HP Reverb G1: Difference between revisions

|image = [[File:HP Reverb G16.jpg|300px]]

|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]

|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]  

|Creator = [[HP Inc.]]

|Manufacturer = [[HP Inc.]]  

|Announcement Date = March 19, 2019

|Release Date = May 1, 2019

|Price = $599 (Consumer Edition with controllers), $649 (Professional Edition with controllers)

|Website = https://support.hp.com/th-en/product/details/hp-reverb-g1-virtual-reality-headset/28341578

|Versions = Consumer Edition, Professional Edition

|Requires = VR-Ready PC

|Predecessor = [[HP VR1000]]

|Successor = [[HP Reverb G2]]

|Operating System = [[Windows 10]]

|Display = 2 x LCD

|Resolution = 2160 x 2160 per eye (4320 x 2160 total)  

|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz

|Field of View = Approx. 114° diagonal  (Visible FoV: 95° H / 90° V )

|Optics = Fresnel-Aspherical

|Ocularity = Binocular

|IPD Range = Software adjustment, 63mm fixed physical lenses (+/- 8mm software adjustment, approx. 55-71mm range)  

|Eye Tracking = No

|Hand Tracking = No

|Rotational Tracking = Yes

|Positional Tracking = Yes

|Play Space = Up to 5m x 5m supported

|Audio = Integrated off-ear spatial audio headphones (removable)

|Microphone = Yes, dual integrated microphones

|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes

|Ports = Headset connector (proprietary), 3.5mm audio jack

|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.3, USB 3.0  

|Wireless Video = No

|Bluetooth = Yes (for controllers)

|Weight = 433 g (without headstrap), 498 g (with headstrap)  / Approx. 500g

|Headstrap = Elastic padded plastic straps with rear padded ring

|Color = Gray/Black  

|Sensors = [[Gyroscope]], [[Accelerometer]], [[Magnetometer]]

|Input = [[Windows Mixed Reality Motion Controllers]]

|Cable Length = 4m (standard), 0.6m (for Z VR Backpack PC), quick-release connector  / 3.5m (11.5 ft)  <!-- Sources conflict, using multiple values -->

The '''HP Reverb G1''' (often referred to simply as '''HP Reverb''') is a [[Virtual Reality|VR]] [[Head-mounted display|headset]] developed and manufactured by [[HP Inc.]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/> Announced in March 2019 and released shortly after in May 2019, it represented HP's second major entry into the VR market, succeeding the [[HP VR1000]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="r2vr-g2announce"/> It was primarily known for its high [[resolution]] [[LCD]] panels, aiming to reduce the [[Screen-door effect|screen-door effect]] common in headsets of its time. <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="techradar"/> The Reverb G1 operates on the [[Windows Mixed Reality]] platform but is also compatible with [[SteamVR]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="pcmag"/> It has since been discontinued and succeeded by the [[HP Reverb G2]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="btr-review">{{cite web |url=https://babeltechreviews.com/testing-benchmarking-the-hp-reverb-g2-vs-the-hp-g1-and-htc-vive-pro/ |title=Testing & Benchmarking the HP Reverb G2 vs. the HP G1 and HTC Vive Pro |date=2021-02-05 |website=BabelTechReviews |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref><ref name="frontier">{{cite web |url=https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/vr-headset-to-replace-g2-reverb.624685/post-10314740 |title=VR headset to replace G2 reverb - Response |date=2024-03-06 |website=Frontier Forums |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref>

== Design and Comfort ==

The face mask uses foam padding covered in fabric (Consumer Edition) or an easier-to-clean [[Polyurethane#Artificial leather|pleather]]-style material (Professional Edition) and is removable for cleaning. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="yt-oasis"/> It provides a good seal around the nose to block external light. <ref name="techradar"/> However, some users found the headset could become warm and sweaty during active use, despite some venting. <ref name="techradar"/> Compatibility with glasses can be challenging; larger frames may struggle to fit, and the headset might pull glasses off when removed. <ref name="techradar"/>

A thick, somewhat heavy cable connects the headset to the PC via [[DisplayPort]] 1.3 and [[USB]] 3.0. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> This cable was noted by some reviewers as being bulky and hard to ignore during use. <ref name="techradar"/> It features a quick-release connector near the headset. <ref name="boxthislap"/><ref name="hpspecs"/> The Professional Edition included both a standard 4-meter cable and a shorter 0.6-meter cable designed for use with HP's Z VR Backpack PC. <ref name="boxthislap"/><ref name="hpspecs"/>

