OSVR HDK1
More actions
| OSVR HDK1 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC-Powered VR |
| Platform | OSVR |
| Developer | Razer (headset); Razer and Sensics (OSVR initiative)[1] |
| Release Date | 2015: selected-developer distribution; HDK 1.3 public preorders announced October 23[2][3][4] |
| Price | US$199.99 announced for early kits; US$299.99 for HDK 1.3 public preorders (historical)[1][4] |
| Website | OSVR Hardware (historical); Production files |
| Requires | PC |
| Successor | OSVR HDK2 |
| Display | |
| Display | 5.5-inch IPS LCD (HDK 1.0); 5.5-inch OLED (HDK 1.1-1.3)[5][2][6] |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 total; 960 x 1080 per eye in side-by-side mode[7][8] |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI (manufacturer specification for the 5.5-inch Full HD display)[1][2] |
| Refresh Rate | Early HDKs: 60 frames/s; HDK 1.3 reports differ (see Display and optics)[3][6][9] |
| Persistence | Low-persistence OLED specified for HDK 1.1/1.2 and HDK 1.3[2][6] |
| Image | |
| Field of View | Launch specification: 100° diagonal, 90° horizontal x 90° vertical[1] |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Dual-element aspheric optics; HDK 1.3 has a larger eyebox and independent focus sliders[1][10][11] |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Orientation tracking; positional tracking included with HDK 1.2[2] |
| Rotational Tracking | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer[1] |
| Positional Tracking | IR-LED faceplate and external infrared camera (HDK 1.2; earlier versions could use an upgrade kit)[2] |
| Update Rate | 400 Hz fused orientation and 100 Hz positional reports, according to a September 2015 technical roadmap[12] |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | External and internal USB expansion; cabled video/power through a belt box (version-dependent)[1][13] |
| Device | |
| Input | Application-dependent gamepad, mouse/keyboard and supported peripherals; optional Leap Motion faceplate announced[11][14] |
OSVR HDK1, or the Hacker Development Kit (HDK), is the first family of virtual reality headsets associated with the OSVR initiative founded by Razer and Sensics. Razer announced the headset alongside the software platform at CES on January 6, 2015. The hardware went through several revisions: the initial LCD design, the OLED-equipped HDK 1.1, the positionally tracked HDK 1.2 and the revised optics of HDK 1.3. These revisions should be distinguished from the later HDK 1.4 and OSVR HDK2.[1][5][2][10][15]
The kit's modular design allowed developers to replace components or work from published mechanical and electronic files. Its hardware files carry Razer's Module Developer Kit License, with restrictions on use and distribution; the software has separate license terms. Publishing the designs did not grant unrestricted permission to manufacture or distribute the complete headset.[16]
Razer's June 16, 2015 announcement said HDK 1.2 was shipping to selected developers. In July, a company clarification reported by Tom's Hardware confirmed selected-developer shipments while stating that direct orders were not open. Public preorders for HDK 1.3 were announced on October 23 at US$299.99.[2][3][4]
Hardware
The Hacker Development Kit separates the headset, display, optics, faceplate and belt box into modules. The original specification described a sensor hub with an accelerometer, gyroscope and compass, an external USB 3.0 accessory connection and two internal USB 3.0 connections. It also described a removable face mask, an interchangeable display interface board and a belt box with an audio codec and additional USB connectivity.[1]
Specifications
The table distinguishes documented revisions rather than combining their features into one specification. Prices and advertised capabilities refer to the cited 2015 announcements and reports.
