We've created over 20 driving sims, and while it's important to stay up-to-date with VR headsets to ensure our clients have high quality, great software, and incredible visuals is important, it is second to durability, ease of use, and reliability.
While we love the Quest for standalone VR-experiences, it has not been our go-to for high quality PC-VR training experiences, like our virtual driver training simulators. Atop that throne, you'll find the HTC VIVE Pro 2. With it's great visual and incredible build quality, it is unmatched in it's put it on and it works approach.
We've tried many other headsets, but none have made us truly consider switching... until now.
Welcome to the DPVR-E4, a real contender for commercial installations.
Let's compare
1. Display and Optics
DPVR E4:
Resolution: 1832 x 1920 per eye
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Field of View: 116 degrees
Display Type: LCD
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Resolution: 2448 x 2448 per eye
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Field of View: 120 degrees
Display Type: LCD
2. Headset Tracking and Controllers
DPVR E4:
Tracking: 6DoF inside-out tracking with four cameras
Controllers: 6DoF controllers
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Tracking: 6DoF external tracking (requires VIVE base stations)
Controllers: Vive controllers or compatible with other SteamVR controllers such as the Valve knuckles
3. Ease of Install and Set-up
DPVR E4:
Install: Plug it in and download (just be sure to get the right port)
S/W: Easy to use, a little cartoony, not as professional as we'd like.
Room layout: Efficient and reliable.
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Install: Moderately complicated for the first time install.
S/W: Lots of updates, a few rare problems.
Room layout: Kluge initial setup, but it is reliable, most of the time.
4. Design and Comfort
DPVR E4:
Weight: Approximately 400 grams (very light)
Design: Balanced weight distribution with adjustable head strap
Comfort Features: Face cushion, adjustable IPD (Interpupillary Distance), and a great flippable visor [which is both good and bad as it comfortable yet allows some light leak]. Does not have headphones.
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Weight: Approximately 850 grams
Design: Professional and ergonomic with an adjustable head strap
Comfort Features: Adjustable IPD, high-quality face cushion, and built-in headphones.
5. Software and Ecosystem
DPVR E4:
Software Platform: DPVR ecosystem, compatible with SteamVR and some other PC VR platforms
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Software Platform: Viveport, SteamVR, and has eye tracking options.
6. Price
DPVR E4:
Price: Approximately $599 (varies by region)
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Price: Approximately $799 for the headset only (without base stations and controllers), full kit around $1,399
7. Special, Unique, & Differentiating Features
DPVR E4:
Visor: The flippable capability is a nice feature for folks getting used to VR
Cable: The main cable is replaceable making maintenance easy.
Binocular Overlap: This great feature ensures no blurring or edge distortion.
HTC Vive Pro 2:
Built-in Earphones: The cups are flippable, and the sound quality is good enough to aid the sense of complete immersion.
Summary
Display Quality: Both headsets offer high resolution, but the 4k per eye is fantastic.
Tracking: The DPVR E4 uses inside-out tracking, while the HTC Vive Pro 2 relies on external base stations for more precise tracking. We need more testing to know whether the inside-out is as reliable.
Performance: Running a 4090, both headsets worked fine in our sims at 120Hz.
Comfort and Design: The DPVR E4 is lighter, but the HTC Vive Pro 2 offers built-in headphones and a more adjustable fit.
Software Ecosystem: Both headsets support SteamVR.
Price: The DPVR E4 is generally more affordable, especially considering the additional cost of base stations and controllers for the HTC Vive Pro 2.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 was released in early 2021, so this review is not a truly fair review. However, the fact that we are still using this headset in 2024 demonstrates the build quality of HTC Vive headsets.
Choosing between the DPVR E4 and the HTC Vive Pro 2 depends on your priorities, such as weight, display quality, tracking precision, and budget. But we have to admit, this may be our goto headset for PC-VR driving simulators for 2024.
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