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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] / [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = PC VR (Open Source)
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[PC]], [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Somnium Space]] / [[VRgineers]]
|Creator = [[Somnium Space]], [[VRgineers]], [[Prusa Research]]
|Manufacturer = [[VRgineers]]
|Announced = CES 2023
|Release Date = 2024
|Release = 2023
|Price = €1,900 (base) / €2,500 (eye tracking) / €3,500 (ultimate)
|Price = €4,299 (Ultimate Edition)
|Website = https://store.somniumspace.com/
|Website = https://store.somniumspace.com
|Display = QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD (dual)
|OS = Android (open source)
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|CPU =
|PPD = 35 PPD
|GPU = Host PC dependent
|Local Dimming = Yes (20,000:1 HDR)
|Storage =
|Refresh Rate = 90/120/144 Hz
|RAM =
|Field of View = 130° horizontal / 105° vertical
|Display = 2 x 3.2" QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Resolution = 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye)
|Eye Tracking = Optional (120 Hz)
|Refresh =
|Hand Tracking = Ultraleap (170°x170° FOV)
|Brightness = 210 nits
|Tracking = SteamVR Lighthouse (external)
|Contrast = 20,000:1 (HDR local dimming)
|IPD = Adjustable (57-76mm)
|FOV = 125° H x 100° V
|Passthrough = Optional (Ultimate Edition)
|PPD =
|Lenses = Custom non-Fresnel crystal clear
|IPD =
|Eye Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap, 170°x170° FOV, 120Hz)
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR lighthouse)
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers =
|Microphone =
|Audio Jack =
|Connectivity = USB Type-C (all-in-one cable)
|Ports = USB-C (6m hybrid cable with DP, USB 3.2, power)
|Battery =
|Weight =
|Materials = 3D printable parts
|Colors =
|Sensors = 2 passthrough cameras (3864x2192 @ 90fps)
|Input = SteamVR controllers (Index/Vive)
}}
}}


The '''Somnium VR1''' is a high-end PC-tethered [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Somnium Space]] and manufactured by [[VRgineers]], released 2024 starting at €1,900. A premium enthusiast headset featuring dual QLED mini-LED LCD panels at 2880x2880 per eye (same as Pimax Crystal), 35 PPD clarity, 130° horizontal FOV with dual-aspheric lenses, 20,000:1 HDR local dimming, open-source 120 Hz eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and modular edition options including mixed reality passthrough.
The '''Somnium VR1''' is an open-source, modular [[virtual reality]] and [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Somnium Space]] in partnership with [[VRgineers]] and [[Prusa Research]]. Announced at CES 2023, the VR1 features dual 2880 x 2880 QLED Mini-LED displays with HDR local dimming, eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and mixed reality passthrough cameras. The headset is designed with an open-source philosophy, allowing users to 3D print parts and build their own headsets using publicly available designs and purchasable components.<ref name="vrgineers">{{cite web|url=https://vrgineers.com/somnium-vr1-vr/|title=Somnium VR1 VR|publisher=VRgineers}}</ref>


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


Somnium Space, known for their metaverse platform, partnered with VRgineers to develop the VR1 as a premium PC VR headset targeting simulation enthusiasts and high-fidelity VR users. The headset uses the same 2880x2880 mini-LED panels as the Pimax Crystal, with unique dual-aspheric optics for wide FOV without god rays. Multiple editions offer modular upgrades from base VR to eye tracking and full mixed reality capabilities.<ref name="somnium">{{cite web |url=https://store.somniumspace.com/ |title=Somnium VR1 |publisher=Somnium Space |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Partnership Announcement ===
Somnium Space partnered with VRgineers (enterprise VR headset maker) and Prusa Research (3D printer company) to develop an open-source VR platform.


== Design and Hardware ==
=== CES 2023 ===
The VR1 Development Kit was available at CES 2023, showcasing the modular design philosophy.


=== Display ===
=== Open Source Philosophy ===
The VR1 aims to change restrictive VR market practices by making hardware designs openly available.<ref name="somnium">{{cite web|url=https://somniumspace.medium.com/somnium-space-partners-with-prusa-research-and-vrgineers-to-further-develop-its-open-source-8d1dca74dae2|title=Somnium Space partners with Prusa Research and VRgineers|publisher=Somnium Space}}</ref>


QLED Mini-LED:
== Design and Hardware ==


* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
=== Display System ===
* '''QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD'''
* '''Panel Size:''' 2 x 3.2 inches
* '''35 PPD''' pixels per degree
* '''Resolution:''' 2880 x 2880 per eye (5760 x 2880 total)
* '''210 nit''' brightness
* '''Display Type:''' QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
* '''20,000:1 contrast''' (HDR)
* '''Brightness:''' 210 nits
* Local dimming
* '''Contrast:''' 20,000:1 with HDR local dimming
* '''100% NTSC''' color gamut


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Field of View ===
 
* '''Horizontal:''' 125 degrees
* '''90 Hz''' base
* '''Vertical:''' 100 degrees
* '''120 Hz''' upgradeable
* '''144 Hz''' maximum


=== Optics ===
=== Optics ===
Custom non-Fresnel, crystal clear lenses for maximum clarity.


