Goovis G3 Max head-mounted display.
I already reviewed a previous Goovis model in one of the videos on this channel, and basically, Goovis makes HMDs (head-mounted displays) capable of displaying stereoscopic 3D images. However, these are not VR headsets. In a VR headset, the image usually covers most of your field of view, meaning you can see something even from the side of your eye. Most VR headsets are also capable of tracking your motion, so when you move your head, the image changes accordingly.
A head-mounted display, on the other hand, is simply a display mounted to your head. Looking through such goggles gives you the illusion of viewing a big screen from several meters away. You can still see the edges of the screen and the blackness around it, and the headset does not track your motion—the image stays in front of you no matter how you move your head. Both VR headsets and HMDs can display stereoscopic 3D images with depth and pop-outs, but this is their only similarity.
This is the newest model, the Goovis G3 Max, and since I already reviewed the Goovis Light, I will mainly compare these two headsets, pointing out their differences and assessing whether Goovis has improved on the pain points I mentioned in my review of the previous model.
Design and Comfort
The head-mounted display is a somewhat delicate optical device and comes in a nice hard-shell carrying case. My package also included a streaming player model D4, which comes with a power bank. The previous model, Light, came with a Miracast module and the same power bank, allowing you to use the device on the go. These dongles are specifically designed to power Goovis headsets and are a very nice addition to the HMD itself.
The headset consists of two main parts: the goggles and the strap. Unlike the previous model, in this G3 model, the strap is detachable. A special release button on the goggles allows you to remove the strap altogether. This is a convenient option since this is not a VR headset, and the user is not supposed to move around much. You can remove the strap, lie down on your couch, bed, or pillow, and just put the goggles on your face without using the strap. However, if you choose to use the strap, it is very comfortable.
Most Goovis headsets, including this one, feature a flip-on design similar to night vision goggles. The only thing in contact with your head is the strap, which has thick padding to reduce pressure on your forehead. There are also smaller pads to secure the headset on top of your head, but the goggles themselves do not touch your face. This means you can flip them up when not in use and flip them down when you need them. The lack of direct contact prevents discomfort, dermatitis, and sweat buildup.
Display and Optics
The lenses in the G3 Max are larger and significantly improved compared to the Light model. They are proper lenses (not concentric ones), providing a sharp and distortion-free image even at the edges. The headset includes two adjustments for achieving focus: inter-pupillary distance (IPD) and eyesight correction. The IPD adjustment is done using two separate sliders. The eyesight correction is a unique feature—each side of the device has a knob that allows you to fine-tune the focus for each eye individually. This adjustment setting is displayed on the screen inside the device, making it convenient for users with different eyesight needs.
Above the lenses, the headset has two stereo speakers. While they don’t sound particularly great, they are useful for basic audio needs. Additionally, the headset features a 3.5mm audio output for connecting external headphones.
The G3 Max is heavier than the Light model, weighing around 350g (without the strap), compared to the Light’s 260g. This added weight is due to the better lenses and built-in speakers. However, since the goggles do not directly touch your face, the extra weight is not too noticeable.
Connectivity and Controls
The G3 Max comes with a USB-C port for video input. However, despite using a USB-C connector, the goggles do not function as a USB device. Plugging them directly into a computer’s USB-C port will not work and could potentially damage the device. The headset actually uses an HDMI connection with a special adapter that combines HDMI input with USB power. This means you must connect the headset to an HDMI source, such as a Blu-ray player, PC, or streaming device.
The included D4 streaming player, powered by an Amlogic chipset, runs Android TV 11 and comes with a remote control. The remote has voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, and quick access buttons for streaming services. Since it runs Android TV, users can install additional apps from the Google Play Store.
Display Performance
The Goovis G3 Max features two micro-OLED displays, one for each eye. These displays are manufactured by SeeYA, a Chinese company specializing in micro-OLED technology. The resolution is 2560 x 1440 per eye, with a 60Hz refresh rate. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast.
One notable feature is the ability to switch between two screen sizes inside the goggles by holding the volume up button. This allows users to adjust the virtual screen size for different viewing preferences.
Unlike VR headsets, where each eye looks at a single screen, the G3 Max uses two separate displays. This setup eliminates the “screen door effect” and results in a much sharper image. Additionally, the OLED panels have extremely fast pixel response times, reducing motion blur.
Stereoscopic 3D
The main advantage of the Goovis G3 Max over the Light model is its ability to display full-resolution Blu-ray 3D content. The previous model only supported side-by-side 3D, which halves the horizontal resolution. The G3 Max, however, supports frame-packed Blu-ray 3D, allowing for full 1080p 3D playback.
Testing this feature was somewhat challenging since modern Nvidia graphics cards no longer support 3D Vision. However, using an older version of CyberLink PowerDVD, I was able to successfully play Blu-ray 3D content on my PC. The result was excellent—the full-resolution stereoscopic image was clear, sharp, and immersive.
Final Thoughts
The Goovis G3 Max is a significant upgrade over the previous Light model. It improves on ergonomics, display quality, connectivity, and 3D capabilities. If you’re looking for an HMD specifically for watching stereoscopic 3D content, this is one of the best options available.
While VR headsets offer a more immersive experience for gaming, the Goovis G3 Max excels at displaying high-quality 3D movies. The dual OLED screens, built-in eyesight adjustment, and comfortable fit make it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts. If you’re in the market for a high-end HMD for 3D movie viewing, the Goovis G3 Max is definitely worth considering.