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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Pimax Vision 8K X
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Platform]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Experience]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = 2020
|Announcement Date = October 2019 (Pimax Frontier)
|Announcement Date = CES 2020
|Release Date = Q4 2020
|Price = $1,299 USD
|Price = $1,299 (headset only)
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Website = https://pimax.com/pimax-8k-x/
|Versions = Pimax Vision 8K X, Pimax Vision 8K X DMAS
|Requires = High-end gaming PC, SteamVR Tracking
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 5K Plus]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 5K Plus]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = LCD (dual 4K)
|Operating System = [[Windows]]
|Resolution = 3840x2160 per eye (native)
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Combined Resolution = 7680x2160
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Refresh Rate = 75/90 Hz (native) / 90/114 Hz (upscale)
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Field of View = 200° diagonal / 170° horizontal
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual CLPL (Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = ~100 nits
|Resolution = 3840 × 2160 per eye (7680 × 2160 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~20 PPD (center)
|Refresh Rate = 75Hz (native 4K), 90Hz/114Hz (upscale mode)
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = Up to 200° (diagonal), 170° (horizontal)
|Horizontal FoV = 150°-170° (adjustable)
|Vertical FoV = ~115°
|Average Pixel Density = ~18 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~22 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering available
|Optics = Custom aspherical lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Eye Tracking = Optional module
|IPD Range = 60-75mm (mechanical adjustment)
|Tracking = SteamVR Lighthouse (external)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible, lens inserts available)
|IPD = 55-75mm
|Passthrough = No
|Latency = 15ms MTP
|Tracking = 6DoF outside-in (SteamVR/Lighthouse)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (base stations)
|Base Stations = Required (sold separately)
|Eye Tracking = Optional (Droolon F1 module)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Leap Motion compatible)
|Body Tracking = Via VIVE Trackers
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 1000Hz (tracking)
|Tracking Volume = Lighthouse 2.0 supported
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <25ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = No built-in (DMAS version has speakers)
|Microphone = No (DMAS version includes microphone)
|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)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = USB powered + separate power adapter
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = ~260mm × 140mm × 130mm
|Weight = ~340g (headset without audio strap)
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Modular (basic strap, MAS, DMAS, KDMAS options)
|Haptics = Controller haptics (via SteamVR controllers)
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Lighthouse tracking photodiodes, IMU
|Input = SteamVR controllers (Valve Index, VIVE), Pimax Sword controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Vision 8K X''' is a high-end PC-tethered [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced CES 2020 and released 2020 at $1,299. Pimax's flagship ultra-wide VR headset featuring dual native 4K displays at 3840x2160 per eye (true 8K combined), industry-leading 200° diagonal field of view, Dual Engine Mode for 4K native or upscaled rendering, SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, and canted display design. Winner of Digital Trends CES 2020 Top Tech AR/VR award.
The '''Pimax Vision 8K X''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], a Shanghai-based VR company known for ultra-wide field of view headsets. Announced at Pimax Frontier in October 2019 and released in Q4 2020, the 8K X features dual native 4K displays (3840 × 2160 per eye) for a combined resolution of 7680 × 2160, along with Pimax's signature ultra-wide field of view up to 200° diagonal. Priced at $1,299 for the headset only (base stations and controllers sold separately), the 8K X targeted VR enthusiasts seeking the highest resolution and widest field of view available in consumer VR. The headset was recognized as the Best AR/VR Product at CES 2020, validating Pimax's position at the cutting edge of VR display technology despite requiring extremely powerful PC hardware to drive its native resolution.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Pimax showcased the Vision 8K X at CES 2020 as their flagship headset, where it won Digital Trends' Top Tech of CES 2020: AR/VR award. Delivering on Pimax's promise of consumer 8K VR (originally Kickstarter-funded 2017), the 8K X features true native 4K per eye displays without upscaling (unlike the earlier 8K model). The ultra-wide FOV canted display design differentiates Pimax from all competitors.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/ |title=Pimax |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Pimax Background ===
Pimax founded in 2015:
* Shanghai-based VR company
* Kickstarter success with Pimax 4K (2016)
* Known for wide FOV headsets
* Pimax 8K Kickstarter (2017)


