Cloud based data management

Game over?

Initially, I thought that the HMZ-T1 would also be ideal for gamers – until I tried it and quickly realised that wearing the headset meant I couldn’t see the controller in my hands. If you can use a gamepad without looking it at, you might be fine – but I was hopeless. The headset is probably best thought of as a passive entertainment device.

Passive viewing?

Sony hasn’t wasted the opportunity to integrate quite a decent sound system into the HMD. I found its audio performance nearly as immersive as its video. Over-ear headphones deliver faux 5.1 signal processing which is rather effective. You can choose from four presets: cinema, game, music and standard. The system goes loud and yet remains clear, with definite wraparound image placement.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to know where the HMZ-T1 is going to take Sony. Certainly the engineers I’ve talked to who are involved in the project are already talking about second generation improvements which will see the size of the optics and associated electronics reduced, thereby making the entire headset rather more manageable. So I guess that at least means there’s a development road map.

Stay in your seat and everything will be fine...

Verdict

As a 3D viewer today, it’s an interesting (albeit expensive) alternative to regular stereoscopic TVs. 

Indeed, if it weren't for the eyewatering price, it would have a much higher rating. Yet purely from a brand point of view, I think its good to see Sony back with some new iconic technology – there’s been a gaping void since Aibo the robot pooch was unceremoniously put down. The HMZ-T1 may have a whiff of folly about it, but the smell is curiously sweet. ®

More AV Gear Reviews
Samsung PS64D8000 64in plasma 3D TV	Yamaha RX-V471 AV receiver	Ten... Blu-ray disc players	Sony BDP-SX1 portable Blu-ray player	Toshiba Regza 47VL863

Regcast training : Hyper-V 3.0, VM high availability and disaster recovery