Questions on active raster area, dot pitch, switching speed, color levels, video formats, required graphics card, stereo update rate, stereo synch, tracker installation, relation to PLM series products, delivery time, battery
What is the active raster area of the device?
raster area = 14.21mm x 10.61mm
What is the dot pitch of the device?
pitch = 14.21mm/2496 dots x 10.61mm/624 dots
What is the LCD switching speed (lag)?
ton = 14ms typical 40ms max.
toff = 35ms typical 70ms max.
at 25 degrees C
How many levels per color does the display provide?
8 bits per color = 24 bits full color
What video formats are supported?
See the table of video formats.
What graphics card is required to drive the stereo mode of the LDI-D100?
Updated. Any graphics card can be used. The eyepoint position must be switched in software between the left and right eye for each frame. There is provision for an electronic signal to tell the HMD which frame corresponds to which eye, but you do not have to use it. If the signal is not used, when the display is turned on there is a 50-50 chance the eye assignment will be correct. If possible, a keyboard command should be implemented in software to repeat an eyepoint rather than toggling the eyepoint; that will have the effect of interchanging the frames. Alternatively, the HMD could be unplugged and replugged until the correct match is achieved by chance. Details of the stereo hook up are provided on a separate page.
How do I connect and synch the or stereo unit LDI-D100B?
At present, there is no manual available that explains the stereo features of the LDI-D100B or LDI-D100BE. Sony promises to post it on the web at www.sony.co.jp/ISP when it is ready. Until then, they have provided a short description of the connection and sync.
Why doesn't the LDI-D100 flicker in stereo mode? Shouldn't it require 120 Hz update?
First, the comforting fact is that it does not require 120 Hz updating, regardless of what one's theory predicts. Most probably, the reason is that each image is latched in the display until a new image overwrites it.
Can we install a tracker in this HMD? If yes, which one is it and how much does it cost?
Yes, a tracker can be installed. We charge $35 to install a tracker mount on any Sony headset that we sell. Specify the type of tracker mount you need: InterSense, Polhemus, Ascension, or Origin Instruments. We currently are not selling the trackers themselves.
What is the difference between Sony PLM-700 products and Sony LDI-100 products?
Updated.
The units have identical electronics and specifications,
however the LDI-100 comes with fewer cables, adapters, and warning messages
as indicated in the table below.
| LDI-100B | PLM-S700 | |
| Sony logo | No | Yes |
| Color | Black | Gray |
| S-Video cable | Not supplied | Supplied |
| Audio cable | Not supplied | Supplied |
| RGB cable | Not supplied | Supplied |
| Adapter for Mac | Not supplied | Supplied |
| Carrying case | Not supplied | Supplied |
| Operating instructions | Not included [1] | Included |
| Opening warnings [2] | Removed | Yes |
[1] CGSD includes a photocopy of the operating
instructions, even though
they are currently not included by Sony.
[2] When the unit is powered up, the S700
always starts with warnings and
notes that you have to go through before you
can use the display.
This is because it is targeted for a consumer
end user.
For the LDI series, Sony removed that feature
as unnecessary.
How long does it take for delivery of each of types of Sony HMD?
We can usually provide LDI-100B units for overnight delivery. Beyond that, we wish we could provide a straight answer, but Sony's distribution system is unpredictable. Call Larry Adams at 650-903-4924 or e-mail ladams@cgsd.com with the part number of the display you are seeking and he will inquire as to the current delivery times.
What types of batteries are used in the B units? How long do they last? Where can they be purchased?
It is a camcorder battery pack, but not the most common type.
The recommended battery pack types are NP-F550 (1 hr), NP-F750 (2 hrs),
NP-F950 (3 hrs), with the expected run time in PC mode. Battery life is
approximately 20% less in video mode. Sony also lists types NP-500/510/710/
F530/F730/F930 as being compatible. We are currently trying to find a source
for the batteries. You might check the Battery
Barn or look at the Sony
site for a dealer.