Head-mounted displays (HMD) for commercial use have application in a variety of fields: aviation, law enforcement, science, medicine, military, engineering, gaming and many others. But many uses exist for the everyday business, too, such as use for teleconference and other training. HMDs are not only fun, but also highly educational. Who doesn't want to escape to a virtual reality sometimes?

When purchasing a head mounted video display, surveys have shown that users put high value on education and training. What good does it do to purchase an HMD and then not know how to use it or get it to perform at its highest potential?

Consider the following for your training and education:

1. Head-mounted displays (HMD) education and training should include information on optical, mechanical and electronic requirements and components.

2. Often, education can come straight from the HMD manufacturers through manuals and other product information.

3. Learn more about the resolution on head mounted computer displays and how it can affect performance.

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Learn more about how head mounted displays work

If you're not a tech buff, you will need to find the technological information reduced in a way that you can comprehend the complex principles that make HMD units work. In a basic sense, magnification and focusing of images can create a 'virtual world' for the user. The HMD then allows you to interact with that world.

I recommend: Get the answers to your questions about head-mounted displays through NVIS. Read the abstract of the article "Head mounted display (HMD) commercialized product practice research" and then sign in to read the full text at IEEE.

Compare head mounted TV displays product information

With so many different models to choose from, you must do the necessary research. You must have a clear understanding of your needs so that you can find features to maximize your investment. Once you find models with the desired features, then you can compare information side by side to make the right choice.

I recommend: Browse the product information available through i-O Display Systems. A comprehensive review of several different HMD devices is offered by a University of Toronto professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Receive training on how to use head mounted video displays

Many people learn through hands-on application. In other words, they learn by doing. The best way to accomplish this is to try out the HMD and see how it works. Questions will surely arise and you can learn how to adapt and use the unit properly. Many training companies exist to help you accomplish the task of HMD training.

I recommend: Check out the University of Southern California videos of "Steve," the virtual reality trainer. Carnegie Mellon University offers more than 500 hours of education in a virtual training environment.

Both the commercial uses for head mounted displays (HMD) and the refurbished HMDs used in gaming and entertainment are enough reason to justify the over-the-top marketing that has been swirling through the HMD market. In addition, there are certainly some beneficial uses other than recreation for HMDs, including medical head mounted displays for work in telerobotic surgery and psychological treatment of phobias. However, there are safety issues to keep in mind.

When working with near-to-eye displays, whether you are considering purchasing or selling HMDs, you need to consider the InterPupillary Distance (IPD) on your head mounted displays. For example, children will require a significantly lower IPD measurement for HMDs than will adults.

Consider these steps for adjusting your HMD:

1. Practice proper use of HMD. If you normally wear glasses, keep them on to allow your eyes to remain focused.

2. Adjust your HMD to rest against your forehead, not on your nose.

3. Adjust the lenses on your HMD to be parallel with your eyes (read your manual’s instructions for aligning the eye piece with your IPD). This is important for children because misalignment may cause visual impairment. Children should not wear the HMD for prolonged periods of time.

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Purchase a head mounted video display

Head mounted computer displays are available in quite a large variety, so you will want to know something about the product specifications you need before you invest in a head mounted video display or head mounted TV display.

I recommend: Purchase an Vuzix iWear VR920 from Ward's Gadgets that comes with an eye piece on a dual-action tilt and a hinge that moves forward and backward to adjust the distance of the eye piece from your eyes. For those VR enthusiasts who are more adventurous, try creating your own virtual reality environment with an HMD from Arcane Technologies.

Get superior resolution and a flicker-free HMD

Virtual home theater isn't a thing of the future. Just a click away from reality is a home theater HMD about which gadget enthusiasts are excited.

I recommend: Sit in your home and enjoy 3-D display of your favorite movies with one of i-Vue's head mounted TV display units. If you’re into gaming or the business of gaming, dive into a virtual reality with an eMagin Z800 3D Visor.

Use head mounted displays for training and safe practice

Some of the benefits of virtual reality are overlooked. The benefits of training people before they enter dangerous or hazardous jobs are enormous when using head mounted TV displays. Initial training done in VR wearing head mounted video displays can actually save lives by preventing real life disasters. Remember, it is OK to make a mistake in a VR test, but an error in real life hazardous work could be deadly to your employees.

I recommend: If you're in the business of dangerous excavations or hazardous materials management, you could benefit by utilizing Sensics' panoramic head mounted displays for plant operations, personnel training and hazardous environments. If an employee has developed a hazardous phobia that is interfering with their work, Virtual Reality Medical Center can help.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get informed about the benefits and risks of using HMD by keeping up-to-date with medical news and case studies.

