I had the chance to experience the Varjo VR-1 at ELSA’s booth during the Unreal Fest held in Kyoto the other day, so here are my impressions.

Varjo VR-1

Varjo is a VR startup from Finland. The VR-1 is a PC-connected VR headset released in February 2019.

Features of the VR-1

The most significant feature of the VR-1 is its novel structure, which renders a narrow area in the center of the field of view with a high-resolution display and the surrounding peripheral vision with a low-resolution display.

The mechanical aspect of rendering with two displays of different resolutions is intriguing.

Considering how the human eye actually sees – clearly in the center but blurry in the periphery – this structure might be quite effective.

Furthermore, even though it’s called “low-resolution,” its resolution is apparently the same as the VIVE Pro, so we can expect it to be clearer than previous VR headsets in every aspect.

It’s also great that it supports SteamVR, meaning content previously made for VIVE or VIVE Pro will run as is!

Impressions from Actual Experience

Before the demo, I received a brief explanation. I was told that IPD adjustment is automatic, and if lines appear when wearing it, I should fine-tune the headset myself so that the lines connect horizontally.

The subsequent content was a demo where I could experience being inside a car interior, and it was truly beautiful.

Small text was clearly visible, and it was just stunningly clear!!

However, the boundary between the high-resolution and low-resolution displays was quite distinct, which was unfortunate.

Also, the feature I had seen online beforehand – “eye-tracking follows the direction of gaze, and the high-resolution display moves accordingly” – seemed not to be implemented.

Nevertheless, overall, it was clearer than any VR I had seen before, and I really want one.

I’m currently creating content using a VIVE Pro at work, so I can’t help but think how much clearer it would look with this device.

I asked the person explaining if there were plans for sales in Japan. They said nothing is decided yet, but adjustments are underway, so I want to remain hopeful.

However, the overseas selling price is apparently $6000, so it’s expected to be quite expensive in Japan as well.

Also, the GPU used for the demo was a Quadro RTX 8000, so it seems a considerable GPU spec will be required…