Valve Index: Difference between revisions

|image = [[File:Valve index21.jpeg|350px]]

|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]

|Creator = [[Valve]]

|Developer = [[Valve]]

|Manufacturer = [[Valve]]

|Price = $999 (Full Kit), $749 (Headset + Controllers), $499 (Headset only), $279 (Controllers only), $149 (Base Station only)

|Versions = Valve Index (2019)

|Requires = Windows 10, SteamOS, or Linux; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD RX 480 or better

|Predecessor = [[HTC Vive]]

|Successor =  

|Operating System = [[Windows 10]], [[SteamOS]], [[Linux]]

|Chipset =  

|CPU = Dual Core with hyperthreading, or better

|GPU = NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, AMD RX480, or better

|HPU =  

|Storage =  

|Memory = 8 GB+

|Display = Dual 1440×1600 RGB LCD panels

|Subpixel Layout = Full RGB

|Peak Brightness =  

|Resolution = 2880×1600 (combined)

|Refresh Rate = 80/90/120/144Hz

|Pixel Density =  

|Persistence = 0.330ms to 0.530ms (varies with refresh rate)

|Field of View = ~130 degrees (diagonal)

|Horizontal FoV = ~108 degrees

|Peak Pixel Density =  

|Optics = Double element, canted Fresnel lens design

|Ocularity =  

|IPD Range = 58mm - 70mm (physical adjustment)

|Adjustable Diopter = No

|Passthrough = Stereo pass-through via front cameras

|Tracking = [[SteamVR Tracking]], (Lighthouse 2.0)

|Tracking Frequency = 100Hz laser sweep

|Base Stations = Up to 4 supported

|Hand Tracking = Via controllers (finger tracking)

|Body Tracking = No (compatible with third-party trackers)

|Rotational Tracking = 6 DOF

|Positional Tracking = 6 DOF

|Update Rate =  

|Tracking Volume = Up to 10m × 10m with 4 base stations

|Play Space = Up to 10m × 10m

|Latency =  

|Audio = Built-in: 37.5mm off-ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR)

|Microphone = Dual Microphone Array

|Camera = Stereo 960 × 960 pixel, global shutter, RGB (Bayer)

|Connectivity = USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2

|Ports = USB-C (expansion/accessory port)

|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.2

|Wireless Video = No

|Power = 12V DC

|Battery Capacity = N/A (wired)

|Battery Life = N/A (wired)

|Charge Time = N/A (wired)

|Dimensions =  

|Weight = 809g (1.78 lbs)

|Material =  

|Headstrap = Adjustable rigid headstrap with rear adjustment dial

|Haptics = Via controllers

|Color = Black

|Sensors = Accelerometer, Gyroscope

|Input = Valve Index Controllers (included)

|Compliance =  

|Cable Length = 5m (16.4 ft)

==Overview==

The Valve Index is a high-end virtual reality system developed and manufactured entirely by [[Valve Corporation]]. It was designed with fidelity as a priority, focusing on delivering superior visual quality, comfort, and intuitive interaction. The system consists of three main components that can be purchased separately or as a complete kit: the headset, the controllers, and the base stations.<ref name="valve_website" />

===Key Features===

* High-resolution dual 1440×1600 LCD displays with full RGB subpixel array

* Up to 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth motion

* Wide ~130° field of view

* Front expansion port ("Frunk") with USB 3.0 for modders and developers

* Compatible with [[SteamVR]] 2.0 and 1.0 base stations<ref name="valve_website" /><ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_Index</ref>

==Release and Pricing==

The [[Valve Index]] was officially announced on April 30, 2019, and began shipping on June 28, 2019. The system's launch came shortly after the releases of the [[Oculus Quest]] and [[Oculus Rift S]].<ref name="verge_pricing">https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/30/18524167/valve-index-vr-headset-price-pre-order-date</ref>

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Valve Index Pricing (USD)

The [[Valve Index]] is available for purchase through [[Steam]] and can be shipped to the United States, Canada, and countries within the European Union.<ref name="steam_support">https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/339C-BC5C-3D89-53D9</ref>

In 2020, with the announcement and subsequent release of [[Half-Life: Alyx]], Valve's flagship VR game, demand for the Index surged dramatically. The game was included free with all Index hardware purchases. By January 2020, the Index was sold out in all 31 available countries except Japan.<ref name="wikipedia" />