| Part | HDK 1.0 | HDK 1.1 | HDK 1.2 | HDK 1.3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch IPS LCD | 5.5-inch Full HD OLED | 5.5-inch Full HD OLED | 5.5-inch Full HD OLED, announced with low persistence[1][5][2][6] |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 for one display; 960 x 1080 per eye in horizontal side-by-side mode in the OSVR display descriptors[7][8] | |||
| Pixel density | The launch specification lists 401 PPI; the HDK 1.1/1.2 specification repeats 401 PPI for its 5.5-inch Full HD OLED display[1][2] | |||
| Refresh/frame rate | 60 frames/s in the launch specification | 60 frames/s reported for HDK 1.1 | 60 frames/s display inherited from HDK 1.1 in the July report | September 2015 coverage described a 120 Hz panel but a 60 Hz game-rendering target; a later report described HDK 1.x as 60 Hz. See below.[1][3][6][9] |
| Field of view | Launch advertising: 100° diagonal (90° horizontal x 90° vertical). OSVR's version-specific projection descriptors instead use 90° horizontal and 96.73° vertical per eye; these are software parameters.[1][7][8] | |||
| Optics | Dual-element aspheric optics | Revised optical mechanics | Independently adjustable optics; maker claimed less than 13% geometric distortion | Larger eyebox, per-eye focus adjustment, no mechanical pupil-distance adjustment required in the developer guide[1][5][2][10][11] |
| Interpupillary/focus adjustment | Separate pupil-distance and focus controls | Separate pupil-distance and focus controls | Separate pupil-distance and focus controls | Sliders adjust focus in diopters[11] |
| Tracking | Orientation; positional tracking available through the later IR upgrade | Orientation; positional tracking available through the later IR upgrade | IR positional tracking module included | Version-specific developer software supports the headset and IR camera[2][11] |
| Rotational sensors | Gyroscope, Accelerometer and compass in the HDK sensor hub[1][2] | |||
| Positional tracking | Upgrade described in the HDK 1.2 announcement | Upgrade described in the HDK 1.2 announcement | IR-LED faceplate and external IR camera | Headset/camera setup described in the developer guide[2][11] |
| Update rate | A September 2015 roadmap describes 400 Hz fused orientation reports and 100 Hz positional reports for the tracked HDK; it does not establish a rate for every earlier prototype.[12] | |||
| Connectivity | The launch design specified one external and two internal USB 3.0 expansion connections. The later guide documents an HDMI/USB tether, power supply, belt box and a separate camera connection.[1][13] | |||
| Facemask | Removable mask with a foam layer | Revised ergonomic mask; bamboo-charcoal microfiber foam described in later specifications | Bamboo-charcoal microfiber foam | The larger-eyebox revision retained a head-strapped headset design[1][5][2][3][13] |
| Input | Applications can use gamepads, mouse and keyboard. The platform demonstrated Nod and Leap Motion input; the embedded Leap Motion faceplate was an optional announced module.[1][11][14] | |||
| Historical price | US$199.99 launch price | US$199.99 in the July report | US$299.99 in the July report | US$299.99 for public preorders in October[1][3][4] |
Display and optics
HDK 1.1 replaced the initial IPS panel with OLED. Razer described this as a change to improve contrast and pixel switching; these were the manufacturer's stated benefits. Its June specification called the HDK 1.1/1.2 display low persistence.[5][2]
Contemporary display-rate descriptions differ. Ben Lang's September 2015 announcement report described HDK 1.3 as having a 120 Hz OLED panel, but said the project still appeared to target 60 Hz game rendering and that he had sought clarification. In August 2016, Kevin Carbotte described the HDK 1.x display as a single 1080p 60 Hz OLED when reporting the HDK2 upgrade kit. The first report's speculation about asynchronous timewarp does not establish how shipping HDK 1.3 units accepted or displayed 120 distinct frames each second.[6][9]
HDK 1.0-1.2 used controls for pupil distance and focus. HDK 1.3 changed to a larger eyebox and separate focus sliders for each eye. The developer guide describes the sliders as diopter adjustments and distinguishes them from the earlier adjustment knobs.[10][11]
The published OSVR display descriptors contain different distortion-correction coefficients for HDK 1.0-1.2 and HDK 1.3. The optical design therefore did not eliminate the software's provision for distortion correction. The advertised field of view and the descriptor's projection angles are separate documented values, rather than interchangeable physical measurements.[7][8]
Components
The HMD module contains the head-tracking sensors and provides accessory expansion. The display module uses flat cables and a separate interface board so that a different panel can be incorporated into a compatible design. The optics module and removable face mask can also be changed independently.[1]
