VR -- HTC Vive vs Rift S vs Valve Index

[159th_pappavis]

Just a short, personal opinion.
HTC Vive was good as adequate VR experience.

Overall current gen VR is oke for DCS. The immersion is like 10000000000x fun!!!

The Rift S vs Vale Index.
Honestly, I'd buy a Rift S (again, as I returned mine due to battery problems). The Rift S image quality is nearly identical to the Valve Index. Rather, I couldnt notice a difference.

- The Index however has bigger FOV, and you certainly notice it!
- Sound in the Index has more bass.
- The index has no access to Oculus store exclusive titles.
- Index is "cheap" when u upgrade.

(Dis)advantages of Rift S?
 - Both Oculus Store exclusive store content AND steam games.
 - Inside out tracking works flawless, even when u need to push buttons in F-18C down below your knees.
 - Touch controllers included as standard.
 - Price. Similar in features as Valve Index, but much more cheaper.
 - Setup, what setup? Plugin, install oculus home, and fly DCS. Its that simple!

If I am getting into VR, which to buy?  Rift S. Well worth the money.

Soon I may receive a HP Reverb.

[159th_Archer]

Thx for the updates Papps, good to follow how they're getting along and working for people. -I won't be getting one just yet, although if I start hearing that they're without any meaningful problems, I might start seriously thinking on getting involved.

[159th_pappavis]

if I start hearing that they're without any meaningful problems

Depends what one sees as a problem. Setup, install, use has already been perfect since Rift DK2-days.

My only gripe with VR -- particular to DCS World - is the relatively low res compared to what you see on a normal screen.  The Rift S & Index greatly improved on resolution and immersion with new builtin surround sound is just plain awesome.

The HP Reverb is said to have real, proper resolution.

[159th_pappavis]

Yesterday my HP Reverb with 2160x2160 res per eye arrived.
Before use i had to update my windows, screwed up during update and now have to reinstall windows from scratch. 

[159th_Axman]

Let us know how you get on with the Reveb. If ED forums are to go by, it might be worth waiting a while for HP to get their act together before investing.

I’m particular interested in performance, resolution and clarity is no good if you only get 30FPS.

[159th_pappavis]

The HP Reverb resolution is amazing. Like a normal monitor. I can read the small ticker symbols on F-14 lefthand console, without zoom. Its that good.

Clarity:
What I hoped the Valve Index would be.
- Compared to the ole 'HTC Vive & Rift CV1. WHat you must be kidding.  No fair comparison.
- Compared to Valve Index & Rift S -- its like a Apple Mac non-Retina vs Retina. Much clearer.

Sound:
Its oke. Compared to Rift S oke. Compared to the Valve Index.. terrible.
Is sound that bad? Definitely not. Once you get used to the Index' sound everything else is sh*t.

Smoothness:
No stutter, everything is smooth on my 5 yrs old ' i7-4770k 16GB with Nivdia 980GTX videocard. Gfx settings to DCS default "VR"-settings.
Compared to the Rift S: same, see above.
Compared to Valve Index: in the index the SteamVR playarea occasionally shows up for 0,25 seconds.

SteamVR support
Yes. Works perfect. From Steam, install the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR (2Mb download) and your set.

Comfort:
Suxx. Its like the HTC Vive. Its much lighter though.
 - Compared to the Valve Index: the Index i dont feel its on my head
 - Compared to the Rift S which was very comfortable.

Which VR headset?
- Current gen Rift S is overall the best value for money.
- Index is overpriced.
- Reverb.. defintley worth it. Superior resolution.

If I were to buy a VR-headset today.. I would get HP Reverb.

Rumours has it of a HP Reverb pricedrop soon.

[159th_Axman]

Cheers Papps for the write up, definitely food for thought.