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Kickstarter Legacy ===
Pimax 8K Kickstarter campaign:
* $4.2 million raised (2017)
* Promised 8K resolution
* FOV leadership goal
* Lengthy development and delays


=== Display ===
=== 8K X Development ===
Distinct from original 8K:
* True native 4K per eye
* No upscaling like 8K/8K Plus
* Higher hardware requirements
* Premium positioning


Dual 4K native:
=== CES 2020 Recognition ===
Industry validation:
* Best AR/VR Product at CES 2020
* Digital Trends editors' choice
* Demonstrated technical leadership
* Market credibility established


* '''3840x2160 per eye''' (native)
=== Q4 2020 Release ===
* '''7680x2160 combined''' (8K)
Consumer availability:
* '''Dual 4K LCD''' panels
* Extended development period
* Full RGB subpixels
* Hardware refinements
* CLPL (Custom Low Persistence Liquid)
* Software optimization
* Backer fulfillment priority


=== Dual Engine Mode ===
== Design Philosophy ==


Flexibility:
=== Maximum Field of View ===
Pimax's core differentiator:
* Widest FOV in consumer VR
* Up to 200° diagonal claimed
* Peripheral vision emphasis
* Immersion priority


* '''Native 4K mode''': 3840x2160x2 @ 75Hz
=== Native 4K Resolution ===
* '''Upscale mode''': 2560x1440x2 → 4K @ 90Hz
True high resolution:
* User switchable
* No upscaling in native mode
* Performance vs quality tradeoff
* Full 3840 × 2160 per eye
* Pixel-perfect clarity
* Professional-grade detail
 
=== Enthusiast Focus ===
Target audience:
* VR enthusiasts and early adopters
* Sim racing community
* Flight simulation users
* High-end PC gamers
 
=== Modular Ecosystem ===
Flexible configuration:
* Multiple audio strap options
* Optional eye tracking
* Controller compatibility
* Accessory ecosystem
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Dual 4K CLPL Panels ===
Custom display technology:
* '''Resolution''': 3840 × 2160 per eye
* '''Total''': 7680 × 2160 (marketed as 8K)
* '''Panel Type''': CLPL (Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal)
* '''Size''': Large panels for wide FOV
 
=== Native vs Upscale Modes ===
Dual Engine switching:
* '''Native Mode''': Full 4K per eye, 75Hz
* '''Upscale Mode''': 2560×1440 upscaled to 4K, 90Hz/114Hz
* Performance vs quality trade-off
* User-selectable


