Description
Virtual Research FS5i Head-Mounted Display HMD Monitor VGA RS170 RGB Stereo
The Virtual Research FS5i is a dedicated video processing and signal distribution unit designed to drive head-mounted display (HMD) systems requiring stereo left/right eye video feeds. It accepts both analog composite and VGA/RS170 RGB video sources and outputs properly formatted signals to an HMD headset, while also providing a pass-through monitor output for a standard display. The unit was manufactured by Virtual Research Systems of Santa Clara, California — a pioneer in commercial virtual reality headset hardware during the 1990s.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: Virtual Research FS5i
- Manufacturer: Virtual Research, 2326 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051
- Manufacture Date: October 1996
- Country of Manufacture: USA (CE marked)
- Form Factor: Desktop/tabletop enclosure
- BNC Video Inputs: Right Eye and Left Eye/Mono — 180 Hz Interlaced Field Sequential Color
- VGA/RGB Video Inputs: Right Eye and Left Eye/Mono — 60 Hz VGA or RS170 RGB (HD-15 connectors)
- Audio Input: 3.5mm stereo audio jack
- Monitor Output: HD-15 (VGA-style) pass-through output for external monitor
- Front panel controls: Power button, SYNC indicator (red LED), input selector switch, output selector switch
- Rear panel: BNC inputs, dual HD-15 VGA inputs, audio jack, monitor output HD-15, IEC AC power inlet, cooling fan
- Item ships as monitor/processor unit only — no HMD headset, cables, or accessories included
Applications
The FS5i was part of Virtual Research Systems' line of VR display hardware developed for commercial, research, and simulation applications during the mid-1990s — a period when head-mounted displays were moving from laboratory curiosities into use in engineering simulation, military training, medical visualization, and location-based entertainment. The unit's support for both 60 Hz VGA/RS170 RGB and 180 Hz interlaced field sequential color allowed it to work with a range of contemporary VR graphics workstations and dual-channel graphics cards that output separate left- and right-eye video streams. Virtual Research was known for HMD models including the VR4, VR6, VR8, and FlightHelmet series, and supporting hardware like the FS5i provided the signal processing bridge between a graphics system and the optics/display panels in the headset. Today these units are sought by VR collectors, historians of early commercial VR technology, museums, and researchers maintaining legacy simulation systems from that era.
This Virtual Research FS5i Head-Mounted Display monitor has been visually inspected and photographed. It has not been powered up or tested at our facility, but it was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. The chassis and panels are in good cosmetic shape with minor wear consistent with normal use. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Virtual Research |
Model: |
FS5i |
MPN: |
FS5i |
Type: |
Head-Mounted Display Monitor / VR Video Processor |
SKU: |
20771 |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Manufacture Date: |
October 1996 |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / Tabletop Unit |
Video Input - Right Eye: |
BNC (180 Hz Interlaced Field Sequential Color) |
Video Input - Left Eye / Mono: |
BNC (180 Hz Interlaced Field Sequential Color) |
Video Input - Right Eye (VGA): |
HD-15 VGA / RS170 RGB |
Video Input - Left Eye / Mono (VGA): |
HD-15 VGA / RS170 RGB |
Audio Input: |
3.5mm audio input jack |
Video Output: |
HD-15 Monitor Output |
Input Standards: |
180 Hz Interlaced Field Sequential Color; 60 Hz VGA or RS170 RGB |
Seller Notes: |
Monitor unit only — no HMD headset, cables, or accessories included. |
Compatible With: |
Virtual Research VR head-mounted display systems |
Condition Notes: |
This Virtual Research FS5i HMD monitor has been visually inspected. Not powered or tested at our facility; pulled from a working environment. Good cosmetic condition with minor wear. Please contact us with any questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
