC ISA slot
Video:
- High resolution colour
- VFX1 accepts NTSC and PAL signals
- Works with existing Standard VGA applications
Audio:
- High fidelity stereo headphones
- Interfaces with standard PC sound card's Amp/line out connector
- Recommend 3D holographic sound from Advanced Gravis Ultrasound
- 3D holographic sound provides audio spacialization for true 3D
sound effects
Adjustments:
- Smart Visor rotates up and out of the way when not immersed in VR
world
- Smart Visor rotates down and adjusts for closeness to the face
- Removal of the headset is not necessary when interacting outside
the headset
- Fully adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD)
- Individual eye focus adjustment (can remove glasses to use and
maintain focus)
- Rear adjustable strap for firm fit
VFX1 Interface Card (VIC):
- Interfaces with standard VGA card feature connector
- 26 pin ribbon cable
Power Requirements:
- 5 volts, 2.5 watts
- 0.25 amps
System Requirements:
- IBM PC or compatible 386, 486+
- Standard VGA card
- Stereo sound card (Recommend Advanced Gravis Ultrasound for 3D
holographic sound)
FORTE Technologies Inc.
Paul Matthews
1057 E. Henrietta Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
ph (716) 427-8595
fax (716) 292-6353
------------------------------