The whole reason I went with the GOOVIS Lite (HL01) is because I wanted a simple and easy video monitoring headset and this one is exactly what I hoped for.
My use is maybe a bit different than most. As a filmmaker I’ve used the headset to monitor camera feeds live on-location when “video village” isn’t an option. The Goovis allows me to see the video clearly in high resolution (something smaller playback monitors don’t offer) and makes the blinding sunlight a non-issue. The camera was recording 4K anamorphic (5447x2160) and the Goovis played it back clearly. The individual lens focusing allowed me to calibrate the image to match my vision (usually need glasses to see this closely). The only drawback was the Goovis Lite only plays back at 59.94 fps. Fortunately this wasn’t an issue since the entire shoot was in slow-mo so I just captured the footage at that frame rate. For future productions I’ll have to upgrade to the Goovis Pro to use variable frame rates.
Additionally, I recently had a cross-country flight after a video job and used the Goovis on the plane to go through footage and start the edit. Since plane seats are so cramped it’s hard to use a laptop in economy class (16” laptop can barely open) but with the Goovis it was like being back in my home editing suite. The only downside is trying to hit the right keys on the keyboard since I can’t see it with he headset on. Not Goovis’s fault, just something I need practice to get right. Also found my head in odd positions trying to "look around at the workspace" and would have to consciously reset my posture. But, again, this is more to do with me needed to get familiar with this work environment than with the device itself.
Over the weekend I rewatched the Jason Bourne trilogy and used the Goovis. It was a fun and immersive way to watch. The "shaky cam" in the film was a bit much for this viewing environment but I'm sure a more classically shot film would be fine. Felt the same way seeing them in the theater back in the day so if anything this is a compliment to Goovis, not a criticism. The headset is light and doesn’t get uncomfortable for a few hours. By the last film I did go back to the computer monitor but I’d say 4+ hours of wear before it started to bother me is impressive. Even most headphones become annoying after that much time!
I will be upgrading to the Goovis Pro for larger field of view and more frame rate options but for anyone looking for a simple and high-quality video playback headset this is the one to go with!