Unique dual-aspheric:
== Eye Tracking ==


* '''Dual-element aspheric lenses'''
Integrated eye tracking for:
* No Fresnel (no god rays)
* Foveated rendering
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Gaze interaction
* Custom optical design
* Avatar eye movement


=== Field of View ===
== Hand Tracking ==


* '''130° horizontal'''
=== Ultraleap Integration ===
* '''105° vertical'''
* '''Field of View:''' 170° x 170°
* Wide peripheral vision
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 120 Hz
* Immersive coverage
* '''Provider:''' Ultraleap


=== Eye Tracking ===
== Mixed Reality ==


Open-source system:
=== Passthrough Cameras ===
* '''Resolution:''' 2 x 3864 x 2192
* '''Frame Rate:''' 90 fps (foveated transport)
* '''Field of View:''' 120° x 100°


* '''120 Hz''' tracking rate
== Open Source Design ==
* '''Single-point calibration'''
* Open-source technology
* Foveated rendering support
* Optional upgrade (€600)


=== Hand Tracking ===
=== 3D Printable Parts ===
* 3D models available on Printables.com (Prusa's website)
* Users can print parts at home
* Supports maintenance and upgrades


Ultraleap integration:
=== Public Source Code ===
Android OS source codes available in public GIT repository.


* '''170°x170° FOV''' tracking volume
=== DIY Option ===
* '''120 Hz''' refresh rate
Users can:
* Controller-free interaction
* Download 3D part models
* Purchase electronic components, sensors, and lenses from Somnium
* Build their own headsets


=== IPD ===
== Tracking ==


* '''57-76mm range'''
=== SteamVR Tracking ===
* Hardware adjustment
Uses SteamVR "lighthouse" base stations:
* Wide compatibility
* Compatible with Valve Index base stations
* Compatible with HTC Vive base stations
* 6DoF tracking


=== Tracking ===
=== Compatible Controllers ===
* Valve Index Controllers
* HTC Vive Controllers


* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' required
== Connectivity ==
* External base stations
 
* 6DoF tracking
=== All-In-One USB-C Cable ===
* Not included
* '''Length:''' 6 meters (20 feet)
* '''Features:''' Hybrid cable with DisplayPort, USB 3 Gen 2, and power


== Editions ==
== Editions ==


{| class="wikitable"
=== Ultimate Edition (€4,299) ===
|-
Includes:
! Edition !! Features !! Price
* VR functionality
|-
* Eye tracking
| Base (VR) || Headset only || €1,900
* Mixed reality passthrough
|-
* Hand tracking
| Visionary (ET) || + Eye tracking || €2,500
|-
| Ultimate (MR) || + Eye tracking + Mixed reality || €3,500
|}
 
== Mixed Reality ==


Ultimate Edition features:
=== Classic Edition ===
Base VR functionality without all tracking features.


* Color passthrough cameras
== Specifications ==
* AR/MR experiences
* Real-world overlay
 
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 124: Line 143:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED x2
| Display || 2 x 3.2" QLED Mini-LED LCD
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| Resolution || 2880 x 2880 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120/144 Hz
| Contrast || 20,000:1 (HDR)
|-
|-
| FOV || 130°x105°
| Field of View || 125° H x 100° V
|-
|-
| Local Dimming || 20,000:1 HDR
| Eye Tracking || Yes
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || 120 Hz (optional)
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap (120 Hz)
|-
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap 170°
| Passthrough || 3864x2192 @ 90fps
|-
|-
| IPD || 57-76mm
| Tracking || SteamVR 6DoF
|-
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR Lighthouse
| Cable || 6m USB-C hybrid
|-
|-
| Price || €1,900-€3,500
| Open Source || Yes (3D printable parts)
|-
| Price || €4,299 (Ultimate)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 2880x2880 excellent clarity
* 35 PPD sharp
* 130° FOV wide
* Dual-aspheric no god rays
* 20,000:1 HDR contrast
* 144 Hz capable
* Open-source eye tracking
* Ultraleap hand tracking
* Modular edition options
'''Criticism:'''
* €1,900+ expensive
* Base stations required (extra cost)
* €3,500 ultimate very expensive
* SteamVR tracking only
* Heavy/bulky
* Niche market
* Limited availability
* Requires high-end PC<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/somnium-vr1-review-next-generation-pc-vr-mr/ |title=Somnium VR1 Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Somnium Space]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[VRgineers]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Prusa Research]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[Open source hardware]]
* [[SteamVR]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Open source hardware]]
[[Category:Eye tracking]]
[[Category:Hand tracking]]
[[Category:Somnium Space]]
[[Category:Somnium Space]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]

