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:

Startup Guide:

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/HMZT1_qs.pdf

Reference Guide:

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/HMZT1_refguide.pdf

Notes on using the PlayStation 3 with the HMZ-T1 HMD:

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/Flyer_4416077111_EN_FR_ES.pdf

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!
Newsletter graphic

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product we may receive a small commission which helps support the publication. More information.


Ben Lang
Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."