The belt box handles the headset tether, power and host connections. The original specification lists signal boosters and a surround-sound audio codec. Razer's later manual illustrates an HDMI connector, USB connection, external USB expansion and a 3.5 mm audio socket with microphone input. Its camera arrangement also uses a split cable carrying power and a camera-synchronization signal.[1][13]
Add-ons
HDK 1.1's OLED display and ergonomic mask were included in the HDK 1.2 configuration. The June 2015 announcement offered an IR tracking upgrade for owners of HDK 1.0 or 1.1; the announced module included an infrared camera and was priced at $129.99/€129.99 for July availability. HDK 1.2 included the tracking module in its package.[2]
| Module | Documented purpose and status |
|---|---|
| IR-LED faceplate | An early evaluation design used LEDs with an external infrared camera for pattern-based positional tracking. HDK 1.2 incorporated the tracked hardware package.[5][2] |
| Dual-camera faceplate | Razer announced it as a technology-evaluation design for positional tracking and augmented-reality experiments in March 2015.[5] |
| OSVR faceplate with Leap Motion | Announced on March 25, 2015 as an optional embedded hand-tracking module using Leap Motion VR technology; the June release listed it among future upgrades.[14][2] |
| Ultra-wide field-of-view module | The June announcement proposed Wearality eyepieces with a stated 150° field of view. It described downloadable designs and future upgrades, not a 150° specification for the standard HDK.[2] |
| Mobile smartphone faceplate | Proposed to combine HDK optics with mobile phones and the OSVR Android software distribution. This was a separate experimental configuration, rather than proof that the standard PC kit was a standalone headset.[2] |
In August 2016, an HDK2 screen upgrade kit was reported for HDK 1.3 and 1.4 owners at US$220. It combined dual 1080 x 1200, 90 Hz OLED panels with the electronics needed to drive them, and disabled the side-mounted USB port. This was a change to the later display configuration, not the original HDK1 display specification.[9]
Setup Tutorial
The historical setup connects the HMD to its belt box, the belt box to the computer's video and USB ports, and the power adapter to the split cable. The tracking camera connects separately to the computer and to its synchronization lead. Razer's manual instructs users to place the camera near the monitor, keep the headset visible to it and stay within 3 metres in front of it. The manual also warns that mirrors and other reflective objects can interfere with the arrangement.[13]
The OSVR developer guide describes running the OSVR server while using applications and checking orientation with Tracker Viewer before trying content. Configuration depends on the headset revision and rendering mode. These are historical instructions; the cited documents do not confirm that all installers, graphics drivers or operating-system combinations remain supported.[11]
Apps
The developer guide uses the OSVR Unity Palace Demo as a sample application, with gamepad or mouse-and-keyboard movement. OSVR also launched a curated content-discovery page in September 2015 listing experiences and stores carrying OSVR-supported content. This was a directory for the wider platform, rather than a guarantee that each application supported every HDK revision, peripheral or rendering mode.[11][10]
Developer
OSVR separates the headset from the software framework. The framework connects applications to supported displays and peripherals through device interfaces and engine integrations. Razer's 2015 announcements describe Unity and Unreal Engine integration, while the developer documentation also links to a SteamVR driver project. Applications and drivers still need the appropriate device and display configuration.[1][5][11]
The production-file repository contains versioned mechanical and electronic directories. Its Module Developer Kit License restricts use of the hardware material and explicitly excludes software from those terms, so the hardware files and the OSVR runtime should not be treated as sharing one blanket license.[16]
Hardware revision and firmware version are different identifiers. OSVR's firmware notes identify 1.84 as the last firmware without display-control commands specific to the OLED introduced with HDK 1.3, and warn that upgrading an HDK 1.2 display past that version has unknown safety. They separately warn against installing HDK2 firmware on HDK 1.x because the video paths differ, even where firmware version numbers look similar.[15][11]
History
| Date | Documented event |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2015 | OSVR and the Hacker Development Kit were announced at CES. The US$199.99 kit was initially scheduled for June.[1] |
| March 4, 2015 | HDK 1.1 was announced with an OLED panel, revised optics/mechanics and evaluation faceplates.[5] |
