I've been using FPV goggles going back to before the MyVue goggles, goggles have slowly progressed from super crappy to almost pretty good. Right now state of the art goggles run roughly $500+ for goggles in the 45+ degrees field of view. The new HeadPlay goggles aim's to upset the market a bit, delivering a claimed 70deg FOV for roughly $250
Click through for full review, and comparison to other goggles on the market.
*** UPDATE *** the RCgroups support thread have relocated to here
*** UPDATE *** HeadPlays are constantly sold out.. but I found them at HobbyWOW CLICK HERE
*** UPDATE *** STOCK HeadPlays do the blue screen if you loose video signal, this is something RangeVideo should have fixed before shipping the product. However FINALLY somebody have come up with a hack, if you are willing to crack open your HeadPlays, you can loose the blue-screen. Please realize that without doing the "blue screen be gone" modification, the HeadPlays are useless for FPV.
CLICK HERE FOR THE "Blue Screen Be Gone" hack instructions.
The last 10 year or so.. crap-gadget goggles have been hawked as giving you the experience of a 80" plasma screen.. when we stuck the latest greatest goggles on our heads.. we realized it was the view of a 80 inch screen from about half a mile away.. and in resolutions from 80x120px up to sometimes 320x480px, mostly Crap Gadgets in other words.
FatShark became the first "reliable" FPV goggle, made specifically for FPV, with its famed ski goggle headband and the battery tucked into the headband. there is no doubt FatShark is the goggle against which ALL other goggles are measured in the FPV world.
The current status of goggles are that FatShark and a number of Chinese vendors push a selection of 640x480 (SD) goggles with FOV's ranging from roughly 25-45degrees. for this review Im going to reference a lot of FatShark, so its important to know that their budget goggle with maybe 30deg FOV cost $199 on HobbyKing, you can buy the same goggle for about $250 from HorizonHobby.. but why spend more for less.?
In terms of HIGH-RESOLUTION the market is very small. basically the Zeiss Cinemizers and the FatShark Dominator HD are splitting the FPV market. the Dominator HD's delivering 800x600 pixel screens, and the Cinemizer's delivering 870x500 pixels resolution, the Dominators cost about $600, and the Cinemizers $750 both can be used with HDMI in. Normally 720p is considered the lower level HD, and clearly neither of these are approaching HD even by a generous definition.
The FatShark Dom HD's have a build in DVR for recording goggle video while flying, this is considered a big value for FPV pilots, the Cinemizer's on the other hand have by far the best picture, its clear to see that Zeiss is a optical company, their goggles are the benchmark in clarity. but to use them for FPV most users adapt them into a pair of ski-goggles.
Bo's extensive review and side by side comparison to budget FatShark's PS make sure to subscribe to Bo's YT for more FPV and AP reviews.
Box goggles is not exactly new. For years guys have been building inventive designs, wrapping a fresnel lens, some kinda small or large LED screen, and a RX together. the designs have been mounted to everything ranging from tripods where the operator stick ones head into the box, with construction helmet mounted designs including fancy full antennas and headphones for space traveler looks. you can buy a kit from HobbyKing, and Google box goggles are fairly well known for the smartphones, Zeiss made a goggle for the iPhone.. note smartphone goggles are useless for FPV unless you stuff them with a LED and a video receiver.
What IS new, is that HeadPlay, designed and manufactured a complete goggle, not a kit, they went shopping for all the parts you would want in a good box-goggle, and then they wrapped it all together for you, these are RTF for $250. HeadPlay, did a great job on the design, the foam box is well done and serve the purpose. They sprayed the interior with dull black "flocking" to avoid reflections, and the colored wrap-around band hold the 5.8 ghz video receiver. There is nothing here you can't do with a $100 kit, but the HeadPlay's have already done most of the refinements you would do and with a bigger screen than any kit out there.
HDMI MINI connector on the side and lockable multi-function connector on top of the goggles.
HeadPlay, (There is a brand name thats hard to forget) is not some new kid on the block, and designed the original Headplay PCS which was the first 800 x 600 resolution goggle with IPD adjustment, diopter adjustment, and 3D support, Headplay invested 26 million in the first PCS goggles. Which were reselling for 600$ in 2006. RangeVideo bought HeadPlay in 2012. and you are seeing a lot of little touches in the latest HeadPlays that indicate these guys have a lot of goggle experience and knowledge.
So.. with that little goggle primer out of the way.. why HeadPlays?
There probably are 3-4 main reasons.
