Entered CNET Catalog: 07/02/2003
SKU: HRVPRO
Manufacturer: i-O Display Systems LLC
Manufacturer description
i-glasses HRV Pro is a wearable, portable, high-resolution monitor for video professionals. Designed to accept either NTSC or PAL input from most any video source, i-glasses provides a unique, cost effective alternative to standard monitors. i-glasses is the perfect high-resolution video monitor for any portable application or where space is limited. i-glasses works well in both indoor and outdoor settings without washing out from sunlight or bright overhead lights. Plus, the patented optical design gives you a giant screen image equivalent to a 70 inch screen viewed from 13 feet away. No other monitor can give you that kind of high-resolution image in a portable platform. A compact (5" x 3" x 1"), Lithium Polymer Battery (sold separately) weighing approximately 7 oz., features an embedded Intelligent Charger (with Charge Indicator) generating 7.4V @ 2 amps for 4 hours of continuous use on a 6 hour charge. Integrate your i-glasses with the latest in wireless video technology for even greater versatility and truly unrestricted freedom. i-glasses HRV Pro: clearly the choice for most video professionals.Product summary
The good: Video glasses with a 70-inch virtual screen; 800x600-pixel resolution; fine image detail; headphones play relatively loudly; S-Video connection included.
The bad: Very expensive; somewhat bulky; battery costs extra.
The bottom line: A unique though high-priced alternative to portable LCD video screens, the HRV Pro delivers an impressive picture.
Average user rating: 
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 10/30/2003
The Pro consists of a bulky blob that straps to your forehead and hangs in front of your face. A pair of small windows aligns with your eyes, and flip-down headphones cover your ears. When we first donned the Pro, we had to tighten its elastic strap to counter the front-heavy fit, but the headset felt comfortable enough--if not exactly natural--after a while. Like its sibling, the Pro fit fine over our normal eyeglasses, a plus not offered by the other video goggles we've tested.
The package includes two 16-foot cables. One has S-Video, RCA stereo-audio, and power connectors. The other cord is for composite video, but the HRV is incompatible with computer signals. The optional battery pack for on-the-go use costs $139--excessive, given the Pro's sky-high price.
By navigating the onscreen menu with three awkwardly placed buttons on top of the glasses, you can adjust contrast, brightness, color, and position. We tried out these controls using some test patterns, and the Pro's video quality surpassed the standard HRV's by leaps and bounds. Blacks looked quite dark, indicating that the Pro's contrast ratio rivals that of the better standard LCD video screens we've seen.
We watched Monsters, Inc. in its entirety without suffering any more eye fatigue than we did at the theater. The detail in Sully's fur and the alternating colors of Randall's scales looked great, and the 70-inch virtual screen provided a fully immersive experience. And like bifocals, the Pro preserves enough peripheral vision to let you look down and see the real world. The headphones' volume drowned out the drone inside an airplane cabin, but our ears were mighty uncomfortable. We recommend switching to high-quality earbuds such as Sony's MDR-NC11.
Overall, the HRV Pro offers great video quality for a portable device, but its hefty price tag will scare away all but the most deep-pocketed early adopters. If you're looking for a less expensive option and you're willing to sacrifice picture quality, check out the standard HRV and the Ingineo Eyetop.