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Refresh Rate ===
Mode-dependent:
* 75Hz in native 4K mode
* 90Hz in upscale mode
* 114Hz maximum (upscale)
* Higher refresh requires upscaling
=== RGB Stripe ===
Subpixel arrangement:
* Full RGB stripe layout
* Sharp text
* Reduced screen door effect
* Good color reproduction
== Optical System ==
=== Wide-Angle Optics ===
Canted display design:
* Displays angled outward
* Ultra-wide horizontal FOV
* Custom aspherical lenses
* Unique optical geometry
=== Field of View Settings ===
Adjustable FOV modes:
* '''Large''': ~170° horizontal
* '''Normal''': ~150° horizontal
* '''Small''': ~120° horizontal
* Trade-off with distortion and performance
=== Peripheral Distortion ===
Wide FOV challenges:
* Some edge distortion
* Software corrections applied
* Varies by user
* Better in recent firmware
=== IPD Adjustment ===
Mechanical adjustment:
* '''Range''': 60-75mm
* Physical lens movement
* Software IPD offset option
* Wide accommodation
== Processing Requirements ==
=== Extreme Hardware Needs ===
Demanding specifications:
* '''Recommended GPU''': NVIDIA RTX 3080 or better
* '''Minimum GPU''': RTX 2080 (upscale mode)
* Most demanding consumer VR headset
* Native 4K requires top hardware
=== Performance Optimization ===
Strategies for usability:
* Upscale mode for older GPUs
* Per-game optimization
* Fixed foveated rendering
* Resolution scaling
=== Parallel Projection ===
Performance impact:
* Required for some games
* Significant performance cost
* Wide FOV compatibility
* Software overhead
== Tracking System ==
=== SteamVR Tracking ===
Lighthouse compatibility:
* Base stations required (sold separately)
* Lighthouse 1.0 and 2.0 supported
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Room-scale tracking
=== Base Station Requirements ===
Additional purchase needed:
* Minimum 2 base stations
* Up to 4 for larger areas
* Valve or HTC stations compatible
* Major additional cost
=== Controller Options ===
SteamVR ecosystem:
* Valve Index controllers recommended
* VIVE Wand controllers compatible
* Pimax Sword controllers available
* Full SteamVR compatibility
== Audio Options ==
=== No Built-In Audio (Base) ===
Basic headset:
* 3.5mm jack only
* BYO headphones required
* Lightweight design
* Modular approach
=== MAS (Modular Audio Strap) ===
First audio upgrade:
* Over-ear headphones
* Improved head strap
* Better weight distribution
* Additional cost


* '''75/90 Hz''' (native 4K)
=== DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) ===
* '''90/114 Hz''' (upscale mode)
Premium audio option:
* Off-ear speakers
* Spatial audio
* Improved comfort
* Microphone included


=== Field of View ===
=== KDMAS ===
Latest audio solution:
* Premium off-ear audio
* Better bass response
* Improved comfort
* Highest quality option


Ultra-wide:
== Physical Design ==


* '''200° diagonal'''
=== Distinctive Shape ===
* '''170° horizontal'''
Unique appearance:
* Near human vision
* Wide, angular design
* Canted display angle
* Large form factor
* Industry-leading FOV
* Distinctive silhouette
* Functional aesthetics


=== Optics ===
=== Weight ===
Lightweight for features:
* ~340g headset only
* Audio strap adds weight
* Light for resolution/FOV
* Comfortable for size


* '''Dual Fresnel lenses'''
=== Materials ===
* Angled (canted) design
Construction:
* Wide FOV enabled
* Plastic housing
* Quality build
* Modular connections
* Durable design


=== IPD ===
=== Comfort ===
Extended use considerations:
* Modular head strap system
* Various comfort options
* Face gasket options
* Individual fit variation


* '''55-75mm range'''
== Optional Modules ==
* Hardware adjustment


=== Tracking ===
=== Eye Tracking (Droolon F1) ===
Optional upgrade:
* Tobii-based tracking
* Foveated rendering potential
* Additional purchase
* Module attachment


* '''SteamVR Lighthouse'''
=== Hand Tracking ===
* 1.0 and 2.0 compatible
Leap Motion compatible:
* External base stations
* Module attachment point
* '''6DoF'''
* Controller-free interaction
* 9-axis sensors
* Application support limited
* Developer applications


=== Latency ===
=== Prescription Lens Inserts ===
Vision correction:
* Third-party options available
* VR Optician compatible
* Magnetic attachment
* Glasses alternative


* '''15ms MTP''' typical
== Software Platform ==
* Motion-to-photon


=== Modules ===
=== PiTool ===
Pimax software:
* Device configuration
* Performance settings
* Profile management
* Firmware updates


Optional upgrades:
=== Pimax Experience ===
Newer software:
* Streamlined interface
* Game profiles
* Automatic optimization
* User-friendly


* Eye tracking module
=== SteamVR Integration ===
* Hand tracking module
Platform compatibility:
* Wireless adapter (prototype)
* Full SteamVR support
* Steam library access
* VR game ecosystem
* OpenVR support


