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HP Reverb G2: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
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|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 = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]
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|Manufacturer = [[HP]]
|Manufacturer = [[HP]]
|Release Date = November 2020
|Release Date = November 2020
|Price = $599 USD
|Price = $599 USD (launch) / ~$399 (current)
|Website = https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html
|Website = https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html
|Predecessor = [[HP Reverb G1]]
|Predecessor = [[HP Reverb G1]]
|Display = 2× 2.89" LCD
|Display = LCD
|Resolution = 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
|Resolution = 2160x2160 per eye
|Total Pixels = 9.3 million
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 114°
|Field of View = 98°
|PPD = ~24 PPD
|IPD Range = Mechanical adjustment
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Fresnel (Valve-designed)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|IPD = Mechanical adjustment
|Eye Tracking = No
|Audio = Valve-designed off-ear speakers
|Hand Tracking = No
|Controllers = 2x WMR controllers
|Controllers = Windows Mixed Reality controllers (6DoF)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort + USB 3.0
|Audio = Valve Index off-ear speakers
|Weight = 1 lb (~500g)
|Microphone = Dual
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB 3.0
|Cable Length = 6m (19.69 ft)
|Weight = ~498g (without cable)
}}
}}


The '''HP Reverb G2''' is a [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed in collaboration between [[HP]], [[Valve]], and [[Microsoft]], released in November 2020. The headset features industry-leading resolution at 2160×2160 per eye with full RGB subpixel stripe displays, Valve-designed lenses and off-ear speakers, and 4-camera inside-out tracking. Compatible with both [[Windows Mixed Reality]] and [[SteamVR]], the Reverb G2 was designed to deliver the sharpest visuals available at its price point, effectively eliminating the screen door effect.
The '''HP Reverb G2''' is a PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[HP]] in collaboration with [[Valve]] and [[Microsoft]], released in November 2020. The Reverb G2 features industry-leading 2160x2160 per eye resolution (9.3 million total pixels - 2.5x more than Oculus Rift S), Valve-designed lenses and off-ear spatial audio speakers, 98° field of view, and inside-out tracking requiring no external sensors. Compatible with both SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality platforms, the Reverb G2 delivers exceptional visual clarity at an accessible price point, making it especially popular for simulation enthusiasts.


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


HP announced the Reverb G2 in May 2020 as a collaborative effort with Valve and Microsoft. Valve contributed the lens and audio design (mirroring the [[Valve Index]]), while Microsoft provided the Windows Mixed Reality platform. This was the first WMR headset to feature 4 cameras instead of 2, significantly improving controller tracking coverage.<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/new-hp-reverb-g2-specs/ |title=HP's Next-Gen Reverb G2 Specifications And Price Revealed |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
HP announced the Reverb G2 in May 2020 as a collaboration between HP, Valve, and Microsoft. Valve contributed their industry-leading lens and speaker designs from the Valve Index, while Microsoft provided Windows Mixed Reality tracking technology. The headset launched in November 2020 at $599 and has since seen price reductions to around $399, making high-resolution PC VR more accessible.<ref name="hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html |title=HP Reverb G2 VR Headset |publisher=HP |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
The headset shipped in November 2020 at $599, positioned as a high-resolution option below the $999 [[Valve Index]] but above consumer headsets like the [[Oculus Rift S]].


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


The Reverb G2 features best-in-class resolution:
High-resolution LCD panels:


* Dual 2.89-inch LCD panels
* '''2160x2160 per eye''' resolution
* '''2160×2160 resolution per eye''' (4320×2160 combined)
* '''2x 2.89" LCD panels'''
* Full RGB subpixel stripe technology
* '''9.3 million total pixels'''
* 90 Hz refresh rate
* '''2.5x more pixels''' than Oculus Rift S
* 114° field of view
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* ~24 pixels per degree
* '''98° field of view'''
* Effectively eliminates screen door effect
* Full RGB per pixel
* Superior text readability
* Excellent clarity


=== Optics ===
=== Lenses ===


Valve-designed lens system:
Valve-designed optics:


* Fresnel lenses designed by Valve
* '''Valve-designed lenses'''
* Same optical expertise as [[Valve Index]]
* Industry-leading clarity
* Wide sweet spot
* Wide sweet spot
* Reduced god rays compared to competitors
* Reduced distortion
* Optimized for resolution


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===


Premium audio from Valve:
Premium spatial audio:


* '''Valve Index-style off-ear speakers'''
* '''Valve-designed speakers'''
* 10mm offset from ears for comfort
* '''Off-ear design''' (10mm from ear)
* No pressure on ears during extended sessions
* '''Spatial audio'''
* Powerful spatial audio
* No headphones required
* No headphones required
* Open-back design for ambient awareness
* Comfortable extended wear
* Index-quality sound


=== Tracking ===
=== Tracking ===


First WMR headset with 4-camera tracking:
Inside-out system:


