VR Readiness: What You Need for Virtual Reality

The Dawn of Immersive Virtual Reality

The long-anticipated arrival of genuinely immersive virtual reality (VR) headsets is now a reality. Following years of development, numerous developer kits, and extensive beta testing phases, these devices are poised to become widely available to consumers.

Both the HTC Vive and Facebook's Oculus Rift are prepared for retail release, allowing individuals to experience VR firsthand. However, the advanced technology within these systems—including high-definition displays and substantial data requirements for motion and spatial tracking—necessitates a thorough understanding of the necessary hardware and software.

System Requirements for a Seamless VR Experience

These next-generation VR systems demand significant computing power to function optimally. The high resolution screens and complex tracking algorithms require robust hardware to render visuals and process data effectively.

Beyond the headsets themselves, several key components are essential for a complete and fully functional VR setup. These include a powerful computer, appropriate connection cables, and potentially, external sensors for precise positional tracking.

Essential Components for VR Setup

Powerful PC: A high-end desktop computer is crucial, featuring a capable graphics card and processor.
Dedicated Graphics Card: A dedicated GPU is non-negotiable for rendering VR environments.
Sufficient RAM: Adequate system memory (RAM) is needed to handle the demands of VR applications.
Appropriate Ports: Systems require specific ports, such as HDMI and USB, for connectivity.
Tracking Sensors: Some systems utilize external sensors to accurately monitor movement in space.

Understanding these requirements is vital for anyone considering investing in a VR headset. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and captivating virtual experience.

Headsets

Virtual Reality is rapidly evolving, with several options emerging for consumers. Currently, two readily available headsets are Google Cardboard and the Samsung Gear VR.

However, labeling these as genuine VR systems might be an overstatement. Both devices function primarily as phone mounts, incorporating lenses to simulate a "VR-like" experience.

Limitations of Mobile VR

The quality of this experience is inherently restricted by the capabilities of the smartphone used, particularly its graphics processing unit.

Performance is directly tied to the phone’s hardware specifications.

Upcoming headsets include the Oculus from Facebook, the Vive developed by Valve and HTC, and the PlayStation VR from Sony, formerly known as Morpheus.

The Oculus and Vive are engineered for compatibility with gaming PCs, demanding significant processing power.

Conversely, Sony’s PlayStation VR will be exclusively designed for the PlayStation 4 console and its dedicated game library.

Microsoft's Position

At present, Microsoft’s plans regarding VR remain unclear.

The company is currently focused on the development of its HoloLens, an augmented-reality (AR) device.

Both the Oculus and Vive are poised to offer fully immersive experiences immediately upon release.

However, achieving optimal performance will necessitate a powerful computer system to support them.

Hardware Requirements

The necessary hardware to operate a PC-based virtual reality (VR) headset differs depending on the specific device. While requirements fluctuate, preliminary details indicate the components needed to prepare for the arrival of devices like the Oculus and Vive.

Oculus has published minimum specifications for running the Rift at its basic settings. A key component is an Nvidia GTX 970 (or an equivalent AMD R9 series card), which typically costs upwards of $300.

Graphics Card Considerations

Both the Oculus and Vive headsets utilize similar resolutions – 1080x1200 pixels per screen, totaling 2160x1200 – and operate at a refresh rate of 90Hz. Consequently, the GTX 970 likely represents the absolute minimum requirement for both systems.

To provide context, a GTX 970 can generally run most demanding PC games at high settings with a resolution of 1920x1080 and a frame rate of 60 frames per second. Achieving a comparable level of smoothness within the Oculus Rift environment will likely necessitate a more powerful graphics card.

Processor and Memory

Oculus suggests a minimum processor of an Intel i5-4590 (or AMD equivalent) coupled with 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The Vive, due to its reliance on external light-tracking towers, may demand even greater memory capacity.

Translating user input into in-game actions is computationally intensive. However, processing data from numerous infrared sensors and cameras to accurately track head and body movements presents a significantly more complex and resource-demanding task for the system.

Compatibility Testing

To assess your computer’s VR readiness, utilize the SteamVR performance test and the Oculus Rift Compatibility Tool. Steam’s test benchmarks your system and predicts VR performance. Oculus’ tool verifies your hardware against a list of compatible devices, identifying potential issues.

Space Considerations for Virtual Reality

Understanding the spatial demands of various VR headsets is crucial when evaluating the type of virtual reality experience they deliver. Headsets like the PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift require only the area available between the display and the user's seating position, or the location of the tracking camera.

However, the HTC Vive offers a "spatially immersive" experience. This means that real-world movements are replicated in the virtual environment with a 1:1 correspondence.

Vive's Tracking Capabilities

The Vive system is designed to track spaces up to 15 feet in length and 15 feet in width. Functionality remains consistent even within a smaller 8-foot by 8-foot area.

This spatial requirement is significant. Securing a clear area within a home, free from obstacles and furniture, presents a challenge for users.

Consequently, the Vive’s success may be impacted by its need for substantial space, potentially influencing its market performance relative to the Oculus Rift, especially for those not specifically planning for a dedicated VR room.

Financial Requirements

Related: Head Mounted Displays: What's the Difference between Augmented and Virtual Reality?

When considering Virtual Reality (VR), a significant financial investment is unavoidable for a truly immersive experience. While less expensive options like Google Cardboard and Gear VR exist, these serve primarily as introductory platforms to the technology.

Achieving a fully realized sense of presence – such as being in a spaceship battle or facing a lurking creature – necessitates substantial expenditure on both hardware and software. Both Oculus and Vive aim to deliver unprecedentedly immersive worlds, demanding considerable processing power to function optimally.

The Oculus Rift is currently available for pre-order at a cost of $600. According to Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe, a fully functional setup, including the necessary PC hardware, will likely exceed $1,500 for consumers. This represents a considerable expense, suggesting initial sales will primarily target dedicated and affluent gamers.

Our attempt to assemble a computer meeting the company’s minimum specifications resulted in a cost of approximately $1,100. This aligns closely with Oculus’ estimates, though it doesn’t include the $600 cost of the headset itself. Pricing for the Vive or PlayStation VR remains subject to speculation at this time.

As with any emerging technology, virtual reality is inherently expensive. A powerful computer is essential for operation, and the headsets themselves are anticipated to cost several hundred dollars – comparable to the price of a traditional gaming console.

However, those who have experienced VR with a Vive or Oculus can attest to the unique and compelling sensation of immersion. The feeling is truly exceptional. I have personally tested both systems and am eager to purchase one upon release, as VR offers a gaming experience unlike any other.

It represents an entirely new world, and while early adoption may require a premium, the potential is immense.

Image Credits: Maurizio Pesce/Flickr, Nan Palermo/Flickr, RoadToVR, Wikimedia 1, 2 Sony