JVCKENWOOD – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

February 16, 2021

JVC’s Enterprise XR Headset Set for March Launch in Japan

After an initial reveal in 2020 JVC Kenwood has announced that its upcoming XR headset is nearing launch. The HMD-VS1W is an enterprise-focused device currently slated for a late March roll out in Japan.

Spotted by Mogura VR, the HMD-VS1W uses proprietary display technology adopting what JVC Kenwood call the “half mirror method.” Sounding very similar to birdbath optics used in devices like Nreal Light – rather than waveguide tech found in devices like Rokid Vision 2 – JVC’s headset offers a wide 120-degree field of view (FoV) with a vertical 45-degree FoV.

This is combined with a 2560 x 1440 per eye resolution panel, SteamVR 2.0 tracking compatibility and weighing in at 640 grams. As an XR headset, the HMD-VS1W doesn’t block a users view, offering a clear line of sight whilst displaying the digital information over the real world. JVC states its system has been designed so there’s: “no peripheral blur or chromatic aberration.”

Important considering this will be aimed at high-end enterprise use cases such as designing car interiors, flight simulators, remote control of medical equipment or heavy machinery and training solutions. Like a lot of enterprise solutions, there’s no price for HMD-VS1W so businesses will need to get a direct quote.

Currently, the HMD-VS1W looks like its only going to be available in the Japanese market as there’s no mention of the headset on JVC Kenwood’s US website. As further details regarding the company’s XR plans are announced, VRFocus will keep you updated.

JVC HMD-VS1W Full Specifications:

	HMD-VS1W
Resolution	One eye: 2560×1440 Both eyes: 5120×1440
Viewing angle	Horizontal: 120 ° Vertical: 45 °
Display device	5.5 inch LCD
Frame frequency	60Hz / 72Hz
tracking	SteamVR Tracking System 2.0
Optical system	Mirror (half mirror + combiner)
Input terminal	Video / audio input (PC side): DisplayPort 1.2 x2 * HDCP 2.2 compatible
Output terminal	Audio output (main unit): Stereo mini plug x1
Control terminal	USB (PC side): USB 2.0 (Type-A x1)
Cable length	3 m (DisplayPort, USB, power cable bundled)
Power supply	DC12V (AC adapter included)
External dimensions (width x depth x height)	280 x 135 x 134 mm (excluding bands and cables)
Mass	640g (excluding bands and cables)

November 20, 2020February 16, 2021

JVC to Launch 120-degree FOV XR Headset for Enterprise Next Month

JVCKenwood announced late last year that it was testing the XR waters with a new headset for enterprise users which boasts a wide field of view (FOV) and 2.5k per-eye resolution. Now the company says the device is headed to enterprise partners starting in late March.

Update (February 16th, 2021): According to press statement obtained by Mogura (Japanese), JVC is set to launch its so-called HMD-VS1W in late March of this year.

There’s still no clear pricing on the table—it’s listed as an “open price” product, which the company says does not have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price. This makes a certain amount of sense considering it’s an enterprise headset ostensibly targeted at the domestic market.

JVC also published a new video (Japanese) which we linked below. Don’t miss the spec sheet at the bottom of the article.

Original Article (November 20th, 2020): As first reported by Mogura (Japanese), JVC’s prototype uses a proprietary mirror display to achieve a 120-degree FOV, serving up 2,560×1,440 pixels per eye via dual 5.5 inch LCD panels. Using SteamVR tracking, the PC-tethered headset can make use of any compatible controller, such as Vive wands or Valve Index controllers.

The project, which has been in development by JVC’s projector team since 2018, is mainly targeting the simulator market, however the company also sees it being used in the construction and medical fields.

As described by Mogura, it appears JVC’s mirror tech is similar to the birdbath optics type used in AR headsets like Nreal Light and Oppo’s recently revealed AR device, albeit on a much larger scale and FOV.

Essentially, the idea is to allow users to retain a direct view (not passthrough) of instruments or gauges while large-format virtual imagery is projected where it needs to be, which in the case of a flight/driving simulator would be out the cockpit windows.

In a Japanese language pamphlet, JVC says the unnamed prototype is capable of reproducing “clear images without the screen door effect you see through a [traditional] lens-type display,” and less color aberration too as a result. The company also says it features a wide eye box, which will allow users a greater physical range of wearing positions.

It’s unclear whether JVC is simply testing the waters to see if there’s enough demand, or going full steam ahead into production for the enterprise market. The company is holding meetings in early December in Japan, which interested parties can sign up for on Mogura’s website.

Although it’s clear JVC’s headset is a different beast from your average VR headset (or AR headset for that matter), take a look at the spec sheet below:

Specs

Resolution	2,560×1,440 pixels per eye （total 5,120×1,440)
FOV	Horizontal: 120°, Vertical: 45°
Frame Rate	60 or 72Hz
Display	5.5 inch LCD
Tracking	SteamVR Tracking
Connection	DisplayPort 2.0 (2), USB 2.0
Power Supply	DC 12V 2A
Dimensions	278×137×130mm
Weight	530g (excluding strap & cable)

The post JVC to Launch 120-degree FOV XR Headset for Enterprise Next Month appeared first on Road to VR.

September 19, 2018

Zurich-based WayRay Receives $80 Million From Porsche, Alibaba, More, To Bring AR To Automobile Industry

No sooner have we finished telling you about one augmented realtiy (AR) company that has secured lots of funding (Apprentice.io) then along comes another. But in this case the value is somewhat bigger – in fact it is ten times as big.

The company in question is WayRay, a Zurich-based firm that is focusing on holographic AR technology that also has offices in the US, China and Russia as well as growing interests in Germany. WayRay is looking to bring this technology to provide innovative solutions within the automotive industry and are also looking into avenues beyond this. This might explain in part how, while Apprentice received $8 million (USD) in Series A funding WayRay has just finished a round of Series C funding – netting a cool $80 million. As one of the investors is already its partner in this endeavour – sports car manufacturer Porsche.

“The WayRay team has unique expertise with a solid background in space engineering, hardware and software development. Their innovative ideas and products have great potential.” Said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche. “We are convinced that on this basis we’ll be able to offer our clients customized Porsche solutions. That is why we have made this strategic investment decision.”

Other investors included the Hyundai Motor Company, the Alibaba Group, China Merchants Capital, multinational electronics firm JVCKENWOOD and more.

WayRay + Porsche

As mentioned it is not just Porsche who are interested in WayRay in the car industry. “WayRay has remarkable expertise in both hardware and software development for holographic AR display systems.” Explained Dr. Youngcho Chi, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group. “The Hyundai–WayRay collaboration will help us establish a brand-new eco-system that harnesses AR technology to enhance not only navigation systems but establish an AR platform for smart cities and smart buildings, which are Hyundai Motor Group’s new business interests, in the long term, providing innovative customer experiences to our drivers.”

Vitaly Ponomarev, CEO of WayRay had this to say: “As a deep-tech company, we are committed to creating fundamental innovations that bring us far beyond holographic AR displays and new interfaces. A growing number of projects with carmakers and strong investors are fuelling the company’s growth and boosting our confidence in implementing complex innovations. We are proud to be recognized as a reliable partner able to meet the high standards set by investors like Porsche and Hyundai.”

WayRay look set to become a major name in AR going forward. VRFocus will bring you more news on their activities very soon