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HTC Vive Launch Thread -- Computer, activate holodeck

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just through the 3.0 on my PC. tried a different one too without luck. just not sure what happened as it was working great for the first two hours.

Yeah, try switching USB ports again (maybe from front to back or vice versa?). We have two in our lab and both occasionally get finicky like that, but switching the ports seems to fix those sorts of issues.
 

pj

Banned
Something I've noticed (that I'm pretty sure wasn't there when I first set it up) is a fairly regular tracking/framerate stutter. About once a second or maybe a little faster. It's most noticeable when turning my head quickly. Happens in all apps as far as I can tell. Anyone experience the same thing? Am running an i5 3570 and a geforce 1070.

That sounds like the steam friends list problem. Steam is constantly refreshing your friends list in the background and it causes issues for some people. Try creating a new account and play The Lab or a free demo to see if it still happens. Edit: nevermind I guess this was fixed. Do you use f.lux?

thanks for the suggestions guys. Setup the vive last night and had so much fun. A friend and I could literally not stop laughing when we both tried it on just because of how GOOD it really was. crazy.

unfortunately... Two hours into the fun the headset stopped tracking. No idea what's wrong with it now, but the headset will not track. It just keeps saying 'Move headset so that it can be seen" or something similar. I want to try it on another PC, but not sure when I'm gonna have access to that. My PC actually says the USB does not deliver enough power. Updated headset firmware, no luck. I don't really know where to go from here. so upsetting :O

e: i should add that it does sometimes pick up the headset when the headset is like still for a second. It's variable.

Maybe one of you stepped on and somehow damaged the USB part of the cable or partially pulled out a cable?
- Take off the top part of the vive to check that the cables are plugged in fully
- Make sure everything is plugged into the link box fully
- Try bypassing the link box and plug the headset directly into the computer.
- To eliminate the long cable as the problem, try bypassing it by plugging the PC <-> Linkbox USB cable directly from the headset to the PC.
 

Durante

Member
That sounds like the steam friends list problem. Steam is constantly refreshing your friends list in the background and it causes issues for some people. Try creating a new account and play The Lab or a free demo to see if it still happens.
Yeah, that's one of the first things which came to my mind (and was the reason for a similar issue I had) but as far as I am aware that was fixed a while ago. (At least it was for me)
 

pj

Banned
Yeah, that's one of the first things which came to my mind (and was the reason for a similar issue I had) but as far as I am aware that was fixed a while ago. (At least it was for me)

Whoops, I thought I remembered someone having the friends list problem recently on another forum, but it turns out their issue was the screen dimming program f.lux
 
Maybe one of you stepped on and somehow damaged the USB part of the cable or partially pulled out a cable?
- Take off the top part of the vive to check that the cables are plugged in fully
- Make sure everything is plugged into the link box fully
- Try bypassing the link box and plug the headset directly into the computer.
- To eliminate the long cable as the problem, try bypassing it by plugging the PC <-> Linkbox USB cable directly from the headset to the PC.


tried just about everything--removed the devices, directly connected the usb, etc. so when the headset is plugged in, and I start steam VR, it says it is ready. Controllers are working fine too. But as soon as I move the headset, it gives me a 'headset not tracking' dialog.
I'll be trying it using a different computer. Hoping it is something with the USB on my machine (but that would be annoying too...) If it works on this other machine, I'll probably order one of those PCI usb connectors they recommend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E59W1G8/?tag=neogaf0e-20

just so frustrating. dropping a grand on this and it's already not working
 

Zalusithix

Member
tried just about everything--removed the devices, directly connected the usb, etc. so when the headset is plugged in, and I start steam VR, it says it is ready. Controllers are working fine too. But as soon as I move the headset, it gives me a 'headset not tracking' dialog.
I'll be trying it using a different computer. Hoping it is something with the USB on my machine (but that would be annoying too...) If it works on this other machine, I'll probably order one of those PCI usb connectors they recommend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E59W1G8/?tag=neogaf0e-20

just so frustrating. dropping a grand on this and it's already not working

Controllers remain tracking when the headset isn't? Not sure if it's USB then. AFAIK the controllers cease tracking as well when dealing with wonky USB ports. Still could be something odd with the USB (that power message for instance doesn't inspire confidence), but I'm less confident that's the root cause. (Though if it's not, then that only leaves a dud headset as the culprit, so best to check with the other PC.)
 
Just use any old HDMI cable to test the cable case. The HDMI part of the 3 in 1 is just a standard cable merged with a nonstandard USB and standard power.

