HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
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| HTC Vive Cosmos Elite | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Viveport |
| Creator | HTC |
| Developer | HTC |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Announcement Date | January 2020 (CES) |
| Release Date | February 2020 |
| Price | $899 (full kit), $549 (headset only) |
| Website | https://www.vive.com/ |
| Versions | HTC Vive Cosmos Elite |
| Requires | VR-ready PC, SteamVR base stations |
| Predecessor | HTC Vive Cosmos |
| Successor | HTC Vive Pro 2 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 |
| Chipset | N/A (PC-tethered) |
| CPU | N/A (host PC) |
| GPU | N/A (host PC) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A (host PC) |
| Memory | N/A (host PC) |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 1440 × 1700 per eye (2880 × 1700 combined) |
| Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~110° |
| Vertical FoV | ~110° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 61-72mm (mechanical) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses compatible) |
| Passthrough | Yes (dual front cameras, low-res) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (SteamVR Tracking 1.0) |
| Tracking Frequency | 1000Hz (IMU) |
| Base Stations | Required (SteamVR 1.0 compatible) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | Via Vive Trackers |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale (base station dependent) |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated headphones |
| Microphone | Yes (integrated) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 2× front cameras (passthrough) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (DisplayPort 1.2) |
| Wireless Video | Optional (Vive Wireless Adapter) |
| WiFi | No (optional wireless adapter) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (base station power management) |
| Power | Powered via link box |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Weight | ~702g (headset only) |
| Material | Plastic, fabric, metal |
| Headstrap | Flip-up halo design |
| Haptics | Controller haptics |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity |
| Input | Vive Controllers, SteamVR controllers |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is a PC-powered virtual reality head-mounted display developed by HTC, announced at CES in January 2020 and released in February 2020 at a price of $899 for the full kit. The Cosmos Elite addresses the tracking criticisms of the original Vive Cosmos by abandoning inside-out camera tracking in favor of proven SteamVR Lighthouse tracking via an external faceplate, delivering the reliable sub-millimeter accuracy that professional and enthusiast VR users demand. Retaining the Cosmos platform's dual LCD displays at 1440 × 1700 per eye with RGB stripe subpixels (2880 × 1700 combined), 110° field of view, 90Hz refresh rate, and flip-up visor design, the Cosmos Elite bundles SteamVR 1.0 base stations and Vive Controllers for a complete room-scale VR experience. The modular faceplate system allows users to swap between external and inside-out tracking, providing flexibility while ensuring the Elite delivers the tracking precision expected by VR veterans.
History and Development
Vive Cosmos Challenges
Original issues:
- October 2019 Cosmos launch
- Inside-out tracking problems
- User complaints
- Tracking reliability issues
Elite Solution
External tracking return:
- SteamVR base station faceplate
- Proven Lighthouse tracking
- Professional reliability
- User demand response
CES 2020 Announcement
January reveal:
- Elite faceplate system
- Full kit bundle
- February availability
- Modular approach
February 2020 Launch
Commercial release:
- $899 full kit
- $549 headset only
- Base station faceplate included
- Immediate availability
Design Philosophy
Tracking Reliability
External solution:
- SteamVR Lighthouse
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
- Proven technology
- Professional-grade
Modular Faceplate
Flexibility option:
- External tracking faceplate
- Inside-out option available
- User choice
- Upgrade path
Cosmos Platform Benefits
Retained features:
- High-resolution displays
- Flip-up visor
- Integrated audio
- Comfortable design
Display Technology
Dual LCD Displays
High-resolution panels:
- Resolution: 1440 × 1700 per eye
- Combined: 2880 × 1700
- Type: LCD
- Layout: RGB stripe
RGB Stripe Advantage
Subpixel benefits:
- Full RGB per pixel
- Better text clarity
- Sharper images
- Reduced screen door
Visual Quality
Good specifications:
- 88% resolution increase vs original Vive
- Clear visuals
- Adequate colors
- Professional suitable
90Hz Refresh Rate
Standard performance:
- Smooth motion
