Addressing some mis-information

06/05/2012

85 Comments

 
Thank you for letting us know where the online conversations are regarding the ST1080.

We looked through a couple of discussion boards, and we found some mis-information that I wanted to address:

  1. "Deleting commenter's review" -- We have not deleted any commenter on our blog. We did ban one commenter because of multiple complaints by others and the nature of his comments prior to the time we began shipping. We respect and appreciate honest, and constructive comments on our blog and User's Forum. Our policy is to allow all comments except when there are multiple complaints by others and the nature of the comments is offensive.
  2. "Practically everyone is reporting the same issues" -- We've shipped over a thousand units, and we've tracked 7 customers who have contacted us regarding any problems. We have one return, and possibly three more (we're working to resolve the issues before a refund, per our RMA process). There are also some customers who have not received their unit yet and have emailed us to express their concern about some comments on our blog and elsewhere. We acknowledge that the issues are real and that the customers' experiences are real. We are working on the issues as they are reported to us. Unfortunately, searching the web for quality control and customer complain issues is not a repeatable or scalable process, so we are asking all customers to contact us if they are experiencing issues with their ST1080. We encourage any customer experiencing problems or dissatisfaction to contact our technical support (techsupport@SiliconMicroDisplay.com) or our customer support (support@SiliconMicroDisplay.com).
  3. Dead pixel -- Our pixel pitch is 8.5um, so one or two dead pixels will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to see. There may be scattering from our prism sheet or dust, but dead pixels are unlikely to be the issue. Additionally, unlike HDTV or desktop monitors where dead pixels appear as pixels that are turned on, the LCoS technology is such that dead pixels are dark so it will be even more difficult to see. In our past, we've supplied rear projection TV components at high volume to LG electronics under their very stringent quality specifications, including the number of dead pixels. We feel confident that dead pixels are an unlikely culprit.


We are noticing on other forum websites that as one or few customers post a comment about their experience with the ST1080, many others who don't have a unit are jumping to conclusions and making extreme statements -- throwing the baby out with the bathwater, if you will. We have been open and honest with you, and in that context, we hope you will engage with and help us. We are listening to you and adjusting our product to make it even better.

We can't address every issue that someone posted on another website, so we hope that customers and potential customers will contact us directly with their problems in this blog, the User's Forum, or via email.

Sincerely,

Paul Jin
 


Comments

Dan
06/05/2012 10:41

ok guys here is the thing .. 799 dollars is way too much to spend on a maybe considering you also charge a restocking fee..per return if I am not mistaken .. I need this device for gaming only .. means needs to be rich in color immersion 3d quality and effect .. if the st1080 can't cut it .. me personally I have no use for such a device .. I preordered only on the bases that it would supersede HMZ T1 where gaming is concerned, however if that is not so, I would rather give that money to Sony

thank you

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Paul Jin
06/05/2012 10:47

Dan -- I understand what you are saying. I personally believe the gaming experience is better on the ST1080, but that's not a third-party opinion so I get that.

If the return policy is a concern, and if you have the problem once you're tried it, then contact me and we can easily resolve it.

Thanks.

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Dan
06/05/2012 10:55

Paul I have already contacted you regarding cancelation and decided to go with the HMZ T1 I need something that I will be use straight out of the box without having to download scaling firmwares and updates .. I am sure that many people here find this device to be more appealing ..however in my case it seems to lack everything that i need it to have.. according to multiple reviews .. thats why I needed to find out the specks before hand as I have stated numerous times I will not be using this for book reading or web surfing or playing apps on my iPad and portability for me is not an issue .. I need immersion ..for that there should be no light or space in between ..

thank you ..

Paul Jin
06/05/2012 11:01

Dan -- If we haven't already responded to your request, please contact us again at sales@siliconmicrodisplay.com. I will personally make sure to handle your case. Thanks.

Dan
06/05/2012 10:47

I also understand this is a businesses and you are a small company and as such trying to market the product to the best of your ability ..these reviews I have read lately .. were truly disheartening and I just don't have to throw around 800 dollars just like that .. so if I am spending that much cash I need to make triple sure that I am getting what I am paying for ..however .. this according to multiple reviews lacks immersion .. colors and black are worse than on the HMZ T1 3d effect and quality varries .. only thing is its portable and light in weight ..well unlike some people here I am not interested in taking this on the beach hooked up to an iPad .. i need this for CONSOLE AND PC 3D GAMING strictly and 3d movies as well.. where IMMERSION COLORS AD 3D QUALITY are most important...

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Paul Jin
06/05/2012 10:56

Dan -- There were also multiple customer reviews (posted on our blog) where they felt the experience was immersive and the image quality was great, to the point of vertigo, as I recall one reviewer's comments.

