OSVR HDK2
The OSVR HDK2 or Hacker Dev Kit 2 is a virtual reality head-mounted display created by Razer and Sensics. HDK2 is the OSVR's second device. It was announced in E3 2016. OSVR HDK2 has an open source and modular design that not only allows the user to replace and renew its hardware components but also build one from scratch.
OSVR HDK2 went on sale on July 29, 2016 at the price of $399. Students and developers can apply to receive 20% discount.
Hardware[edit]
The HDK2 kit comprises of the headset, belt clip, manuals, box adaptor, the positional tracker with a tripod, connecting cables, and a cleaning cloth.
Display[edit]
The OSVR HDK2 has a dual display that runs 90 frames / Second and has 2160 x 1200 pixels as its combined resolution. The OSVR HDK2 has a screen with 441-PPI, RGB-OLED display. To reduce the screen door effect, the HDK2 has a silver layer added to the display.
Lenses[edit]
HTC Vive and Oculus Rift use fresnel lenses; Razer has opted a different system. It uses a dual lens system. Even though the dual lens system isn’t perfect, it’s free from the godrays issue. Furthermore, the dual lens system is heavier than the fresnel lenses. The OSVR HDK2 headset has an 110-degree FoV (Field of View).
Infrared positional tracking camera[edit]
Razer’s infrared positional tracking camera has a maximum range of about 2.5 meters. It has certain limitations. The infrared range is sufficient to track standing experiences. The camera’s performance might greatly suffer if the user walks around too much. The infrared LEDs on the rear end of the HDK2 headset allow the camera to capture 360-degree turns.
Controllers[edit]
The OSVR HDK2 Kit doesn’t come with a controller. Users are free to use any suitable controller with the HDK2 kit. It can be used with the Razer Hydra.
Specifications[edit]
| Part | Spec |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5 inch OLED 441 PPI at 90 FPS |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1200 (1080 x 1200 per eye) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Field of View | 110 degrees |
| Optics | Dual lens |
| Interaxial Distance | Adjustable |
| Tracking | 6 degrees of freedom |
| Rotational Tracking | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer |
| Positional Tracking | IR-LED faceplate and External Infrared Camera |
| Update Rate | Rotational: 400Hz Positional: 100 Hz |
| Latency | ?? |
| Connectivity | 1 external and 2 internal USB 3.0 ports |
| Weight | ?? |
| Facemask | bamboo charcoal microfiber foam layer |
| Input | Various, such as Mouse and Keyboard, Gamepads, Leap Motion, Nod |
| Cost | $399.99 |
Modules[edit]
Faceplate module[edit]
- The OSVR HDK2 kit comes with an IR camera
- The Infrared camera operates at 100 Hz
- The v1.4 infrared faceplate provides positional tracking
- Some of the other variations included are the IR faceplate with Leap Motion. The Leap Motion tech is used to support natural interactions, like movement of hands
Main board[edit]
- The gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass are integrated into the sensor hub
- To use accessories an external USB 3.0 is provided
- Additionally, for internal expansion 2 USB 3.0 is present
- To add extra functionality the main board has been made re-programmable
Display[edit]
- A dual display system with a resolution of 2160 x 1200 has been added
- The OLED silver screen is low persistence, has a ppi of 441, and runs at 90 fps
- To reduce the screendoor effect OSVR HDK2 has used Image Quality Enhancement technology
Optics[edit]
- Ultra-sharp image display is guaranteed with the high performing dual lens system
- HDK2 has a large eye-box to make the headset more comfortable
- OSVR ensures faster rendering with color corrected images and low geometric distortion
- To cater to the needs of the majority of the users HDK2 uses diopters that cover adjustments from +4.5 to -2
HMD mechanical module[edit]
- The design focuses on comfort and ease of use
- Nose bridge with rubber nose inserts, extra padding to reduce pressure on the cheekbone, and bamboo charcoal micro-fiber foam layer makes the headset very comfortable
Belt Box Module[edit]
- Comes with signal boosters
- Surround sound audio codec has been incorporated into the system
- Extra USB ports
System requirements[edit]
The PC that powers the OSVR HDK2 headset must have a graphics card that is at least a Radeon R9 280 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 970. The PC must use Intel Core i5-4590 or higher as the CPU. Finally, the PC must have at least one HDMI 1.3 port and two USB 2.0 ports to connect the cables from the headset.
Setup tutorial[edit]
The headset can be set up by first connecting the belt clip and the positional tracker to the PC using the USB port. Between the belt clip and the IR camera is a 3.5 mm mini-jack, and fixed to it is the adaptor jack. The VR headset is connected to one side of the belt clip. The belt clip has a spare USB port that can be used to connect accessories like Leap Motion. Among the cables, a 3.5 mm connector for headphones is also provided.
After downloading, install the OSVR Server on the PC. Following the installation process and before running the OSVR Server for the first time, the user needs to configure the server in the control panel. The OSVR Server is the most important element of the whole system. It’s the driving force behind the Runtime Software. It initiates and manages crucial functions such as loading of various plug-ins, communications between the software and hardware, and rendering the pipeline. To use any of the applications, users are supposed to start the OSVR Server first.
Through the control panel of the OSVR Server, a user can perform many functions including enabling the HMD, checking and upgrading the firmware, and adjust various other settings. Additionally, a user can also choose either the direct or extended mode, re-center the HDK2 headset, enter the Interpupillary distance, and toggle side by side. When the direct mode is chosen, the software will communicate only with the virtual reality headset, whereas, in the case of the extended mode the VR headset acts as the supplementary display option.
Software[edit]
The scripts, software, tools, and drivers needed to run the HDK 2 are on the official website (http://www.osvr.org/) of OSVR. Users can visit the website, download the installation setup and install the necessary software package in the PC.
History[edit]
June 13, 2016: OSVR HDK2 is announced at E3 2016.