Screen resolution
Resolution of built-in displays in glasses equipped with such equipment — that is, models for PC / consoles, as well as standalone devices (see "Intended use").
The higher the resolution, the more smooth and detailed the “picture” is given out by glasses, all other things being equal. Thanks to the development of technology nowadays, models with Full HD (1920x1080) screens and even higher resolutions are not uncommon. On the other hand, this parameter significantly affects the cost of points. In addition, it is worth remembering that in order to fully work with high-resolution displays, you need powerful graphics capable of playing relevant content. In the case of glasses for PCs and set-top boxes, this puts forward corresponding requirements for external devices, and in standalone models you have to use advanced integrated video adapters (which affects the cost even more).
Proximity sensor
The presence of a
sensor in the glasses that reacts to approaching the user's face.
A similar sensor is used to automatically switch between operating and standby modes: for example, when the user takes off the glasses, the sensor turns off the built-in screens (or the phone, if it is connected to the glasses via a connector), saving battery power and equipment life, and when put on, it turns on points for full functionality.
Lens distance adjusting
The ability
to move the lenses of the glasses back and forth, thus changing their location relative to the screen and the user's eyes. The specific meaning of this function can be different: it can adjust the angle of view (so that the screen fits completely in the field of view and at the same time is not too small), play the role of diopter correction (which is important for users who wear glasses) or focus, change the setting interpupillary distance (see below), etc. These nuances should be clarified separately. However, anyway, this function will not be superfluous — it makes it easier to adjust the glasses to the personal characteristics of the user.
DisplayPort
Availability of
DisplayPort input in glasses; the version of this interface can also be specified here.
DisplayPort is one of the most popular high-resolution digital video interfaces these days (however, audio transmission is also possible). It is especially common in computer technology, and is actually a standard in Apple PCs and laptops. Only glasses for computers and set-top boxes are equipped with this type of input (see “Purpose”) - it is used to receive a video signal (and audio signal, if necessary) from an external device. As for DisplayPort versions, the options here could be:
- v.1.2. The earliest (2010) version that is relevant today, but at the same time a more than functional version. Fully supports video quality up to 5K (30 fps), and with certain restrictions - up to 8K.
- v.1.3. Update released in 2014. It provided the opportunity to fully work with 8K resolutions at 30 fps, and with 4K and 5K at 120 and 60 fps, respectively.
- v.1.4. Updated in 2016, in which the bandwidth was further increased - up to support for 5K video at 240 fps and 8K at 120 fps. In addition, there is compatibility with HDR 10 technology, which improves color reproduction and overall picture quality.
HDMI
Availability of HDMI input in glasses; the version of this interface can also be specified here.
HDMI is the most common interface for high-definition video and multi-channel audio today; it is widely used in both computers and video equipment. In VR glasses, this type of connector is responsible for receiving video and audio signals from an external device; accordingly, only models for PC / consoles have such a connector (see "Intended use"). As for HDMI versions, the options may be as follows:
— v.1.4. The earliest of the current standards, the 2009 model (with subsequent updates). Allows you to work with Full HD video at a frame rate of up to 120 fps, but with 4K content, the speed is limited to 24 fps.
— v.2.0. Standard introduced in 2013. Also known as HDMI UHD, thanks to full support for UltraHD 4K (provides frame rates up to 60 fps). And in further updates of this standard, support for HDR was added.
— v.2.1. Version released to the market in 2017. It allows you to achieve a frame rate of 120 fps even at 8K resolutions, not to mention more modest ones. HDMI Ultra High Speed cables are required for full use, but the features of earlier versions are available with regular cables.
Controller
The presence of a
controller — an additional control device — is included in the delivery of glasses.
The design and functionality of such an accessory may be different. So, the most popular option is specialized game controllers with a characteristic look — a handle with an analogue lever and buttons. There can be two such handles at once, under both hands; and in some models they are also used to control gestures. The movement of the hands can be tracked both by sensors in the controllers themselves and by cameras on the glasses. There are also simpler solutions — for example, portable gamepads or remote controls for controlling video playback.