I wish this were as easy as it sounds, but the tightness and depth of the HDMI connection in the headset makes it impossible to fit any regular HDMI cable in there.
 

RurouniZel

Asks questions so Ezalc doesn't have to
So I was trying out Dolphin VR on the Vive and while I couldn't get Metroid Prime to last more than 5 minutes on the Vive before it crashed, it was a neat-o experience. But there was one thing that kind of puzzled me and was wondering if anyone here knew what it was; there's this green wireframe in the shape of a box that never goes away even if I make it into the game to play for a few minutes. Any idea how to turn that off?
 

Zalusithix

Member
I wish this were as easy as it sounds, but the tightness and depth of the HDMI connection in the headset makes it impossible to fit any regular HDMI cable in there.

I'm pretty sure the HDMI patch cable provided for the computer -> breakout box will work. Visually it looks like the same size excluding depth, but depth shouldn't matter given you're not going to actually close the flap and use the system. It's just to connect and hold it to your face to test.
 
I'm pretty sure the HDMI patch cable provided for the computer -> breakout box will work. Visually it looks like the same size excluding depth, but depth shouldn't matter given you're not going to actually close the flap and use the system. It's just to connect and hold it to your face to test.

Hmm. I don't remember seeing anything like that in my box, and if I did I have no idea where it is :/

EDIT: Strike that. I found it.

EDIT 2: So definitely the cable which I guess is good. Too bad the 3 in 1 is still out of stock and who knows when it will be back.
 

Zalusithix

Member
Hmm. I don't remember seeing anything like that in my box, and if I did I have no idea where it is :/

EDIT: Strike that. I found it.

EDIT 2: So definitely the cable which I guess is good. Too bad the 3 in 1 is still out of stock and who knows when it will be back.

It's a shit situation you're in, but on the bright side, perhaps you'll get sent one of the newfangled one cord versions.
 

Wallach

Member
Hmm. I don't remember seeing anything like that in my box, and if I did I have no idea where it is :/

EDIT: Strike that. I found it.

EDIT 2: So definitely the cable which I guess is good. Too bad the 3 in 1 is still out of stock and who knows when it will be back.

Push come to shove, just send me a PM. I'm going to be taking down the VR room for a while and don't plan to move the Vive into another room in the meantime, so I can send you my 3-in-1 cabe until you get yours replaced.
 
I wish this were as easy as it sounds, but the tightness and depth of the HDMI connection in the headset makes it impossible to fit any regular HDMI cable in there.

Probably too much work (I wouldn't do it) but you could theoretically saw off the rubber at the end of an hdmi cable to make it fit.
 
Welp, installed SteamVR on another machine and booted it up only to see the same error. Looking like it could be something within the headset itself :/

I ordered via amazon, should I hit up HTC next or Amazon itself?
 
Welp, installed SteamVR on another machine and booted it up only to see the same error. Looking like it could be something within the headset itself :/

I ordered via amazon, should I hit up HTC next or Amazon itself?

Contact Amazon. They'll be faster and easier to deal with.

HTC would probably want to capture that device and route you through their slow-ass shitty RMA process.
 

Zalusithix

Member
Contact Amazon. They'll be faster and easier to deal with.

HTC would probably want to capture that device and route you through their slow-ass shitty RMA process.

Yeah, let Amazon deal with the headache. With Amazon's level of customer service you'll probably have another box at the door before HTC would even get around to granting the RMA. =P
 

Bionic

Member
aha. I did update my drivers, but that was to enable sound over displayport, which I need for the Vive >_<

back to Maplin for yet more video cable dongles!
The newest NVIDIA driver released today is supposed to fix the VR stuttering issue. I haven't gotten to try it yet, but I'd suggest doing that before spending any more money.
 
Push come to shove, just send me a PM. I'm going to be taking down the VR room for a while and don't plan to move the Vive into another room in the meantime, so I can send you my 3-in-1 cabe until you get yours replaced.

Thanks for the offer but I'm probably good! I have an HDMI extension that I'm using with the patch cable and it seems to work ok so I'm not totally SOL. It adds a lot of weight and I get tangled a lot easier but it will do for now.

It's a shit situation you're in, but on the bright side, perhaps you'll get sent one of the newfangled one cord versions.

Yeah, that was actually my first thought lol. Perfect excuse.
 

Crispy75

Member
The newest NVIDIA driver released today is supposed to fix the VR stuttering issue. I haven't gotten to try it yet, but I'd suggest doing that before spending any more money.