1. HUGE FOV at roughy 70 degrees (claimed we will revisit that)
2. REAL HD HeadPlay goggles have 1280x800 resolution = 720p
3. Integrated design RTF with no loose hanging wires (like the FatSharks)
4. Plays nice with FatShark / ImmersionRC / Boscam
5. Price $250
6. Multi Voltage system, you can fly the goggles with 2-4s battery packs (I'm using 3S)
The business end of a pair of HeadPlay goggles
Field Of View - FOV
You will notice I put the FOV first, FOV is the holy grail of FPV.
The theory is simple. if you use a camera with say a 90deg FOV lens, and project the image on goggles with 90deg FOV, then the motion of the image and the projection start to match, and tricks your mind to think you are really seeing what you are projecting. This effect is already pronounced at 45deg FOV, and you will often see Proximity FPV pilots "duck" and "dodge" when passing under something or between branches. the bigger the image is, the more effective the feeling of being immersed in the experience, the brain "buys" the experience and you feel you are onboard the aircraft.
REAL HD
The second holy grail of FPV is obviously BETTER resolution, the point is being able to see electric power lines in the air, and tiny thin branches, BEFORE they snatch you out of the air. As it is, we have gotten used to racing mini-quad's with 640x480 goggles and camera / vtx systems that frankly deliver less than SD, on testing I find that resolution on the ACTUAL displayed video signal frequently drops below 480x320px. The HeadPlay goggles can't display what is not there.. but high-rez screens do show the whatever is there in the best possible view.
This year I have been flying my inspire quad using the lightbridge HDMI, and I can promise you, once you have flown with 720p video, it is VERY hard finding 480x320pix remotely satisfying.
There are no doubt, 2015 is the year of HD VTX systems, you can already now get 3-4 different systems, most of those have a lot of lag, this is a issue with proximity flying, but if you are doing aerial video, HD systems are a huge advantage. The HeadPlays have a HDMI in and can play 720p video. so check box on future proof HD goggles.
INTEGRATED RTF DESIGN
Yup, you can pull the HeadPlays out of the box and start flying them with your FPV quad. The kit includes a 1 hour battery, charger, video-reciever unit build into the goggles, power cable, and even a set of video in-out cables in case you want to plug in a DVR or use a external 1.3ghz RX.
In my mind being integrated is HUGE. everything is on the headband, there is nothing hanging down, no external cables to plug in. you are ready to fly when you put the goggles on your head.
HeadPlay assured me that the RX will handle both my FatShark / ImmersionRC / BosCam video systems.
PRICE = $250
Even if the HeadPlay's were not great, the price is right in a big way. Im sick and tired of $500 goggles. I simply can't imagine the HeadPlay not being on the shopping list of almost every new user the next year or so, I really don't see the FatShark Dom HD's disappearing, but the price point is aggressive enough that it simply would be irresponsible not to consider the HeadPlays along with other options when starting out in FPV.
OPERATION Voltage 6-15v
This is a great little feature. you can safely power the goggles with everything from a 2S to 4S batteries. I'm sure all of us have some old 3s 2200mah batteries floating around, one of those should safely power the goggles for 2-3 hours. the included 2S 1000mah battery is rated at roughly 1 hour.
its important to notice that the goggles turn OFF at 6volts. This is mostly a issue when using 2S batteries. But to avoid getting caught with dead goggles, buy a battery tester and plug it into the balance plug. the tester will start beeping long before the goggles shut off.
COMFORT & Ergonomics
Well who would have guessed. that big box is surprisingly comfortable, I watched a video with the HeadPlays and can honestly say. that after 90 minutes it was good to get my head out of the box. however, its a very different feeling than my FatSharks, because FatShark push on the front of my face. The HeadPlays' hang on my head and the load is better distributed. OK I have no illusions about the comfort subject, I can promise you right now, there will be devoted haters who absolutely hate how this feel on the head.. and there will be guys who will refuse to ever again put FatSharks on their face.. I can't fix that. comfort is what it is.. and we don't all like the same beer.
*** About watching that video on the goggles, after about 10 minutes you realize there is a reflection in there, probably the light projected on your face being reflected in the fresnel lens. For somebody who have spend a lifetime working in broadcast, its definitely distracting, however others may not even notice. Personally I feel the weight of the goggles start to become noticeable on my forehead after a while.. But as I said, the FatShark's have other problems in this department by pushing towards my face by the goggle strap.
The side mounted controls have different patterns so you can feel what button you are pushing while using the goggles.
GLASSES..?
