Considering getting into VR but I have a few questions

[Vudak]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about getting a VR headset and am a little out of my elements here.  I've been poking around online a bit but am unsure of which ones I should seriously consider.  I really don't want to spend $1,000 for an indoor toy so I'm looking at the HP Reverb G2 or Oculus Quest 2... 

Just curious if any of you have experience with the two headsets and have thoughts.  Also, I read that the Reverb needs specific lighting to work?  Is there any truth to this or is it OK in a bright room or dark room depending?  I don't have the best lighting up here (lamps in this room only). 

I was looking at a review over on pc gamer and noticed these two knocks against the G2:

-FOV below average
-Limited tracking volume

-How much does this really come into play?  I think I have my FOV set at 115 in the game without VR and apparently this has 114 so would I really notice any difference going from a monitor to this?  I'm not sure what "115" translates to in VR though I suppose it's better than the Occulus and really is only surpassed by significantly more expensive models.

-I really don't understand what "limited tracking volume" implies - is this going to be an issue with flight sims?  I doubt I use this for anything except that.

As an aside, I have an RTX2070 - I know that's better than a friend's graphics card so I am assuming I could handle VR well enough.  Not sure if I'd be able to get the most out of the Reverb G2 but I suppose that's why you upgrade later. 

Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thanks everyone.

[oboe]

I have experience with the original Reverb and the Quest 2. 

My thoughts:   The Quest 2 is the more bulletproof, reliable headset.  I had problems with my original Reverb, it was replaced under warranty, and then the replacement unit went dead after the warranty expires.  Its now sitting broken in my closet because I can't get through to HP tech support because my warranty is expired.  My Quest 2 has been reliable from day 1, and I use the Oculus link cable ($80) and the upgraded headstrap ($50).

The Oculus software is far superior to Windows Mixed Reality software.   But the Reverb G2 will give you better resolution and clearer, brighter visuals.   FOV is close in both I think - and to me, it feels sort of like you're wearing a SCUBA diving mask.  But I can convince myself easily enough that I'm wearing WWII flying goggles, so its not a very serious problem.    But a wider FOV is better.

Your 2070 has plenty of power for VR in Aces High, even with the G2.  With its high native resolution, you don't have to mess with supersampling, which drains performance.

Limited tracking volume refers I *think* to how well the headset's cameras can track your hand controllers in space (low, high, behind your head, etc).  Shouldn't be an issue for sit down flight sim use.

I consider myself a biased reviewer, against HP because of my experience with their tech support and poor hardware quality.   Otherwise I'd be all over the G2.  The Oculus, at $300, plus $80 for the link cable and $50 for a comfortable head strap, is getting close to the price of the G2, which has much superior visuals I'm told.   However if you choose the Oculus, there are a few advantages too.

Either way, prepare to be blown away.  VR completely changes the Aces High game experience.

     

[Eagler]

Vive pro here but tried the reverb g2 when it came out

It had a nice sweet spot but I couldn't fit my mr magoo glasses into them so I went back to the vive pro

I have a 2070 card which pushes AH in vr just fine

You will not regret going vr as it is a game changer

Eagler

[The Fugitive]

Hey Vudak!

I agree with everything Oboe said about the Quest 2. I had an Oculus Rift and just upgraded to the Quest 2. If you go the Quest 2 route I don't think you have to worry about the graphics card on your computer, you don't need a computer to run Quest 2 just a wireless connection.

The link cable charges the headset as you use it and can use memory on your computer so it is a plus to have it, I do.

The upgraded head strap is nice but not necessary. The strap it comes with works well and I never had an issue with it. I did get the new head strap because it gave me a bit more room to fit my glasses in the headset, and while that works ok, I did break down and spent $100 on a set of lens with my prescription. They are held in with magnets so if someone else uses my headset it is easy to pop them out or in.

The graphics with the quest2 are great, much better than the Rift I had. Everything is easy to setup and play. I use a 3rd party software called "Voice Attack". It has a free version, but to buy it is only $10 which gives you unlimited voice calls. Using a keyboard is tuff with the headset on unless your a pro typist. Voice attack monitors all mic inputs and if it recognizes an input word/phrase it fires off the programmed action. So saying landing hook will do the keyboard presses of "shift" and "G" to drop my hook. I have an "icon" one that cycles to the "friendly" icon mode holds there for a second so I can see what the friendlys are flying and then goes back to Normal icon mode. Great program and a big plus when in a buff to open doors and calibrate with out touching any buttons.

Flying is so much better with VR. Not that I fly any better but I find myself giggling over some of the things I see while in VR in the game. Its a whole new world!

I also play "Myst" and Poker in VR, its just too much fun!

