Vuzix iWear AV310 first 16:9 widescreen portable video viewer

According to Vuzix, their most recent HMD (Head-Mounted Display), the AV310, is the first 16:9 widescreen portable video viewer. The AV310 is equipped for use with NTSC and PAL, and it is able to connect with many portable video devices, including video playing iPods. The company has stated that the video viewing experience is like watching a 52 inch screen from 9 feet away.

I have tried out the Vuzix iWear VR920, and I was impressed by it. I attached that to my laptop and desktop via DB9 connector, and I was able to completely immerse myself in video as my screen floated before me. The VR920 works differently than other HMDs like the Myvu personal video viewer, as the Myvu allows you to view video and still view the rest of the world.

Still, I’m not certain whether the AV310 be a hit, and it has nothing to do with the $250 price tag. You see, I’m not certain that the HMD market will ever take off. Portable video viewing has had plenty of viewers to hit the market, but I think we are a long way away before every iPod wielder has a matching set of viewers. Why is that? Who knows. Perhaps HMDs are just far too geeky-looking. Fashion can kill technology.

Read [Engadget]