Jump to content

HP Reverb G2: Difference between revisions

From VR & AR Wiki
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
No edit summary
Tag: Undo
Line 2: Line 2:
|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]]
|Developer = [[HP]] / [[Valve]] / [[Microsoft]]
|Developer = [[HP]], [[Valve]], [[Microsoft]]
|Manufacturer = [[HP]]
|Manufacturer = [[HP]]
|Release Date = November 2020
|Release Date = November 2020
|Announcement Date = May 2020
|Price = $599 USD
|Price = $599 USD
|Website = https://www.hp.com/
|Website = https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html
|Predecessor = [[HP Reverb G1]]
|Predecessor = [[HP Reverb G1]]
|Successor = [[HP Reverb G2 v2]]
|Display = 2× 2.89" LCD
|Display = LCD (dual)
|Resolution = 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
|Resolution = 2160x2160 per eye
|Combined Resolution = 4320x2160
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 114°
|Field of View = 114°
|PPD = ~24 PPD
|IPD Range = Mechanical adjustment
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras)
|Optics = Fresnel (Valve-designed)
|IPD = Hardware adjustable
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|Audio = Valve-designed off-ear speakers
|Eye Tracking = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.3 + USB 3.0
|Hand Tracking = No
|Controllers = Windows Mixed Reality controllers (6DoF)
|Audio = Valve Index off-ear speakers
|Microphone = Dual
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB 3.0
|Cable Length = 6m (19.69 ft)
|Weight = ~498g (without cable)
}}
}}


The '''HP Reverb G2''' is a PC-tethered [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] co-developed by [[HP]], [[Valve]], and [[Microsoft]], released November 2020 at $599. A high-resolution Windows Mixed Reality headset featuring dual LCD displays at 2160x2160 per eye (4320x2160 combined, 9.3 million pixels), full RGB stripe subpixels, 114° field of view, Valve-designed off-ear speakers, 4-camera inside-out tracking, and SteamVR/WMR compatibility.
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.


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


HP announced the Reverb G2 in May 2020, releasing November 2020. A collaboration between HP (hardware), Valve (audio/lenses), and Microsoft (Windows Mixed Reality), the G2 prioritized visual clarity with the highest resolution LCD panels available at launch (32% more than competitors). Valve contributed their acclaimed off-ear speaker design from the Index. First WMR headset with 4 tracking cameras.<ref name="hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/hp-reverb-g2-review |title=HP Reverb G2 Review |publisher=HP |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
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>
 
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 ==
Line 35: Line 42:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


High-resolution LCD:
The Reverb G2 features best-in-class resolution:
 
* Dual 2.89-inch LCD panels
* '''2160×2160 resolution per eye''' (4320×2160 combined)
* Full RGB subpixel stripe technology
* 90 Hz refresh rate
* 114° field of view
* ~24 pixels per degree
* Effectively eliminates screen door effect
* Superior text readability


* '''2160x2160 per eye''' resolution
=== Optics ===
* '''4320x2160 combined'''
* '''9.3 million pixels'''
* '''Full RGB stripe''' subpixels
* '''Mura-free''' panels
* '''Dual 2.89-inch LCD'''
* '''90 Hz''' refresh rate
* 32% higher resolution than competitors


=== Field of View ===
Valve-designed lens system:


* '''114° FOV'''
* Fresnel lenses designed by Valve
* Wide viewing angle
* Same optical expertise as [[Valve Index]]
* Wide sweet spot
* Reduced god rays compared to competitors


=== Optics ===
=== Audio ===


Valve collaboration:
Premium audio from Valve:


* Fresnel lenses
* '''Valve Index-style off-ear speakers'''
* Valve-optimized design
* 10mm offset from ears for comfort
* Comfortable eye relief
* No pressure on ears during extended sessions
* Powerful spatial audio
* No headphones required
* Open-back design for ambient awareness


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


Windows Mixed Reality:
First WMR headset with 4-camera tracking:


* '''4 cameras''' (first WMR with 4)
* 4 cameras (2 front, 2 side-facing)
* '''6DoF inside-out'''
* 6 Degrees of Freedom
* 2 front + 2 side cameras
* Inside-out tracking—no base stations
* Improved arm tracking
* Improved arm tracking coverage vs 2-camera WMR
* No external sensors
* Internal IMU sensors


=== IPD ===
=== Controllers ===
 
* '''Hardware adjustable'''
* Physical slider
 
=== Audio ===


Valve speakers:
Redesigned Windows Mixed Reality controllers:


* '''Valve-designed off-ear'''
* 6DoF tracking
* '''10mm ear gap'''
* Bluetooth connection to headset
* Spatial audio
* Smaller, more ergonomic design than previous WMR controllers
* Index-quality sound
* Backwards compatible with other WMR headsets
* Comfortable fit
* Sold separately for older WMR headset upgrades


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


* '''WMR motion controllers'''
* ~498g weight (without cable)
* Bluetooth connected
* Mechanical IPD adjustment
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* Replaceable magnetic fabric face cushions
* Ergonomic redesign
* Velcro adjustment system
* Smaller than original WMR
* 6m (19.69 ft) cable—thinner and lighter than predecessor
* Single cable design (DisplayPort + USB 3.0 combined)


== Compatibility ==
== Compatibility ==
Line 96: Line 106:
=== Platforms ===
=== Platforms ===


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


=== PC Requirements ===
=== System Requirements ===


* NVIDIA GTX 1080 / AMD RX 5700
* '''GPU (Consumer):''' NVIDIA GTX 1080 or AMD RX 5700
* Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5
* '''GPU (Professional):''' NVIDIA Quadro P5200 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200
* 8GB RAM
* '''CPU:''' Intel Core i5/i7, Xeon E3-1240 v5, or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent
* DisplayPort 1.3 + USB 3.0
* '''OS:''' Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later
* '''Ports:''' DisplayPort 1.3, USB 3.0