DANG. just discovered I can stick my face with my glasses straight into the HeadPlay's this is likely to make these the instant favorite of a gazillion guys with glasses. I have diopters in my FatShark's, but hate that when I remove the FatSharks, I have to fumble for my glasses before I can see the quad in the air. (as a result, i tend to take-off and land while flying goggles). its refreshing to be able to remove the HeadPlay's and see the quad clearly right away.
*** Strangely enough, being nearsighted, I actually also see the image incredible clear in the HeadPlays' without my glasses.. I can't explain that, but are likely to continue flying without glasses because the image clarity is perfect for my eyes as is.
CONNECTIONS
All the expected ones.. the build in5.8ghz video receiver have a standard SMA antenna plug that will let you use any sandard 5.8 antenna you already have. in addition there is a HDMI plug on the right side. and a finally a pro type XS9JK connector, thats a professional style locking connector, it come with two plugs, one with just the battery power in, and the other locking cable have battery and a suite of video in-out cables. Locking cable plugs is something I have been wanting in top quality products for a long time, seeing this type plug on the HeadPlay's is a positive surprise.
PS. the HeadPlay HDMI port is HDMI-MINI, just in case you were wondering.
COLORS ?
What the heck.. these things are available with RED / WHITE / BLACK trim. I had to have the RED ones as they are so big, thats only red seems to do the size justice.
NOBODY is perfect
This is a first generation product here, and naturally, there are lots of little issues with the HeadPlays, but in all fairness, none of them real feel like a deal-breaker.
in no particular order here are a couple issues that I have noticed.
HeadPlays are HUGE, almost 1 cubic-foot. and ship with a thin draw-string bag. These things are going to get dinged up good floating around in the trunk. I want a hard-foam case like the ones FatShark ships with. or something with a foam insert for a couple of batteries etc.
HeadPlays screen is HUGE, if you have a tendency to feel sick from FatSharks, HeadPlays are going to push you over the edge.
No headphone plug, I like to use a audio climb indicator for flying sailplanes.. :-) Not the end of the world.
No build in DVR.. I mean the $500 FatSharks have a DVR so? no worries, you can get one for $30 from Amazon and plug into the video-out cable. done deal.
I would have liked to see a XT60 plug for the battery, or a balance-plug, the HeadPlay have chosen to use the same battery / plug system as the FatShark. thats cool, not a deal-breaker.
Whats with the "stick" antenna, nobody use sticks, ya could have included a cheap circularly polarized antenna already. again not a deal-breaker.. all goggles ship with crap-tennas, so its a even playing field, we all buy antennas for our goggles as soon as they arrive.
*** Headplay, did make a good point about the antennas, crap-CP antennas really are crap, and a properly made stick should go further, I totally agree with that, but for mini-quad flying CP's like BlueBeam and AirBlade are quickly becoming the standard.
Having used the HeadPlays for a couple hours, Im becoming aware that they are not perfectly fitting my head. and after a while they will press on my forehead, however the discomfort is not more than using my FatSharks for the same period of time.
The screen is a bit high, when seeing a 16:9 signal.. the picture is squished from the sides, not enough that its going to affect your fling, but enough that you probably eventually will notice it.
CONCLUSION = Shut up & take my money.!
The HeadPlays are a game changer with the potential to disrupt the market. unlike my old MyVue goggles, the HeadPlay's are inexpensive, and deliver phenomenal video performance for the money.
That conclusion is maybe a little overly simplified, Im going to continue using my FatShark dominator HD's both for the comfort and also for the build in DVR. But at the price point of $250, there is simply nothing out there thats remotely better. so if you are about to get into FPV, unless you are ready to spend $400 and up on goggles, the HeadPlay is without a doubt the most bang for the money.
The HUGE screen flying experience is so compelling that I suspect we will see a good number of these at local flying events. and I would not be surprised to see some guys ditch their FatShark for these.
Chime in guys.. what do you think..?
OK HeadPlays are constantly sold out.. but I found them at HobbyWOW CLICK HERE
When I received mine after a 6 week wait, the metal cable plug that connects everything on the top of the unit in what I know as a (5 pin DIN PLUG) was loose and wouldn't work. Well guess what if you don't fix it yourself, you will wait another 6-8 weeks to get a replacement for a defective unit!! They should test them before they are shipped out, but that's just me.... Lucky for me I am somewhat mechanically incline, & was able to fix it. But it was a 2 hour job, not to mention the drive to buy the part that was defective. So be sure you get a working model, or you will be in for a long wait for a replacement......
