VRX's triple-screen racing simulator uses Xbox 360 Elite

Man, talk about leaving the Home Pro Racing Simulator in the proverbial dust. VRX has introduced a swank new racing sim of its own designed with a Forza Motorsports 2 theme and a trio of 37-inch Sharp Aquos 1080p LCD TVs. The frame is constructed from CNC machined polished aluminum, and envelopes the gamer by curiously including just one Sparco seat along with four Xbox 360 Elites, four copies of Forza Motorsport 2, an Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on player, camera / wireless headset, a Zune, force feedback wheel, and surround sound as well. Sure, brush it off as overkill if you please, but those who are sick of draining quarters dollars at the arcade can contact the company to experience the presumed sticker shock for themselves.

[gibber9583 @ Jun 15th 2007 1:13PM]

What the hell is that above the center screen? That certainly is not a Zune...looks more like a PSP..hmm?

[michael @ Jun 15th 2007 1:21PM]

It's not a PSP. It's suppose to be a rear-view mirror screen. You know, to see the cars behind you. They even have such a screen for that.

I saw it on a on10 video about Forza 2 : http://on10.net/Blogs/tina/the-driver-behind-forza-2/
It says so in the video.

It's really awesome. I love this set-up. It rocks!

[gibber9583 @ Jun 15th 2007 4:50PM]

ah yes, you are correct. That is what the 4th elite is for. Cool. Thanks

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jun 15th 2007 1:19PM]

I was thinking the same thing, a PSP up above?

I have one question though. Doesn't the game allow you to use triple screens without the use of 3 other Xbox 360's? Because it wouldn't make sense to see the three of the same screens.

[TheScantronman @ Jun 15th 2007 1:20PM]

It's a 7 inch mobile LCD screen. If you click on the link it tells you what all is inside.

What I still don't understand is how they get a continuous image across the three screens? I realize there are 4 Elite 360's in the setup, but how do they get it to scale the image like that?

[Peter Carey @ Jun 15th 2007 1:37PM]

I don't have Forza 2 but I would guess that you just use ethernet cables to create a system link-like setup. The game takes care of the rest.

[Matt @ Jun 15th 2007 2:33PM]

Forza allows you to set up multiple screens, but only if you have multiple 360s to run all the individual screens. The required processing power's upped, so the 360s get dedicated to an individual view (front, sides, rear view, etc) to keep the framerates up.

[Tom @ Jun 15th 2007 1:21PM]

Gimme one!

[Joe Smith @ Jun 15th 2007 1:22PM]

that's sexy

[Michael @ Jun 15th 2007 1:27PM]

I know that obviously money is no object for whoever buys this setup...but why 1080p TV's whenever forza 2 runs 720p native? Wouldn't it look better on a high end 720p TV?

[Peter Carey @ Jun 15th 2007 1:43PM]

Because the Xbox 360 Elite scales content to 1080p when used through HDMI, it will look the same or better on a 1080p set.

[chadow @ Jun 15th 2007 1:44PM]

I'll just sit really close to my 58 inch 1080p display and have my wife kick me in the back every time I hit another car. That should save me some money AND give me the sense of realism I desire. And hell, I can use this routine for ALL my Xbox games.

[Sa_n) @ Jun 15th 2007 2:01PM]

Your wife won't object to you playing video games either. And think of the quality times you two will be spending together!

[foxdude0486 @ Jun 15th 2007 1:55PM]

No clutch/shifter :( Where's my Logitech G25? I wouldn't dream of spending so much to make a setup like that unless I had my clutch and 5/6 speed shifter!

[Timur Tabi @ Jun 15th 2007 2:02PM]

This is a feature of Forza 2, and Forza 1 had the same thing (except for the rear-view mirror on the 4th Xbox). Basically, you can network 3 or 4 Xbox 360s together, launch Forza 2 on each of them, and they'll then start to communicate. It's nice to see that some company is creating a package deal, but in reality, you'd save money just buying the components yourself, especially since 1080p is overkill.

