View source for Pimax Vision 8K Plus

{{Device Infobox
|name = Pimax Vision 8K Plus
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[PiTool]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = 2019
|Release Date = 2019
|Price = $899
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Versions = Pimax Vision 8K Plus
|Requires = High-end VR-ready PC (RTX 2060 or better), SteamVR base stations
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8K]]
|Successor = [[Pimax 8K X]]
|Operating System = [[Windows 10/11]]
|Chipset = N/A (PC-tethered)
|CPU = N/A (host PC)
|GPU = N/A (host PC)
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A (host PC)
|Memory = N/A (host PC)
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual CLPL (Customized Low Persistence Liquid)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 3840 × 2160 per eye (upscaled from 2560 × 1440)
|Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz (110Hz experimental)
|Persistence = Low persistence (CLPL)
|Field of View = 170° diagonal (normal), 200° diagonal (large)
|Horizontal FoV = ~150° (normal), ~170° (large)
|Vertical FoV = ~110°
|Average Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Optional (with eye tracking module)
|Optics = Custom wide-FOV lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 60-75mm (mechanical)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR Tracking 1.0/2.0)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (IMU)
|Base Stations = Required (SteamVR 1.0 or 2.0)
|Eye Tracking = Optional (add-on module)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Leap Motion module)
|Body Tracking = Via Vive Trackers
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 90Hz (110Hz experimental)
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale (base station dependent)
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Via 3.5mm or modular audio accessory
|Microphone = Optional (modular)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 2.0/3.0
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort 1.4)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = Powered by PC
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = 280.1mm × 108.2mm × 135.9mm
|Weight = ~470g (headset only)
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Modular (standard or deluxe audio strap)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = IMU, proximity sensor
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax Sword controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}

The '''Pimax Vision 8K Plus''' is an ultra-wide field of view [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2019 at a price of $899. As part of Pimax's Vision series, the 8K Plus targets enthusiasts and simulation professionals seeking the widest possible field of view in consumer VR, offering up to 170-200° diagonal FOV compared to the 110° typical of mainstream headsets. The 8K Plus features dual 3840 × 2160 RGB stripe CLPL (Customized Low Persistence Liquid) displays that upscale from a 2560 × 1440 per eye render resolution, 90Hz refresh rate (110Hz experimental), and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking compatibility. While not offering native 4K input like its 8K X sibling, the 8K Plus provides a balance of high resolution and wider GPU compatibility, delivering an immersive peripheral-vision-filling experience for flight simulation, racing simulation, and VR enthusiasts who prioritize field of view over raw pixel density.

== History and Development ==

=== Pimax Background ===
Company origins:
* Founded 2015 in China
* Wide-FOV VR focus
* Kickstarter success
* Enthusiast market

=== Pimax 8K Original ===
First generation:
* 2017 Kickstarter
* Wide FOV promise
* Production challenges
* Enthusiast interest

=== Vision Series Launch ===
2019 refresh:
* Improved displays (CLPL)
* Better refresh rates
* Refined design
* Multiple variants

=== 8K Plus Positioning ===
Market segment:
* Between 5K and 8K X
* Upscaled 4K output
* Lower GPU requirements
* Enthusiast value

== Design Philosophy ==

=== Ultra-Wide FOV ===
Immersion priority:
* 170-200° diagonal
* Peripheral vision filled
* Natural field of view
* Simulation focused

=== Upscaled Approach ===
Performance balance:
* 2560×1440 render per eye
* Upscaled to 4K display
* Lower GPU demand
* Quality trade-off

=== Simulation Focus ===
Target applications:
* Flight simulation
* Racing simulation
* Space simulation
* Immersive experiences

== Display Technology ==

=== CLPL Displays ===
Custom technology:
* '''Panel Resolution''': 3840 × 2160 per eye
* '''Render Resolution''': 2560 × 1440 per eye
* '''Type''': CLPL (Customized Low Persistence Liquid)
* '''Layout''': RGB stripe

=== RGB Stripe Matrix ===
Subpixel advantage:
* 50% more subpixels than PenTile
* Better text clarity
* Sharper images
* Reduced screen door

=== Upscaling System ===
Resolution processing:
* Native render at 2560×1440
* Upscaled to 3840×2160
* Some softness vs native
* GPU efficiency gained

=== Refresh Rate ===
Display timing:
* 90Hz standard
* 110Hz experimental
* Smooth motion
* VR comfortable

== Field of View ==

=== Ultra-Wide Options ===
FOV modes:
* '''Normal''': ~150° horizontal
* '''Large''': ~170° horizontal
* '''Diagonal''': Up to 200°
* User selectable

=== Comparison to Standard VR ===
Massive difference:
* Valve Index: 130°
* Quest 2: 90°
* Vive Pro: 110°
* 8K Plus: 170-200°

=== Peripheral Vision ===
Immersion benefit:
* Natural viewing experience
* Peripheral awareness
* Reduced tunnel vision
* Simulation advantage

