Complete Guide to Buying the HTC Vive

Your Guide to buying the best HTC Vive

Overview

The HTC Vive is an innovative virtual reality system that provides an immersive and interactive experience unlike any other. This comprehensive buying guide will help potential customers better understand the features and benefits of the HTC Vive, as well as provide helpful advice for choosing the best model for their needs. We will discuss pricing, hardware specifications, and software compatibility, as well as provide an overview of the setup process and the most popular accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast or completely new to virtual reality, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Key features

  1. Design - The HTC Vive is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. The headset features a lightweight and adjustable design with a comfortable foam cushioning, as well as an adjustable head strap for a secure fit.
  2. Display - The headset features two OLED displays, each with a resolution of 2160 x 1200 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. This provides a high-quality, immersive experience with detailed visuals and smooth motion.
  3. Tracking system - The headset is compatible with the Lighthouse tracking system, which allows for 360-degree room-scale tracking and low-latency, precise motion tracking.
  4. Audio - The headset features built-in headphones with 3D audio to provide an immersive experience and directionally accurate sound.
  5. Connectivity - The HTC Vive is compatible with PCs and Macs, and requires a USB 3.0 port to connect to the computer.
  6. Controllers - The Vive comes with two controllers, which feature haptic feedback and trigger buttons, as well as an improved design for a more intuitive experience.
  7. Software - The Vive comes with access to the Viveport store, which gives users access to hundreds of games, applications, and experiences.

See the most popular HTC Vive on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Wide Range of Gaming Options - The HTC Vive has a wide selection of games to choose from, covering all genres and styles of play. You can find everything from puzzle and educational games to action and adventure titles, as well as many immersive virtual reality experiences.
  • Room-Scale VR - The HTC Vive supports room-scale VR, which allows you to move around and interact with your virtual environment. This creates a more immersive experience and makes gaming feel more real.
  • High-End Technology - The HTC Vive is equipped with advanced motion-tracking technology and high-resolution displays, which provide a smooth and realistic virtual reality experience.
  • Comfortable Design - The HTC Vive is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. The headset is lightweight and adjustable, while the controllers are designed to fit naturally in your hands.
  • Affordable Price - Compared to other high-end virtual reality systems, the HTC Vive is relatively affordable. This makes it a good option for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on a VR setup.

Cons

  • Price: The HTC Vive is a premium VR headset and as such can be expensive to purchase.
  • Installation: Installation of the HTC Vive requires a lot of setup, including mounting of sensors and connecting to a powerful PC.
  • Space Requirements: The HTC Vive requires a large space to be set up for full use, so it may not fit in some living spaces.
  • Pixel Density: The HTC Vive has a lower resolution than other headsets, leading to a lower quality image.
  • Controller Tracking: The menu and motion controllers provided by the HTC Vive can be difficult to track, leading to a less interactive experience.
  • Performance Requirements: The HTC Vive requires a powerful PC to run, which can be expensive to purchase or upgrade.

Best alternatives

    Oculus Rift - Virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Oculus, a division of Facebook Inc. HTC Vive Pro - High-end virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by HTC. Sony PlayStation VR - Virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Samsung Gear VR - Virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Samsung Electronics. Google Daydream View -Virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Google.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    HTC Vive Headset - A virtual reality headset designed to use with the HTC Vive system for immersive VR experiences Vive Controllers - Wireless controllers designed to be used in tandem with the Vive headset for natural, intuitive control of virtual experiences Base Station - A laser-based tracking device that is used to detect the position and movement of the Vive headset and controllers Link Box - A device used to connect the Vive system to your PC Vive Earphones - Optional earphones designed to be used with the Vive headset for spatial audio Vive Tracker - An optional accessory that allows you to attach real-world objects to the Vive system for a more immersive experience Vive Accessories - Protective covers, extended cables, and other accessories designed to enhance the Vive experience.

Common questions

  1. What is HTC Vive?
    HTC Vive is a virtual reality headset developed by HTC and Valve Corporation, released in April 2016. It claims to combine intuitive controls with a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience, and is compatible with a variety of external controllers and accessories.
  2. What are the system requirements for using HTC Vive?
    HTC Vive requires users to have a powerful processor and graphics card, preferably an Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 processor with 4GB of RAM, an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card with at least 4GB of RAM, and a HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 port.
  3. What accessories are available for HTC Vive?
    HTC Vive offers a variety of accessories for purchase, including the Vive Tracker, Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, Vive Facial Interface, and Vive Wireless Adapter. Additionally, several third-party accessories are available, such as gaming controllers, VR treadmills, and more.
  4. What software is available for HTC Vive?
    HTC Vive has several software titles available, such as Google Earth VR, The Lab, Fantastic Contraption, Job Simulator, and many others. Additionally, several third-party games and experiences are available, such as Tilt Brush, Arizona Sunshine, and Rec Room.
  5. What is the price of HTC Vive?
    The current price of HTC Vive is $499 USD. Accessories and controllers may cost extra.
  6. How do I set up HTC Vive?
    Setting up HTC Vive requires a few steps. First, the user must download and install the HTC Vive software on their computer. Then, they need to connect the base stations and headset, and configure the controller settings. Finally, they can launch the Vive app or software and start using HTC Vive.

Trivia

At the 2016 Game Developers Conference, HTC Vive held a "Vive User Experience" session, where they showed off the latest in their virtual reality technology. During the session, Vive users were able to try out a demo that allowed them to play a game of virtual darts with a Vive controller. The game was so popular during the session that HTC Vive decided to make it a full-fledged game, which they released in 2017 under the name "Vive Darts". The game was well-received by both Vive users and critics, with its realistic physics and intuitive controls earning it high praise. HTC Vive has since released several other titles, including a virtual bow-and-arrow game and a virtual escape room. Vive remains one of the leading virtual reality companies, and its innovative games are a testament to its dedication to creating an immersive VR experience. Source: https://www.htcvive.com/us/vr-experiences/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.