Thanks for all the feedback!
cybereality wrote:I can probably whip something up in Photoshop showing the difference in resolution/FOV of different headsets. Maybe something like this (
http://3dvrm.com/hmd_comparison.gif ) but made easier to understand. I have the HMZ-T1, had the 1200VR, and plan to get the ST1080 at release. So I may be one of the few people with experience with all 3 of these consumer HMDs. Could also put some older stuff in the comparison as well (VR920, etc.) just for historical reference. Not much experience with professional gear, but I could base that on specs.
Thanks, that would be great! It would probably be good to throw a TV and a movie theater screen in there for a point of reference that people can relate to. On a side note, I have an ST1080 on pre-order, I can lend it out so you can review before you buy, if you want.
SDM wrote:Need any free CAD work, be glad to help with that, it's a main part of what I do for a living. Also do design work on logos and such (in CAD, but exportable of course to various formats) as part of many projects. Often design parts and such for direct laser/CNC/waterjet manufacturing, or just plans. Typically aircraft or electronics related these days, but am used to working with extreme precision.
Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on that! I am decent at CAD work myself, but only in 2-D. My goal is to keep these parts as simple as possible for the initial run, so I think I am good at the moment. Maybe a second revision!
pierreye wrote:My understanding is your unit will output 3D in SBS mode. I'll experiment with Lumagen RadianceMini that if I can sucessfully convert 3D Frame Pack to SBS and do the aspect ratio correction, then I'm in. Want to try out 120 degree FOV in gaming compare to 50 degree FOV. What's the native resolution of the LCD panel and input signal?
It takes 3D in, ideally, un-distorted SBS mode. IZ3D can do this and use the whole FOV, if you are willing to reduce vertical FOV, it also works with TriDef drivers combined with Nthusim. I am experimenting with using Nthusim to correct for lens distortion, as well! The native resolution is 1280x800, and currently it takes VGA. I am talking to the control board manufacturer to see if I can get a small, custom VGA/DVI board made.
Hornet wrote:Oculus is nice, only the problem with rights...
Thanks for the concern! I have checked out the copyright side, and I think we are in different enough businesses/geographical location that things will be fine.
brantlew wrote:@PalmerTech: Honestly I think you should charge more for these units and consider taking a profit on them. You are one of the few guys in the industry that seems to understand the needs of the VR community, so I think it would benefit everyone here in the long run if you were able to create a viable business out of this. I would consider it an "investment" to pay a little extra up front in hopes of a true commercial Palmer unit in the future. I assume the world-wide market for this type of unit is pretty small, but it is also completely untapped. The first company that comes out with a $1000 HMD with 90+ FOV will monopolize the entire academic VR and gaming market.
I have some plans for making it a viable business later on, but I don't think the resolution or driver support is far enough along to make a push in the consumer gaming market, not just yet. In the meanwhile, I think minimizing the cost barrier to entry is the best thing for the community. If, say, Toshiba releases those 6.1" 2560x1600 panels... Well, expect another Kickstarter project.

What I might do is set aside a certain amount for things I can continue to use. For example, right now, I have to borrow time on a laser cutter. Might make sense to build a few thousand dollars into the Kickstarter budget to buy my own laser cutter than I can use to produce parts.
FingerFlinger wrote:@Palmer If it's ~$500 I will instantly buy one, but I agree with brantlew that you should consider making a go of this as a "real" business. Are you in contact with any traditional customers (military/academic) yet?
It should be less than $500, though it might get close to there, depending on how many things I add in. I am in contact with some potential big customers, not going to plan on anything from that sector, though. If it happens, then it is a nice bonus.
Bishop51 wrote:1. Have to agree with Brantlew on this one; You really need to charge more to earn some kind of profit for yourself Palmer! It's extraordinarily cool of you to keep this rock-bottom on the pricing tier but you absolutely deserve to make something from your efforts. This could be the start of something much bigger and you needn't limit yourself unnecessarily.
2. I've blabbed about it before but I do graphic illustration, design, product branding and product engineering for a living (video and board games mostly). I would love to design a logo for you. When do you need it by, do you have anything in mind or as a basis for inspiration and what sizes do you require? I'm happy to take a crack at it without any initial feedback as well:)
I think I will benefit in the long run, squeezing a few extra dollars out of the enthusiast community strikes me the wrong way.

I am working on something along the lines of the old Virtuality arcade systems, I think there is easier money in that direction. Aside from that, the more money I take for myself, the more responsible I am for supporting the product; Tech support, warranties, I don't want to have to deal with that.

A logo would be great! I want to stay as high contrast as possible, black and white. I need a text logo for "Oculus" that I can put on the front of my HMDs (Maybe all caps?), a "RIFT" text logo, and some kind of graphical logo for both of them. I was thinking something eye-inspired for Oculus, and something that illustrates the concept of tearing through reality for the Rift. I am not an art person, not at all, so I really appreciate it!