[Vulcan]

Just to clarify, Quest 2 operates as a standalone headset with it's own range of apps and games that does NOT include Aces High (it is essentially an Android based device).

Quest 2 also operates as a tethered headset connect to a PC. The PC O/S runs the VR apps, which does include Aces High. Traditionally this was done with a specialist USB cable, recently Oculus added the ability to do this wireless, this requires a good 5Ghz Access Point and some games can be a bit funky with FPS.

This means the Quest 2 gives you the best of both worlds, a standalone headset with some really insane experiences - no wires. And a tethered headset (wired or wireless) to play PC VR games on.

The Reverb is a tethered headset only.

[Vudak]

Thanks all - yeah I'll keep doing some more research but it's good to hear everyone had good experiences with the Quest 2 at least and that the G2 has some benefits as well, though it sucks that Oboe had that experience. 

I really don't intend to use this for anything other than flight sims, so I'm not worried about a tether.  Flight sims are pretty much all I play that would benefit from VR.  I can't see EU4 or a Gary Grigsby title getting much use out of it!

I take it there's not really any issues getting either of these to work with Aces High, eh?  I think you're all right about the game changer.  I never used trackIR because just tilting my head slightly while staring at the screen always seemed to be more trouble than it was worth, but this just screams immersion. 

I appreciate you all taking the time.  Glad to see you're all still in this game, btw.

[Vulcan]

I really don't intend to use this for anything other than flight sims, so I'm not worried about a tether.  Flight sims are pretty much all I play that would benefit from VR.  I can't see EU4 or a Gary Grigsby title getting much use out of it!

Don't be to quick in assuming that. There is a trend towards tabletop games for VR, often integrating online multiplayer capabilies. Have a look at youtube for stuff like Brass Tactics.

[Eagler]

There is a great table tennis vr app on steam but I really only have time for one game which is AH

Eagler

[FLS]

Oculus Quest 2 requires you to sign in with a facebook account in good standing. The headset is cheap because you're agreeing to let them collect and use your personal data and that's worth $500 to them. That's the added price of a Quest2 that doesn't collect your information, plus $180 a year after the initial purchase.

https://www.pcgamer.com/oculus-will-sell-you-a-quest-2-headset-that-doesnt-need-facebook-for-an-extra-dollar500/#:~:text=This%20is%20something%20the%20Oculus,policies%20in%20black%20and%20white.&text=The%20point%20being%2C%20the%20Quest,data%20directly%2C%20costs%20%24500%20more.

Other then that it's a good headset.

[mechanic]

I have also been thinking a lot about getting a VR headset lately. The Q2 does look great for the price but I'm really not that happy about the facebook chain system. What if I lose internet and want to use my VR headset? I read that during the facebook crash last week people were unable to use their headset. To me this seems like a terrible system and I also strongly disagree with having my data mined, even if just on principle rather than through having any sensitive data that I care about.

Anyone want to convince me that the Q2 is still worth it despite this nonsense or should I spend more for the freedom of something that does not require facebook or connectivity to run?

[Vulcan]

If you don't like facebook there is a tool called Oculess which gets you away from them.

I have facebook account which effectively empty, no friends etc.

[Eagler]

My vote is for the original vive pro with sony gear vr lenses mod

I purchased the new vive pro 2 but once I saw I couldn't do the same lenses mod I returned it.

Eagler

[oboe]

My vote is for the original vive pro with sony gear vr lenses mod

I purchased the new vive pro 2 but once I saw I couldn't do the same lenses mod I returned it.

Eagler

The HTC Vive Pro Kit (headset, 2 base stations and 2 hand controllers) is available now at B&H for $1,150.   The Vive and Vive Pro require the additional expense of base stations because they don't do inside-out tracking.   

I think I'd be tempted to get the Reverb G2 and buy an extended warranty if I couldn't get past the Facebook account requirement (which is also understandable).





 

[The Fugitive]

Create a new facebook account, assign your Quest2 to it and never sign into the facebook account again. The only "data" they get after that is what games you play and for how long.

For me, I couldnt care less what data they have on me. I've got nothing to hide. As far as FB going down, this was the first outage I've seen in years of being on FB. Can it happen again? sure but I still have a lawn to mow or a driveway to shovel snow off depending on the season. It isnt the end of the world.

For $300 its a no brainer to give it a go. If your thinking about it, you can afford it. Once you try it you'll either love it or hate it. I think most love it 

If you feel you need to switch to a Vive or something else, sell the Q2 for a small lose, it will go quick and buy which ever one strikes your fancy. Or keep the Q2 and add a lens kit and cable and strap set.

[mechanic]

But am I right in thinking that without internet you cannot use the quest 2?