Perhaps you can ask those reviewers regarding your concerns as a way to get an actual customer opinion. I offer this because in this case, our response is not the one that will give you better confidence in your purchase.

And you're right, $799 for anyone is a lot of money, and we don't take that lightly. We're not in the business of ripping people off. We're in the business of pursing a technology that we are so passionate about, that we've made lots of personal sacrifices to see this thing through.

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Dan
06/05/2012 11:03

Paul thing is everyone says the same thing pretty much .. about the colors and blacks ..and the light that goes through the bottom and top ..this takes away immersion ..and I like to be fully engrossed into the gaming environment any distraction and it loses its purpose .. my only problem with HMZ T1 was that it was not comfortable everything else was simply amazing .. I just can't take a chance with this like that .. these are the primary factors for me ... full immersion .. 3d and colors equivalent to my HX 800 LED .. if this can't cut it then whats the point ?

thank you

bryan
06/05/2012 11:04

Coming from a previous HMZ owner - while the diplays on the HMZ are outstanding, the comfort issues and extremely small visual sweet spot did not allow me to use the HMZ in the use that I required (interactive PC gaming). Even after modding the unit to be entirely comfortable I was constantly having to readjust the HMD to adjust the bluriness HMD due to the weight and small pupil exit. The HMZ is not a perfect solution - you might be dissapointed as I was... just a heads up...

Dan
06/05/2012 11:05

as for now I ask for you to cancel my preorder until further notice .. I have emailed my info

thank you

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Paul Jin
06/05/2012 11:27

Dan -- I just tried to email you, but the email address you provided bounced. Could you contact me at info@siliconmicrodisplay.com? Thanks.

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Dan
06/05/2012 11:08

Bryan I had the HMZ T1 prior to selling in in order to get this device ..now I don't think I have made the right choice .. personally playing crisis 2 in HMZ T1 in 3d felt as if I was actually there ..that's what I need from a VR gaming device ..as for the comfortability issue..I have ordered the Blazing 3d comfort pads .. so that should solve the comfort problem ..

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ravi
06/05/2012 11:30

i will withhold any snap judgements till i get the device myself, but damm smd just for your rapid responses i might just keep the device even if i get the defective one (really hope i dont get a defective one though!)

im no techie but this light bleed issue, is there no way for it to be fixed or reduced via a firmware update?

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Paul Fay
06/05/2012 13:57

Dan, I can understand your concerns about a new product. I am an owner of an HMZ T1 and use it every day. I had to mod it considerably which required my wife's sewing skills. Point is I wanted to return it at first I was so unhappy with it but persevered and now love it. I am awaiting delivery of my ST1080 (tomorrow fingers crossed) and I will be using it for portability to view films etc via IPad. We are getting this technology at a really base cost and we need to encourage companies like SMD who have entered into meaningful two way dialogue with their customers. I have been chatting with two colleagues who own units and absolutely love it for films and games. Once I receive mine I will post a full equivocal review, maybe you will change your mind once the knee jerk reviews have levelled out and we see more positive ones.

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walker
06/05/2012 13:59

Mr. Jin,

I canceled my order after some of the revelations came about, especially the picture with light bleed. I have owned the HMZ-t1 and while it was great he comfort led much to be desired. After your comments here I went ahead and ordered again today. I have faith in you and your company and I believe that a small few are making all the noise. I will be waiting for your product and when I get it will post my impressions, whatever they may be. I hope that the wait will not be too long. We need more rational posts and impressions so people may better form an opinion. I know his company is your life and you love it.

Sincerely,

Walker

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Paul Jin
06/05/2012 17:21

Walker -- Thank you.

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Dan
06/06/2012 09:14

Walker well if u can throw 799 bucks around here and there more power to u ... But this is business .. They are producing a product and charging almost 1000 dollars of it ... Who cares if it's portable or light weight ...performance is what's most important .... A least I know what I am getting with HMZ T1. A device th performs ....sure its not comfortable and that's mainly th reason why many people i
Returned it but it delivers on what's most important ... Image color quality and immersion...and black levels ... I really don't want to be playing a game in which red look pink and green looks lime ..just an example add unnecessary lighting to it ..and what do you get... I think the st1080 has got potential sure ... But every reviewer is experiencing he same sort of problem ..and I have no doubt in my mind that mr Jin is dedicated to this 100 percent .. But we are tallying about 800 bucks here ..at that rate there should be no scaling issues or light bleeding. Poor black levels washed up colors etc ... Every reviewer so far said that the colors and black levels are much better on the HMZ T1. So what's the point of 1080p resolution then ??

