Nach der Vorstellung des Avegant Glyph auf der CES ist heute die Kickstarter-Kampagne dazu gestartet . In dem VR-Headset wird der Lichtstrahl einer LED von vielen winzigen Spiegeln direkt auf die Netzhaut projiziert - genau wie im Cyberpunk-Roman "Ready Player One". Wer 499 Dollar oder mehr beisteuert, bekommt eine Beta-Version der Hardware - es ist aber auch möglich, die Entwicklung mit kleinen Summen ab 5 Dollar zu unterstützen. Die Kampagne kommt bereits sehr gut an: Der Zähler steigt derart schnell an, dass wir die News beim Verfassen mehrmals korrigieren mussten: Nach nur wenigen Stunden sind mit 153.000 Dollar schon deutlich mehr als die Hälfte der Mindestsumme von 250.000 Dollar erreicht.

Laut Avegant-CEO Ed Tang wirkt die Technik so, als würde man aus einem Fenster in eine 3D-Welt schauen - mit einem farbstarken, fein aufgelösten Bild. Im Gegensatz zum Oculus Rift wird aber nur ein Teil des Sichtfeldes, nämlich 45 Grad, bedeckt. Der Nutzer soll am Rande noch erkennen, was um ihn herum passiert. Die zwei Projektoren sind in den Bügel des Kopfhörers eingebaut: Einfach nach vorne klappen, justieren und das Bild wird sichtbar.

Auf der Kickstarter-Seite finden sich auch ein paar nähere technische Spezifikationen des Prototyps:

"General

• Weight: 16oz
• Color: White, Black or Blue

Video

• Display Technology: Micromirror Array
• Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 720) per eye
• Contrast Ratio: >1000:1
• Total pixels: 1,843,200
• Refresh Rate: up to 120 Hz
• Horizontal Field of View: 45°

Audio

• Sound Output Mode: Premium Stereo
• Frequency Response: 20 - 20000 Hz
• Dynamic Range: 115 dB
• Microphone: Built-in
• Connectivity: wired over HDMI or TRRS audio cable

Miscellaneous

• IPD Adjustment: Yes 50-75mm
• Diopter Adjustment: +2 to -6
• Headtracking: 9 DOF IMU output via Bluetooth or hardwired
• Head strap: Optional head strap included

Connections

• Video: Single HDMI connection
• Power: microUSB
• Audio: 3.5mm TRRS jack (stereo-plus-mic)

Power

• Power/recharge via microUSB cable
• Onboard battery provides 3 hour runtime"

Außerdem erklärt ein Trailer, wie die futuristisch anmutende Projektionstechnik im Detail funktioniert:

"FAQ:

• What is a Virtual Retinal Display? A Virtual Retinal Display uses a micromirror array and a combination of optics to reflect an image directly onto your retina, effectively using the back of your eyeball as a screen. The resulting picture is extremely sharp and vivid, unlike anything a conventional display can produce. In particular, the 3D images are exceptionally clear.
• What sort of content works with the Glyph? The Glyph is made to be media agnostic, meaning that it can plug into any HDMI source and display any current content natively. This means sources from an XBox to a Playstation to a MacBook to an iPhone to an Android device may be used while content from Blu-ray DVDs to video games to streaming movies can be watched.
• For how long can it be worn? The reflected light produced from the Glyph is very comfortable and natural feeling. Many users who experience eye strain or nausea in looking at a conventional display feel no similar effect using this technology.
• What about battery life? The beta headset will have enough battery life to power a full-length feature film, about three hours.
• What sort of cables will I need? The beta headset will have one MHL/HDMI cable that will plug into any HDMI source. An adapter will be included to go to a micro-HDMI connection.
• Will there be head tracking for gaming or immersive reality? Yes. We have already tested the current prototypes with head tracking and assorted console games. They work great!
• What is the field of view? Looking into the device you’ll see an image that looks like an 80 inch screen 8 feet away from you. That translates to about a 45 degree field of view.
• Can you make that field of view bigger? Yes. We promise to look into developing it. But right now we want to focus on bringing a broad spectrum of already-existing content to the broad user base, and we don't want to constrain the image. Support us in our efforts now and you'll see the fruit of our development down the road.
• Does this technology work with Virtual Reality? Yes. The high resolution, lack of screen-door effect and low latency of our technology makes it great for VR.
• Is it safe? Yes. The light source is simply a low powered Light Emitting Diode (LED) – something like you would see at the end of a keychain light. The micromirror array and optics together create the unique image.
• How does the Glyph work with glasses? You’ll be able to adjust the diopters in the Glyph to accommodate a wide variety of prescriptions and pupillary distances. In short: you won’t need your glasses. Note: at this point we cannot account for astigmatic eyesight.
• Isn’t a micromiror array the same thing as a DLP? Yes. We’re working with TI utilizing brand new, unreleased, cutting-edge micromirror technology."