[Grey Acumen @ Jun 15th 2007 2:07PM]

ROFL, they're stealing sony's idea for using the PSP as a rear view mirror :P

[garver @ Jun 15th 2007 2:23PM]

I would be worried about having the 360's that close together as shown in the picture. I know mine gets hot but with 4 of them there it has to be bad. At least during the winter you can use the heater less.

[Don @ Jun 15th 2007 2:44PM]

Hello Engadget Members!

As an avid reader of Engadget I was ecstatic to see our new VRX FX3 listed here!

I'm Don Rottiers from VRX. Shoot me an email me if you have any questions on the VRX FX3! My email is drottiers at vrx dot ca

I will also be stopping by through and answering any questions you post here as well.

Race On!

Don

Here's just a few of the features on the VRX FX3

Features

Turn-key setup
Free Shipping in North America
Global Shipping can be provided
Units are configured for use throughout the world
Video:
3 true 1080P 37" Sharp LCD displays with a response time of 6ms
4 360 Xbox 360 Elites – Black Edition
The 4th Xbox 360 Elite powers the 7" adjustable rear view LCD
Audio:
Bose Acoustimass 10/5 series surround sound system
Harmon Kardon AVR-144 surround sound receiver
Feeling (Tactile Feedback):
1500 watt ButtKicker tactile feedback system
2 Honeywell fans
1 Honeywell Micro Switch
Additional:
Xbox 360 Features which truly provide a LIVE experience
MS Xbox 360 Camera
MS Xbox LIVE wireless headset
Xbox 360 HD-DVD
MS Zune
Custom:
CNC Machined Aircraft Grade Aluminum Components

[chadow @ Jun 15th 2007 3:04PM]

I think for your next one you should use a real car body (well, a fiberglass shell that replicates the inside of a sports car). Replace the Front and side windows with LCD displays, and of course the display for the rear view mirror like you've done. Of course NOW you can use realistic placement for steering, braking, clutch pedal, and shifter. The added bonus is you can take a passenger along for the experience.

[Mak @ Jun 15th 2007 3:47PM]

I have a question:

Did Microsoft contact you to put this togther, as a lame response to the PS3/Ferarri thing?

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Home/L9G5V4G2?page=1

[Brian @ Jun 15th 2007 4:11PM]

I believe you incorrectly worded your question, Mac.

You must have meant to ask, "Did Microsoft contact you to put this togther, as a * response to the LAME PS3/Ferarri thing?"

Because Don's setup is clearly superior in every way, and the only feature that Ferrari thing has going for it is the stand. The PS3/Ferrari thing is an expensive joke.

[Don @ Jun 15th 2007 4:18PM]

To Mak:

Did you decide to cobble up this lame response to the fact that you can't afford either one? Not to mention, while the PS3 sim looks much nicer, I see one screen there - no wrap-around goodness.

To (not me)Don:
The thing looks badass, and Forza's the best racing sim ever, bar none - I do however question why the Zune is included. I suppose you can use it to play your own music as a soundtrack by hooking up an external DAP?

[Don @ Jun 16th 2007 2:43PM]

Hey Everyone,

First off thanks for all the comments! I have answered all your questions and comment below.
Have a great weekend and looking to hear more from all of you on Monday.

1. QUESTION FROM Chadow
I think for your next one you should use a real car body (well, a fiberglass shell that replicates the inside of a sports car). Replace the Front and side windows with LCD displays and of course the display for the rear view mirror like you've done. Of course NOW you can use realistic placement for steering, braking, clutch pedal, and shifter. The added bonus is you can take a passenger along for the experience.
ANSWER FROM DON to Chadow: We have been refining the design of the VRX since 1999. Some things from the outside look easy to build but trust me if you have ever engineered a product you will know how much time and energy goes into a project. That being said, Rob Stanners the owner, designer and engineer of the VRX has poured his time, energy and heart into making the VRX FX3 the most advanced race simulator ever made. His main goal for the FX3 was to complement the amazing talents at Microsoft Game Studios that also gave their all to bring us the best racing simulator ever seen to date; Forza 2!