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XenapZ
06/07/2012 12:15


But why are you still writing here if you haven't even tried the product and canceled your order? Move on man and stop scaring away customers if the only thing you have to go on is other customers experiences. Its people like you who kill small companies. Like they said, they have shipped over 1000 units and there is like 10 reviews, people are more likely to give bad reviews than good ones so of course there the ones that goes up first. When you on the other hand keeps pointing to them and condemn the product without any personal experience of the product your just making it look like a bigger problem then what it actually is.

Dan
06/05/2012 16:51

I am sure the SMD will appeal to many people especially the ones that need portability in their VR device and are constantly on the go and for some lack of the right coloring and immersion may not be an issue, but for me it is, I need to be immersed into the environment I am gaming in.. for me the right resolution colors and immersion are most important in a VR gaming device... I was really anxiously awaiting for the st1080 but after what I have read .. about washed up colors and light bleeds and not being fully immersed in the gaming environment .. I decided to go back to Sony ..

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Dan
06/05/2012 17:54

Ok I have read some more reviews .. some people are actually comparing the st1080 to an IMAX ? ok this is what confuses me .. the reviews contradict one another ..one person is stating the light bleeding and poor coloring ..then others stating its like an IMAX I am really confused now .. can someone please make a valid comparison between the HMZ T1 and ST1080 .. meaning immersion 3d colors black levels etc ..come on guys really ..without any ..marketing bull...t if the st1080 like an imax then I will reorder it .. but too much contradiction how can it be an imax .. with poor colors and black levels .. and some claim poor 3d quality as well ..I don't get it...

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Paul Fay
06/05/2012 18:06

Dan, as I said I own HMZ and use it every day. I will do straight comparison as soon as it arrives and post on here.

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Dan
06/05/2012 18:12

Thank you Paul. And I would also like to comment on someone who recently wrote on here about the need to have more positive reviews, we don't need more positive reviews. What web do need however are Honest reviews...

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Paul Fay
06/05/2012 18:24

Dan, did you mean me? I didn't say we needed more positive reviews. I said you may change if you see more positive ones. With any new product inc HMZ there is usually great expectation then a reflex swing once early buyers realise it does not meet all their expectations. Usually this levels out once everyone realises ok it is not perfect but hell we are growing to love it. You will get an honest unbiased review from me you can sure of that.

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Dan
06/05/2012 18:32

Thank u Paul looking forward to reading your review of this device. My main concern is the 3d ..quality...immersion and colors...in gaming and movies

Thank you

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Keen
06/06/2012 05:12

Hi Mr Jin,

I have just written to your support guys regarding the bad viewing angle as well as the blurry focus and reflections in the optics. Apart from the generic "did you try the other nosepiece and headstrap' answer, there was no attempt to address my issue. Just to view the entire screen, the angle which I have to adjust the headset is bad enough that it is virtually impossible to me to wear the set even for a short period of time. This was with my contacts on and I do not even want to attempt it with my glasses. There were other issues which are detailed in my email but the underlying tone I am getting from your replies is that your support guys do not have a solution for the viewing angle issue and that I will have to live with it. I really want to support your company and products but this product is just not usable from my perspective. Since there does not seem to be a solution for my woes, I have no other choice but to return it. However when I wanted to return the set. I was slapped with another shocker. A hefty re-stocking fee of $125 in addition to the shipping costs $80 which I will have to bear for the return.

Now I am stuck in a dilemna. Keep it as an expensive $800 light blocker OR be out of pocket for another $205 just to get some of my money back.

Maybe its the canned response your support guys are supposed to quote for each complaint but I am in the service industry and this is not how you treat your customers if you are trying to build up your brand and customer base.

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Paul Jin
06/06/2012 10:19

Keen - First of all, please feel free to contact me at paul@SiliconMicroDisplay.com.

Secondly, as you can imagine, our tech support team has a process they follow to make sure that they've done everything to solve a customer issue before shipping it back and forth. It's in that spirit that they responded. If the tone was offensive, we of course apologize. Our goal is to resolve the customer's issue as thoroughly and as quickly as possible.

Thirdly, yesterday we did identify a manufacturing process variation that was causing the upper left and right corners to be out of focus. In fact, it wasn't just the corners but the upper half. Not every unit was affected, but we've already retrained our production personnel to avoid over-tightening the fasteners at the corners. We've also modified the dust-blocking gasket design so that it seats the imager (LCoS chip) correctly onto the opto-mechanical structure.

Please contact me at the email above and we can figure the best path to replace your unit.

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keen
06/06/2012 21:56

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your response and kind offer. I have been contacted by your support personnel and have replied with a copy to your email.