==Hardware==

===Headset===

The Valve Index headset features dual 1440×1600 LCD displays, providing a combined resolution of 2880×1600 pixels. Unlike many other VR headsets that use OLED displays, the Index utilizes LCD panels with a full RGB subpixel array, which reduces the "screen door effect" commonly seen in VR. The displays support variable refresh rates of 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and an experimental 144Hz mode, with extremely low persistence (0.330ms at 144Hz) to reduce motion blur.<ref name="wikipedia" />

The headset's optics consist of a custom double-element design with canted (angled) Fresnel lenses. This configuration maximizes the field of view while maintaining edge-to-edge clarity. The Index offers approximately 108° horizontal field of view, which is wider than most competing headsets.<ref name="wikipedia" /><ref name="valve_headset">https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/headset</ref>

For user comfort, the Index includes a physical interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment mechanism with a range of 58-70mm, accommodating a wide variety of users. The adjustment is performed via a slider located beneath the displays.

The headset's facial interface features premium antimicrobial microfiber cushioning attached via magnets for easy replacement. Valve has published specifications for the face gasket, enabling third-party manufacturers to develop aftermarket solutions.<ref name="valve_headset" />

One of the Index's standout features is its audio solution. The headset includes "off-ear" speakers that don't touch the user's ears, using 37.5mm Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) drivers. This design provides a more natural audio experience while keeping ears cool during extended play sessions. The headset also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for users who prefer their own audio solution, as well as a dual microphone array for voice communication.<ref name="valve_headset" />

The front of the headset houses dual RGB cameras (960×960 pixels each) with global shutter sensors. These cameras enable developers to create computer vision applications and provide users with a high-quality stereo pass-through view of their surroundings.<ref name="valve_headset" />

For tinkerers and developers, the Index includes a front compartment dubbed the "Frunk," which houses a USB 3.0 Type-A port specifically designed for experimental attachments and modifications.<ref name="valve_headset" />

===Controllers===

The [[Valve Index Controllers]], previously known during development as "Knuckles," represent a significant advancement in VR input devices. Unlike traditional VR controllers that must be gripped continuously, the Index Controllers are secured to the user's hands with adjustable straps, allowing users to completely release their grip without dropping the controllers.<ref name="valve_controllers">https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/controllers</ref>

Each controller features 87 sensors that work together to track hand position, finger position, motion, and pressure. These sensors enable individual finger tracking, allowing for natural gestures and interactions in VR. The controllers continuously recalibrate to adapt to different hand sizes and changing skin capacitance.<ref name="valve_controllers" />

* Finger tracking sensors<ref name="valve_controllers" />

The controllers are powered by internal rechargeable batteries with a usage time of approximately 7 hours, and can be charged via USB-C connectors. They feature capacitive grip and button sensors, enabling the system to detect which fingers are touching the controller and which are raised, providing a more intuitive way to interact with virtual objects.<ref name="valve_controllers" />

A 2018 tech demo titled "Moondust" was released to showcase the capabilities of an early version of the Knuckles controllers, demonstrating the precise finger tracking and pressure sensitivity.<ref name="wikipedia" />

{| class="wikitable"

| Tracking || 6 DOF via Lighthouse system

===Base Stations===

The [[Valve Index]] utilizes Valve's [[Lighthouse]] 2.0 tracking system, which provides high-precision, sub-millimeter position tracking. The system uses external base stations that emit invisible infrared laser patterns to track the headset and controllers.<ref name="valve_basestations">https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/base-stations</ref>

* No sync cable requirement between base stations<ref name="valve_basestations" /><ref name="lighthouse_article">https://mixed-news.com/en/valves-lighthouse-tracking-system-how-it-started-where-its-going/</ref>

Each base station sweeps infrared laser beams across the play area 100 times per second, which are detected by photosensors on the headset and controllers. This allows the system to precisely track the position and orientation of all devices in 3D space.<ref name="valve_basestations" />

The tracking system can support a play area of up to 10m × 10m (approximately 33ft × 33ft) when using four base stations. For optimal tracking performance, base stations should be mounted above head height and positioned to maximize visibility of the tracked devices.<ref name="steam_community">https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2985037346</ref>

