Things to note when buying a pair VR headsets
06 December, 2019
To escape from daily reality you can buy VR glasses. There are unlimited possibilities, full of new worlds that you can explore alone or together. For example, you can buy an Oculus Go and watch 3D video wirelessly from any location, you can also buy an Oculus Rift that allows you to play the well-known PC games in 360 degrees. Buying VR glasses can be quite a challenge with so many choices and different features. Here are the most important things to look out for when purchasing a virtual reality headset.
Media and/or games
The two main reasons for buying VR glasses are watching media and playing games. Media can vary from standard Netflix films and series on a virtual screen, to 360-degree videos in high resolution, both streaming and offline. Because movement in space plays no significant role in this type of content, you can buy a cheaper Oculus Go for it. With games, there are both simple games and more complex games. The graphic quality and freedom of movement are particularly important for the latter category. In that case, you better buy an Oculus Rift.
Tip: For events, it is possible to link multiple headsets together. This allows you to set up a virtual cinema with software such as VR Sync.
More movement means more space
3DoF stands for "Three Degrees of Freedom", which means looking around in a virtual environment without moving yourself. The user can remain seated, with a swivel chair you can view the full 360-degree view. With 6DoF or "Six Degrees of Freedom" you can physically walk around while the virtual environment moves 1-on-1.
That provides a very convincing experience, of course, you will have to reserve space for it. At home, that means a gaming room, or a living room without toys on the floor or a cat getting in the way. During events, you have to create a safe delineation for both users and bystanders.
Tip: More freedom of movement but no need for a gaming PC? Then choose the Quest, a stand-alone virtual reality headset with the same spatial tracking as the Rift S.
When one pair of glasses is not enough
At home, you will usually start with one virtual reality pair of glasses, for shared experiences you can upgrade to extra headsets. You can buy the Oculus Go for an attractive price, so expansion is an option. During events, you may want to buy multiple VR glasses so that you can quickly reach a large audience.
There are systems that you can install faster than standard devices, which can save the organization a lot of preparation time. In addition, virtual reality headsets can also be connected wirelessly for a shared vr experience. There are even ways to for a 360 video kiosk mode where you can easily playback video content on your VR headset.
Tip: Wireless standalone headsets are more suitable for groups, for individual experiences with interactive options you can opt for a high-end solution for the best quality VR experience.
It's not just about the brand
As a final point of attention, we would like to point out that it is not only about the product, but certainly also about after-sales support. Oculus, HTC, Pico and Lenovo all make good virtual reality headsets, yet the support for business use in particular often falls short. When buying VR glasses, pay attention not only to the brand and specifications but also to the available support after purchase.
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