Please do not get me wrong, I do not find the response from your supprt team offensive. However, from the viewpoint of a first time pre-order customer who had placed their faith in your new product, it is very disheartening when the first reply they receive does not acknowledge their issues or even offer to have the set look at or repaired. Instead the underlying tone seem to be give an impression to live with the set or to return for a refund with a hefty re-stocking fee. I understand your response/evaluation process, but it would have been a much better customer experience if your team had just offered the 3 options in the first place. Without admitting to any defects, an offer to take a look at the set and have it repair if there was indeed a problem would have made the response much more palatable.

On anoter note, assuming the focusing and blurred top is fixed, I do hope that in future iteratins, you can incorporate some sort of angle adjustment on your glasses as my friends and family (a total of 10) have tried out the set and all of them do report the same difficulty in viewing the entire display. I don' t think that all their facial strucutres can be the same as mine.

Mnay thanks for taking the time to read through my lenghty note and adressing my comments.

Best regards

Keen

keen
06/06/2012 21:57

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your response and kind offer. I have been contacted by your support personnel and have replied with a copy to your email.

Please do not get me wrong, I do not find the response from your supprt team offensive. However, from the viewpoint of a first time pre-order customer who had placed their faith in your new product, it is very disheartening when the first reply they receive does not acknowledge their issues or even offer to have the set look at or repaired. Instead the underlying tone seem to be give an impression to live with the set or to return for a refund with a hefty re-stocking fee. I understand your response/evaluation process, but it would have been a much better customer experience if your team had just offered the 3 options in the first place. Without admitting to any defects, an offer to take a look at the set and have it repair if there was indeed a problem would have made the response much more palatable.

On anoter note, assuming the focusing and blurred top is fixed, I do hope that in future iteratins, you can incorporate some sort of angle adjustment on your glasses as my friends and family (a total of 10) have tried out the set and all of them do report the same difficulty in viewing the entire display. I don' t think that all their facial strucutres can be the same as mine.

Mnay thanks for taking the time to read through my lenghty note and adressing my comments.

Best regards

Keen

Janos audran
06/06/2012 06:19

@Dan
Myself i'm not looking for total immersion because of the negative effects this could have. I've heard that people are getting notious when using the HMZ, because your organs of equilibrium gets confused, the eyes says you're moving while ears says the opposite. Also being totally immersed and my girlfriend comes in and shakes me for attention, it could result in a cardiac arrest :). So for me the ST1080 could offer me the right amount of immersion and it should be better for neck and headaches cause of the weight. And i'm curious for the augmented reality development in the near future.Hopefully it arrives soon.

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Janos Audran
06/06/2012 06:34

I'm nauseous of course, english is not my language by birth

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Dan
06/06/2012 08:35

As I said previously to each is own. I prefer to choose quality over the ease of use..light or heavy is irrelevant to me. I just don't get it one person compares this to an IMAX and the other says the edges are blurry the colors are washed up... No such thing as an IMAX with washed up colors or poor black levels levels.. I don't think .. Lol. What's the point of heaving a 1080p resolution if you can't get the colors and black levels right ?

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Thegameveda link
06/06/2012 10:37

The fov , 3d immersion ,ease of use , time you can use the hmd, image resolution and most importantly optics are all superior to the hmzt1 . I have had 3 hmzt 1s over 5 months , and one had visible dead pixels , I could never get a replacement from Sony ,and that was Sony customer care ... so for me owning the st1080 has been a vastly superIor experience. Here I am conversing with a community and the company CEO , we need to get behind new companies or stop complaining when Apple,Sony and Microsoft own us. The question you need to ask is do you need this device , if you have a need say to take some time away from triple 30 inch LCDs and the heat they cook you with then great you will love the st1080 and maybe tolerate the pain of the hmzt1 . If you want iMax goto to your theatre , 720p limited console 3d then go for a cheap sony 3d tv ,but the ST1080 is something else ,something so versatile and open is not likely to come along again for a long time . I will say quality control is a must , I would have done a test release of just 1000 units and then took feedback from users for a major release but what do I know ,right I am off too watch some 3d movies , the 3d for which varies from film to film so Transformers ,Avatar ,John Carter , and would you believe Green Lantern are great whereas others like Tron are not. I am going to continue my crazed review as soon as I come down from my E32012 high

Dan
06/06/2012 08:44

I actually like the fact that while falling off the roof in Crysis 2 made me feel as if I was actually falling ..that's hat VR is all about Janos it's supposed to immerse you into the gaming atmosphere.. And make you isolated from the real world, otherwise what's the point ? Playing Skyrim in HMZ T1 was a bliss. Felt as I'd I was actually there...that's gaming in my opinion. Killzone 3 and Rsstence 3 was awesome as well.. Can this device pull the same weight as HMZ T1. Perhaps ..but these reviews ..wow.. Don't feel like taking a plunge on a what if...