== Technical Specifications ==
== Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 113: Line 124:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2160x2160 LCD x2
| Resolution || 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
|-
| Combined || 4320x2160
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 114°
| Field of View || 114°
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out (4 cameras)
| Tracking || Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|-
|-
| IPD || Hardware adjustable
| Audio || Valve off-ear speakers
|-
|-
| Audio || Valve off-ear speakers
| Cable || 6m DisplayPort + USB 3.0
|-
|-
| Connection || DP 1.3 + USB 3.0
| Weight || ~498g
|-
|-
| Price || $599
| Price || $599 USD
|}
|}


Line 135: Line 144:


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 2160x2160 highest resolution LCD
* Industry-leading resolution (2160×2160 per eye)
* Full RGB stripe sharp
* Screen door effect virtually eliminated
* Valve speakers excellent
* Excellent clarity for text and simulations
* Off-ear audio comfortable
* Valve-designed lenses and audio
* $599 competitive
* Comfortable off-ear speakers
* 4-camera tracking improved
* 4-camera tracking improvement over 2-camera WMR
* SteamVR + WMR compatible
* $599 price point below Valve Index
* No external sensors
* Full SteamVR and WMR compatibility
* Collaboration expertise
* Thinner, lighter cable
* Good value for resolution


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* WMR tracking limitations
* WMR controller tracking still limited compared to Lighthouse
* Controller tracking gaps
* 90 Hz only (Index offers 144 Hz)
* 90Hz only (vs Index 144Hz)
* Some tracking dead zones for controllers
* Fresnel lens god rays
* LCD displays (not OLED—less contrast)
* Cable management
* Cable tethered (no wireless option)
* WMR software awkward
* 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>
* Index superior tracking
 
* v2 improved later<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>
<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>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 159: Line 169:
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Samsung Odyssey+]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 166: Line 177:
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:HP]]
[[Category:HP]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]

Revision as of 18:25, 7 January 2026

HP Reverb G2
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR
Developer HP, Valve, Microsoft
Manufacturer HP
Release Date November 2020
Price $599 USD
Website https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html
Predecessor HP Reverb G1
System
Storage
Display
Display 2× 2.89" LCD
Resolution 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Field of View 114°
Optics
Optics Fresnel (Valve-designed)
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Mechanical adjustment
Tracking
Tracking Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
Eye Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Audio
Audio Valve Index off-ear speakers
Microphone Dual
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort, USB 3.0
Device
Weight ~498g (without cable)
Cable Length 6m (19.69 ft)


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.

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.[1]

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

Display

The Reverb G2 features best-in-class resolution:

  • Dual 2.89-inch LCD panels
  • 2160×2160 resolution per eye (4320×2160 combined)
  • Full RGB subpixel stripe technology
  • 90 Hz refresh rate
  • 114° field of view
  • ~24 pixels per degree
  • Effectively eliminates screen door effect
  • Superior text readability

Optics

Valve-designed lens system:

  • Fresnel lenses designed by Valve
  • Same optical expertise as Valve Index
  • Wide sweet spot
  • Reduced god rays compared to competitors

Audio

Premium audio from Valve:

  • Valve Index-style off-ear speakers
  • 10mm offset from ears for comfort
  • No pressure on ears during extended sessions
  • Powerful spatial audio
  • No headphones required
  • Open-back design for ambient awareness

Tracking

First WMR headset with 4-camera tracking:

  • 4 cameras (2 front, 2 side-facing)
  • 6 Degrees of Freedom
  • Inside-out tracking—no base stations
  • Improved arm tracking coverage vs 2-camera WMR
  • Internal IMU sensors

Controllers

Redesigned Windows Mixed Reality controllers:

  • 6DoF tracking
  • Bluetooth connection to headset
  • Smaller, more ergonomic design than previous WMR controllers
  • Backwards compatible with other WMR headsets
  • Sold separately for older WMR headset upgrades

Build and Comfort

  • ~498g weight (without cable)
  • Mechanical IPD adjustment
  • Replaceable magnetic fabric face cushions
  • Velcro adjustment system
  • 6m (19.69 ft) cable—thinner and lighter than predecessor
  • Single cable design (DisplayPort + USB 3.0 combined)

Compatibility

Platforms

  • Windows Mixed Reality: Native support
  • SteamVR: Full compatibility
  • Developed with Microsoft and Valve collaboration

System Requirements

  • GPU (Consumer): NVIDIA GTX 1080 or AMD RX 5700
  • GPU (Professional): NVIDIA Quadro P5200 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200
  • CPU: Intel Core i5/i7, Xeon E3-1240 v5, or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent
  • OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later
  • Ports: DisplayPort 1.3, USB 3.0

Specifications

Specification Details
Resolution 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Field of View 114°
Tracking Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
Audio Valve off-ear speakers
Cable 6m DisplayPort + USB 3.0
Weight ~498g
Price $599 USD

Reception

Praise:

  • Industry-leading resolution (2160×2160 per eye)
  • Screen door effect virtually eliminated
  • Excellent clarity for text and simulations
  • Valve-designed lenses and audio
  • Comfortable off-ear speakers
  • 4-camera tracking improvement over 2-camera WMR
  • $599 price point below Valve Index
  • Full SteamVR and WMR compatibility
  • Thinner, lighter cable
  • Good value for resolution

Criticism:

  • WMR controller tracking still limited compared to Lighthouse
  • 90 Hz only (Index offers 144 Hz)
  • Some tracking dead zones for controllers
  • LCD displays (not OLED—less contrast)
  • Cable tethered (no wireless option)
  • Fresnel lens god rays in dark scenes[2]

[3]

See Also

References