2. QUESTION FROM Mak
I have a question:
Did Microsoft contact you to put this togther, as a lame response to the PS3/Ferarri thing?
ANSWER FROM DON TO MAK: No we have no affiliation with that contraption
We have been working closely together with Microsoft since the original launch of Forza 1; we were initially invited by Popular Science to participate in their Virtual VS Reality Article which you can read more about here: http://www.popsci.com/popsci/automotivetech/060c1196aeb84010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
We did however work together with Microsoft and Ferrari this past March at the 12 Hours @ Sebring where Risi Ferrari had their 3 drivers train on our VRX PRO playing Forza 2. The last driver of the #62 Ferrari Jamie Melo ended up winning the 12 Hours at Sebring, you can check out the details on our site here: http://www.vrx.ca/news.php and make sure to watch the end of the race which was the most amazing finish I have ever seen with a head to head last lap; Ferrari VS. Porsche

3. QUESTION FROM Brian
I believe you incorrectly worded your question, Mac.

You must have meant to ask, "Did Microsoft contact you to put this togther, as a * response to the LAME PS3/Ferarri thing?"

Because Don's setup is clearly superior in every way, and the only feature that Ferrari thing has going for it is the stand. The PS3/Ferrari thing is an expensive joke.
ANSWER FROM DON TO BRIAN: Well Brian, I don’t think there is anything else to say except for Thank You! And very well said!

4. QUESTION FROM Don
To (not me)Don:
The thing looks badass, and Forza's the best racing sim ever, bar none - I do however question why the Zune is included. I suppose you can use it to play your own music as a soundtrack by hooking up an external DAP?
ANSWER FROM DON TO DON:
The reason we incorporated the Zune, simply put is because we can; and we thought it was a sweet addition to the overall entertainment aspect of the VRX FX3.
The DAP I have to look into but I believe the possibilities on how you can apply the use of the Zune and play music, video’s etc are endless.

[Molly C @ Jun 15th 2007 9:12PM]

Thanks for the info Don.
But my question is, why do all four Xbox360s need to be Elites? I've seen other multi-screen setups for Forza2 (not nearly as spiffy as yours), and I had assumed that only one of the Xbox360s needed to be a Premium or Elite (so you had a harddrive), and the others could be Cores (which would be a great savings cost). Was I wrong in that assumption?

[rerun7777 @ Jul 3rd 2007 12:21AM]

Don. This is your tummy speaking. I want Malt-O-Meal.

[nochturne @ Jul 8th 2007 1:06PM]

But how can you possibly ever make a racing game with no clutch/ shifter?! The hell.

[Brian @ Jun 15th 2007 4:14PM]

Oh, man! That setup is INCREDIBLE! No arcade has come close to this monster.

It's too bad I'd have to sell my home to afford it. It's probably not intended for consumers, anyway. I wish arcades (ala Dave & Busters) would get in on something like this.

[nVidiot @ Jun 15th 2007 4:51PM]

That thing looks amazing!!!

It's really too bad the 360 doesn't support a proper wheel though. The wireless racing wheel is a good piece of relatively cheep kit but for a high-end setup like this I'd want something with more than 270 degrees of motion or whatever it has.

[Tom @ Jun 15th 2007 4:53PM]

Don:

Please just tell us how much it costs.

[Cpt.Scarecrow @ Jun 15th 2007 5:18PM]

Is it worth the extra bucks?
I mean isn't just one big screen and a nice steering wheel enough for us mortals?

[typoink @ Jun 15th 2007 5:53PM]

The design of the setup is great, but I can't say I really like the componentry. Four Elites is overkill. I'd rather see a single Elite and three cores, all with matching custom bodies and faceplates.

I'd ditch the Bose speakers for something with a better SQ:$ ratio.

