Here's a detailed article about the Index that nicely summarizes information from several sources: https://skarredghost.com/2019/05/04/what-is-valve-index-need-know-price-specs-preorder/
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That's cool. Does the 2080ti FE have a USB C connector?
https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-selling-virtuallink-usb-type-c-adapter-index/
So total noob in to VR, if I buy just the headset does that include head tracking?
I don't care about controllers or moving around the room, basically want to sit in a chair and use this as a display while playing flying/racing games, and have all the sticks/wheels already
The Valve Index uses outside in tracking, so you would have to also purchase the 2 Lighthouse basestations as that is what it uses for HMD tracking. If you are a total VR noob, I’d seriously give the controllers a go though for other things - you don’t necessarily have to go for full roomscale and move all that much to really enjoy other games/applications. Things like Google Earth VR and Universe Sandbox 2 in VR are utterly fantastic, but need the controllers.
So total noob in to VR, if I buy just the headset does that include head tracking?
I don't care about controllers or moving around the room, basically want to sit in a chair and use this as a display while playing flying/racing games, and have all the sticks/wheels already
That’s exactly what I use VR for. Have a nice hotas setup. Going to wait a bit and see who comes out on top between the Reverb and the Index for simming. No more preordering shit unseen like with the Rift. By the time that was completely functional it was a year later and 50% cheaper to buy than what the pre-orders were. Also going to wait until the prescription inserts are available.
Ok. Getting psyched for the arrival of the Index. This is next level VR as to design, comfort, sound, controllers and the incoming software to take advantage of it all. The physics in Boneworks is amazing.
Thanks for your input so far, everyone. My ordering window just came up and I have until July 5th to lock in a purchase of the whole package if desired. I'm very tempted, but I am curious of the potential for an eye-tracking/FOViated rendering hardware mod and other "expansions" planned. Right now the higher end competition seems to be The Vive Pro Eye (which of course adds eye tracking) , possibly the Pimax models (though I hear some not so great things about the reality/quality of the experience, vs what look like great specs on paper), and the Vive Cosmos. Seeing more reviews, especially from owners of existing higher end VR/AR gear will certainly be helpful..
If they are the originals, I was told (after mine died) that you should not keep them plugged in all the time. Upon replacing them, i put them on a switch and turn them on only when using them.I got my controllers yesterday and turns out one of my Vive base stations is defective and out of warranty.
Early impressions: I got my Index and the Knuckles controllers on Friday. I'm using them with my OG Vive lighthouses. First and foremost, for me, I gotta say the audio is great. I love the "off-the-ears" concept. While no audiophile, I feel it just sounds terrific and makes for a more complete and full soundstage. And being able to hear someone talking to me (should the need arise, although hubby knows not to bother me needlessly when I'm under the headset) is a bonus for me.
The comfort factor is also greatly improved. I'm a small girl with a small head and had been unable to wear the Vive (with the deluxe audio strap) for more than 30 minutes or so. The Index has so many adjustments; I still haven't dialed it in perfectly yet, but it just plain feels more comfortable and doesn't weigh heavily on my head or forehead. I still get indentations on my face, but I know it's because I'm cinching it in too tightly. I'll get it right eventually. I have been wearing it with glasses (can't wait for prescription VR lenses to become available) and I know I tend to anchor the headset too tightly because of them. And having the slider for your IPD is also a nice--and necessary--touch.
The LCD display is clearer and sharper to me. It's not an "OMG" night and day difference but is a readily noticeable difference. And the increased FOV accentuates the immersion factor. While the colors really are fine, black is the exception; it is indeed more of a dark gray than black. I'm pretty forgiving of that; seems a small tradeoff for being able to clearly read text.
The controllers still feel a little flaky...not tracking wise; I've had no problem with tracking in games with my 3-year-old lighthouses. But the finger movements don't always work, even with the programs that are specifically designed to showcase them. Playing "rock-paper-scissors" was a bit of a struggle! Gotta think that will improve with time, software, and my becoming more familiar with them. As controllers, they work fine for me and fit snugly and securely on my hand without my having to grip them. I know a lot of people on Reddit have been complaining about an issue with clicking the joystick. I haven't been through all my games to know if this is an issue for me. Right now, with the type of games I've been checking out, everything has been working and tracking just fine. It's a keeper for me.
If they are the originals, I was told (after mine died) that you should not keep them plugged in all the time. Upon replacing them, i put them on a switch and turn them on only when using them.
My controllers came in as well. Been super busy and have not even cracked the box open yet. Hope to play around this week while I'm off.
I put on the Index headset just intending to check on something....and 90 minutes later I had to force myself to stop playing. This is pretty unheard of for me. I've never been able to play that long at one sitting.
But I wanted to clarify about the black levels. I am actually indeed seeing black--or at least what I perceive as a level of blackness--along with the various shades of gray. I was playing Fallout 4 and there was good contrast to my eye in the underground vault. It seems the more I check out different titles the more excited I'm getting. I don't know how long the controllers will run on a charge, but I did plug them into the charger after this session and it didn't need anything.
As far as lighthouses are concerned, I don't unplug mine. I've always used the Bluetooth on/off, which has always worked reliably for me. When we occasionally lose power, the lighthouses will automatically default to on, and I have to sort that. But otherwise I've never unplugged them except for vacations.
I had this problem with my Vive Pro, too, but the latest iterations of the software seem to have fixed it.Yep learned that the hard way. The stupid base stations stay on all the time and the only to turn them off is to unplug them because the Bluetooth method was always unreliable. Inconvenient little shits.
Yep learned that the hard way. The stupid base stations stay on all the time and the only to turn them off is to unplug them because the Bluetooth method was always unreliable. Inconvenient little shits.
I use to do the BT power down but it was unreliable because as stated any power flux seems to auto turn them on. My power also doesn't fluctuate much but it does more so in the summer months when my AC is on and the compressor clicks on. So I bought this remote and it becomes real easy to just switch it on when I need it.