Virtual Retinal Display beams 1280 x 800 onto your eyes

The Tech Report came across a demonstration video of Avegant's Virtual Retinal Display, a VR headset that uses a micro-mirror array that beams reflected light directly into the eyes. The device delivers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels per eye but the perceived resolution is said to be much higher. Avegant claims the technology delivers much more realistic images than traditional LCDs and compares it with watching through a window versus on a screen.

The current prototype offers a resolution of 1280x800 per eye, but the perceived resolution is supposedly much higher. According to Tang, the micro-mirror tech eliminates the pixelization and screen door effect associated with traditional displays. Stevens says the resolution and color are "quite good" and notes that the picture is comfortable for his eyes to view.

Somewhat surprisingly, gaming isn't Avegant's focus. The company thinks people will use its Virtual Retinal Display to watch video content. There don't appear to be any barriers to gaming on the thing, though. The prototype can already pump out images at 240 frames per second.

A more polished consumer version is anticipated to arrive in Q1 2014.