Questions about G2 & Steam

[DaddyAce]

 I am seriously considering upgrading my VR headset from my Oculus CV1 to a HP G2.  However I'd first like to get a sense of what I'm getting into as I enjoy the simplicity of the Oculus/Aces High interface.  I'm a bit concerned about having to jump into a presumably more cumbersome WMR/Steam interface.

For context, Aces High is the only computer game I play.

My questions, if I want to use an HP G2 VR headset:

Do I need to reinstall Aces High through Steam, or can I run my currently-installed version?

Would I need to set up a new account with hitech through Steam to pay for my monthly subscription?

I'm guessing each time I wanted to play Aces High I'd have to log into Steam first, then select Aces High, correct?

And how much more cumbersome, if it is at all, is loading the game through Steam?

Thanks in advance for any answers and thoughts!   

[oboe]

Hi DA,

You don't need to run the Steam version of AH.   You can use your currently installed version, so a new account won't be necessary.  But you do need to download and install the SteamVR app.

I *think* to run AH using the G2, you'll just start AH and it will pop up a message box "Do you want to use your WMR headset" (or something similar).  You click 'Yes' and off you go.  I think both the WMR app and Steam VR app will launch automatically, and you may have to minimize those program's windows to ensure AH3 has focus.

It is more cumbersome for sure, but not prohibitive.   The hardware requirements for the G2 will be higher than for the CV1.  I recommend a video card with at least GTX 1080 equivalent performance.

[DaddyAce]

.
You don't need to run the Steam version of AH.   You can use your currently installed version, so a new account won't be necessary.  But you do need to download and install the SteamVR app.

I *think* to run AH using the G2, you'll just start AH and it will pop up a message box "Do you want to use your WMR headset" (or something similar).  You click 'Yes' and off you go.  I think both the WMR app and Steam VR app will launch automatically, and you may have to minimize those program's windows to ensure AH3 has focus.

It is more cumbersome for sure, but not prohibitive.   The hardware requirements for the G2 will be higher than for the CV1.  I recommend a video card with at least GTX 1080 equivalent performance.

Hey Oboe,

Thank you for the quick & helpful reply!

It appears from  your description starting AH with the G2 will be very similar to how it is now with the CV1, that is still basically quick & easy.   Unfortunately too often still (Starlink Beta) I get discoed, so it's nice to have a decent chance of getting back in game prior to getting shot down or crashing.

More than a year ago I "splurged" on a RTX 2080 Super, so I should be good enough for GPU, and my CPU is an I7 9700K.  When I did these upgrades they both seemed a little extravagant at the time, but given the current state of puter hardware availability, I'm glad I have them now.  Thanks again.

[oboe]

Should be fantastic.  Boy you were smart to upgrade when you did!

[DaddyAce]

....  Boy you were smart to upgrade when you did!

I would like to take credit for forethought, but it was really just circumstance, CPU upgrade when I was building a puter for my wife (my older parts were plenty powerful for her needs), and GPU, just decided to treat myself around the holidays.   

[Rocco]

Definitely upgraded at the right time! Your rig shouldn't have any issues with the G2. Setup is easy, WMR pretty much sets itself up. As said you will need to download steamvr but you will also need another steam program called Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR. It's free on steam and is needed for SteamVR to recognize WMR devices.

There isn't any setup beyond tweaking settings for better performance if you want, everything recognizes everything else automatically. I run the standalone version of AH and it does start vr automatically through that "do you want to use your WMR headset" popup. So you only have to start AH and away you go.

[DaddyAce]

Okay, thank you for the info Rocco!  Thinking I'll order one of those rascals tomorrow.   

[edge12674]

I too am using the G2 with an RTX2070.  This is performance overkill for AHIII, but other sims such as DCS, IL-2, or MSFS 2020 will require some tweaking.  The increased resolution and colors are awesome.

I just wish AHIII would allow some gamma adjustment.  I would prefer it just a little brighter.

TShark

[DaddyAce]

... The increased... colors are awesome....
TShark

Looks like an unexpected improvement, good news for me as I am somewhat color blind.   

[diaster]

I too am using the G2 with an RTX2070.  This is performance overkill for AHIII, but other sims such as DCS, IL-2, or MSFS 2020 will require some tweaking.  The increased resolution and colors are awesome.

I just wish AHIII would allow some gamma adjustment.  I would prefer it just a little brighter.

TShark

Install sweetFX. It can up your gamma and vibrancy amount other things

[1stpar3]

Install sweetFX. It can up your gamma and vibrancy amount other things

Is it working with AH3 now? Not sure that would work, with VR? Even NVidia's Control Panel wont work with VR. IMO/Far as I know