VR headset technology is a competitive field with a few devices getting attention. There’s room for a lot of improvement, and the Pimax 8K VR ups the game for VR headsets. The device allows the user to perceive an 8K VR experience with a massive field of vision (FOV) range of 200 degrees. For users that don’t need 8K video, there’s a Pimax 5K special edition available as well.
Pimax 8K VR and 5K specs
The specs of the Pimax 8K VR are a 200-degree FOV, a resolution of 2*3840×2160, 16.6 million pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The Pimax 5K also has a 200-degree FOV, 90Hz refresh rate but has a lower resolution of 2*2560×1440 and 7.4 million pixels. Both headsets can use PiPlay, Steam VR and Oculus Home content.
The screen is a customised low persistence liquid (CLPL) display with a <15ms motion to photon latency (MTP). The processor is the GTX980/1070 or AMD R9 Nano equivalent of above. The interface is DP1.4 and USB 3.0. Audio is through two 3.5mm audio jacks or surround headphones and there is an integrated microphone. The device can be used while seated or standing. There is positional tracking and optional hand motion.
The Pimax 8K and 5K fit on the head via an adjustable headset strap/headband, have an auto-demisting system, fit glasses or a customised VR frame and have interpapillary distance adjustment.
Large 200-degree FOV
The FOV enhances the VR experience by widening the possible perspective for the user. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vibe have only 100-degree FOVs and this makes the VR experience like seeing the images through googles. For the Pimax 8K and 5K, the user is given a more natural perspective that is more immersive and realistic.
Brainwarp
Add the 8K capabilities to the 200-degree FOV and you have a VR experience that is on a different level. 8K video is achieved by the headset displays being 4K in each eye. The technology uses is called Brainwarp and this renders a single 4K image at 150/180 times per second. To the user this becomes a complete 8K at 150/180Hz with high frame rate experience.
Brainwarp has more functionality. The technology can boost the refresh rate, lessen latency and drop the pressure on the GPU to provide a natural and smooth VR experience.
The Pimax 5K VR basic kickstart special is $349 and the full package of 5K headsets with two controllers and two base stations will set you back $649. The first ever 8K headset is $499 and the full package is $799. One 8K X is $699 and a VR party of 14 sets of 8K or 5K headsets is $10,000.
Source: Kickstarter