The Buttkicker is cute, but I'd prefer a nice Velodyne sub under the seat for high-fidelity engine rumble. Maybe the buttkicker too. :)

And the mirror LCD is cute, but what about putting a fourth Sharp behind the seat and using an ACTUAL mirror? I mean, price is clearly no object to anybody looking into this rig anyways...

[Paul @ Jun 15th 2007 6:28PM]

That thing looks really cool, I like the design. But sadly, it probably costs more than I can afford to pay. *sigh*

[Tacticus @ Jun 15th 2007 7:42PM]

Now you need to add a track IR to that
oh wait console

[jayeffaar @ Jun 16th 2007 6:40PM]

I use a trackIR on my PC and I love it, but to be fair, with the wrap-around screens on this set-up, you don't really need it.

[jayeffaar @ Jun 16th 2007 6:45PM]

...on the other hand, I'd love to have it on my normal single-screen setup for my 360, so point taken.

[Andrew B @ Jun 15th 2007 9:21PM]

I used to work at VRX, www.vrx.ca, they are an OK group of techs backed by some real-estate millionaire investors that dont really know anything bout the technology. I had to setup their showroom in Victoria, BC that didnt last longer than a week...

However, the machines are WICKED awesome to play. If they set them up properly.

[Don @ Jun 20th 2007 2:31AM]

This link has already been posted here; but if you have any question on the 3X display this is the video to watch plus Aaron Ogus of MGS and Forza 2 - Endorses our VRX Simulator! Now you can’t beat that.
http://www.youtube.com/VirtualRacerX

QUESTION FROM Molly C @ Jun 15th 2007 9:12PM
Thanks for the info Don.
But my question is, why do all four Xbox360s need to be Elites? I've seen other multi-screen setups for Forza2 (not nearly as spiffy as yours), and I had assumed that only one of the Xbox360s needed to be a Premium or Elite (so you had a harddrive), and the others could be Cores (which would be a great savings cost). Was I wrong in that assumption?
ANSWER FROM DON TO Molly C: The 360’s don't have to be elites, but the advantage is elites have true 1080P with HDMI out.
QUESTION FROM Tom @ Jun 15th 2007 4:53PM
Don:

Please just tell us how much it costs.
ANSWER FROM DON TO Tom: The price is coming soon! + better pictures as well
QUESTION FROM Tacticus @ Jun 15th 2007 7:42PM
Now you need to add a track IR to that
oh wait console
ANSWER FROM DON TO Tacticus: Track IR only works on PC’s as you stated and we DO use their products, for those who are interested you can see them here: http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/

QUESTION FROM Andrew B @ Jun 15th 2007 9:21PM
I used to work at VRX, www.vrx.ca, they are an OK group of techs backed by some real-estate millionaire investors that dont really know anything bout the technology. I had to setup their showroom in Victoria, BC that didn't last longer than a week...

However, the machines are WICKED awesome to play. If they set them up properly.
ANSWER FROM DON TO Andrew: Hey Andrew thanks for letting people on this thread know that the VRX is a Wicked Ride. Just so you are fully up to date with the current state of the NEW staff at VRX; I have worked for EA, GameTek, Lucas Film / Industrial Light+Magic and TechTV.

[michael @ Jun 22nd 2007 2:13PM]

hey don, may I ask how much?

[xtremex @ Jul 12th 2007 6:06PM]

How about trying one of these multi-screen setups from 9x Media.

http://www.9xmedia.com/products/displays/index.php

Their triple screen setup can range from 19" to 82" flat LCD screens and can be desktop mounted, wall mounted or even as a portable media center like the picture on this article complete with a customized travel case.

http://www.9xmedia.com/products/x-top/X-Top-multi-screen.php

Gamers, what do you think?

[Gair Bowbyes @ Jul 16th 2007 6:38PM]

That is awesome for a game box! I can certainly appreciate the engineering that has gone into it!

If you prefer more of a 'simulation', PC based, with all of these features and a clutch, shifter, better wheel etc, check this out

http://www.awesimulation.com/Racing.html

Australian Made!