== PC Requirements ==
== Use Cases ==


High-end system needed:
=== Simulation ===
Ideal application:
* Flight simulation
* Racing simulation
* Wide FOV crucial
* Peripheral vision important


* NVIDIA RTX 2080 recommended
=== Immersive Gaming ===
* Dual DisplayPort connections
Enhanced experience:
* Powerful CPU
* Action games
* Native 4K extremely demanding
* Exploration titles
* Horror games
* Atmospheric experiences


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Professional Applications ===
Enterprise potential:
* Architectural visualization
* Design review
* Training simulation
* Research applications
 
== Community and Support ==
 
=== Enthusiast Community ===
Active user base:
* Pimax forums
* Reddit community
* Discord servers
* User modifications
 
=== Modding Scene ===
Community improvements:
* Comfort mods
* Cable management
* Software tools
* Community profiles
 
=== Support Challenges ===
Historical issues:
* Customer service improvements needed
* Warranty handling
* Shipping complications
* Better with time
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! Native Mode !! Upscale Mode
! Feature !! Pimax 8K X !! Valve Index !! HP Reverb G2
|-
| Resolution || 3840x2160/eye || 2560x1440/eye → 4K
|-
|-
| Combined || 7680x2160 || 7680x2160
| Price || $1,299 (HMD) || $999 (full kit) || $599
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 75/90 Hz || 90/114 Hz
| Resolution/eye || 3840×2160 || 1440×1600 || 2160×2160
|-
|-
| FOV || 200° diagonal || 200° diagonal
| FOV || Up to 170° || ~130° || ~98°
|-
|-
| IPD || 55-75mm || 55-75mm
| Refresh Rate || 75-114Hz || Up to 144Hz || 90Hz
|-
|-
| Tracking || Lighthouse || Lighthouse
| Tracking || Lighthouse || Lighthouse || WMR (inside-out)
|-
|-
| Price || $1,299 || -
| Audio || Optional || Integrated || Integrated
|}
|}


== Reception ==
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* Highest resolution consumer VR
* Widest field of view
* Excellent for simulation
* Lighthouse tracking quality
* Modular design
 
=== Limitations ===
* Extreme PC requirements
* No integrated audio (base model)
* Base stations not included
* Software maturity
* Edge distortion in wide mode
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Technical Leadership ===
Pushed VR boundaries:
* Resolution leadership
* FOV expansion
* Enthusiast validation
* Competition driver
 
=== Successor Development ===
Led to Pimax Crystal:
* Lessons learned applied
* Hybrid lens approach
* Improved software
* Continued innovation


'''Praise:'''
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
* True 8K (native 4K/eye)
* 200° FOV unmatched
* Near human vision
* CES 2020 award winner
* Dual Engine Mode flexible
* Native + upscale options
* SteamVR compatible
* Modular upgrades


'''Criticism:'''
{| class="wikitable"
* $1,299 expensive
|-
* RTX 2080+ required
! Specification !! Details
* Very demanding native mode
|-
* Lighthouse required (extra cost)
| Display || Dual CLPL, 3840 × 2160 per eye
* Heavy headset
|-
* Software polish issues
| Total Resolution || 7680 × 2160 (8K)
* Pimax customer support
|-
* Limited sweet spot<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pimax-vision-8k-x-review-ultrawide-gaming-with-incredible-clarity |title=Pimax Vision 8K X Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
| FOV || Up to 170° horizontal
|-
| Refresh Rate || 75Hz native / 90-114Hz upscale
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR Lighthouse
|-
| Audio || Optional (DMAS/KDMAS)
|-
| IPD || 60-75mm mechanical
|-
| Eye Tracking || Optional (Droolon F1)
|-
| Weight || ~340g (HMD only)
|-
| GPU Requirement || RTX 3080+ recommended
|-
| Price || $1,299 (HMD only)
|}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Lighthouse Tracking]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Wide FOV VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
[[Category:Wide FOV]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_8K_X"