HTC - Vive Virtual Reality System for Compatible Windows PCs - Black

The HTC Vive is my latest splurge in VR as I have the Gear VR, PlayStation VR, and Oculus Rift already. I can say without a doubt that getting any of them is absolutely worth it, it just depends on what you are willing to spend and what you are looking for. The HTC Vive has the largest room-scale of any of the other current systems. There are some games that take full advantage of this and really add to the immersion. The Vive is also the easiest to set up and tear down in just about any location compared to the other tethered systems. You only need power for the lightboxes and the connection box has a separate power supply with HDMI and one USB needed from the PC. The cable is also long enough to allow for a lot of moving around. Steam is the primary system for games and there is a huge selection of material. I now have over 100 games/applications/demos without making an additional purchase and some games have multiple mini-games that makes it feel like even more. However, some of those will surely disappoint you when you try them out, but worth at least a look. I have had more issues with games between Viveport and Steam than I have with others, requiring an occasional reboot of the PC. However, the Vive and Steam by default allow for more PC interaction and has an external camera to allow for some real world interaction with the headset still on. This is the first generation of this style of VR and there is plenty of room for improvement. Some things I don’t like compared to the other systems are not necessarily something that would prevent me from recommending the Vive, just little quirks in comparison to the other major VR providers. I really do not like the default head harness that comes with the Vive. The side straps are easy enough to adjust, but the top one is under the cables making it difficult to get a good fit. Switching between my big head and my kids little heads gets frustrating. This headset also does not come with built on headphones like the new deluxe audio strap or the Oculus Rift. However, it does come with earbuds and you can use any headset you want, like I enjoy my over-the-ear headphones instead of an on-the-ear set, so it is a toss-up. The eye lenses on the Vive have noticeable ridges in them compared to others. Though it does not affect the normal view of playing, you can really notice them when there is light glare of something bright on a dark background. Though the glare is similar on others, you just don’t notice ridges on them. The controllers for the Vive are big and a bit clunky. Though they work and only take a minute to get used to, I feel that I lose a little bit of immersion with them, especially when they show as controllers and not hands in many games as compared to the Oculus Touch. Some games take advantage of the touch pads and essentially convert it into 4 additional buttons, but most just make it as one big button. The controllers disappoint me as they don’t feel natural and in some games your holding the wrong one in the wrong hand and you won’t know this till in the game. However, if you are just swinging a sword, they feel perfect. As I stated in the beginning, it depends on what you are looking for. If you already have a PS4 and want to have a cheap way into immersive VR in gaming and family fun, PlayStation VR is your best bet, but just know it is not the best in tracking and you have to be directly in front of the one camera. The PC systems obviously require a powerful enough computer and the Oculus Rift with Touch is the next in price range. However, it requires a third camera (separate purchase) to get the best accuracy for small room-scale playing, but feels high quality with the natural feel of the Touch controllers. The Rift is more of a once installed, play in place type system. The Vive is by far the easiest to set up and I can easily take the Vive down and set it back up in another location with minimal effort. Other systems just seem a bit more finicky as they require cameras instead of light boxes and require some precise positioning to get the best effect. So, if you are like me and want a system that you can pack up and take to a friend’s party, the Vive and a laptop is the way to go.

This is the best thing I have ever bought I started to unbox it and I felt like a rich person and it was just all quality feeling I WOULD BUY AGAIN . DONT GET THE RIFT

I have both the Vive and the Vive Pro. I also used to have an Oculus Rift, so I'm able to compare the 3 major products side-by-side. Of course the Vive Pro is the best VR system on the market. But, at $1400, it's not really in the same league as the Vive or Oculus Rift, so it wouldn't be fair to compare either one against the Vive Pro. So, when comparing the Vive with the Oculus Rift, there's really no comparison. The Oculus Rift is: 1. Very small (I can't ware my glasses with it, so I had to have lens insert made) 2. Looks and feels like it's made out of paper (really poor construction). 3. Very uncomfortable. Could only ware it for 5-10 minutes at a time before taking it off from a face full of sweat. In short, the Oculus Rift is a cheap piece of junk. In comparison, the HTC Vive is: 1. Big enough to easily fit my face with glasses 2. Solid construction. Looks and feels like a quality unit 3. Very comfortable IF you get the optional Audio Strap. The standard unit is front heavy so can feel strained if warring too long. With the strap, it feels almost as good as the Vive Pro. If you're deciding between the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and you don't want to spend $1400 for the HTC Vive Pro, than IMO you should spend the extra $100 (compared with the Oculus Rift) and get the HTC Vive. You won't regret it and you won't have to put you Oculus Rift on craigslist like I did a month after you bought it.

It was a hard decision to pick between the HTC VIVE or the OCULUS RIFT. I eventually picked the HTC VIVE due to the exclusive games for it. Though the RIFT was cheaper. Also the RIFT is more stand still and the VIVE is capable of walking around a VR environment. I love the HTC VIVE. I love the experience and the games available. The above mentioned is the main 3 differences between the two systems. Either one you choose will make your day. But, for a truly immersive experience go with the VIVE that is IF you have the room to utilize for it. If you don't have the space available get the oculus. Note there are a lot of wires to attach it to your PC and I recommend having a properly powered PC to support it so you don't experience any lag.There are TWO (2) wired tracking blocks that you need to hook to your PC and if you have a large room you'll need to purchase longer cables in order to connect them. But, they can be connected and function properly with being only 2 1/2ft high and only 2 1/2 to 3ft apart. However to utilize a room larger than 8ft X15ft you'll need longer cables to connect it to your PC. No matter which VR system you choose it is an experience and I highly recommend it.

The Vive is MINDBLOWING! I got it home and plugged it into my PC and the next thing I knew I was standing in the middle of a field at night with a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other, zombies were all around me! I was inside the game and I thought I was going to get eaten! VR is here and it's amazing! This isn't the phone VR you've seen it's SO much better! You have to try it to believe it. The Vive is really easy to set up. It took me about half an hour. There are hundreds and hundreds of games you can play. A lot of them are free and surprisingly good. The ones you buy are even better! Horror games, shooting games, sports games, multiplayer and single player, social, educational, and science experiences. I can't begin to tell you how incredible this is. A wireless adapter and gun controllers are coming out in a few months. The Vive is the real deal and there is NOTHING else on the market that even comes close.

This is a great unit. I have never been much of a gamer, as I felt it missed the level of immersion I desired. The HTC Vive gives that true sense of immersion with full room tracking. The initial setup was easy. I made it a bit more complicated by having the system in another room from my computer. However, the setup works great if you allow for active HDMI and USB over Ethernet. Your installation may be much easier if you have room in the same place as your PC. I would HIGHLY recommend the investment into the new head strap with the built in headphones. They sound really good and the unit is SO much easier to put on and remove. I like the vive much more that the Oculas Rift and have tried both. The Vive just seems more solidly built and a better full room experience. Your mileage may vary.

Hardware-wise, it performs fine. The realities of how the room and equipment need to be set up makes this a hassle for a room that isn't dedicated for VR use. You need base stations in the corners of the room. Wires run from the PC to where you'll have the headset. Not exactly living room material. All for a pretty penny that needs a different pretty penny to have a good enough PC. Still fun, though.

Im new to the VR scene. I was originally going to get the Oculus Rift, but after a great salesman at my local Best Buy gave me the lowdown on Vive versus Oculus, IM SO GLAD I bought the Vive. Easy to setup, easy to use programming, and EASILY up-gradable and fits properly on my head. If you are looking for the VR experience for the price, THIS is the go-to.