Revision as of 22:15, 7 January 2026

Somnium VR1
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR (Open Source)
Platform PC, SteamVR
Creator Somnium Space, VRgineers, Prusa Research
Price €4,299 (Ultimate Edition)
Website https://store.somniumspace.com
System
GPU Host PC dependent
Storage
Display
Display 2 x 3.2" QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
Resolution 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (SteamVR lighthouse)
Eye Tracking Yes
Hand Tracking Yes (Ultraleap, 170°x170° FOV, 120Hz)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity USB Type-C (all-in-one cable)
Ports USB-C (6m hybrid cable with DP, USB 3.2, power)
Device
Sensors 2 passthrough cameras (3864x2192 @ 90fps)
Input SteamVR controllers (Index/Vive)


The Somnium VR1 is an open-source, modular virtual reality and mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Somnium Space in partnership with VRgineers and Prusa Research. Announced at CES 2023, the VR1 features dual 2880 x 2880 QLED Mini-LED displays with HDR local dimming, eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and mixed reality passthrough cameras. The headset is designed with an open-source philosophy, allowing users to 3D print parts and build their own headsets using publicly available designs and purchasable components.[1]

History and Development

Partnership Announcement

Somnium Space partnered with VRgineers (enterprise VR headset maker) and Prusa Research (3D printer company) to develop an open-source VR platform.

CES 2023

The VR1 Development Kit was available at CES 2023, showcasing the modular design philosophy.

Open Source Philosophy

The VR1 aims to change restrictive VR market practices by making hardware designs openly available.[2]

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Panel Size: 2 x 3.2 inches
  • Resolution: 2880 x 2880 per eye (5760 x 2880 total)
  • Display Type: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
  • Brightness: 210 nits
  • Contrast: 20,000:1 with HDR local dimming

Field of View

  • Horizontal: 125 degrees
  • Vertical: 100 degrees

Optics

Custom non-Fresnel, crystal clear lenses for maximum clarity.

Eye Tracking

Integrated eye tracking for:

  • Foveated rendering
  • Gaze interaction
  • Avatar eye movement

Hand Tracking

Ultraleap Integration

  • Field of View: 170° x 170°
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Provider: Ultraleap

Mixed Reality

Passthrough Cameras

  • Resolution: 2 x 3864 x 2192
  • Frame Rate: 90 fps (foveated transport)
  • Field of View: 120° x 100°

Open Source Design

3D Printable Parts

  • 3D models available on Printables.com (Prusa's website)
  • Users can print parts at home
  • Supports maintenance and upgrades

Public Source Code

Android OS source codes available in public GIT repository.

DIY Option

Users can:

  • Download 3D part models
  • Purchase electronic components, sensors, and lenses from Somnium
  • Build their own headsets

Tracking

SteamVR Tracking

Uses SteamVR "lighthouse" base stations:

  • Compatible with Valve Index base stations
  • Compatible with HTC Vive base stations
  • 6DoF tracking

Compatible Controllers

  • Valve Index Controllers
  • HTC Vive Controllers

Connectivity

All-In-One USB-C Cable

  • Length: 6 meters (20 feet)
  • Features: Hybrid cable with DisplayPort, USB 3 Gen 2, and power

Editions

Ultimate Edition (€4,299)

Includes:

  • VR functionality
  • Eye tracking
  • Mixed reality passthrough
  • Hand tracking

Classic Edition

Base VR functionality without all tracking features.

Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2 x 3.2" QLED Mini-LED LCD
Resolution 2880 x 2880 per eye
Contrast 20,000:1 (HDR)
Field of View 125° H x 100° V
Eye Tracking Yes
Hand Tracking Ultraleap (120 Hz)
Passthrough 3864x2192 @ 90fps
Tracking SteamVR 6DoF
Cable 6m USB-C hybrid
Open Source Yes (3D printable parts)
Price €4,299 (Ultimate)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Somnium VR1 VR". VRgineers. https://vrgineers.com/somnium-vr1-vr/.
  2. ↑ "Somnium Space partners with Prusa Research and VRgineers". Somnium Space. https://somniumspace.medium.com/somnium-space-partners-with-prusa-research-and-vrgineers-to-further-develop-its-open-source-8d1dca74dae2.
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