Valve Index Base Stations are compatible with other SteamVR 2.0 tracking devices, including the [[HTC Vive Pro]]. Additionally, the Index headset and controllers are backward compatible with the original Lighthouse 1.0 base stations used by the original [[HTC Vive]].<ref name="valve_basestations" />

==System Requirements==

To use the Valve Index, a PC meeting the following minimum specifications is required:

{| class="wikitable"

|-

|-

|-

To achieve the maximum 10m × 10m play space, four base stations are required. Users can also use the base stations that come with the [[HTC Vive]] instead of purchasing additional [[Valve Index]] base stations, although this would limit the play space to the capabilities of the Lighthouse 1.0 system.<ref name="vive_website">https://www.vive.com/us/support/vive-pro/category_howto/tips-for-setting-up-the-base-stations.html</ref>

==Setup==

Unlike [[standalone HMD|standalone HMDs]] like the [[Oculus Quest]], the [[Valve Index]] requires proper setup of base stations to track the user's movements. The setup process involves:

1. Mounting the base stations in opposite corners of the play area, ideally above head height (at least 2m/6.5ft).

For optimal tracking performance, the base stations should be positioned to maximize visibility of the headset and controllers during use. Reflective surfaces in the play area may interfere with tracking and should be covered if possible.<ref name="vive_website" />

==Input Devices==

The Index is also compatible with the controllers from the [[HTC Vive]] and [[HTC Vive Pro]], providing flexibility for users upgrading from these systems or those who prefer the traditional controller design for certain applications.<ref name="wikipedia" />

For more specialized input, the Index is compatible with a variety of third-party [[SteamVR]] tracking devices, including:

* Vive Trackers for full-body tracking

* Third-party driving and flight simulator controls

* Specialized controller accessories<ref name="valve_website" />

==Accessories==

* Prescription Lens Adapters - For users who wear glasses.

* Cable Management Solutions - Overhead pulley systems to manage the headset's cable.

* Controller Grips - Additional grips and protective covers for the controllers.

* Frunk Accessories - USB devices that connect to the front expansion port.

* Storage Cases - Travel and storage cases for the complete system.<ref name="tomshardware">https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/valve-index-vr-headset-controllers,6205.html</ref>

==Software==

The Index is also compatible with content from [[Viveport]], HTC's VR content platform, providing additional options for applications and games.<ref name="valve_website" />

Valve's [[Half-Life: Alyx]] was developed specifically with the Index in mind and is included free with the purchase of Index hardware. This critically acclaimed game showcases the capabilities of the Index controllers, with fine-grained interactions made possible by the finger tracking technology.<ref name="wikipedia" />

==Developer Support==

* Audio design considerations for the off-ear speakers

A dedicated Input Binding UI within SteamVR allows users to customize controller mappings for games and applications that don't natively support the Index Controllers.<ref name="valve_website" />

==Performance and Reviews==

The [[Valve Index]] has been widely praised for its high-quality displays, comfortable design, and innovative controllers. Critics have noted several standout features:

* The finger tracking controllers enable more natural interactions in supported applications.<ref name="verge_review" />

Some reviewers have pointed out limitations:

* The high price makes it less accessible than more mainstream options.

* The wired connection limits mobility compared to standalone headsets.

* The external base stations require more setup than inside-out tracking solutions.

* The full resolution and refresh rate capabilities demand a powerful PC.<ref name="tomshardware" />

Despite these limitations, the Index is generally considered one of the premium VR experiences available for PC users, particularly for those who prioritize visual fidelity and tracking precision.<ref name="verge_review" />

==Images==

==Future Developments==

In February 2021, Valve registered patents for a new VR headset, indicating ongoing development in the VR hardware space. These patents described various improvements over the current [[Valve Index]] design, suggesting that Valve continues to invest in VR technology advancement.<ref name="wikipedia" />

==History==

* June 2018: "Moondust" tech demo released to showcase controller capabilities.

* May 1, 2019: Pre-orders opened for the Index.

* June 28, 2019: First shipments began to customers.

* November 2019: [[Half-Life: Alyx]] announced, included free with Index hardware.

* February 2021: Valve files patents for new VR headset design.<ref name="wikipedia" /><ref name="inverse">https://www.inverse.com/article/54708-valve-index-vr-headset-release-date-price-specs-steam</ref>

==Images==

File:valve index4.png

==References==

[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]

[[Category:High-End VR]]

[[Category:SteamVR Compatible]]