US/Czech Republic, Jan 4, 2023 – Vrgineers, an established manufacturer of the most advanced Virtual and Mixed Reality headsets for professionals, in cooperation with the company IMRNext brings to life the new wireless XTAL headset. The release of this high-fidelity standalone virtual reality headset is happening at the CES 2023 show, in Las Vegas.
XTAL 3 Virtual Reality
The upward trend in the VR industry is to switch from tethered to standalone headsets to lower overall costs and raise the users’ comfort level. In comparison to the solutions available on the market, the new wireless XTAL targets high-end customers, who are unable to run their demanding applications from mobile cores and need fully performing computers to calculate VR content.
“As a supplier to the defense industry, we strongly believe that the wireless XTAL will be the best choice for such use cases as machine and aircraft maintenance, rescue or firefighting operations as well as special forces training. Everywhere, where the total immersion, freedom, and high performance, is a must,” explains Marek Polcak, Vrgineers CEO.
Vrgineers XTAL natively runs 4K resolution per eye, which requires a very substantial bitrate. For a smooth wireless experience, Vrgineers developed a special mode running a compressed resolution of 2560×1440 at 70 Hz per eye, which IMRNext proprietary technology transmits using Wi-Fi 6E. Instead of placing the antenna on the head as known with other headsets, Vrgineers decided to create an on-belt module, which includes a powerful battery pack, with adjustable power capacity and wireless antennas. Therefore, the overall weight of the headset remains the same, while wearing an extra weight on the belt makes wireless usage very convenient. The prototype showed at CES weighs 920 grams, like the size of an SLR camera. However, the expected final version will weigh under 500 grams and will be a similar size as a mobile phone. The computer connects one USB and Display Port from the GPU into a proprietary IMRNext Wi-Fi Access Point, which converts the signal into Wi-Fi 6E and streams it directly to the on-belt module.
“IMRNext is excited to be working alongside Vrgineers to bring wireless streaming to the XTAL. The high resolution and fidelity of the XTAL demand a high-performance and robust wireless solution which IMRNext is uniquely positioned to provide. Freeing the cable from the XTAL will enable more dynamic use case scenarios and enhance the quality of single-user and multi-user simulation and training exercises.” says Phil Purdy, IMRNext director of engineering and delivery.
Potential customers can place their pre-orders using business@vrgineers.com, with an expected delivery in Q3 2023.
Because Vrgineers is also working on Somnium VR1 development, the same wireless technology will be available as an add-on module for this headset after its release.
About Vrgineers
Vrgineers, Inc. is a leader in delivering next-generation virtual and mixed reality pilot training systems (Synthetic Training Environment, STE) to professional and military clients. Vrgineers’ pilot training solution includes portable trainers ready to be packed and taken on missions; reconfigurable classroom simulators that support almost all platforms, from the T-6 Texan to the F-35; and custom 1:1 simulators that are built specifically for any type of helicopter, jetfighter, or airliner, and include a fully functional cockpit replica.
About IMRNext
IMRNext’s hardware and software is a complete cable replacement solution that provides bidirectional video, audio and control to enable next-level user immersion. Our world-first, patented technology is a game changer. IMRNext enables lightning-fast compression, pixel-perfect resolution and a seamless user experience on any network. From R&D to full turnkey solutions, IMRNext is designed to fit in at any level of your technology stack. Learn about how we collaborate with clients to unlock new possibilities for their products in XR and home entertainment, to training, engineering and beyond. IMRNext is redefining what’s possible in wireless media and data streaming.