DPVR E3C
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| DPVR E3C | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC-Powered VR |
| Developer | DPVR |
| Manufacturer | DPVR |
| Release Date | 2017 |
| Price | US$258 list, US$248 sale price (DPVR US store, September 2026) |
| Requires | Windows PC with an HDMI output and two USB ports |
| Display | |
| Display | Single LCD binocular |
| Resolution | 1280x1440 per-eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° horizontal, 60° vertical |
| Horizontal FoV | 110° |
| Vertical FoV | 60° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lens |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 54-74 mm (described by DPVR as adaptive or self-adjusting) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (rotational only) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | 3-in-1 cable (HDMI and two USB) |
| Ports | HDMI 1.4b x 1, USB 2.0 x 2 |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 266 mm x 194.5 mm x 96 mm |
| Weight | 305 g without headband and wires (2017-2018 DPVR figure); 295 g (DPVR 2022 specification sheet) |
| Sensors | Gravity sensor, compass, gyroscope |
DPVR E3C is a virtual reality head-mounted display released in 2017. It was made by the Chinese company DPVR as part of its E3 series of PC-tethered headsets, and DPVR also writes the model name as E3-C.[1][2][3] The headset has no processor or battery of its own. It connects to a Windows computer over HDMI and USB, and the computer does all of the rendering.[4][5]
The E3C has a 2560 x 1440 fast-switch LCD panel, Fresnel lenses, a 110° field of view and rotation-only 3DoF tracking. It ships without controllers.[6][4] It works with SteamVR, but DPVR notes that it does not support positional tracking, so games that need positional tracking are not suitable.[5] DPVR's current store page presents business uses such as simulation training, VR egg chairs, motion rides and group simulators.[7]
History
DPVR (then also known as Deepoon VR) launched its first E3 PC headset at an event in Beijing on 28 March 2017. That model used a Samsung AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, Fresnel lenses and a 110° field of view. Pre-orders opened in China for a Basic Edition without positional tracking at RMB 2,299 and a Package Edition with DPVR's Polaris laser positioning system at RMB 4,999.[1] The E3C is a separate model in the same family. Unlike the launch model, it has a fast-switch LCD panel.[1][6]
Version 1.3 of DPVR's English user manual for the E3-C dates from November 2017.[2] DPVR's 2018 English product page listed SteamVR as the E3C's game platform and the DPVR Assistant as its companion software.[6] E3C setup instructions published as a PDF on Amazon said the DPVR Assistant software was new to the American market. They also covered a "gaming combo" that paired the E3C with a NOLO base station, headset marker and two controllers.[8]
The E3 series also includes the DPVR E3B and the DPVR E3 4K.[5][3] DPVR's price list for the range shows the E3C at US$258 and the E3 4K, which has a 3840 x 2160 panel, at US$378. Both are 3DoF PC-tethered models.[3] In September 2026, DPVR's online store still listed the E3C, with soft-strap and hard-strap versions. It showed a sale price of US$248, down from US$258, and noted that the headset ships only to the United States.[7]
Design and hardware
Display and optics
The E3C has one fast-switch LCD panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which works out to 1280 x 1440 for each eye. DPVR calls it a "2.5K Fast-Switch LCD HD Panel". The company says the panel's brightness adjustment is "much faster" and that it reduces afterglow and the screen door effect.[6] DPVR says its Fresnel lenses use "well-tuned step and angle depth of CD patterns" to make individual pixels less visible.[6]
DPVR gives the field of view as 110°.[2][6] Its 2022 specification sheet lists a 90 Hz refresh rate,[4] as does DPVR's Amazon listing for the headset, which also claims a latency of 16 ms.[9] The 16 ms latency figure also appears on DPVR's 2018 product page.[6] DPVR's Amazon listing says the display is certified by TUV for low blue light.[9]
The interpupillary distance range is 54 to 74 mm. The manual calls the adjustment "adaptive", and the 2018 product page calls it "self-adjusting".[2][6] Glasses can be worn under the headset. The manual tells glasses wearers to put the face foam against their glasses first and then pull the strap over the head.[2]
Tracking and sensors
The E3C tracks head rotation with a gravity sensor, a compass and a gyroscope.[2] It has three degrees of freedom and no built-in positional tracking.[4][5] DPVR's 2018 product page noted that "some games need the support of DPVR E3 positioning version".[6] The setup instructions describe adding positional tracking with the optional NOLO kit. A NOLO marker clips onto the top of the headset and is tracked by the NOLO base station, and the kit's drivers are installed through the DPVR Assistant.[8] DPVR's 2022 specification sheet lists neither controller nor NOLO support for the E3C.[4]
Build, cable and fit
According to the user manual, the headset measures 266 mm x 194.5 mm x 96 mm and weighs 305 g.[2] DPVR's 2018 product page says the 305 g figure excludes the headband and wires.[6] The 2022 specification sheet gives 295 g.[4]
A single 3-in-1 cable connects to the headset. At the computer end it splits into an HDMI connector, which plugs into the graphics card, and two USB connectors.[2] The manual lists the interfaces as one HDMI 1.4b and two USB 2.0.[2] DPVR's Amazon listing gives the cable length as 5 m, says the headset end uses a Type-C connector, and says one USB plug is for charging and the other for data.[9] If a computer does not have enough USB ports, DPVR says the data cable can go to the computer while the headset is powered from another source, such as a power bank.[5] The cable sits under a screwed-on cover on top of the headset, and the manual explains how to replace it.[2][5]
The strap adjusts itself to the wearer's head using a built-in elastic structure. A removable back foam cushion is supplied for people with smaller heads, and the face foam attaches with hook-and-loop fastening.[2] DPVR sells the headset with either a soft strap or a hard strap.[7]
