HTC VR Headset: HTC Vive

VR sets come in a variety of sets: basic, middle and high-end. While the market is not filled with tons of VR headsets, nonetheless there are a series of these types of headsets that immerse us in the awing and breathtaking world of virtual reality. HTC Vive is one of the top, the best, the most resourceful immersive type of headsets on the market yet. While not addressed to beginners or casual users, this is a must have for the veterans of gaming and PC tweaking. Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of HTC Vive VR headset.

HTC Vive – Product Specs

Headset Type	VR room scale platform
Lowest Price	$799
Resolution	2160×1200 display
Field of View	110°
Sensors	Over 70 sensors track movement to 1/10 degree
Controls	Controllers that allow you to interact with the environment
Platform	Windows PC
Amazon Rating	4.5 stars
Our Rating	5 stars

This most acclaimed VR headset is equipped with two wireless controllers, a 110° field of view, a per eye resolution of 1080×1200, which adds up to a total of 2160×1200 resolution. Along with these come 2 base stations, earbuds, link box, and its power adapter. A link box mounting pad, a power adapter for each base Station, 2 x micro USB chargers, a sync cable. And, finally, an HDMI cable, USB cable, cleaning cloth, and alternate face cushion. Which is more than enough to offer you a truly out of this world experience.

The 110-degree field of view means that while playing, everything will feel more natural. Because it is room scale, you have a room large area to walk around. This will keep you from feeling restrained or claustrophobic in your new virtual environment. The two controllers will offer all that you need, from in-game play to in-menu choosing and much, much more. This platform has a rock-solid infrastructure. Not to mention its sensors that help the base stations track your exact location within the virtual space.

HTC Vive – Pros & Cons

While it is (probably) the best of the VR headsets out on the market, it has it’s good and bad sides. Here they are.

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• 70 motion sensors – these sensors ensure that you don’t get out the area within the virtual game and thus hurt yourself. Also, they help the system determine the position of your body within the virtual world
• Front mounted camera – this camera can be either turned on or off. This is most useful especially if you receive notifications or if you’re not sure that the chaperone system does its job properly
• Real-time response – the wireless controllers and the chaperone system offer a real-time response whenever you make a move or choose an object within the virtual world
• Steam – the HTC Vive VR headset is made in collaboration with Steam. This brings you many games as well as other perks: a large gaming community, very low-priced games etc.

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• Heavy wire – while it is a room scale VR headset, it needs to be plugged into a power socket, your PC – in order to render the 1080×1200 per eye high resolution. This can be tricky and even trippy.
• High-quality GPU – while it renders a high resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, it does this only with a high GPU – nVIDIA, AMD or the likes, which are pricey.
• Some sort of discomfort – after prolonged use it can create discomfort.

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HTC Vive – Design & Requirements

The HTC Vive has a head strap that is supposed to take some of the weight off the front of your face. The strap can be easily adjusted thanks to the use of Velcro. Users can adjust the distance between the eyes through the help of a little dial on the side of the headset. All this should provide users with something that is comfortable on the face. This is to ensure a long period of time with no complaints.

In order to properly work and offer the unique and fully immersion in the virtual universe of games and not only, it needs a lot of power. You need to plug it into a USB socket, an electric socket and also mount the two base stations in such a way that they are close to a power socket too. Not only this, but you also need to make sure you won’t mount them on the room’s walls. Otherwise, you’ll have to rearrange your room for an indefinite amount of time. After you follow the steps indicated, enjoy the surreal experience of the almost real VR world.

HTC Vive – Controls & Display

The control is offered through the two wireless controllers which help you navigate and act in the virtual reality of the game. The HTC Vive has, as said, a 90Hz refresh rate, providing the user with a beautiful & smooth video feed. The 70 sensors provide a lag-free experience in the virtual world. Whenever you move your head, if in the slightest manner, they will replicate the movement in the VR.

Also, the HTC Vive has Bluetooth connectivity, thus it can connect to your smartphone. So any call or notification can be displayed in the virtual world. This way, you won’t have to remove the headset whenever you get a call or an SMS.

HTC Vive – Setup

Before you can properly use the HTC Vive, you must follow the instruction steps. They are as follows: download the setup software from the Vive website and follow the instructions. The setup wizard explains all that there is to explain. This setup wizard will also install the Vive software on your PC and the SteamVR software. If you don’t have it preinstalled, it will first install Steam.

The base stations can either be wall mounted or screwed into tripods and light stands. This is most useful for on main reason. Say you have a reflective object (TV or mirror), this will surely affect the base station tracking. If wall mounted, you would have to rearrange the TV or the mirror. But having them screwed like mentioned allows you to move them somewhere different. Finally, the play area must be set up. Either a large are or a small place, it is fairly easy: calibrate the floor and trace the play are with one of the controllers by holding the rear-facing trigger key.

HTC Vive – User Experience

Users rave about the HTC Vive. All those who bought it are more than satisfied with the VR headset. It is hard not to use the word “love”. Few users have said that the HTC Vive doesn’t work because it was broken or other such types of observations. Most of them are extremely thrilled and say that this is the best VR headset they have laid their hands on.

Bottom Line

However, a word of advice. If you’re not tech savvy or a hardcore game player and tech aficionado, the HTC Vive might not be for you. For one simple reason: it’s pricey. For those who have used another type of VR headset in the past, this is definitely a must buy. It’s deluxe infrastructure and the attention to detail that HTC put into the making of this headset represents one of the tops in the industry. The customers confirm it, and other reviewers confirm it too.

Leave us your opinions or questions regarding the HTC Vive. Also, if you’ve experienced any other VR headset, don’t hesitate to let us know how it felt compared to this one.