The new Vive Pro 2 headset is the result of HTC working closely with Nvidia and AMD to utilise Display Stream Compression for the first time in a VR headset.
With a 5K resolution display delivering 2.5K to each eye, coupled with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and fast-switching panel with real RGB sub-pixels, the Vive Pro 2 offers clear and smooth animations.
Field of view increases to 120 degrees thanks to a new dual stacked-lens design, helping reduce motion blur and the ‘screen door effect’, giving users a more natural and immersive experience.
Display Stream Compression adds to all this by ensuring maximum visual quality while retaining backwards compatiblity with DisplayPort 1.2, allowing graphics cards that supported the original Vive Pro to see a benefit with the latest arrival.
HTC says that the new headset has fine-adjustable inter-pupillary distance, an evenly distributed weight balance, adjustable head strap, and a quick-adjustable sizing dial to help users finding personal comfort for long sessions.
3D spatial sound with ‘Hi-Res Audio Certified’ headphones, and support for third party headphones add to the experience.
All current Vive SteamVR ecosystem accessories will work with Vive Pro 2 – Trackers of any generation, the new Facial Tracker, and more – as well as slotting into an existing SteamVR setup.
Important for enterprise users, the Vive Pro 2 is available as a headset-only version – available for pre-order from 11 May, with a discount for those upgrading – making the HMD available for £659 / $749 / €739.
The full-kit Vive Pro 2, which includes Base Station 2.0 and VIVE Controllers, is available from 4 June, for £1299 / $1399 / €1399.
“Today’s launch marks a major milestone in our strategy to create the very best immersive experiences. We have listened to our customers, from well-known global companies to smaller firms and professional users, and have designed these premium headsets from the ground up to meet the challenges they face, adding a professional range of software, platform and services to make implementation as smooth and effective as possible,” said HTC CEO Cher Wang.
“In line with our mission, we’ve combined the very latest technology with the needs and aspirations of our customers, enabling them to unleash their imagination to improve people’s lives and solve problems for business and society.”