Posted by: Lee Barret | 06/26/2015 at 02:16 AM
Good luck finding the "HDMI mini to HDMI mini" cable you will need to use with the "DJI Inspire"! NO ONE HAS THESE DAMN THINGS!!! Also limited online I'm finding out. I found ONLY ONE (1) on Amazon....
Posted by: Lee BArret | 06/26/2015 at 02:09 AM
Hey Stephan, I probably made a typo, Im nearsighted, the FatShark kit contain -2 / -4 / -6
You could use a pair of old lenses, or readers, and mill them to match the edge of the stock FatShark diopters.
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 06/02/2015 at 11:45 PM
Hi , Bo ,
Where did you get your +4 inserts for the fatshark from , I need +2 and can,t find them anywhere
Stefan
Posted by: Stefan van der Ende | 06/02/2015 at 10:56 PM
Colt - not all of them are announced yet. I will be having a write-up as soon as I can.
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 05/31/2015 at 01:42 PM
Thank you Larry. :-)
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 05/31/2015 at 01:42 PM
Hi Bo. Great review. I have been waiting for them to come out with something different in goggles and here it is.
Enjoy all your vids. Am just new in the hobby and my first fpv was on an android phone and yes field of view is small and there was a slight delay which made it a little difficult.
I see you enjoy opening up the mail and checking out the new products as much as I do. Keep em' coming.
Ken
Posted by: Ken Keenan, Barrie, Ont. Can | 05/30/2015 at 06:14 PM
Bo Great review ,once again.
Posted by: Larry burbidge | 05/30/2015 at 05:29 PM
Bo...
What are the 3 other systems coming down the pipe?
Posted by: Colt West | 05/30/2015 at 09:29 AM
Hej Jacob,
The best possible quality is plugging the cable from a inspire or a light-bridge into the HDMI port. and YES there are at least 3 other systems on the way that will be delivering 720p or better, (including one from Denmark) the problem is not the HD, but the amount of lag you can accept, if you are flying high, lag is not really a issue, however flying proximity, lag is a big deal.
Use good antennas, a good video transmitter, I use the ImmersionRC 600mw, however lots of folks love the Boscam, the HeadPlay's have a build in RX, which really is quite good, no need to mess with it.
MVH fra Hollywood :-)
Bo
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 05/27/2015 at 11:03 PM
Hi Bo - (En hilsen fra København:-)
I am looking forward to these Headplay HD - I'm just wondering what kind of camera is best for getting the most out of the Headplays?. CCD vs CMOS ? What about the Vtx & Vrx ? Could you recommend anything above average, if I was to spend a bit more on this ?
And as the video guru you are - when do you think, we will see some better quality camera/transmitting (HD?) for Quad racing drones, so the HP FPV would come to its full potential ? I mean why even make these in a HD resolution? It is like buying a UHD watching DVD content on it (I guess:-)
Thanks for all you reviews
/Jacob, CPH
Posted by: Jacob | 05/27/2015 at 04:27 PM
Hey James, The HeadPlays work with anything that will give you a video signal, analog or HDMI
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 05/27/2015 at 04:17 PM
How do they work with a flir?
Posted by: James S. | 05/27/2015 at 04:10 PM
Hey Tor, the HeadPlays are a fairly good fit with glasses, just a FYI, you can also put diopters in the FatShark goggles :-) I have -4 in both sides of mine. (for near-sighted)
That said, the 720p screen on the HeadPlay is awesome with the Inspire.. and the size of the image is seductive.
My biggest issue is that for me the fit on the forehead is not as good as I could hope and it get somewhat uncomfortable after a while.
Posted by: Bo Lorentzen | 05/27/2015 at 10:18 AM
Great review, Bo! And it answered my question about whether it is possible to use glasses inside it! I have to rely on +2 reading glasses when looking at screens and such. I already own a pair of Zeiss Cimemizers and there you can conveniently adjust the lens of each eye individually. I have to say though that I still miss the real feeling of immersion with those and it looks like the Headplay unit just might be the ticket. Also, the Cinemizer has this non removable cable attached with the controlbox with HDMI input. I think this is a hassle. With Headplay you only have a HDMI cable between the unit and my quad (yes, I am using an Inspire 1) and you get to chose a length which is comfortable. Besides, you can have several batteries to extend playtime!!!
Posted by: Tor Lindberg | 05/27/2015 at 06:45 AM
This is amazing. I can't wait to get my sample unit. Also, we will be representing them on our site CarolinaDronz.com.
Great review Bo
Posted by: Frank | 05/26/2015 at 06:51 PM