VR HMDs

jasonvp · October 3, 2020

I wasn't sure which sub-section to post this in and since they're displays, this seems like the right spot. If it needs to be moved, then so be it.

I'm looking for actual hands-on experience of folks who have or are currently using the HTC Cosmo Elite or the Valve Index. Both seem to be the current non-Oculus favorites. This will be for a seated experience with my hands on a pair of joysticks, so I'm not worried about room tracking, grips, etc. I just need the HMD. It looks like the HTC unit has slightly more vertical resolution than the Valve. And by more, I just mean 100 pixels. The Valve unit, on the other hand, has some pretty wicked refresh rates, up to and including 144Hz.

The challenge is: the Valve unit is also on a 2-month (or more) back-order.

For those that have used them: is it worth the 2-month wait? The refresh is intriguing, I can't lie.

Kilrah · October 3, 2020

The HP Reverb G2 is looking promising as well.

jasonvp · October 4, 2020

19 hours ago, Kilrah said:

The HP Reverb G2 is looking promising as well.

Agreed; I knew there was a third I wasn't remembering. Thank you for reminding me. The 4320x2160 total resolution is definitely interesting even if it is limited to 90Hz. The FOV on it is a bit smaller than the Index as well; HP is using smaller LCDs.

Looks like both Valve and HP units would ship around the same time (give or take) if ordered right now. Meaning: end of November/early December.

Kilrah · October 4, 2020

I'm pretty tempted to get a G2. I like my current Quest but on FS2020 the additional overhead of the encoding needed for Link/wireless is unbearable unfortunately, so will need a tethered HMD again...

jasonvp · October 4, 2020

2 hours ago, Kilrah said:

I'm pretty tempted to get a G2. I like my current Quest but on FS2020 the additional overhead of the encoding needed for Link/wireless is unbearable unfortunately, so will need a tethered HMD again...

The tethered thing isn't an issue for me specifically since this is just for seated games. Think: Star Wars Squadrons. What I'm not sure of is whether the higher refresh on the Index is an advantage in that case, for PvP. In any first person shooter game on a monitor: frame rate/refresh is king. Does that also apply to the HMD setup?