- VR comfortable
- Wide compatibility
- Proven timing
Field of View
110° FOV
Good coverage:
- Standard VR field
- Good immersion
- Natural viewing
- Competitive specification
Optical System
Fresnel Lenses
Standard optics:
- Good clarity
- Wide sweet spot
- Some god rays
- Standard VR quality
Mechanical IPD
Physical adjustment:
- Range: 61-72mm
- Dial mechanism
- Precise fit
- Good accommodation
Flip-Up Visor
Convenience feature:
- Quick real-world access
- No removal needed
- Work integration
- Unique design
Tracking System
SteamVR Tracking 1.0
External faceplate:
- Base station required
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
- Proven reliability
- Professional-grade
External Tracking Faceplate
Elite feature:
- Removes Cosmos cameras
- IR sensor array
- Lighthouse compatible
- Drop-in replacement
Tracking Performance
Reliable operation:
- No occlusion issues
- Consistent accuracy
- Professional suitable
- Wide play space
Room-Scale Support
Full VR experience:
- Large play areas
- Accurate positioning
- Tracker compatible
- Full-body option
Controllers
Included Vive Controllers
Full kit contents:
- 2× Vive Controllers (2018)
- 6DoF tracking
- Touchpads
- Grip buttons
Controller Compatibility
Options available:
- Index Controllers compatible
- Third-party options
- Vive Tracker support
- Flexible input
Audio System
Integrated Headphones
Built-in audio:
- Over-ear design
- Adjustable position
- Decent quality
- Convenient
3.5mm Jack
Alternative audio:
- External headphones
- Custom audio
- Professional options
- User preference
Microphone
Voice capture:
- Integrated microphone
- Communication capable
- Voice commands
- Recording
Physical Design
Cosmos Form Factor
Shared platform:
- Flip-up visor design
- Halo headstrap
- Integrated audio
- Premium feel
Weight
Substantial device:
- ~702g
- Front-heavy distribution
- Halo strap helps
- Comfortable for sessions
Build Quality
Professional construction:
- Durable materials
- Quality finish
- Reliable design
- HTC quality
Comfort Features
Extended wear:
- Adjustable headstrap
- Face gasket options
- Glasses compatible
- Reasonable comfort
Connectivity
Tethered Operation
PC connection:
- DisplayPort 1.2
- USB 3.0
- Link box included
- 16ft cable
Wireless Option
Vive Wireless Adapter:
- Optional accessory
- 60GHz WiGig
- Untethered freedom
- Additional cost
Base Stations
Included Base Stations
Full kit contents:
- 2× SteamVR 1.0 base stations
- Power supplies
- Mounting hardware
- Room-scale ready
Base Station Compatibility
Tracking options:
- SteamVR 1.0 included
- SteamVR 2.0 compatible
- Expandable tracking
- Wide volume possible
Modular Faceplate System
External Tracking Faceplate
Elite standard:
- Lighthouse sensors
- Replaces camera array
- Professional tracking
- Default configuration
Inside-Out Option
Alternative faceplate:
- 6-camera inside-out
- No base stations needed
- Portable setup
- Trade-off: less accuracy
Faceplate Swapping
Modular design:
- Tool-free swap
- Quick change
- User flexibility
- Future proof
Software Platform
SteamVR
Primary platform:
- Vast content library
- Wide compatibility
- Developer support
- Industry standard
Viveport
HTC ecosystem:
- Infinity subscription
- Curated content
- Exclusive titles
- Business option
Vive Console
HTC software:
- Device management
- Settings control
- Firmware updates
- Setup wizard
Use Cases
Gaming
Primary application:
- PC VR gaming
- AAA titles
- Competitive VR
- Enthusiast experience
Professional
Enterprise applications:
- Training simulation
- Design visualization
- Architecture
- Education
Development
Content creation:
- VR development
- Reliable testing
- Professional tool
- Accurate tracking
Comparison with Cosmos
| Feature | Cosmos Elite | Cosmos (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 kit | $699 |
| Tracking | SteamVR (external) | Inside-out (6 cameras) |
| Base Stations | Required | Not needed |
| Tracking Accuracy | Sub-millimeter | Variable |
| Setup | More complex | Simpler |
| Portability | Less portable | More portable |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Reliable SteamVR tracking
- High-resolution RGB stripe LCD
- Flip-up visor design
- Modular faceplate system
- 110° FOV
- Integrated audio
- Wireless adapter option
Limitations
- Requires base stations
- Heavier than competitors (~702g)
- More complex setup
- Higher price than Cosmos
- LCD colors (vs OLED)
- Dated tracking (1.0 included)
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 1440 × 1700 per eye |
| Total Resolution | 2880 × 1700 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| FOV | 110° |
| IPD Range | 61-72mm (mechanical) |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0 (external) |
| Audio | Integrated headphones |
| Weight | ~702g |
| Price | $899 (full kit) |