The AR / VR / Media Lab
The Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Media Lab contains some of the most cutting-edge head-mounted displays available today. Residents of The Garage have access to the technology for the development of VR and AR software, and the Lab also functions as a photography and videography studio.
Staffed Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Equipment
Canon XA10 Video Camera
The VR/AR Lab has a photography and videography setup complete with a green screen and flooring, adjustable lights, and recording equipment. This includes the Canon XA10 camcorder, Rode shotgun mic, 360fly 4K camera, Manfrotto tripod, and more.
DJI Drones
Having the ability to move a camera through the air opens up many new possibilities for video production. At The Garage, we have a small fleet of drones from DJI, a mainstay in the drone industry. These drones cover the gambit from beginner drones to the most advanced they offer. These include the DJI Mavic Air 2, DJI Mavic 3, and the DJI Avata.
DJI Ronin RS3
The DJI Ronin RS3 is a stabilized camera gimbal unit which can hold almost any handheld camera, from your phone all the way up to one of our DSLR Cameras. When holding the RS3, the mounted camera remains absolutely still relative to any movements the camera operator makes, creating a perfectly stabilized video.
GoPro Hero 10
Having a more versatile camera makes many things possible in video production. Our GoPro Hero 10 makes it possible to easily film timelapses, slow motion, and dynamic video in a variety of situations. Our Hero 10 has a vast array of mounting hardware, letting you film from a unique angle not possible with other cameras.
Magic Leap One
The Magic Leap One is a standalone mixed reality headset that displays holograms on a transparent display. It offers several unique = features compared to HoloLens, including a larger field of view, two visual focus planes, eye tracking, and a positionally tracked controller. Like the HoloLens, it can map its environment, allowing for the interaction of real-world and virtual objects. Experiences are available through Magic Leap’s Lumin OS.
Microsoft HoloLens
HoloLens is a Windows Mixed Reality headset that can map its environment to allow for realistic interaction of holograms with the real world. It is a completely wireless and self-contained computer headset that runs Windows 10. It displays holograms on a transparent display and is controlled through voice and hand gestures. We have many holographic apps developed specifically for HoloLens available through the Microsoft Store.
Miniature Podcasting Kit
Our miniature podcasting kit contains the Zoom H6 portable recorder, two swappable microphones, and a convenient case for taking the kit on-the-go.
Mini Photo Booth and Ring Light
Gathering high-quality promotional images of products can be a struggle. With our Mini Photo booth, it’s possible to get professional photos of any small object in an evenly lit environment. We also have a variety of lighting solutions, including a Ring Light which will let users develop their own professional photos and videos.
Mortal Kombat II
Our 1993 Mortal Kombat II arcade cabinet was rescued in nonworking condition from a dumpster, fully restored at The Garage, and retrofitted to play hundreds of classic arcade games in addition to Mortal Kombat II.
Oculus Quest 1
The Oculus Quest 1 is a standalone VR headset that offers full positional tracking, including for its two hand controllers, without the need for a PC. Since it doesn’t rely on a tethered computer or external sensors, it offers the largest tracking space out of any headset at The Garage, enabled by inside-out tracking. It is slightly lower resolution and refresh rate than the other headsets at The Garage, but still works very well. It can play many of the latest VR games through the Oculus Store as well as being able to wirelessly connect to a PC to play SteamVR games.
Oculus Quest 2
Like the Quest 1, the Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset that offers full positional tracking, including for its two hand controllers, without the need for a PC. Compared to the Quest 1, it has significantly higher resolution and refresh rate, making it competitive with some of the best headsets currently available. It can play many of the latest VR games through the Oculus Store as well as being able to wirelessly connect to a PC to play SteamVR games.
Podcasting Kit
Our podcasting kit has all the professional equipment needed for high-quality podcast recording. It includes the RØDECaster Pro, an all-in-one setup with four microphone channels, programmable soundboard, SD recording, and Bluetooth connection for making calls with your phone. Four microphones and headphones complete the kit, housed in a portable case.
Ricoh THETA V 360 4K Spherical VR Camera
The THETA V features two 12MP sensors and a twin-lens optical system that captures two wide-angle images and automatically stitches them into one complete spherical image.
Sony A7sIII Camera
The Sony A7sIII is one of our newest cameras, capable of shooting professional looking videos in 4K resolution, as well as producing outstanding still photography. When paired with one of our many different microphones, the Sony A7sIII is a very capable camera for use in interviews, product demos, presentation recordings, and much more!
Valve Index
Always striving to stay at the forefront of VR consumer technology, we’ve upgraded our PCVR offerings to meet the new industry standard. We currently have a Valve Index VR headset available to try out in our space. This headset, along with the gaming PC it is tethered to, is capable of playing the most advanced VR titles currently available, and comes paired with the industry leading Index controllers, allowing greater control and immersion in those experiences. All on campus are welcome to come in and try out some of the great experiences that are possible in VR!
Questions?
Email us at thegarage@northwestern.edu