MyVu Made for iPod, solo edition

Reviewed by Wayne Lefevre

Introduction

The myvu is like a portable TV set that you can watch anywhere. OK, you might be asking yourself, why do I need one of these if I already have a video iPod? You might not want to advertise the fact that you have an iPod, though walking around looking like Jordy from Star Trek pretty much puts you into the geek category anyway. But it is a great way to watch a show, in a largish size screen, anywhere without distraction or causing distractions.

You can watch your favorite TV shows, music videos, podcasts and movies anytime, anywhere while enjoying a large TV viewing experience! The myvu Made for iPod® edition is ideal for viewing movies purchased from the new iTunes 7 and is compatible with 30GB, 60GB and the new 80GB Apple® iPods. Viewable in all lighting conditions, it provides a unique large TV viewing experience when watching downloaded entertainment. Unlike immersive headset systems that restrict natural vision, myvu eyewear allows you to also view your surroundings...perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Equipped with noise-reducing in-ear earbuds for stereo sound, the viewer has patented SolidOptex™ optical technology incorporated inside a unique eyewear frame to form a comfortable, compact design.

Getting Started

One would assume that you are going to be able to use the headset straight out of the box. Simply plug into your video iPod, put the headset on, place the earpieces in, and go to town. Of course, it wasn’t so easy for me! Unfortunately, when I got my headset, there was no instructional material in the box, and the website currently did not have any manuals to be had. I called customer support because the screen was very dark and the controls did not seem to be working. You see, the myvu comes with a control pad that has screen brightness, contrast, and volume controls. Handy if you don’t want to take your iPod out of your pocket. I got to service instantly, they apologized for not having the instruction manual out yet, and asked me to press down both volume up and down keys at the same time. This resets the screen, and everything worked fantastic from there.

The only other problem I had was my fault really. I couldn’t figure out why video wasn’t playing in my headset. Turns out I did not have the iPod set to TV out. A simple mistake, really, but not what I was planning on since I’ve never watched the iPod on a regular screen.

Using the Hardware

From then on, my wife thought I was a dork. Because it has these windows in the front that sit on either side of the screen, you can actually see what’s going on around you. A little hard to explain, I’m not sure if they use mirrors or what, but you can see what your doing. I wouldn’t ride a bike or drive with them on, of course, but I can walk around the house with them on, much to my wife’s chagrin.

What is odd, though, is when you move quickly, you can see the scan lines. Actually, let me back up a bit. Looking at the screen is like looking at a 27” 4:3 screen at around 5 feet away. You can’t really tell it’s interlaced unless you look quickly a certain way. Say you turn your head quick, you can see the interlace lines, then it becomes solid again. Not something I would stop using them for, however.

The screen is nice to look at in most lighting conditions, but I have to disagree with the company on this point. They say all lighting conditions, but I find I can’t see much in bright daylight. If I wear a hat or put up my hand to shade the myvu, then I can see enough to see what’s going on. When the light is at full noon and the sun is shining straight down, I’m sorry, but it’s like every other screen out there.

Conclusion

Overall I’m impressed with the myvu, though I would definitely want to spend the extra $80 on the optional myvu power pack. It’s a rechargeable battery offering up to 4 extra hours of viewing time, which is good, because without it watching one one–hour and forty–five minute movie will pretty much put your iPod in the red (at least our 30 Gig.)

The best part is being able to watch a video on your iPod without having to hold it up to your face to see it for a couple of hours. Just being able to do other things with your hands, like eat on an aircraft, watching what you want, drowning out the noise without cramping up your arms is just what this thing is made for. And for that, it’s a winner.