Tried VR for the first time today (Oculus Rift)

[pj-]

You know what's amusing? After writing that post, I convinced myself to buy the TPCast simply because my love for technology couldn't hold out anymore. I do know about OpenTPCast, and due to that, I also purchased an SDHC card to install the OpenTPCast software. (I'll just leave the original card in the box in case I need it.) I also went through and bought a different router from the tested router replacement list. I might also test out a spare router that I have to see if it works, which means I can return the new one. OpenTPCast does support the mic, so we're good there. Unfortunately, it doesn't support the webcam just yet.

I actually forgot about the noisy transmitter, which might have changed my mind. I do really, really hate noisy things. If that's the case, do you usually turn off the unit when you're not using it, or does it not make noise unless it's transmitting?

The included router seems to work fine. I wouldn't bother with a different one unless you actually experience tracking issues.

The transmitter only makes noise when it's transmitting video

 

[WiseUp216]

I currently have an HTC Vive, and there are two things that I'd like to see in whatever VR set I get next. The first is that I'd like to get higher resolution. VR is pretty nifty and immersive even right now; however, text can be rather awkward to read... especially with the Vive's sweet spot problem. (The sweet spot is that text is pretty much only readable at the center.) The second might be one the most important of the two, and that's a good wireless implementation. Unfortunately, graphic intensive games will still require processing outside of the headset, which means we need some way to get rid of the cables. Some companies went with backpack units, but at best, they last around 2 hours per battery. We've seen a wireless entry from TPCast, but it's not exactly the most elegant solution nor is it without issues (both hardware and software). There's another company that created wireless VR tech based upon their wireless docking station technology, but they're looking to license it rather than create their own.

All in all, the PIMAX 8K likely checks off the first box as I've heard plenty good about its screen. The only problem is that while they've talked about a wireless solution, we have no idea what it is, how well it works, or how much it will cost. I'd really like to wait until I hear about enough in both areas before I invest again.

Exactly my thoughts as well. If the Vive had higher resolution (text being the worst offender) and wireless movement, I would use it much more than I currently do.

 

[Aikouka]

The included router seems to work fine. I wouldn't bother with a different one unless you actually experience tracking issues.

The transmitter only makes noise when it's transmitting video

Well, wanting to change the router is also due to hearing about how streamlined the thing is. Essentially, if I'm going to be stuck with some rogue router, I want to make sure that it's secure. OpenTPCast is a huge step in that since I can change the SSID and password. I also want to make sure that any administration information is also far more secure. It may be a bit unnecessary, but that's kind of why I might try one of my old routers to see if it works. Actually, I think my old router might be one of the routers on the list (Netgear WNDR3700).

 

[pj-]

Well, wanting to change the router is also due to hearing about how streamlined the thing is. Essentially, if I'm going to be stuck with some rogue router, I want to make sure that it's secure. OpenTPCast is a huge step in that since I can change the SSID and password. I also want to make sure that any administration information is also far more secure. It may be a bit unnecessary, but that's kind of why I might try one of my old routers to see if it works. Actually, I think my old router might be one of the routers on the list (Netgear WNDR3700).

Security doesn't seem especially important to me since the tpcast router isn't connected to the internet. The worst someone in wifi range could do is log into it and maybe discover that your pc is also connected? You could make that more secure by turning the router off when you're not doing VR or by just unplugging the ethernet cable.

 

[jtvang125]

The Pimax 8k(the real 8k one not the 4k they are calling 8k) is a joke IMO. just a cash grab that will never materialize. Look at the specs and do the math on the bandwidth required to push the resolution they are aiming for, and you will quickly realize that at over 3 feet copper is not going to cut it. They need to go to fiber to get to the 6 or 10 foot cable length that VR systems require. And a 10 foot fiber cable is going to cost you around 600-1000 just for a single cable. There are reasons people that have used the prototype are having connection issues/dropouts with the headsets, and that reason is the copper cables cant sustain the needed bandwidth at the lengths needed.

Pimax is going to have to either buck up the 1k for fiber cables or cut back the res or run 2-3 cables for video.

Until fiber prices come down considerably we are going to be stuck at 4k or less per eye for VR, or high res VR systems are going to go up into the 1.5-3k price range, this is the unfortunate reality of the situation.