=== FOV Trade-offs ===
Considerations:
* Distortion at edges
* Higher GPU demand
* Reduced pixel density
* Sweet spot challenges

== Optical System ==

=== Wide-FOV Lenses ===
Custom optics:
* Specially designed lenses
* Canted displays
* Wide sweet spot
* Some distortion

=== Mechanical IPD ===
Physical adjustment:
* '''Range''': 60-75mm
* Dial mechanism
* Wide accommodation
* Precise fit

=== Distortion Correction ===
Software compensation:
* PiTool settings
* Profile adjustment
* User calibration
* Continuous improvement

== Tracking System ==

=== SteamVR Tracking ===
Lighthouse compatible:
* 1.0 and 2.0 support
* Base stations required
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Wide play space

=== Modular Tracking ===
Optional expansion:
* Eye tracking module
* Hand tracking (Leap Motion)
* Face tracking option
* Upgrade path

== Audio System ==

=== Modular Audio ===
Optional configurations:
* 3.5mm jack standard
* DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) option
* User headphones
* Flexible setup

=== No Built-In Speakers ===
DIY approach:
* Bring your own audio
* Modular upgrade available
* Quality your choice
* Weight reduction

== Physical Design ==

=== Large Form Factor ===
Wide-FOV housing:
* '''Dimensions''': 280.1 × 108.2 × 135.9mm
* '''Weight''': ~470g
* Larger than standard headsets
* Wide display accommodation

=== Modular System ===
Upgrade path:
* Replaceable face gasket
* Audio strap options
* Comfort mods
* Community accessories

=== Build Quality ===
Enthusiast grade:
* Plastic construction
* Functional design
* Reasonable durability
* Value focused

== Controllers ==

=== SteamVR Compatible ===
Controller options:
* Index Controllers recommended
* Vive Controllers supported
* Pimax Sword Controllers
* Wide compatibility

=== Pimax Sword Controllers ===
First-party option:
* Included in some packages
* 6DoF tracking
* Touchpad + buttons
* Alternative to Index

== Software ==

=== PiTool ===
Pimax software:
* Device configuration
* FOV settings
* Rendering options
* Profile management

=== SteamVR Integration ===
Platform support:
* Full SteamVR compatibility
* OpenXR support
* Wide application support
* Standard ecosystem

=== Parallel Projections ===
Compatibility feature:
* For games not optimized
* Canted display correction
* Performance cost
* When needed

== Performance Requirements ==

=== High-End GPU ===
Recommended specs:
* '''Minimum''': RTX 2060
* '''Recommended''': RTX 2080 or better
* '''CPU''': Intel i5-9400 or better
* '''RAM''': 8GB+

=== Upscaling Benefit ===
vs 8K X:
* Lower render resolution
* More GPU headroom
* More accessible
* Still high demand

== Use Cases ==

=== Flight Simulation ===
Primary application:
* Peripheral awareness
* Natural cockpit view
* Instrument visibility
* Immersive flying

=== Racing Simulation ===
Driving experience:
* Wide windscreen view
* Mirror visibility
* Track awareness
* Natural racing

=== Space Simulation ===
Immersive space:
* Cockpit presence
* Wide star field
* Elite Dangerous
* Star Citizen

=== Enthusiast VR ===
General use:
* Maximum immersion
* Unique experience
* Enthusiast appeal
* Demonstration piece

== Comparison with 8K X ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Vision 8K Plus !! Vision 8K X
|-
| Price || $899 || $1,299
|-
| Panel Resolution || 3840×2160 || 3840×2160
|-
| Render Resolution || 2560×1440 (upscaled) || 3840×2160 (native)
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz (110Hz exp.) || 75Hz (native), 90Hz (upscaled)
|-
| GPU Requirement || RTX 2060+ || RTX 2080 Ti+
|-
| Image Clarity || Good (upscaled) || Excellent (native)
|-
| FOV || Same || Same
|}

== Strengths and Limitations ==

=== Strengths ===
* Ultra-wide FOV (170-200°)
* RGB stripe displays
* Lower GPU requirements than 8K X
* SteamVR tracking compatible
* Modular design
* Simulation-focused
* 110Hz experimental mode

=== Limitations ===
* Upscaled resolution (not native 4K)
* Image softness vs native
* Large and heavy form factor
* Edge distortion
* Complex setup
* No built-in audio
* Still high GPU demands

== Technical Specifications Summary ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual CLPL, 3840 × 2160 per eye (upscaled)
|-
| Render Resolution || 2560 × 1440 per eye
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz (110Hz experimental)
|-
| FOV || 170-200° diagonal
|-
| IPD Range || 60-75mm (mechanical)
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR 1.0/2.0
|-
| Audio || 3.5mm jack (modular options)
|-
| Weight || ~470g
|-
| Price || $899
|}

== See Also ==
* [[Pimax]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[Pimax 5K Plus]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Wide FOV VR]]
* [[Flight Simulation]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Wide FOV]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]