Sony HMZ-T1 HMD Documentation Goes Online Early, Previously Unannounced Info Revealed

Nov 8, 2011

For anyone who is seriously considering (and likely obsessing over) purchasing the Sony HMZ-T1 HMD, which is due out on 11/11/11 (just 3 days now), you’re head is likely mounted with lots of questions: Will the HMZ-T1 work with my current setup? Can I still have my HDTV hooked up to the source or do I have to switch back and forth between the HMZ-T1 and my HDTV? What cords are provided? Does the HMD need to be calibrated? What settings will I be able to toggle? Can I wear glasses while using the HMZ-T1? What input signals are accepted? Hopefully we can put a few of these to rest as the Sony HMZ-T1 documentation has come online a bit early, and there’s actually a good deal of information to be gleaned. Here they are for your perusal with some of the highlights below:

After browsing through the manuals, we can see what comes included with the HMZ-T1:

HMD unit
Processor unit
HDMI cable (length unspecified)
Light blocker pieces
Headband strap clip
Connecting cord holder
Forehead supporter (3 different types)
Forehead support cover

If you wear glasses, you will be happy to know that it seems Sony designed the HMZ-T1 to work with your glasses or contacts. According to the reference guide “If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them as usual during use (with the exception of reading glasses). Note that watching with bifocals may be less than optimal.”

For those of you wondering which video signals are accepted through the HDMI input (and which can be output from the pass-through):

2D input/output* signal [format = resolution/framerate [progressive/interlaced]

480/60p, 576/50p, 720/24p, 720/50p, 720/60p, 1080/50i, 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/50p, 1080/60p

3D input/output* signal (frame packing, side-by-side, and top-and-bottom)

720/50p, 720/60p, 1080/50i, 1080/60i, 1080/24p

Audio input

Up to 5.1 channel linear PCM audio formats (32/44.1/48 kHz, 16/20/24-bit)

*When using HMDI pass-through, the following is not compatible:

Deep Color signals
Video signals at 4k resolution (at a high resolution exceeding 3,840 {horizontal} x 2,160 {vertical} pixels)

And just in case you are an optometrist, you might like to know that the interpupillary distance can range from 55-72 mm. Thanks for including that, Sony!

There’s plenty more info where that came from. Feel free to dig into the manuals if you want to learn how the calibration and the comfort adjustments work. If you spot anything interesting or out of the ordinary that I missed, please share in the comments! If you’re looking for Sony HMZ-T1 specs, we’ve got a complete list here. And if you can only dream of dropping $799 on an HMD, stop by our HMZ-T1 Alternatives article for a few wallet-sparing substitutes!