Bigscreen Beyond

Bigscreen Beyond
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	PC VR
Platform	SteamVR
Creator	Bigscreen
Developer	Bigscreen
Manufacturer	Bigscreen
Announcement Date	February 2023
Release Date	Q3 2023
Price	$999
Website	https://store.bigscreenvr.com/products/bigscreen-beyond
Versions	Bigscreen Beyond, Bigscreen Beyond 2, Bigscreen Beyond 2e
Requires	Gaming PC, SteamVR base stations
Predecessor	None
Successor	Bigscreen Beyond 2
System
Operating System	Windows (via SteamVR)
Chipset	N/A (tethered PCVR)
CPU	N/A (PC-powered)
GPU	N/A (PC-powered)
Storage
Storage	N/A
Memory	N/A
SD Card Slot	No
Display
Display	Dual micro-OLED (Samsung)
Subpixel Layout	PenTile Diamond
Peak Brightness	~100 nits
Resolution	2560 × 2560 per eye (5120 × 2560 combined)
Pixel Density	~32 PPD
Refresh Rate	75Hz, 90Hz
Persistence	Ultra-low persistence (<0.5ms)
Image
Field of View	90° (horizontal) × 93° (vertical)
Horizontal FoV	90°
Vertical FoV	93°
Average Pixel Density	~32 PPD
Peak Pixel Density	~32 PPD
Foveated Rendering	No
Optics
Optics	Custom pancake lenses
Ocularity	Binocular
IPD Range	Factory-set (based on 3D face scan)
Adjustable Diopter	Via prescription lens inserts
Passthrough	No
Tracking
Tracking	6DoF outside-in (SteamVR Tracking)
Tracking Frequency	1000Hz (base station rate)
Base Stations	Required (SteamVR 1.0 or 2.0)
Eye Tracking	No
Face Tracking	No
Hand Tracking	No
Body Tracking	Via SteamVR trackers
Rotational Tracking	Yes
Positional Tracking	Yes
Update Rate	1000Hz
Tracking Volume	Dependent on base station setup
Play Space	Roomscale (up to 10m × 10m with 2.0 stations)
Latency	<10ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio	None built-in (external required)
Microphone	None built-in
3.5mm Audio Jack	Via optional audio strap
Camera	None
Connectivity
Connectivity	DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A
Ports	DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A
Wired Video	Yes (DisplayPort)
Wireless Video	No
WiFi	No
Bluetooth	No
Power	USB-powered
Battery Capacity	N/A
Battery Life	N/A (tethered)
Charge Time	N/A
Device
Dimensions	~140mm × 55mm × 50mm (visor)
Weight	127g (visor only), 170-185g (with strap)
Material	Plastic, 3D-printed facial interface
Headstrap	Multiple options (rigid, comfort strap)
Haptics	No
Color	Black
Sensors	IMU (gyroscope, accelerometer)
Input	SteamVR controllers (Index, Vive, etc.)
Compliance	FCC, CE

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The Bigscreen Beyond is an ultra-compact PC VR head-mounted display developed by Bigscreen, announced in February 2023 and released later in 2023 at a price of $999. Weighing just 127 grams for the visor alone—less than many smartphones—the Beyond represents a radical departure from traditional VR headset design, achieving its minimal form factor through custom-manufactured facial interfaces based on individual 3D face scans. The headset features dual Samsung micro-OLED displays with 2560 × 2560 resolution per eye and custom pancake lenses, delivering premium visual quality while using SteamVR base station tracking for precise positional tracking. The Beyond's extreme emphasis on comfort and portability has made it popular among VR enthusiasts, sim racers, and users who found traditional headsets too heavy for extended use.

History and Development

Bigscreen Origins

Bigscreen Inc. was founded in 2014 by Darshan Shankar and others, initially developing the Bigscreen VR application—a social virtual reality platform for watching movies, gaming, and hanging out in virtual environments. The application became popular across multiple VR platforms, giving the team deep insight into user pain points with existing VR hardware.

Hardware Ambition

Bigscreen's hardware development began with the observation that existing VR headsets were too heavy, too bulky, and required compromise between visual quality and comfort. The team set out to create what they called "the world's smallest VR headset" by rethinking every aspect of headset design.

Custom Face Scanning Approach

Traditional VR headsets use a one-size-fits-all approach with adjustable IPD mechanisms and universal facial interfaces. Bigscreen took a radical different approach:

Each customer submits a 3D scan of their face
IPD is measured from the scan
A custom facial interface is 3D printed specifically for each customer
The display IPD is factory-set based on measured IPD

This approach eliminates IPD adjustment mechanisms, facial interface padding options, and much of the structural bulk needed to accommodate diverse face shapes.