It's ok - disabling f.lux solved it :)

I'm going to have to buy a smaller coffee table if I want to do Star Wars Tatooine :(
 

Scapegoat

Member
It's ok - disabling f.lux solved it :)

I'm going to have to buy a smaller coffee table if I want to do Star Wars Tatooine :(
If you just wait and admire the scenery the "fixing the falcon" prompts will eventually activate by themselves. You then just have to worry about being able to reach R2 and then... enjoy.
 

Zalusithix

Member
If you just wait and admire the scenery the "fixing the falcon" prompts will eventually activate by themselves. You then just have to worry about being able to reach R2 and then... enjoy.

Enjoy - for another minute. It has to be one of, if not the shortest VR experience out there. I mean it's free, but still...
 

Putosaure

Member
Still waiting for a small price drop for the holidays (or even before with the arrival of PSVR). A friend of mine tried PSVR today and I can't stop thinking how superior and fun Vive was in comparison.
 
I know I mentioned it before, but don't sleep on SoundBoxing if you want a VR rhythm game. It's basically supplanted Audioshield for me right now. The only drawback is that it's not too easy searching through songs with beat maps, but making them yourself for videos that don't have one yet is half the fun.
 

Melon Husk

Member
Stuttering fixed (headset and controller jerk) by restoring defaults from Nvidia 3D settings. I dunno how it even started. Started getting BSDs after reinstalling W10 to fix the dashboard though...
 

Vlaphor

Member
Got my Vive in, got everything physically setup...and error 308

Could not start openvr.tool.steamvr_room_setup. Applications Interface not available. I've been troubleshooting this for the past 90 min. Any suggestions?
 
Got my Vive in, got everything physically setup...and error 308

Could not start openvr.tool.steamvr_room_setup. Applications Interface not available. I've been troubleshooting this for the past 90 min. Any suggestions?

Lazy google found this. The last suggestion seemed to be helpful. Several other suggestions in there as well.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/365163686056677775/?ctp=3
Have the same issue. I "fixed" it by running the room setup directly from the steavr installation folder.



This person suggests starting steam in admin, which you really shouldn't need to do in 2016, but if it works it works.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Vive/comments/4ps3ze/steamvr_unknown_error_308/
 

Nibiru

Banned
Vive probably not going to get here until Tuesday so quick question. If my wife is using the Vive and I want to use the computer that the vive is running on can I do that or is that computer in a limited state lol?
 
Vive probably not going to get here until Tuesday so quick question. If my wife is using the Vive and I want to use the computer that the vive is running on can I do that or is that computer in a limited state lol?

You can do that, but I wouldn't recommend doing anything beyond light web browsing.
 
Yeah, if you do anything too heavy that causes the game to hitch up (steal too much of the CPU or whatever) then it physically hurts.

Physically. Hurts.
 

Vlaphor

Member
I fixed it. The config and log files were being sent to a non existent drive. Fixed that and everything worked right away.
 

Hopey

Member
Welp, installed SteamVR on another machine and booted it up only to see the same error. Looking like it could be something within the headset itself :/

I ordered via amazon, should I hit up HTC next or Amazon itself?

Amazon for sure but make sure the order goes through on the replacement, since its a high cost item, the system might deny it. I had to get a replacement for a dead pixel
 

d00d3n

Member
Any new exciting games on the HTC Vive the last two months or so? I have been taking a break, but feel ready to jump back in now.
 
edit: well, I think I messed around enough to answer the bulk of what I was after for myself. I edited my answers in below. Hopefully it isn't too confusing to read, and maybe it will be helpful to some. Review in summary: I am going to keep it, but has a couple annoyances.


I know Virtual Desktop is the porn app, but I have a bunch of specific feature questions if anyone knows.

Any chances Valve will improve the desktop view in Steam? I realize that isn't really a question anyone but Valve can answer, but have they mentioned the desktop view in the slightest? I'd rather not drop $15, but not a big deal. I can wait if it looks like improvements are coming.

How fine are the virtual screen settings? For example, can you set specific virtual resolutions like 1920x1080? As far as I can tell you can just adjust the size in inches, but not control specifics of the rendering.
A: I didn't realize it was just 'streaming' the desktop so the resolution is tied to whatever your actual desktop is set to. Makes more sense now why the settings are simplified.