DPVR's 2022 specification sheet lists no speakers, 3.5 mm audio jack, microphone, memory card slot or Wi-Fi for the E3C. It does list screen mirroring and support for DPVR's group training system.[4]
The box contains the headset, the 3-in-1 cable, a back foam cushion, the user manual, a warranty guide and a certificate of quality.[2]
Specifications
| Specification | DPVR E3C |
|---|---|
| Display | Single fast-switch LCD[6] |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 total (1280 x 1440 per eye)[2] |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz[4] |
| Field of view | 110°[2] |
| Lenses | Fresnel[6] |
| Latency | 16 ms (manufacturer claim)[6] |
| IPD range | 54-74 mm[2] |
| Tracking | 3DoF (gravity sensor, compass, gyroscope)[2][4] |
| Interfaces | HDMI 1.4b x 1, USB 2.0 x 2[2] |
| Weight | 305 g (manual); 295 g (2022 specification sheet)[2][4] |
| Size | 266 mm x 194.5 mm x 96 mm[2] |
| Price | US$258 list; US$248 sale (DPVR US store, September 2026)[7] |
Software and compatibility
The E3C needs DPVR's Windows software, the DPVR Assistant. It includes a compatibility check and an "E3C Novice Wizard" that walks new users through connecting the headset.[8] DPVR's support page lists one Assistant package for its 3DoF PC VR headsets (the E4C, E3-B, E3-C and E3 4K), for 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. The support page says to close antivirus software during installation, and to restart the computer after the first install on systems with NVIDIA graphics.[5] Firmware updates are installed through the Assistant.[2]
The DPVR Assistant has three operating modes for the E3-C: DPVR mode, DK1 mode and DK2 mode. Changing the mode updates the headset's firmware. DPVR says the E3-B supports only DPVR mode.[5][2]
The headset works with SteamVR.[6] DPVR says the E3-B and E3-C are compatible with SteamVR games, but notes that "the E3-B / E3-C does not support spatial positioning interaction" and advises users to filter out games that need it.[5] The company recommends seated use.[2] DPVR's range page for the E3 series also mentions access to the Viveport app store.[3]
Computer requirements
The manual gives separate recommended specifications for games and for 3D and 360-degree video playback:[2]
| Component | Games | Video (discrete graphics) | Video (integrated graphics) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit Home/Professional (recommended), Windows 8.1 64-bit, Windows 7 SP1 64-bit | ||
| CPU | Intel i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or better | Intel i3 or better | Intel i5-6500 or better |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or better | Nvidia GT 730 1 GB or better | Intel HD 530 or better |
| RAM | 4 GB or more | 4 GB or more | 4 GB or more |
DPVR's support page says the headset needs two USB ports and an HDMI port on a discrete graphics card. It recommends a graphics driver newer than version 359, and says graphics cards below the 7XX series, external USB graphics adapters and adapter-based dual outputs are not supported.[5] For computers with integrated graphics and for laptops, DPVR's troubleshooting advice is to set the headset's display to vertical orientation in the Windows display settings and extend the desktop to it.[5]
Commercial and enterprise use
DPVR markets the E3C largely to businesses. The title of DPVR's Amazon listing describes it as "Not for Personal User" and names egg-shaped VR seats, simulator rides and VR motorcycles as uses.[9] On its E3C store page, DPVR describes uses for its headsets that include simulation training on equipment and vehicles, themed entertainment pods in shopping centres, larger group simulators, VR egg chairs, rider simulators, VR bumper cars, a multiplayer attraction called "4 Space Warriors", VR motorcycles, 360-degree rotating rides and VR ski machines.[7] DPVR's example of a simulation pod was built by the Seasonal Group in the United Kingdom. It is a small-group themed ride, and water spray or fans can be added for a "4D" effect.[7]
DPVR says the E3 series can take one HDMI source and share it with many headsets over a wired connection. The company describes this as a low-cost option for training rooms and classrooms.[3] DPVR's Amazon listing makes the same claim for the E3C in particular, for group training and presentations.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "China's DPVR Launches New PC Helmet E3". PR Newswire. Deepoon VR. 2017-03-29. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-dpvr-launches-new-pc-helmet-e3-300431159.html. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 "DPVR E3-C User Manual, Version 1.3". DPVR. DPVR. 2017-11-29. http://static.dpvr.com/en/E3-C_manual_EN-v1.3_20171129.pdf. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "DPVR E3 PC Tethered Virtual Reality Headset Range". DPVR. https://www.dpvr.com/en/vr-headset-products/e3-virtual-reality-headset-for-pc/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 "DPVR Specification Sheet". DPVR. May 2022. https://www.dpvr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DPVR-Specification-Sheet-22-05-23.pdf. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 "DPVR Headset Technical Support & Software Downloads". DPVR. https://www.dpvr.com/en/vr-headset-support/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 "E3C". DPVR (Internet Archive copy of 29 December 2018). DPVR. https://web.archive.org/web/20181229110137/http://dpvr.net/e3c.html. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 "DPVR E3C (Only Shipped To The United States) - E3 Series, PCVR Headset". DPVR. https://www.dpvr.com/en/product/e3c-vr-headset/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "DPVR E3C Setup & Installation Instructions". Amazon.com. DPVR. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/918iVfLeQxL.pdf. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 "DPVR E3C VR Headset, VR Set for Business of Egg Seats Headset, VR Simulator Riders, VR Moto, Virtual Reality Headset Not for Personal User and VR Games". Amazon.com. DPVR Store. https://www.amazon.com/DPVR-Customization-Training-Education-Simulator/dp/B09WN4WL3K. Retrieved 2026-09-27.