Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:31 am
Among the coolest gadgets, you can lay your hands on, are video glasses. There are also known as virtual cinema glasses, portable cinema glasses, 3D video glasses, VR headsets, or just movie glasses.
You may have seen these ‘sci-fi type glasses and be wondering what they’re all about.
What are Video Glasses?
Video display glasses are used to watch movies and even play simple games just by wearing these glasses over your eyes.
You don’t need a TV screen to watch the video content. Everything will be displayed right before your eyes within the glasses.
When Do Video Glasses Come Useful?
Video glasses are useful for watching movies privately.
Do you need to watch a certain video when there are others around you? Especially when you’re traveling on a plane or bus?
Time was when you were forced to watch in-flight movies that you don’t really fancy.
Then you had control over what you could watch through your smartphones and tablets. Though you had some sort of privacy by canceling out the sound through earphones, the person next could catch a glimpse of what you’re watching.
These days the problem is solved with video glasses. Nobody will even have the faintest idea of what you’re watching.
You can also use video glasses to privately view videos at home if other family members. Especially if you don’t want them to know what you’re watching. Complete privacy.
Video Glasses Beginnings
Video glasses aren’t really a 21st-century invention. They were around in the 1990s.
They were part of the head-mounted display devices used in the high-tech world. To the consumers, they were known as personal media viewers.
When they were introduced in the 1990s they were awkward-looking devices in the form of bulky helmets.
Modern-day video glasses are vastly different from these models. Not only have they shed their weight and size, but most also look no different from ordinary glasses.
These virtual cinema glasses or portable cinema glasses can also double as 3D video glasses and may come in the form of VR (Virtual Reality) headsets. Others are just plain movie glasses.
Some even have an attention-grabbing futuristic sci-fi took, resembling Geordi La Forge‘s eye visor in Star Trek.
What Types of Video Glasses are Available?
Video glasses for watching movies come in two types – the lower end or entry-level video glasses.
Entry-Level Video Glasses
Entry-level video glasses come with a basic display. So, you can’t really expect a high-quality picture from it.
Still then, you can use it when you’re on the go, to watch videos without others knowing what you’re watching.
If budget is a concern and you don’t foresee using these portable movie glasses often, then you should opt for an entry-level model.
Higher-End Video Glasses
These glasses are retina-friendly types of glasses. They’re really diopter glass that can be adjusted. Great for watching movies and playing games.
You get a better viewing experience with these glasses. Some can be considered an alternative to a TV set. Others give you a good gaming experience. As such they’re popularly known as wearable 2D and 3D HDTVs.
Some are your 750-inch movie screen on demand.
If you’ve decided to give video glasses a try, here are the factors you should consider when shopping for video glasses for watching movies.
What to Consider Before Buying Video Glasses?
Virtual Screen Size
How big a screen size do you need? Do you want the experience of watching a TV or a movie in a cinema? Some give you a 40+-inch viewing experience and others a cinema screen size experience as you’ll see below.
Video Resolution
Generally, you get 640 x 480 resolution for entry-level models.
But then 1280 x 720 (720p) and Full HD models (1920 x 1080) resolutions are available., 720- being common, Be prepared to pay more for these models.
Weight and Size
You want glasses that are comfortable and of the correct size. As such you should consider the size and weight that you would be comfortable with.
Battery Life
Battery life ranges from 3 to 6 hours. You’ll get to watch a full movie through video glasses. Expect to get 2 to 3 hours of battery life from most models.
Do You Have an Eye Condition?
This is probably the most important factor to consider. Video glasses may not be suitable for those with eye conditions.
Those with poor eyesight are myopic or hyperopic may have to forget about the experience of watch videos through these glasses.
You don’t want to aggravate your condition by watching movies through video glasses.
Before we take a look at some video glasses, be informed that they aren’t HDTV or mobile device replacements. They’re just substitutes in certain situations.
Cinemizer 1909-127 OLED Multimedia Video Glasses
Check out these glasses if budget isn’t a concern and you want to get a fulfilling video-watching experience.
These video glasses come with a 720p resolution with an OLED display.
Weighing a mere 0.26 pounds (about 120g), they work via HDMI connectivity.
The virtual screen size you get is 42 inches and you can use it with your gaming and mobile devices.
It is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
The manufacturer claims that the glasses come with a pixel density of 2500 ppi. That’s about seven times that of Apple’s retina display.
The two displays they come with will allow you to watch 3D movies without issues.
Use them to enjoy FPV (First Person View) when operating a drone or shooting a movie with your HD camera.
Check out the Cinemizer 1909-127 OLED Multimedia Video Glasses.
Sony HMZ-T3W Personal 3D Viewer
If convenience isn’t an issue and you want to get an immersive viewing experience then these Sony video glasses will delight you.
This is your mobile 2D and 3D HDTV.
Note that it weighs 1.4 kg. May be a concern for some. You also benefit from wireless connectivity.
The manufacturer says you get the experience of watching a movie on a 750-inch screen.
Some users have reported discomfort, however, after wearing it for longer than half an hour.
If you’re a 3D movie fan, then these video glasses will serve you well.
Video resolution is in 720p. What about sound quality? You get to enjoy a virtual 7.1 Surround Sound.
Users have reported a good experience while using these video glasses lying in bed.
Check out the Sony HMZ-T3W Personal 3D Viewer.
Avegant Glyph AG101 VR Video Headsets
These VR video headsets employ Retinal Imaging Technology. You get the benefit of diopter adjustment for clearer pictures if you’re short or long-sighted.
Connect it to any device with HDMI output and you’re good to go.
As for comfort, the 440g video glasses should not be an issue. An external head strap makes the glasses sit stably on your head.
The 2060mAh battery would give you up to 4 hours of viewing time. That would enable you to watch at least two full-length movies.
Users have complained of black borders around the videos they watched. Some also have issues with comfort. This, however, is subjective. Some people simply don’t feel comfortable with any object attached to their bodies, especially their heads.
Others, however, have reported a good game experience with these video glasses.
An advantage of these video glasses is that you’re not blocked out from your surrounding. By adjusting your eyes, you’ll get to see what’s happening around you outside of the virtual screen.
Also, if you want to hear only music through the headphones, you just have to lower the VR screen down to your neck. Really flexible.
Check out the Avegant Glyph AG101 VR Video Headsets.
There are also more video glasses for you to take a look at.