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Dan
06/06/2012 08:38

I also read a review where it said that the FOV on this device is smaller than the one on HMZ .. Sorry guys but IMAX it ain't ...

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Thegameveda link
06/06/2012 10:11

Hi there is a numerical fov that people quote and there is a real field of clear view which with the ST1080 is far greater , the hmzt1 has a very small sweet spot outside this looking to the corners of a HUD in game and you will be lost.PC gaming is where the St1080 makes the hmzt1 look obsolete , Crysis 2 with high res textures in 1080p 3D , or Skyrim with 1080p Res is way beyond the 720p console fish eye lens experience of the hmzt1. If you want to experience immersion play a flight sim like Wings of Prey maxed out on pc and you will feel immersion as you fly over the cliffs of Dover taking on the Hun tally ho!

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mikey
06/06/2012 10:56

Hi thegameveda, any more thoughts on the st1080 with PC gaming?, does tridef work with it?, have you tried trine2 etc, thanks.

Dan
06/06/2012 13:42

thegameveda I doubt the validity of your reviews m8...but what you wrote contradicts with many other reviews ..some wrote that the pc gaming in 3d is in fact better in hmz t1 I guess the only way i'll know for sure is if i'll try it out .. but I just don't want to take that chance .. considering the 125 bucks restocking fee and shipping it back..curiousity kills me though .. which one of you is right or is it the matter of preference ?

Dan
06/06/2012 13:44

I don't doubt the validity of your reviews is what i meant to write ... damn iPad keyboard LOL :) in any case .. I wanna go with the best ..the best meaning .. colors 3d and most importantly immersion .. which one is it ???

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Dan
06/06/2012 13:49

can anyone else please verify thegameveda's review of the st1080 ..

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Dan
06/06/2012 13:52

the game veda ..what about the colors and the black levels 3d quality ..? damn u guys are driving me nuts LOL .. IF I see at least 5 reviewers stating the same as thegameveda I will reorder this device .. until then it's too much of a risk given the price as well as the restocking and shipping back fee ...

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Dan
06/06/2012 13:54

I still have a month to return the HMZ T1 for a full refund thanx to my Amazon prime account ..so ...anxiously awaiting the rest of the reviews ...

thanx

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Dan
06/06/2012 13:56

Paul Jin if I reorder this device lets say in a few week .. will I have to wait another 2 months to get it ?

thanx

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Dan
06/06/2012 14:04

since I currently have the HMZ T1 I can compare the two and decide which is better for me and send one of them back ..prefferably before my return window for the HMZ T1 closes

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Dan
06/06/2012 14:16

Paul only thing I ask is the you don't charge me the restocking fee .. there is no way I can currently afford two 800 dollar devices so one of them will surely be going back I only have a month to return the HMZ T1 so is it possible I get ..the st1080 within that period so I can compare them side by side without having to rely on reviews of others ?

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Dan
06/06/2012 14:21

I really like the fact that it is light weight and also 1080p resolution my main concern is the 3d gaming immersion colors etc .. if it will in fact supersede the HMZ T1 ..I will keep it ..but i need to make that comparison.. I don't have any eye problems I do in fact have 20/20 vision so it might be different for me than for someone who is wearing glasses ..but I need to make that comparison and i order to make it I will need this device ..I will reorder it if you can ship it to me before my moth return window for the HMZ T1 closes.. and not charge me a restocking fee of 125 bucks in case it does not fit me for whatever reason ..my main concern as I said is quality gaming ..

thanx

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Paul Fay
06/06/2012 14:25

Dan, you have made some very valid comments at times but I don't understand why you are having a public conversation with a CEO? Why do you not just ask him all these questions off forum? I have posted a further review btw. You are not Mr Nigam in disguise are you?

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Dan
06/06/2012 14:41

is it that obvious ?? LOL jk jk no I am just a gamer looking to know for which one of these VR devices would suit my needs better .. had no idea he was a CEO .. I guess I got carried away a bit there ...LOL I Actually wrote this prior to your review being posted ...

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mikey
06/06/2012 20:53

Ok guys, yann vernier has posted a 2nd review on his blog with comparision pictures between the st1080 and hmz t1 at
http://yann.vernier.se/2012/06/06/st1080-vs-hmz-t1-a-slightly-verifiable-account/#comment-44

Pics:
St1080
http://yann.vernier.se/files/2012/06/CIMG2906.jpg

Hmz
http://yann.vernier.se/?attachment_id=237

I am really heartened by these pics as i prefer the st1080 image and it shows at its best what the st1080 is capable of.
mr jin i strongly suggest you put more images or youtube of the st1080 playing hidef media to counteract any negativity from some reviews, preferably at the homepage.

