Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/18/cinemizer_carl_zeiss/
Carl Zeiss tries its hand at iPod-friendly video goggles
Watch TV with your specs
Posted in Hardware, 18th January 2008 10:56 GMT
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If you’re literally looking for new ways to watch videos, then cast your eyes over the Cinemizer specs - goggles that display pictures right before your very eyes.
Carl Zeiss' Cinemizer: video on the go
Although they aren’t the only video glasses around - manufacturer Myvu has a snazzy pair [1] out too - the Cinemizers have been developed by Carl Zeiss, which is already a well established lens name within the digicam market.
Instead of traditional lenses, the Cinemizer’s have an iPod-friendly 640 x 480 resolution LED display for each eye, which your brain combines into a single image to create what Zeiss claimed is equivalent to watching a 45in video display from a distance of 2m.
A USB port lets users connect video content from their iPod, which is docked in a special carry unit. However, if you’re a little anti-Apple, then a video input port lets you connect the glasses to other sources.
Myvu's rival video specs
The Cinemizer’s lenses have a dioptre (dpt) raiting, so that if you wear specs then you can watch video without your own glasses - provided your optical requirements fall between ±3.5dpt. Fold-down arms on either side also provide accompanying audio, making the Cinemizer’s look a little like Oakley’s O Rokr MP3 sunglasses.
Although the specs wouldn’t be ideal for use while driving, walking, cycling or generally doing anything that involves movement, they could be a handy way of watching what you want while the missus hogs the TV, again.
Unfortunately, the Cinemizer’s are so far only due to be released [2] in Germany around February or March, for about €370 (£290/$590).
Related Review
• Eye-Theatre video glasses for iPod [3]