Originally used in aviation, head-mounted displays now have numerous uses in business and industry, as well as entertainment and gaming. No matter what their use, many find head-mounted displays fun for interacting in virtual realities. And this technology also has educational applications for in-house training, such as teleconferences from a remote site.

When choosing a head-mounted display you'll want to think about how you plan to use the device and what functions would be most beneficial. It may also help you to know the following key terms.

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Virtual reality (VR), virtual environment (VE)

A virtual reality environment refers to the use of lifelike 3D images to create a simulated environment that the user feels a part of. A virtual environment is influenced by the user's interactions with it, including movement.

I recommend: Check out this tutorial about virtual reality environments from HowStuffWorks.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality takes shape when virtual and real worlds collide. Through an overlay system, technology can allow for some elements of both environments to come through to the user so that she or he still has control over real world objects in view.

I recommend: Learn more about augmented reality and its applications from the Augmented Reality Forum, a consortium of scientists and engineers working in this field.

Field of view (FOV)

Field of view refers to the full area that can be seen at any given time through the head-mounted display. Major consideration is given to field of view capabilities when testing and purchasing a head-mounted display system.

I recommend: Check out the diagram detailing field of view for a head-mounted display device from Inition.

Interpupillary distance (IPD)

Interpupillary distance pertains to the measurement between the user's eyes. This measurement varies for everyone and most head-mounted displays cannot be adjusted, which can cause distorted views and also poses a safety concern.

I recommend: Review this CyberEdge Information Services article detailing interpupillary distance and its implications for using a head-mounted display device.

Application programming interface

To achieve a virtual reality environment, programmers must use an application programming interface. This interface allows different software programs to interact with each other regardless of the software manufacturer to perform different functions.

I recommend: Computerworld explains more about how an application programming interface works.

Organic light emitting diode (OLED) display

Reflecting off organic compounds, an organic light emitting diode display is used in head-mounted displays because no back light is needed. This also helps cut down on the amount of energy used.

I recommend: Visit AbsoluteAstronomy.com for a definition, history and manufacturers of OLED displays, among other informational tidbits.

Head-mounted displays (HMD) pricing and costs run the gamut from a hundred dollars to millions of dollars depending on what type of displays one is dealing with. HMDs are used in so many fields that gamers can spend $99.99 and be set, but the US Military has spent millions to develop their displays worldwide.

There are different types of head mounted displays on the market. Narrow down what you expect out of your equipment before you begin to look. Bear in mind the following as you evaluate head-mounted displays (HMD) pricing and costs:

1. Determine if head mounted video displays would be better received monocularly.

2. Opt for a head mounted TV display in a sunglasses-type version.

3. Consider head mounted computer displays in 3-D.

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Select a one eye style HMD if your line of work calls for it

Monocular head-mounted displays are a valuable tool for those who need strategic information in real time-like the military, firefighters and law enforcement. This gear allows the person to still view the goings-on in the world around oneself, while still watching details like thermal imaging or maps being relayed over the lens of the HMD.

I recommend: TekGear.com offers a few monocular options from Vuzix and Creative ranging from about $1,000-$5,000. The monoculars at Virtual Realities range more, extending from around $350-$7,600.

Watch what you want when you want with a head mounted video display

The advantages of head mounted TV displays are portable training by a DVD or other means. Or you can conference through your computer. Time in an airport or airplane no longer has to be wasted, but spent practically.

I recommend: Myvu looks cool and starts their standard edition, the Solo Plus, at less than $100, and ends with the Crystal All-In-One at about $350. Any of the 22Moo eyewear works flawlessly with your iPod, iPhone and other Apple gadgetry and computers.

Put on the HMD goggles and check out the world

3-D has found a niche in HMD for commercial uses, from gaming to medicine. Surgeons find medical head mounted displays save lives, time and money by allowing their eyes to do the work their bodies don't have to. Businesses and governments have found the simulations remarkable. Gamers and film makers simply just love the experience.

I recommend: WorldViz offers a selection of licensing, support, programming, graphics design and manuals, from about $15-$13,200. i-O Display Systems has a 3-D system for $2,499.00. They also have a link to check if you have all the system requirements, plus they offer other head mounted video display equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember HMD manufacturers prefer the goggle style for a reason, comfort; they aren't a fashion statement. The head mounted display is typically goggle-shaped because it wraps around the head safely and it stays far enough, yet close enough, to the eye for the information relayed to be safe.