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Dan
06/06/2012 21:57

Ok Mr Jin I have decided to give this the benefit of the doubt..and reordered just now ..PLEASE! do not make me regret this .. I really truly want this to be better than the HMZ T1... in all aspects .. try not to send me a defective unit :) you count on my review afterwards which I will gladly post after comparing the both devices side by side

thank you

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Scott
06/06/2012 22:13

I'm an owrner of the ST1080. Working with SMD tech support has been a very positive experience.

After reporting my issues to tech support, they have been timely and very forthcoming in their findings and have kept me in the loop as to steps they are taking to resolve manufacturing and quality control issues as outlined in Mr Yin's blogs.

I'm confident that SMD will make things right with those of us that have reported trouble. Have patience and give them some time. :)




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George
06/07/2012 00:33

I'm sorry what I'm about to say, I couldn't tolerate this no more...

Can someone please ban "Dan"? He's either bot or troll.

Dan, you either need to SHUT UP or buy the thing. Just please don't flood the comments section with your nonsense. We get it, you have doubts. So either SHUT UP and read more reviews before you make decision, on ORDER this thing and SHUT UP until you try it. But either way, SHUT THE HELL UP, please. JUST SHUT UP! Will ya?

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Dennis
06/07/2012 03:33

+1 haha

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Albert Choo
06/07/2012 04:00

+2. Good comment.

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Dan
06/07/2012 04:06

George u idiot red what I wrote I did reorder it .. Now please shut ur trap and mind ur business

Thank you

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Dan
06/07/2012 04:10

George and I will talk and ask questions as much as I damn please ...it's my money that I am spending and before I irk over that much cash for a device made by an unknown company imam on a get triple sure that I am getting my money's worth if u don't like it don't read dumb ass

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XenapZ
06/08/2012 21:50

+1

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Paul Fay
06/07/2012 02:11

Mikey, it is obvious some people have received units without the reported problems. I didn't and mine is almost unwatchable on black or dark scenes. It is consistency of quality that is required. Hopefully with the changes SMD are talking about whether or not customers get a perfect unit will not depend on pot luck.

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Gordon
06/07/2012 03:47

Hi George

Dan is not exactly a troll, just a person with severe mental issues.

He is well known for causing havoc in another forum creating multiple accounts (mtbs3d.com) and insulting forum members (worst insults i´ve ever read).

Multiple nicks: Mr. Nigam = Ancjob (avsforum.com) = Dan.

All I ask the administrators of this site is to check Mr. Nigan and Dan´s IP they will see that they are the same and country of origin India.

Sorry for my poor english, not my native language.

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Dan
06/07/2012 04:15

Dude are u insane ??? Before u go around making such accusations u better best make sure u know what the hell you are talking about. I am a New Yorker... U moron... And don't have an account on the website u listed....

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Dan
06/07/2012 04:33

And Gordon please show me where I insulted anyone on this foum ? My concern is srictly the quality of this device ..and I as I said before imam spending another 800 bucks on the unknown device I will bleed as mug information as I need ..l this is money to me nothing I have no need to insult anyone I m here strictly about the device as soon as I receive it I in fact the quality that I hope it to be I will be off this foum until then.... I will post as muh much as I damn please ...got it ??

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Paul Fay
06/07/2012 08:18

For God's sake let us all calm down.Yes Dan gets carried away but he just wants to make sure before he buys. Not everyone is in the lucky position to buy first. I will post my further thoughts about the product now I have had it for 24 hours once the forum is back up. I cannot seem to get in. Is everyone having same problem?

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mikey
06/07/2012 08:30

Hi paul, yep, forums seems down at the moment.

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Dan
06/07/2012 09:22

Thank you Paul its always nice to see a rational person on the forum .. I will just ignore these morons ...I am here for one purpose only and that purpose is to find out as much about this as possible. I have reordered the device so I can see for myself which suits me better the HMZ T1 or the st1080p I truly hope that the st1080 proves to be the better competitor ..as of now keeping my fingers crossed.

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Mike
06/07/2012 09:59

Came across this discussion of LCOS vs LED and OLED technology. Struck me as interesting what this man concludes about using reflective micro mirror (DLP) VS. reflective liquid crystal (LCOS). Could these fine nuances be contributing factors to the problems people are experiencing, RE: the seeming difficulty to calibrate the optics and achieve the desired focus/color.

