Vive
| Vive | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, VIVEPORT |
| Developer | HTC, Valve |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Release Date | April 2016 |
| Price | $799 USD |
| Website | https://www.vive.com/ |
| Successor | Vive Pro |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | OLED (dual) |
| Resolution | 1080x1200 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 108-110° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0 (outside-in, Lighthouse) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB 3.0 |
| Device | |
The HTC Vive is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by HTC and Valve Corporation, released in April 2016 at $799. One of the first premium consumer VR headsets and the launch device for SteamVR, featuring dual OLED displays at 1080x1200 per eye, 90 Hz refresh rate, 110° field of view, revolutionary Lighthouse room-scale tracking via two base stations, two wireless 6DoF controllers, and a chaperone system for boundary awareness. Bundled with controllers, base stations, and link box.
History and Development
HTC and Valve announced the Vive at Mobile World Congress 2015, launching commercially in April 2016. The Vive pioneered room-scale VR with Valve's Lighthouse tracking technology, enabling users to walk around and physically interact in virtual spaces. Competing directly with the Oculus Rift, the Vive established SteamVR as a major VR platform. The original Vive was succeeded by the Vive Pro in 2018 and received price reductions over time. The Vive defined the standards for premium PC VR.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
First-generation OLED:
- 1080x1200 per eye resolution
- 2160x1200 combined
- Dual 3.6-inch OLED screens
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 108-110° field of view
- Low persistence
- Good black levels
Tracking
Revolutionary Lighthouse system:
- SteamVR 1.0 (Lighthouse)
- 2 base stations included
- Outside-in tracking
- 6DoF headset tracking
- Room-scale VR
- 360° coverage
- Sub-millimeter precision
- Chaperone boundary system
Controllers
Vive Controllers (2 included):
- 6DoF tracking
- Trackpad
- Trigger
- Grip buttons
- Menu button
- System button
- Rechargeable battery
Audio
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- External headphones required
- Optional Deluxe Audio Strap (later)
Build
- Front-facing camera
- Removable face gasket
- Adjustable head straps
- Fits over glasses
Connectivity
Via Link Box:
- HDMI
- USB 3.0
- Power
- 3-in-1 cable to headset
Package Contents
$799 bundle includes:
- Vive headset
- 2x Vive Controllers
- 2x Lighthouse base stations
- Link Box
- Cables and mounts
- Earbuds
PC Requirements
Minimum
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350
- RAM: 4 GB
- Video: HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1080x1200 OLED x2 |
| Combined | 2160x1200 |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 108-110° |
| Tracking | Lighthouse 1.0 |
| Controllers | 6DoF x2 included |
| Room Scale | Yes |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack |
| Price | $799 |
Reception
Praise:
- Room-scale VR revolutionary
- Lighthouse tracking precise
- 6DoF controllers included
- SteamVR platform strong
- Chaperone system useful
- Front-facing camera
- 90Hz smooth
- Good FOV
- Complete package
- Defined VR standard
Criticism:
- $799 expensive at launch
- Screen-door effect visible
- Lower resolution vs later HMDs
- External headphones needed
- Base station setup required
- Cabling inconvenient
- Heavy design
- Controller trackpad issues (later)
- Requires powerful PC[2]