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OSVR HDK2

From VR & AR Wiki
Revision as of 22:13, 7 January 2026 by Betabot (talk | contribs) (Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references)
OSVR HDK2
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR (Open Source)
Platform PC, SteamVR, OSVR
Creator Razer, Sensics
Price $399
Website https://www.osvr.org
System
CPU Intel i5-4590+ (min)
GPU NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 280+ (min)
Storage
Display
Display 2 x OLED
Resolution 2160 x 1200 (1080 x 1200 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (IR camera)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity HDMI 1.3, USB 2.0
Ports HDMI, USB
Device
Sensors IR tracking LEDs, IMU
Input Any compatible controller


The OSVR HDK 2 (Hacker Development Kit 2) is an open source virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Razer and Sensics as part of the Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) initiative. Announced at E3 2016 and released on July 29, 2016 at $399, the HDK 2 features dual OLED displays at 1080 x 1200 per eye, 90 Hz refresh rate, 110-degree field of view, and custom SLR-grade dual lenses free from god rays. The open source and modular design allows users to replace components and even build the headset from scratch. The HDK 2 supports native OSVR experiences, SteamVR content, and WebVR.[1]

History and Development

OSVR Initiative

OSVR (Open Source Virtual Reality) was founded by Razer and Sensics to create an open platform for VR development.

E3 2016 Announcement

The HDK 2 was announced at E3 2016 on June 13, 2016.

July 2016 Release

The HDK 2 went on sale July 29, 2016 at $399.

Developer/Student Discount

Students and developers could apply for 20% discount.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Display Type: OLED RGB "silver screen"
  • Resolution: 1080 x 1200 per eye (2160 x 1200 total)
  • Pixel Density: 441 PPI
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
  • Persistence: Low persistence

Optics

  • Lens Type: SLR-grade dual lens system
  • Advantage: No god rays (unlike Fresnel lenses)
  • Diopter Range: +4.5 to -2.0
  • Different from: Vive/Rift Fresnel approach

Field of View

110 degrees diagonal.

Open Source Design

  • Modular hardware components
  • User-replaceable parts
  • Build-from-scratch capability
  • Published schematics

Tracking

IR Positional Camera

  • Infrared tracking camera included
  • Range: 2.4 - 2.7 meters
  • Standing experience support
  • 6 degrees of freedom

Controllers

Open Compatibility

No controller included - users can use:

  • Any OSVR-compatible controller
  • SteamVR controllers (via compatibility)
  • Third-party solutions

Software Platform

OSVR Software

  • Open source VR platform
  • Cross-platform support

Content Compatibility

  • Native OSVR experiences
  • SteamVR content (Vive games)
  • WebVR
  • 360° video and media

System Requirements

Component Minimum
GPU NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 280
CPU Intel i5-4590+
HDMI 1.3
USB 2x USB 2.0
OS Windows

Open Source Philosophy

Hackability

  • Component-level documentation
  • Modular replaceable parts
  • Community modifications welcome
  • Innovation through openness

Ecosystem

  • Plugin architecture
  • Multiple engine support
  • Cross-platform software

Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2 x OLED
Resolution 1080 x 1200 per eye
Total Resolution 2160 x 1200
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Field of View 110°
PPI 441
Lenses SLR-grade dual lens
Tracking IR camera (6DoF)
Diopter +4.5 to -2.0
Design Open source / modular
Price $399

See Also

References