Around 4.30 mark is talking more about LCOS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuyyEML2rlU&

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Paul Fay
06/07/2012 09:55

Only way really Danthen you can decide which suits you best. Today I decided to just use the ST1080 as I thought it was fairer. I had a slightly improved experience today mainly with using the ipad. The colours and contrast in films, music videos etc were very good and looked great in their native resolution (720). The upper part of the screen was blurred and this has been confirmed by SMD as a known fault. They are swapping my unit but will take 3-4 weeks. The bottom half of the screen was vibrant and I was impressed (remember I am going to use it almost exclusively portable) or will be when whole screen looks like that. I then tried again a variety of Blu Rays 2D and 3D this time using not PS3 but BD player. Slightly better results than yesterday with regard to colour but again the whole experience is distracting because of the light bleed and blurring. If these problems are largely resolved then I think we will be onto a winner and I respect the speedy way SMD have responded and told us what the problems are.

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El Fitz
06/07/2012 11:35

Well, anyway... I trust you guys, and I can't wait !
Did you start shipping to Europe ?

Have a nice day !

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Dan
06/08/2012 14:13

Paul Jin .. all of those problems that some people been having with the device is it fixable through firmware updates .. or does the device need a hardware upgrade ? when will more update downloads fixes become available ? as well as the scaling issue fix .. ?

thank you

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titousky link
06/08/2012 15:57

Dan, what are you gonna do next year when a new HMD will totally outmatch the HMZ-T1 and the ST1080 ?
A breakdown ?

Because it's gonna happen obviously.
So if you quibble for so little differences between the two of them,
I think maybe you should just wait and keep using your screen some times.
because any of them are perfect for your purpose nowadays.

But more and more company think about the HMD market so they will rapidly be better and cheaper as they will widespread.
Have you look at the prototype John Carmack just showed at E3? it's a very good omen.

The era of HMD is gonna come very soon, but for now it's a little too soon if you want something that you can like without craving for a new model far better just one year after spending $800.

I'm eager too, but I thing currently it's not worthy.

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Margu
06/08/2012 17:51

Exactly titousky. But I think you should point out the breakthrough the SMD is compared to the HMDs before more (maybe except the Sony). So for the future manufacturers it will be much easier as it is always easier to come in an existing consumer market than creating it first (from the technical view as well as from the economical view/risk). I observed the HMD-market for years now. The highest res you could get was 800x600 and even had to spend 1.500 bugs at least; and for better (professional) ones you would have had to spend thousands... (the reason why I didn´t bought one - and it was a good decision^^). Soo I think it´s a really great time (product) for us enthusiasts. Can´t wait to get mine !
For me the Sony is no alternative, as I wouldn´t spend 800(700) bugs nowadays for a device with a res less then 1920x1080 and an uncomfortable/non-portable design... (but that´s just my point of view!). I´m absolutely not worried about the "problems" which have been reported the last days, as I think they will be solved by an firmware-update.
PS. SMD: when are you shipping the March 21st orders (to Europe/Germany) ^^

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sn
06/08/2012 22:51

Dear Mr. Jin

In a rough approximation, how long would it takes to finish the redesign of st1080?
I do not expect reflective display become better than OLED in terms of contrast and clarity(I have a PSV and know how good OLED is). But I still think the reflective technology is fine. It should have a advantage to be more comfortable for eyes. If I remember correctly, some years ago there was a company even try to build a e-reader based on reflective LCD. Although it's not as good as e-ink, it's still more comfort than ordinary monitor according to report.
The lack of black level is OK. I think it actually makes eyes feel ease.(When I look at a bright monitor in dark room, it quickly become painful). But I expect the light shed on the screen uniformly.

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Paul Jin
06/10/2012 23:51

sn - It's tough to give you a time frame for a redesign. There are many technical and business reasons that drive the timing, so I would be doing you, our (potential) customer, and the SiliconMicroDisplay development team disservice by stating a time frame that is not well vetted.

Regarding contrast, you are right. However, clarity is a subjective descriptor, as is image quality. And image quality is made up of many factors including contrast, but also resolution, faithful color reproduction, pixel fill factor (image smoothness), and others.

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T.
06/09/2012 22:17

Mr. Jin,

What is the status on releasing the firmware update for scaling? Also the current firmware update that is available to download for "Persisting faint gray vertical line in the image is removed", if the ST1080 is ordered and shipped after the firmware update was released will the ST1080 already have the latest firmware updates installed or will we still have to download and install the firmware update ourselves. Same question regarding the proposed scaling update. If product is ordered after the scaling firmware is available will the ST1080 come with the firmware already updated and installed for scaling?

Thank you,

T.