| March 25, 2015 | The optional embedded Leap Motion faceplate partnership was announced.[14] |
| June 16, 2015 | Razer announced HDK 1.2 and stated that kits were shipping to selected developers. Earlier designs could use an IR upgrade kit.[2] |
| July 8, 2015 | Tom's Hardware published Razer's clarification that selected-developer shipments had begun and direct public orders were not open.[3] |
| September 4, 2015 | HDK 1.3 was announced, with a larger eyebox and independent focus. October 1 preorders and shipping later in October were forecasts in that release.[10] |
| October 23, 2015 | Razer announced public preorders for HDK 1.3 at US$299.99; preregistrants had been given access 24 hours earlier.[4] |
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 chee kit liang (2015-01-06). "Industry Leaders Announce Open Platform for Virtual Reality Gaming". Razer Newsroom. https://press.razer.com/product-news/industry-leaders-announce-open-platform-for-virtual-reality-gaming/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 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 chee kit liang (2015-06-16). "OSVR now supports android for VR PRODUCT cross-platform compatibility; HACKER development kit v 1.2 released". Razer Newsroom. https://press.razer.com/product-news/osvr-now-supports-android-for-vr-product-cross-platform-compatibility-hacker-development-kit-v-1-2-released/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Kevin Carbotte (2015-07-08). "OSVR Hacker Kits Have Started Shipping". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/osvr-hmd-hacker-kits-shipping. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 chee kit liang (2015-10-23). "Media Alert: Open Source Virtual Reality Development Kit is Now Available to the General Public for Pre-order". Razer Newsroom. https://press.razer.com/product-news/media-alert-open-source-virtual-reality-development-kit-is-now-available-to-the-general-public-for-pre-order/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 chee kit liang (2015-03-04). "Ubisoft and Five More HMD Developers Join The OSVR Movement". Razer Newsroom. https://www.razer.com/newsroom/product-news/ubisoft-and-five-more-hmd-developers-join-the-osvr-movement. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Ben Lang (2015-09-04). "New OSVR HDK v1.3 Headset Gets 120Hz OLED Display, New Optics – Ships in October". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/osvr-hdk-v1-3-120hz-oled-pricing-release-date/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 OSVR contributors. "OSVR HDK 1.0-1.2 display descriptor (OSVR_HDK_1_1.json)". OSVR-Core. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/OSVR/OSVR-Core/master/apps/displays/OSVR_HDK_1_1.json. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 OSVR contributors. "OSVR HDK 1.3 display descriptor (OSVR_HDK_1_3.json)". OSVR-Core. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/OSVR/OSVR-Core/master/apps/displays/OSVR_HDK_1_3.json. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Kevin Carbotte (2016-08-04). "OSVR Releases HDK 2 Screen Upgrade Kit For HDK 1 Owners". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/osvr-hdk-screen-upgrade-kit%2C32390.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 chee kit liang (2015-09-04). "OSVR Confirms Pre-order Date for Hacker Development Kit; Launches Content Discovery Platform". Razer Newsroom. https://www.razer.com/newsroom/product-news/osvr-confirms-pre-order-date-for-hacker-development-kit-launches-content-discovery-platform. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 OSVR contributors. "Congrats on choosing OSVR Hacker Development Kit!". OSVR documentation. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/OSVR/OSVR-Docs/master/Getting-Started/HDK/HDK-Unboxing-and-Getting-Started.md. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Yuval Boger (2015-09-21). "OSVR Roadmap: Creating an Ecosystem of Interoperable VR Hardware and Software". The VRguy's Blog. https://vrguy.blogspot.com/2015/09/osvr-roadmap-creating-ecosystem-of.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Razer. "OSVR Hacker Development Kit: Online Master Guide". Razer. https://dl.razerzone.com/master-guides/OSVR/OSVROMG-ENG.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 chee kit liang (2015-03-25). "Leap Motion will come embedded in Razer’s new OSVR headsets". Razer Newsroom. https://www.razer.com/newsroom/company-news/leap-motion-will-come-embedded-in-razers-new-osvr-headsets/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 OSVR contributors. "OSVR HDK Firmware Stand-alone Downloads". OSVR documentation. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/OSVR/OSVR-Docs/master/Utilities/HDKFirmwareVersions.md. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 OSVR / Razer. "OSVR HDK production files". OSVR on GitHub. https://github.com/OSVR/OSVR-HDK. Retrieved 2026-10-15.