Sony launches HMZ-T3, its next-gen 3D head-mounted display

Sony launches HMZ-T3, its next-gen 3D head-mounted display

HMZ-T3W Personal 3D Viewer

An immersive big screen experience, wherever you are

Twin OLED HD screens, virtual 7.1 channel surround sound, wireless HD technology

• Stream movies and games in smooth HD and 3D picture
• Connect to your mobile device and watch anywhere
• Enjoy a stylish, lightweight design with a comfort fit

In what's now becoming something of a tradition, Sony has announced the next generation of its head-mounted personal 3D video viewer ahead of IFA 2013. Though the HMZ-T3 retains the same display resolution as both of its predecessors, image quality has been improved. The slightly lighter headset also benefits from better audio and a more comfortable fit. The biggest news this time around, though, is the addition of a wireless version ... sort of.The W at the end of the HMZ-T3W's product name refers to the promise of near-latency-free uncompressed high definition viewing without getting tangled up in cables. Unfortunately there's still one pesky wire to worry about, as users will still need to cable the 189 x 148 x 270 mm (7.4 x 5.8 x 10.6 in), 320 g (11 oz) headset to a lithium battery pack for power and visuals. It's this battery box that's able to wirelessly connect to the system's processor unit over the 59.4 - 63.72 GHz band, with a range of about 7 m (23 ft).

Source media devices are connected to the processor unit via its three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, though the battery box does cater for direct connection to devices like smartphones and tablets courtesy of its own MHL and HDMI ports. Battery life is reported to be three hours of wireless playback or seven hours cabled.Like the T2 before it, the HMZ-T3W features two 1280 x 720 resolution OLED panels reported to offer a viewing experience equivalent to watching a 19 m (62.5 ft) screen from 20 m (66 ft) away. Also the same are the response times of the monitors, the field of view and the cinema-like 24p playback.

Users can now reduce the image size down by four steps to a low of 70 percent (similar to a 13.3 m screen from 20 m away), a 2D image can be displayed with a slight virtual curve for a movie theater feel, and gamers are offered four image adjustment modes to increase visibility in darker areas of the screen during a game.

There's an adjustable cushioned head pad to help give some relief from pressure against your noggin, six stage independent lens adjustment, and the device will warn users of prolonged use after three hours.

Though ambient light shields are available to help isolate users from the outside world, there's a handy gap at the bottom of the headset to allow gamers to hit the right key or click the mouse button at that critical win or lose moment, or for the rest of us to reach for a cup of coffee without risking a spill.Sony says that its Virtual Surround Technology offers accurate sound placement in an immersive 360° soundstage. A 32-bit DAC delivers 7.1 channel audio through supplied earphones that boast 16-mm drivers, with a frequency response of 4 Hz to 27 kHz and 106 dB per mW sensitivity.

The version that requires wired connection between battery box and a slightly lighter processor unit is called the HMZ-T3. Other than supplied earphones with 13.5-mm drivers that have 105 dB per mW sensitivity and a frequency range of 5 Hz to 24 kHz, the specs are the same as the wireless model.

Technical SpecificationsHMZ-T3W

Please note our accessories are model specific and specifications may differ from country to country.

 Display

Display Device	OLED Panel x 2
Display Resolution	1280 x 720
Aspect Ratio	16:09
Gradation	RGB 24bit
Field of View	45 degree
Virtual Image Size	750 inch in 20m distance

 Headphones

Driver Unit	16mm
Sensitivity	106dB/mW
Frequency Response	4-27000Hz
Impedance	16 ohm
Maximum Input	200mW

  3D

3D Ready

YES

  Video Features

Panel Drive Mode	Standard/Clear
Picture Mode	Vivid/Standard/Cinema/Game1,2,3,4/Custom1,2
Game Mode	Picture Mode Shortcut
Pure Image Realizer	Noise reduction
Picture Settings	Clear Black/Picture/Brightness/Color temperature(Natural/Cool/Medium/Warm1/Warm2)/Sharpness
24p True Cinema	YES
Picture control for dark adaptation	YES
SBM for Video	YES

  Audio Features

A/V Sync	YES
AAC	6ch
Dolby	8ch
DTS	8ch
Leaner PCM	8ch
Virtual Surround	YES (8ch)
Headphones Type Selection	Over Head/Inner Ear
Preset Audio Mode	Standard/Cinema/Game/Music/Off (2ch)

  Video Inputs and Outputs

HDMI/MHL Input(s) and Output(s)	Processor Unit: 3 input(HDMI)/1 through-output(HDMI)/Battery Unit: 1 input(MHL/HDMI)
HMD Output(s)	1 output(HDMI)
Wireless HDMI Input(s) and Output(s)	Processor Unit:1Output(Wireless HD)/Battery Unit 1 input(Wireless HD)

  Measurements (Approx.)

Dimension (W x H x D)	Approx.189mm x148mm x270mm (Head Mounted Unit) *with bands / 80mm x26mm x119mm (Battery Unit) / 150mm x 31mm x 107mm (Processor Unit)
Cable Length	1.2m (Between Head Mounted Part and input box part)

  Weights (Approx.)

Unit	Approx.320g (Head Mounted Unit) *Cable not included/ 210g (Battery Unit)*Cable not included / 250g (Processor Unit)

  Power

AC Power Voltage	AC Adapter:100-240V(50/60Hz)
Power Consumption	11W (Head Mounted Unit)/8W (Processor Unit / in case of WirelessHD connection)
Power Consumption(Stand-by mode)	0.4W

  Supplied Accessories

Headphones	YES
Headphones Attachment	3(S/M/L)
AC adapters	2
Start-up Guide	YES
Instruction Manual	YES
AC Cable	1
HDMI Cable	1(1.5m)
Sheild for Outside Light	1
Carrying Case	1