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Paul Jin
06/10/2012 23:54

T. - Due to our recent production quality control and firmware effort, the scaling effort is delayed. We will provide more details as we have a more firm grip on the plan.

Regarding units built after the firmware upgrade was made available, yes, those units have the latest firmware so you won't have to update the unit again.

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Lee
06/09/2012 22:50

I sent my new address
but SMD not answer to me.

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Paul Jin
06/10/2012 23:55

Lee - Please email us your information again at info@SiliconMicrodisplay.com, just to make sure we have the right information.

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Paul Jin
06/13/2012 14:28

To all

Recently, the tone and interaction on this blog has become unproductive. We understand and appreciate the need for customers and potential customers to comment and to ask questions. We also understand and appreciate the need for other readers find useful information here without the discussion being dominated by a few individuals.

With respect and regret, we've deleted some of the offensive comments.

Also with all respect, I appeal to all of you to focus on productive interactions.

I am not saying that all comments have to be favorable to our company and products, because we respect the opinions of all and the right of all to comment. However, I am saying that we should be respectful of others -- meaning abstaining from personal attacks/retaliation, and meaning not dominating a company blog.

I want this blog and attendant comments to provide information to help people learn about our technology, products, and to ask constructive questions.

I don't want to moderate this blog and limit the freedom of what is being said.

So, with great respect to all of you, I kindly ask that you comply to these website use policies. The alternative is not appealing to anyone.

Sincerely,

Paul Jin
CEO
SiliconMicroDisplay

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brantlew
06/14/2012 18:19

Mr Jin,

Could you please post an update on the progress of the recent quality control audits and return to production. I have been following the progress of the shipments since day one and the last two weeks have been very quiet both in technical forums and on this blog. Has SMD returned to full production and if so, when do you expect to complete shipment of the pre-orders? A small progress update (negative or positive) will go a long way towards extending the patience of customers who have still not yet received their orders. Thank you.

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ravi
06/14/2012 19:33

i agree with brantlew, some sort of general update on whats going on with shipping would be nice.

also brantlew you could always contact sales about your order, they'ill give you a shipping estimate on when your unit has shipped out. (preordered on the 21st and they told me between tommorow and sometime next week they will be shipping out)


and if its any consolation, according to the forums (secondhand info) they are past the middle of march by now.

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Dan
06/14/2012 21:10

i should be receiving mine soon ...i thought about it and given the fact that st1080 is upgradable and as i understand and correct me if i am wrong mr Jin all we will need for future hardware upgrades will be to purchase the controller box and not the hmd itself makes the st108- the better choice over the hmz t1 so i am glad ive chosen the st 1080

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Ravi
06/14/2012 21:56

When did you preorder yours?

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Dan
06/14/2012 22:18

First on April 20th then cancelled ..then reordered again a few weeks later ..last time I inquired about my order status they said that it's due to be shipped out on the last week of June however did not say the exact day..

ravi
06/14/2012 22:21

its probably gonna be longer than that dan, because as far as we know they are still on like the middle of march in preorders. and those are expected to ship between tommorow and next week

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Dan
06/15/2012 05:11

I hope it won't that's why I am checking periodically for updates on my order status can't wait to finally get it...I've sent my hmz t1 back..so now I am eagerly awaiting this.

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Blaze
06/28/2012 18:06

I'd like to know why Silicon Micro ignores my emails for a refund for 2 defective units. Contacting any email with this company about a refund get's no reply, * hint hint*.. That goe's for you Paul as I contacted you as well.

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Ayyapillai link
07/04/2012 06:30

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Boris
01/17/2013 03:24

I Recieved mine just before christmas.
I am very disappointed becouse this device has a lot of improvement to be done. First of all, the colour of the LCD screen is flickering. Every time you close your eyes or move your head you can see a red blue green margin. Also the lens the use has no anti-glare layer so you twice the image, one on the lcd and one reflected on the lens. The others problems are not so important as some defect on the painting and blury contour...
I tried it twice, to see a movie and to play a game. I had a big pain in the head because of the flickering.
I waited 6 month to get this very expensive crappy device but the main problem is that they charge you 125 $ for opening the box and also you have to pay for the mail taxes as i am not an american customer. At the end, it costed me more than 400 $ only to have it one week and send it back. They told me that the reflection problem cannot be solved and thez coud try to solve the flickering problem (I don't know how). You can also notice that you cannot sell your product to someone else as they tell you the warrantie is only for the first customer.
So everybody : BE VERY CAREFULL BEFORE BUYING ANITHING FROM THEM.
what is also very weird is they tell you when you send your product back that it's a 0$ value for the US custom. I am not sure the US custom would be very happy to know that a product coming from corea is imported to the US without paying any taxes, Am I right ?

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