On the bright side maybe VR will drive fiber prices down if there is enough demand for high res VR and in a few years true 8k per eye VR will come down in price.

sure wireless could be an option, but visual quality will then suffer, if 6 feet of copper cant sustain the bandwidth no wireless solution that exists will be able to carry the bandwidth either without alot of compression which will degrade visual quality.

I read up some more on this and it appears that the 8K model isn't really 8K at all. It's not even 2 x 4K, just 2560 x 1440 upscaled. It'll come with DP 1.4 so that should be more than enough bandwidth. There will be a 8K X model that will do native 2 x 4k but will likely require a pair of 1080s and 2 DP. Also 90hz is what's stated for all models but a rep stated the current prototype that was being demo'd is only running at 75hz when asked by a tester during a tech show. The reason stated was that the chip they're using is having trouble with 90hz. While that could all just be a miscommunication from the language barrier it does seem the company hasn't been entirely truthful and forthcoming with all the details.

I don't think it's a cash grab and will likely materialize because they have launched a 4k model awhile back. It was barebones, just headset and no controllers. The software was reportedly horrendous and the low refresh rate of 60hz made it vomit inducing. All this made it fall short of really making an impact in the market. If they can truly get this model running at 90hz and improving their software I think it'll be successful despite having to upscale the res.

 

[Rifter]

I read up some more on this and it appears that the 8K model isn't really 8K at all. It's not even 2 x 4K, just 2560 x 1440 upscaled. It'll come with DP 1.4 so that should be more than enough bandwidth. There will be a 8K X model that will do native 2 x 4k but will likely require a pair of 1080s and 2 DP. Also 90hz is what's stated for all models but a rep stated the current prototype that was being demo'd is only running at 75hz when asked by a tester during a tech show. The reason stated was that the chip they're using is having trouble with 90hz. While that could all just be a miscommunication from the language barrier it does seem the company hasn't been entirely truthful and forthcoming with all the details.

I don't think it's a cash grab and will likely materialize because they have launched a 4k model awhile back. It was barebones, just headset and no controllers. The software was reportedly horrendous and the low refresh rate of 60hz made it vomit inducing. All this made it fall short of really making an impact in the market. If they can truly get this model running at 90hz and improving their software I think it'll be successful despite having to upscale the res.

I was referring to the real 8k model(well the dual 4k model if you want to get technical but 2x4k is close enough IMO to be called 8k, the upscaled 1440p on the other hand is a pure lie to call 8k).

They may get it figured out, but IMO having 2 or more. copper, video cables will be a hindrance as people are already complaining about VR headsets weight and fatigue after wearing for long periods, having more cables running into it will not help this. Having one thin lightweight fiber cable though would help this. Wireless is where this needs to go eventually but i think we are years away from wireless tech that can handle the same bandwidth as copper let alone fiber cables.

 

[Aikouka]

It's not even 2 x 4K, just 2560 x 1440 upscaled.

I feel like that's a confusing way to put it. From my understanding, the screens in the 8K and 8K X are the exact same. The difference is in the interface and video processing, which allows the X model to handle two 4K streams (one for each panel) instead of two 2560x1440 streams. In other words, one upscales to 4K and the other is native 4K. (Although, if the game is too demanding, the user may have to lower the resolution anyway.)

Also 90hz is what's stated for all models but a rep stated the current prototype that was being demo'd is only running at 75hz when asked by a tester during a tech show. The reason stated was that the chip they're using is having trouble with 90hz. While that could all just be a miscommunication from the language barrier it does seem the company hasn't been entirely truthful and forthcoming with all the details.

They've talked about this more toward the end of the Kickstarter. It seemed their issues were largely going from about 85Hz to 90Hz, and they kept it at 75Hz during demos due to the machines running them and the compatibility issues that they were working with.

I was strongly considering getting one, and I almost did... however, when I went to put in a pledge, the 8K units were all sold out. I think people did remove their pledge prior to it closing (as looking at the Kickstarter page doesn't say that the barebones 8K is sold out), which meant I could have gotten one; however, I never checked back. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

Another thing that I'm keeping an eye on is DisplayLink VR. Supposedly, they have a model with 4K support, which might be something useful for the Pimax. The only downside is that I've also read that the company is looking to license out the technology rather than create their own product. The company is going to be at a few events next year, and I hope that means we'll be closer to getting a nice wireless product!