i-O Display Systems i-Theatre

Resembling the high-tech shades worn by the X-Men's Cyclops, i-O Display Systems' i-Theatre aims to bring the big-screen viewing experience to entertainment seekers on the go, whether they're sick of squinting at their iPod's display or want to block out their surroundings in coach class. While the headset offers mobile users private video screenings, the clunky nature of the i-Theatre-and the eye-strain that accompanies each viewing-keeps it from living up to its potential.
 
Weighing only 3.5 ounces, the i-Theatre is about as light as a standard pair of glasses, which makes it comfortable to wear in everyday situations, assuming you don't mind people pointing and laughing at you. A rubber guard is included for cushioning the bridge of the nose from the i-Theatre's hard plastic body, and the included cords make connecting the headset to an iPod or other portable video player simple.
 
After hooking up the i-Theatre to a video iPod, we were pleasantly surprised by the visuals when we played an episode of The Colbert Report. While video had a slightly pixelated look, we were impressed with the size of the image. We didn't think it was a true approximation of viewing a 50-foot display from 8.5 feet away, however, as the manufacturer claims. We liked the i-Theatre's housings for neatly holding the attached earbuds, but the buds themselves were uncomfortable to wear; we'd much prefer the option to use our own.
 
Our biggest gripes with the i-Theatre are its clunkiness and the amount of eye fatigue it causes. Although the i-Theatre is a mobile device, wearing the headset and toting both the power pack/video input box and an iPod is just plain cumbersome. The real killer, however, is the intense eye strain that comes from viewing the i-Theatre, even when limited to shorter sessions. It took only fifteen minutes of video watching for us to abandon the headset; we experienced the same sensation you get when you sit too close to a television.
 
While the i-Theatre isn't the most portable entertainment gadget, it may prove useful on long flights or when you don't want to disturb those around you. Just make sure to keep your viewings brief.  

 

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