The VUZIX Wrap 310 offers a virtual 55 inch screen that displays both standard 4 x 3 and 16 x 9 screen formats. It plays 2D and 3D movies and videos and supports all common formats of 3D video. The 3D configuration is automatic when 3D movies are played. The view is the equivalent to watching a 55-inch screen from 10 feet away according to the company.
The Basics
Product: Wrap 310 Video EyewearCompany: VUZIX http://www.vuzix.com
Price: $249.95
Warranty: 30 daysService Plans: 2 yrs ($39.99), 3 yrs (49.99)
Colors: blackBox
Contents: eyewear, battery control box & 48-inch cable, 2 AA batteries, iPod/iPhone AV cable (US/Canada only), AV cable (RCA), detachable noise isolating earphones, additional earphone inserts, alternate nose piece, paperwork, and cloth carrying case.
Available Adjustments: brightness, contrast, hue, color saturation and +2 to -5 diopter focus although the manufacturer claims it will also fit over many prescription eyeglasses.
Using It
This product looks a great deal like a normal pair of sun glasses, to the point that most anyone should feel comfortable in a pair. Although certainly heavier than a normal pair of sun glasses, the weight is nor burdensome, due I am sure to the fact that the batteries are in the hand held control box rather than the unit itself. Users may find that they have to adjust the nose piece, perhaps several times, to get a good fit so that the weight of the glasses do not cause them to slide down.
Before one is able to use the unit they must plug in the included earphones (you can also substitute your own if you wish) and battery control box, as well as set up the movie they wish to see.
At that point all you have to do is sit (or lay) back and enjoy your movie. If you are on a long flight you should be able to ignore crying babies and other distractions. If you want to watch a movie that only you enjoy, you can do so and keep peace. I tested it using my iPhone. As noted above the effective size of the display is like watching a big TV in your living room, but what I found in my testing is that the quality of that image is lower than if I was just watching it on my iPhone.
The Bottom Line
The unit is normal looking on the viewers face and provides a venue for watching movies in either 2D or 3D. It adjusts for individuals who have vision correction so many people will be able to use it without glasses. You can adjust brightness, contrast, hue, and color saturation, which gives the user more control of the quality of the picture. At $249 it is not for everyone, particularly since the wise purchaser will have to add the cost of a service plan on top of the cost of the unit. Another cost to consider is that of a hard case to protect it. The cloth case that is included is not sufficient for travelers. Hard cases are available on the web site for $40 and $50. All that notwithstanding, if I were a frequent flyer, I would purchase one, for the privacy and pleasure it would afford.