Valve Index
The Valve Index is a virtual reality head-mounted display developed and manufactured by Valve. Announced on April 30, 2019 and released on June 28, 2019, the Index is Valve's second-generation VR headset and their first fully in-house manufactured device. The headset features dual 1440 x 1600 LCD displays with refresh rates up to 144 Hz, a 130-degree field of view (20° more than HTC Vive), off-ear BMR audio drivers, and is designed for use with the innovative Index Controllers featuring 87 sensors for finger tracking.[1]
| Valve Index | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC, SteamVR |
| Creator | Valve |
| Price | $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset only) |
| Website | https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD RX 480+ (min) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x LCD (Full RGB) |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1600 (1440 x 1600 per eye) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (SteamVR Lighthouse 2.0) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Built-in |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0 |
| Ports | DisplayPort, USB 3.0, 12V power |
| Device | |
| Sensors | SteamVR 2.0 sensors |
| Input | Index Controllers (Knuckles) |
| Cable Length | 5m (with 1m breakaway) |
History and Development
Valve VR History
Valve previously partnered with HTC on the original Vive before developing their own hardware.
April 2019 Announcement
Full specifications revealed on April 30, 2019, with pre-orders opening immediately.
June 2019 Release
The Valve Index shipped on June 28, 2019.
Design and Hardware
Display System
- Resolution: 1440 x 1600 per eye (2880 x 1600 total)
- Display Type: LCD with full RGB per pixel
- Persistence: Low persistence global backlight (0.330 ms at 144 Hz)
Refresh Rate Options
- 80 Hz
- 90 Hz (backward compatible)
- 120 Hz
- 144 Hz (experimental)
Higher refresh rates improve realism and reduce motion sickness.
Field of View
- Horizontal: 108 degrees
- Vertical: 104 degrees
- 20° wider than HTC Vive for typical users
Optics
- Lens Type: Dual-element canted Fresnel
- IPD: 58-70mm hardware adjustable
Index Controllers
Knuckles Controllers
Formerly known as "Knuckles Controllers":
- Sensors: 87 per controller
- Tracking: Hand position, finger position, motion, pressure
- Grip: Strap design allows releasing hand
Controls
- Thumbstick
- Touchpad
- 2 face buttons
- Menu button
- Trigger
Compatibility
Backward compatible with HTC Vive and Vive Pro controllers.
Tracking
SteamVR Lighthouse 2.0
- External base station tracking
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
- Large play space support
Compatibility
Works with both SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations.
Audio
Off-Ear Speakers
- Type: Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) drivers
- Design: Ultra near-field, extra-aural
- Quality: Accurate, low-frequency sounds
- Position: Does not touch ears
Microphone
Built-in microphone for voice communication.
Connectivity
Cable
- Length: 5 meters with 1m breakaway trident connector
Requirements
- USB 3.0
- DisplayPort 1.2
- 12V power outlet
Pricing
- Full Kit: $999 (headset + controllers + 2 base stations)
- Headset Only: $499
- Controllers Only: $279
- Base Stations: $149 each
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2 x LCD (1440 x 1600/eye) |
| Total Resolution | 2880 x 1600 |
| Refresh Rate | 80/90/120/144 Hz |
| Field of View | 108° H x 104° V |
| Lenses | Dual-element canted Fresnel |
| IPD | 58-70mm adjustable |
| Audio | Off-ear BMR drivers |
| Tracking | SteamVR Lighthouse 2.0 |
| Controllers | Index Controllers (87 sensors) |
| Cable | 5m + 1m breakaway |
| Price | $999 (Full Kit) |
See Also
References
- ↑ "Valve Index". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_Index.