Is it intercepting windows rendering or any ideas how it is working under the hood? Are applications wrapped in some way, or does windows/apps think they are being rendered out to another device and none the wiser?
A: As far as I can tell it is capturing the desktop, similar to how streaming software works, and rather than spitting that stream out to a video file or streaming service.. renders it to a surface in VR. This causes a few minor problems with services like Netflix (in browsers that support its DRM), but anyone familiar with streaming should be familiar with these sorts of things. For the most part is a non-issue.

Any weirdness with 'virtual frame rate' versus headset framerate? For example if you are playing a game at 60 FPS and headset is rendering at say 90 FPS, is there... virtual... tearing? Is that even a thing? How does that work.
A: I need to do more testing here, but overall it is pretty solid. There might be a tiny bit of input delay. Nothing compared to streaming over Steam to another computer, or Ps4 to Vita, but I wouldn't entirely rule it out if things like frame perfect links are a concern. Again, haven't tested extensively.

I have some upper back problems which sometimes requires me to lay entirely flat for a little while. I'm thinking this could be a good way to kill boredom by watching youtube or whatever. Any problems I may run into using Virtual Desktop and laying completely flat? I know some apps are bad about adjusting easily when they have decided "this is in front you, you must face this way FOREVER." Any other problems I might not be considering? If I am in the movie theater thing and lay down am I going to be under the chairs or something?
A: This works, but has one pretty annoying flaw. You need to enable the 'floating' option and then when you center the display it will do it wherever you are looking, which works pretty well. BUT for some reason the software really does not like it if you are looking directly up. Which unfortunately is exactly where I need to look. As far as I can tell it is not a tracking issue. Spending a few minutes I can usually get it close enough, but it takes many tries and I am extremely reluctant to mess with it once I have gotten it in a reasonable spot. It would really be perfect if this wasn't such a hassle. Considering I can get it working with fidgeting I am going to hold on to it in hopes it will get fixed.

Any good reviews or anything else I should know? Trying to Google specifics is kind of tough because it is a bunch of tongue-in-cheek porn discussion, and virtual machine junk.


e: I guess this is a reasonable case for Steam's refund system. I think I can determine if it suits my needs in 2 hours, and I've never refunded anything before.
 
Any new exciting games on the HTC Vive the last two months or so? I have been taking a break, but feel ready to jump back in now.

New:
Edge Guardian (light on content right now though)
Onward
SoundBoxing
Sword Master VR

Got significant updates:
Out of Ammo
Space Pirate Trainer
Tilt Brush
 
I finally have ordered an HTC Vive.

One question regarding standing vs seated VR experiences... is there something to be aware of when playing a game that is build for sitting down? Different lighthouse setup?
 

Paganmoon

Member
I finally have ordered an HTC Vive.

One question regarding standing vs seated VR experiences... is there something to be aware of when playing a game that is build for sitting down? Different lighthouse setup?

Unless your PC is in another room, no not really. My seated position is just on the edge of my chaperone boundaries, and looking at the FoV of the lighthouses I could've had it further away as well. For seated, you only really need to be in view of one of the lighthouses, as there'll be no real occlusion problems. (unless your lighthouses are too low, or you've got a uncommon room setup)
 
Assuming you're not streaming, I'd actually say the better porn app these days is Simple VR Video Player. It's a pure video player with plenty of options like changing the stereoscopic separation etc.

3D video in general has a long road ahead of it so my interest is incredibly low in it. I'd mostly like to be able to stream dumb videos while laying down. I could download Giant Bomb videos I guess if this works well. I need to have my neck in a very specific position is the biggest challenge. I built a... contraption.. for mounting my tablet, but it isn't great. Getting the angle perfect is still a challenge, and it fell on my face once which sucked.

Does this let you adjust the video pane to any position you like?
 

Zalusithix

Member
3D video in general has a long road ahead of it so my interest is incredibly low in it. I'd mostly like to be able to stream dumb videos while laying down. I could download Giant Bomb videos I guess if this works well. I need to have my neck in a very specific position is the biggest challenge. I built a... contraption.. for mounting my tablet, but it isn't great. Getting the angle perfect is still a challenge, and it fell on my face once which sucked.

Does this let you adjust the video pane to any position you like?

For 2D it allows you to adjust the screen to any position by just pointing to the screen and moving it with the controller. For 3D you can adjust the vertical tilt, so a 90 degree tilt while laying down would be the equivalent to 0 while sitting.
 

DSix

Banned
Speaking of porn, apart from 180° videos, is there any good actual 3d rendered porn/hentai games in VR?

I keep hearing allusion to this but so far no title ever came up. Videos are fine but you don't need anything more than a Gear VR for that.
 
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