A system and method of operating an audio visual device generating a virtual immersive experience is provided. The system may include an optical system and a display system received in a housing, and an audio output device operably coupled to the display system, the housing being coupled to a frame to be worn by a user. A sensing device may sense at least one of an ambient brightness level or an ambient noise level, and a control system and processor operably coupled to the optical system, the display system, the audio output device and the sensing device may, in response to an external command to transition between the virtual environment and the ambient environment, adjust at least one of a brightness level or a noise level of the virtual environment based on the sensed ambient brightness level and/or the sensed ambient noise level before executing the received external command.