== Display and Optics ==

The standout feature of the Reverb G1 is its display. It utilizes two 2.89-inch [[LCD]] panels, each with a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels, providing a combined resolution of 4320 x 2160. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="bnh"/> This was significantly higher than most contemporary consumer VR headsets like the [[HTC Vive Pro]] or [[Oculus Quest]]. <ref name="pcmag"/> The high resolution, combined with an [[RGB]] stripe subpixel layout, drastically reduces the [[Screen-door effect]], resulting in a very sharp and clear image. <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="techradar"/><ref name="zestsys"/> The displays operate at a [[Refresh rate|refresh rate]] of 90 [[Hertz|Hz]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="pcmag"/>

The headset employs [[Fresnel lens]]es and offers a [[Field of view|field of view]] (FoV) of approximately 114 degrees diagonally. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="hpspecs"/><ref name="bnh"/> The visible horizontal FoV is around 95 degrees, and the vertical FoV is about 90 degrees. <ref name="vrcompare"/> While the visuals are generally praised for sharpness and color, some reviewers noted occasional issues with the right display flickering or struggling with brightness consistency, potentially related to power delivery. <ref name="techradar"/>

The Reverb G1 lacks a hardware [[Interpupillary distance|IPD]] adjustment mechanism. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> The lenses are physically fixed at a spacing suitable for an IPD of around 63mm. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="hpspecs"/> Software-based IPD adjustment is available, allowing compensation of +/- 8mm, accommodating an approximate range of 55mm to 71mm. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="hpspecs"/><ref name="yt-oasis"/>

== Tracking and Passthrough ==

The Reverb G1 uses the [[Windows Mixed Reality]] [[Inside-out tracking]] system. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> It features two front-facing cameras mounted on the headset visor to track the headset's position and orientation in [[Degrees of freedom (mechanics)|6 degrees of freedom]] (6DoF), as well as the included motion controllers. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> This system eliminates the need for external sensors or base stations, simplifying setup. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="techradar"/>

Reviewers found the rotational tracking to be smooth and accurate. <ref name="techradar"/> However, positional tracking (moving side-to-side or around the play space) and controller tracking were sometimes described as rougher or exhibiting noticeable jitter compared to systems with external tracking or more cameras (like the [[Oculus Rift S]] or subsequent [[HP Reverb G2]]). <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> Tracking could be lost if controllers were held outside the cameras' view, such as behind the back or sometimes during fast throwing motions. <ref name="techradar"/>

The front cameras also enable a video [[Passthrough|passthrough]] feature called "Mixed Reality Flashlight," allowing users to see their real-world surroundings in black and white without removing the headset. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="amazon-pro"/> The quality was described as low-resolution. <ref name="techradar"/>

== Controllers ==

The HP Reverb G1 shipped with the standard first-generation [[Windows Mixed Reality#Motion controllers|WMR motion controllers]]. <ref name="vrcompare"/><ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="btr-review"/> These controllers offer 6DoF tracking via visible [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] rings tracked by the headset's cameras. <ref name="techradar"/> Each controller features a thumbstick, a clickable trackpad, a menu button, a Windows button, an analog trigger, and a grip button. <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="yt-oasis"/> They are powered by two AA batteries each. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="hpspecs"/> Unlike some earlier WMR headsets that required pairing controllers to a PC's Bluetooth, the Reverb G1 features built-in Bluetooth in the headset for a direct connection. <ref name="boxthislap"/><ref name="hpspecs"/><ref name="yt-oasis"/><ref name="hp-g2-faq">{{cite web |url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Accessories/HP-Reverb-G2-Available-Pre-orders-UP-Novembe/td-p/7683877/page/68 |title=Re: HP Reverb G2 Available Pre-orders UP - Novembe... - Page 68 |website=HP Support Community |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref>