* 4 cameras (2 front, 2 side-facing)
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* 6 Degrees of Freedom
* '''4 tracking cameras'''
* Inside-out tracking—no base stations
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
* Improved arm tracking coverage vs 2-camera WMR
* No external sensors required
* Internal IMU sensors
* Easy setup
* Room-scale support


=== Controllers ===
=== IPD ===
 
* '''Mechanical IPD adjustment'''
* Physical slider
* Accommodates various eye distances
* Precise alignment
 
=== Build ===


Redesigned Windows Mixed Reality controllers:
Comfortable ergonomic design:


* 6DoF tracking
* '''~500g weight''' (1 lb without cable)
* Bluetooth connection to headset
* Flexible headband material
* Smaller, more ergonomic design than previous WMR controllers
* Increased cushion size
* Backwards compatible with other WMR headsets
* '''6m headset cable'''
* Sold separately for older WMR headset upgrades
* Balanced weight distribution
* Extended wear comfort


=== Build and Comfort ===
=== Controllers ===


* ~498g weight (without cable)
* '''2x Windows Mixed Reality controllers'''
* Mechanical IPD adjustment
* Redesigned ergonomics
* Replaceable magnetic fabric face cushions
* Inside-out tracked
* Velcro adjustment system
* Standard VR controls
* 6m (19.69 ft) cable—thinner and lighter than predecessor
* Haptic feedback
* Single cable design (DisplayPort + USB 3.0 combined)


== Compatibility ==
=== Connectivity ===


=== Platforms ===
* '''DisplayPort 1.3+'''
* '''USB 3.0'''
* '''DisplayPort to mini-DP adapter''' included
* Power adapter included
* 6m cable length


* '''Windows Mixed Reality:''' Native support
== Platform Compatibility ==
* '''SteamVR:''' Full compatibility
* Developed with Microsoft and Valve collaboration


=== System Requirements ===
=== SteamVR ===
* Full SteamVR support
* Steam game library access
* SteamVR Home compatible


* '''GPU (Consumer):''' NVIDIA GTX 1080 or AMD RX 5700
=== Windows Mixed Reality ===
* '''GPU (Professional):''' NVIDIA Quadro P5200 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200
* WMR platform native
* '''CPU:''' Intel Core i5/i7, Xeon E3-1240 v5, or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent
* Microsoft ecosystem
* '''OS:''' Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later
* WMR game library
* '''Ports:''' DisplayPort 1.3, USB 3.0


== Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
| Display || 2160x2160 per eye LCD
|-
| Total Pixels || 9.3 million
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| Field of View || 114°
| FOV || 98°
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
| Tracking || 6DoF (4 cameras, inside-out)
|-
|-
| Audio || Valve off-ear speakers
| Audio || Valve off-ear speakers
|-
|-
| Cable || 6m DisplayPort + USB 3.0
| IPD || Mechanical adjustment
|-
|-
| Weight || ~498g
| Connection || DisplayPort + USB 3.0
|-
|-
| Price || $599 USD
| Weight || ~500g
|-
| Price || $599 (launch) / ~$399
|}
|}
== Included Accessories ==
* 6m headset cable
* 2x motion controllers
* DisplayPort to mini-DP adapter
* Power adapter
* Setup guide


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* Industry-leading resolution (2160×2160 per eye)
* 2160x2160 per eye highest in class
* Screen door effect virtually eliminated
* 9.3M pixels exceptional clarity
* Excellent clarity for text and simulations
* Valve lenses industry-leading
* Valve-designed lenses and audio
* Valve audio outstanding
* Comfortable off-ear speakers
* Off-ear speakers comfortable
* 4-camera tracking improvement over 2-camera WMR
* $399-599 competitive price
* $599 price point below Valve Index
* No external sensors simple setup
* Full SteamVR and WMR compatibility
* SteamVR + WMR compatibility
* Thinner, lighter cable
* Great for simulation
* Good value for resolution
* Mechanical IPD precise


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* WMR controller tracking still limited compared to Lighthouse
* 98° FOV narrower than Index
* 90 Hz only (Index offers 144 Hz)
* WMR controller tracking limited
* Some tracking dead zones for controllers
* 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
* LCD displays (not OLED—less contrast)
* Controller tracking zone smaller
* Cable tethered (no wireless option)
* PC tethered only
* Fresnel lens god rays in dark scenes<ref name="gamingnexus">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/7490/HP-Reverb-G2 |title=HP Reverb G2 Review |publisher=Gaming Nexus |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* USB/DP requirements strict
 
* WMR software quirks
<ref name="techradar">{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/hp-reverb-g2 |title=HP Reverb G2 review |publisher=TechRadar |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* No native wireless<ref name="techadvisor">{{cite web |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/722403/hp-reverb-g2-review.html |title=HP Reverb G2 Review |publisher=Tech Advisor |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[HP Reverb G1]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Samsung Odyssey+]]
* [[Pimax 5K Super]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:HP]]
[[Category:HP]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]