Design Philosophy

The Beyond embodies a specific philosophy:

Minimize weight at all costs: Every gram scrutinized
Premium displays: No compromise on visual quality
External tracking: Leverage existing SteamVR infrastructure
No integrated audio: Users provide their own preferred solution
Customization over universality: Better fit through personalization

Display Technology

Samsung Micro-OLED Panels

The Beyond uses premium Samsung micro-OLED displays:

Resolution: 2560 × 2560 per eye
Total Resolution: Over 13 million pixels (5120 × 2560)
Panel Size: 1-inch diagonal per eye
Technology: Active-matrix organic LED on silicon backplane
Subpixel Layout: PenTile Diamond arrangement

OLED Advantages

Micro-OLED technology delivers:

True blacks: Zero light emission when off
Infinite contrast: Perfect blacks enable HDR-like experience
Fast response: Near-instantaneous pixel switching
Vibrant colors: Wide color gamut coverage
Low persistence: Reduces motion blur significantly

Refresh Rates

Supported refresh rates:

75Hz: Lower GPU requirements
90Hz: Standard VR refresh rate
Smooth motion for most content

HDR Capability

The OLED panels support HDR content:

Wide dynamic range between darks and highlights
Particularly impressive in dark scenes
Enhanced movie and video viewing

Optical System

Custom Pancake Lenses

Compact pancake lens design enables slim form factor:

Multiple polarization layers fold optical path
Significantly shorter focal length than Fresnel alternatives
Clear edge-to-edge viewing
Minimal god rays compared to Fresnel lenses

Field of View

Balanced FOV for the size:

Horizontal: 90°
Vertical: 93°
Slightly narrower than larger headsets
Acceptable tradeoff for extreme weight reduction

Fixed IPD

Factory-set interpupillary distance:

Measured from customer's 3D face scan
Optimal clarity for that specific user
No adjustment mechanism (reduces weight and complexity)
Cannot be shared effectively between users with different IPDs

Custom Facial Interface

3D Face Scanning Process

Customers must complete face scanning before order:

Use Bigscreen app on iPhone with Face ID
Capture multiple angles of face
System generates facial geometry
Custom interface manufactured to match

3D Printed Interface

Each facial interface is unique:

Manufactured to match individual face shape
Washable material
Light-blocking seal
No adjustments or padding needed

Limitations

The custom approach has tradeoffs:

Cannot easily share headset with others
Replacement interfaces required for different users
Higher barrier to purchase
Longer order-to-delivery time

Weight and Comfort

Ultra-Light Visor

Remarkable weight achievement:

Visor alone: 127 grams
With standard strap: 170-185 grams depending on strap choice
Comparison: Lighter than Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Valve Index (809g)

Comfort Benefits

Low weight enables:

Extended multi-hour sessions without fatigue
Reduced neck strain
Better for users with neck or shoulder issues
More natural head movement

Strap Options

Multiple head mounting options:

Included strap: Basic rigid strap
Comfort strap: Optional padded alternative
Third-party options: Various aftermarket solutions

Tracking System

SteamVR Base Station Tracking

The Beyond uses external tracking:

Compatibility: SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations
Accuracy: Sub-millimeter positional precision
Latency: Under 1ms tracking latency
Update Rate: Up to 1000Hz

Why External Tracking

The choice of outside-in tracking serves the weight goal:

No tracking cameras add weight to headset
No processing overhead for optical tracking
Leverages existing SteamVR ecosystem
Highest possible tracking accuracy

Base Station Requirements

Users need to provide:

Minimum 2 base stations (1.0 or 2.0)
Mounting points around play space
Power outlets for each station
Line-of-sight to headset

Controller Support

Works with SteamVR controllers:

Valve Index controllers (recommended)
HTC Vive controllers
Any SteamVR-compatible controllers
Third-party tracked devices

Audio System

No Built-In Audio

The Beyond includes no integrated audio:

Reduces weight
Users choose preferred solution
Must bring own headphones/earbuds

Audio Options

Users typically use:

Wireless earbuds
Wired IEMs (in-ear monitors)
Over-ear headphones
Optional Bigscreen audio strap accessory

Optional Audio Strap

Bigscreen offers audio strap accessory:

Integrated speakers near ears
Similar approach to Index audio
Adds to total weight
Additional purchase required

Connectivity

DisplayPort Connection

Primary video interface:

DisplayPort 1.4
High bandwidth for full resolution at 90Hz
Standard PC graphics card compatibility

USB Connection

Secondary data and power:

USB-A for tracking data
Provides power to headset
No separate power adapter needed

Cable

Tethered operation:

Combined DisplayPort + USB cable
Cable management required
No wireless option available

Target Audience

Sim Racing and Flight Sim

Particularly popular with simulator users:

Light weight reduces neck fatigue during long sessions
Sharp displays for reading gauges and text
SteamVR tracking works well in seated experiences
Premium visuals for immersion

VR Enthusiasts

Appeal to experienced VR users who:

Already own SteamVR base stations
Prioritize comfort over features
Value display quality
Want dedicated PC VR headset

Users With Comfort Issues

Attractive to users who:

Found other headsets too heavy
Have neck or shoulder problems
Need extended wear for work
Prefer minimal bulk

Comparison with Traditional Headsets

vs. Valve Index

Feature	Bigscreen Beyond	Valve Index
Weight	127g (visor)	809g
Resolution per eye	2560 × 2560	1440 × 1600
Display Type	Micro-OLED	LCD
FOV	90°	130°
Refresh Rate	Up to 90Hz	Up to 144Hz
Built-in Audio	No	Yes
IPD Adjustment	Factory-set	Manual
Price	$999	$999

vs. Meta Quest 3

Feature	Bigscreen Beyond	Meta Quest 3
Weight	127g (visor)	515g
Standalone	No	Yes
Tracking	External (base stations)	Inside-out
Display Type	Micro-OLED	LCD
Resolution per eye	2560 × 2560	2064 × 2208
Passthrough	No	Yes