The ergonomics of these controllers were often criticized as being less comfortable than competitors like the Oculus Touch controllers, featuring a somewhat rectangular grip. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> Some users also reported issues with the battery covers coming loose during active gameplay, and the haptic feedback (vibration) was described as weak or "anemic". <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="reddit-g1g2q2">{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/HPReverb/comments/jyep0t/our_take_hp_reverb_g1_v_g2_v_quest_2/ |title=Our Take: HP Reverb G1 v G2 v Quest 2 |date=2020-11-21 |website=Reddit |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref> These controllers are not compatible with the successor HP Reverb G2 headset. <ref name="xplane-forum">{{cite web |url=https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/232855-reverb-controllers/&do=findComment&comment=2069389 |title=Reverb controllers - VR in X-Plane 11 |date=2021-01-25 |website=X-Plane.org Forums |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref>

== Software and Compatibility ==

As a [[Windows Mixed Reality]] (WMR) headset, the Reverb G1 integrates directly with [[Windows 10]]. <ref name="pcmag"/> The primary interface is the [[Windows Mixed Reality#Software|WMR Portal]] and the [[Windows Mixed Reality#Cliff House|Cliff House]], a customizable virtual environment where users can launch [[Application software|apps]] and access [[Windows 10|Windows]] functions. <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="r2vr-g2specs"/> The [[Microsoft Store]] provides native WMR applications, though its library was considered limited compared to other platforms at the time. <ref name="pcmag"/>

Crucially, the Reverb G1 is also compatible with [[SteamVR]] via the "Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR" software bridge. <ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="zestsys"/> This allows access to a much larger library of VR games and applications available on [[Steam (service)|Steam]]. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="zestsys"/> Setting up and running SteamVR content sometimes required extra steps or troubleshooting compared to native WMR apps. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/>

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality, with support ending for consumers on November 1, 2026. After this date, the WMR Portal software and SteamVR driver may become unavailable, potentially rendering WMR headsets like the Reverb G1 unusable, especially on future Windows updates (like Windows 11 24H2 and later) that remove the platform. <ref name="reddit-g2-disc">{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamVR/comments/18p4gcr/goodbye_hp_reverb_g2_what_happened_and_whats_next/ |title=Goodbye HP Reverb G2 – What Happened and What's Next? |date=2024-12-23 |website=Reddit |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref><ref name="ms-community">{{cite web |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need/c0b2d706-8a8e-4e26-a554-a95c8a769a47 |title=HP Reverb G2 + Windows 11 24H2 Not Working Need Help |date=2024-11-18 |website=Microsoft Community |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref><ref name="frontier"/><ref name="tomshardware-forum">{{cite web |url=https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/if-you-have-the-vr-headset-hp-reverb-g2-its-been-removed-with-the-latest-windows-update-24h2-being-release-in-october-of-2024.3874946/ |title=If you have the VR headset HP reverb G2 it's been removed with the latest windows update 24H2 being release in October of 2024. |date=2024-10-07 |website=Tom's Hardware Forum |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref>

== Reception ==

The HP Reverb G1 received mixed reviews. Its high-resolution display was widely praised as its strongest feature, offering excellent visual clarity and significantly reducing the screen-door effect, making it particularly appealing for simulation games (like flight or racing sims) and professional applications where detail is important. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="btr-review"/><ref name="amazon-pro"/> The headset's comfort due to its light weight and the simplicity of the inside-out tracking setup were also noted as positives. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/>

However, the headset faced criticism for several aspects. The Windows Mixed Reality platform and software were often seen as less refined and having a smaller content library compared to Oculus or SteamVR ecosystems. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> The inside-out tracking, while convenient, was considered less robust and prone to more jitter and controller occlusion issues than competing systems, particularly impacting experiences requiring fast or wide arm movements. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> The first-generation WMR controllers were criticized for their ergonomics and occasionally loose battery covers. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> The lack of hardware IPD adjustment was a drawback for users outside the optimal range, and the thick cable was cumbersome. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/> Some users also reported reliability issues. <ref name="amazon-pro"/>

Overall, it was seen as a headset offering best-in-class visual fidelity for its time, but compromised by limitations in tracking, controller design, and the WMR software environment. <ref name="techradar"/><ref name="pcmag"/><ref name="btr-review"/>

==Images==

<gallery mode="packed">

File:HP Reverb G11.jpg

File:HP Reverb G12.jpg

File:HP Reverb G13.jpg

<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/hpreverb |title=HP Reverb Specs |website=VR Compare |access-date=2025-05-03}}</ref>

 

[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]

[[Category:HP Inc.]]

[[Category:Discontinued products]]

[[Category:Virtual Reality]]