fs2020 VR recommendations....

[daspinall]

Ok seen a few videos of pilots using VR headsets, I'm impressed with the visual quality.... I remember years back in the 2004 sim the VR sets where slated by the sim community...... So a little advice is what I'm looking for, what model/make are you using and what are we looking at cost wise...... I have dual screens running at 3840 x 1080, I was planning to buy a dual curved screen in one.... Now I'm interested in a VR kit and scrap the idea of a dual curved all in one screen, and most likely save some money...............

edit... forgot to mention I wear glasses too

[g7rta]

Hi, I currently have a three screen setup. It works quite well, despite MSFS not really supporting multiple screens yet.
However... since the big update last week I have flown in VR only. I’ve used an Oculus Rift CV1 previously (although not with MSFS) and I also own a Quest. My main headset though is my new Reverb G2 - I seriously recommend it.
I too wear glasses (all the time). For the Rift I had to buy a separate pair of glasses, smaller than my usual ones, but for the G2 my regular glasses fit just fine.
As for the headset.. it’s comfortable (more so than the two Oculus ones) & the display is much clearer than I’ve had previously.
Flying MSFS with the G2... wow! When I first tried it, there were stutters and the frame rates dropped dramatically... but this cleared after a minute or two. I realised that it was a good idea to sit on the tarmac for a couple of minutes before starting up.
I have since discovered that if I launch VR mode while still in the menu screen or even while the flight is loading.. then it’s smooth from the start.
The G2 was around £500 up until July 31st. I thought it was expensive so resisted buying.. until August 2nd.. it then cost me about £639! I regret not buying two days earlier LOL
Still, I’m glad I got it and I’m sure you won’t regret it if you do. The feeling of actually being sat in an aircraft is incredible. You just don’t get that with 2d screens.
I know some say that you can’t read the gauges clearly in VR.. well they can’t use this argument anymore, because you can! Certainly in the G2 anyway.
Yesterday, I even sat in the back of TBM while the copilot flew the plane. So realistic! (except that I couldn’t actually see him flying it)
One major issue though is that MSFS is even more addictive! I was up until 1.20am last night flying around Courchevel. Prior to that it was the mountains of North Wales. Absolutely stunning!

Regards
Steve

[daspinall]

yes that copilot needs a good dressing down ha.... Thankyou, review helps enormously, I think the Reverb G2 maybe just the ticket I'm looking for.... topman cheers........

[g7rta]

No worries. I’m certainly impressed with it.

I made this little clip last week. Not brilliant but I’ll give you the idea. Apologies for the “left lens only” view,as I haven’t quite got the hang of recording it
www.steveharding.com/EGCC_in_VR.mp4

and this one using Xplane
www.steveharding.com/inside737.mov

Regards
Steve

[daspinall]

Your first vid is like, what the fudge ha... but the Xplane vid sells it, to me it's looks very impressive like being there.... does it come with some kind of hand attachment so you can interact with the switches.....

I will see on Scan Uk if they have any in stock......Thank you so much Steve.........

[chicagorandy]

Forgive my total ignorance on the subject. The first video shows great clarity but is what you see with the headset on what I would call 'black scuba mask' effect. Namely no peripheral perspective, just a central view thru a lens? Secondly, does using a VR headset mean you don't see or use your desktop PC monitor at all inflight?

Like I said, to a small extent I know what I don't know about VR, so I'm asking. I reckon I really should seek a YouTube "VR for dummies" tutorial - lol

[g7rta]

“I will see on Scan Uk if they have any in stock”.
I hope they’ve got them but you may have to wait a little while if not. As most things flight sim related, there’s a shortage at the moment, and of course it’s a new product.
I ordered mine in August and it arrived early December. Mind you.. HP have promised me (& others) a £50 cashback due to the delays. That’s not bad


The “scuba mask” view is always there to some extent, but nothing like in my (first) video. It was how I captured/recorded the footage. You don’t use your monitor/screen once you’re in VR mode. With my old Rift, you could actually see a little through a gap by your nose, but the G2 has a flappy piece of rubber which goes (very comfortably) over your nose, blocking pretty much all light from getting. Much better!
I’ll have to do a better clip of MSFS & post it.


Regards
Steve

[Michaelt]

I have 3 screens as well but struggle with the lighting - lights all get stretched and look bigger than they should. Is there any way to correct this?

[daspinall]

Forgive my total ignorance on the subject. The first video shows great clarity but is what you see with the headset on what I would call 'black scuba mask' effect. Namely no peripheral perspective, just a central view thru a lens? Secondly, does using a VR headset mean you don't see or use your desktop PC monitor at all inflight?

Like I said, to a small extent I know what I don't know about VR, so I'm asking. I reckon I really should seek a YouTube "VR for dummies" tutorial - lol

we're in the same boat on this topic.......

[ussmidway]

My son got the Oculus Rift S for Christmas, then made the mistake of going to his grandmas for the night. I gave it a go with X Plane, and WOW!! No, there is for sure not a scuba mask effect. It was the first time as a flight simmer I truly felt like I was in the plane, and the visual tomfoolery played on me had me feeling the motion. Just being able to look around, and lean in on the instruments was wild. Videos don't do it justice. It really gives you a feel of being there.