LG VR Headset

LG VR Headset
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	Discrete HMD
Platform	SteamVR
Developer	LG
Requires	PC
System
Storage
Display
Display	OLED, single panel
Resolution	1440×1280 per eye
Refresh Rate	90Hz
Image
Field of View	110 Degree
Optics
Optics	Convex, non-Fresnel
Tracking
Positional Tracking	Lighthouse
Latency	Low
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity	DisplayPort, USB
Device
Input	Vive Controller, LG Controller

Intro

It is the known fact that Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are the two leading players when it comes to high-end VR headsets that guarantee an immersive experience. A new contender from LG is expected to make its entrance soon to challenge the status quo of the competitive VR industry. The HTC VR Headset is built to the specifications of Valve, who owns SteamVR, a popular VR gaming platform. While there are no immediate details on its price and productivity, LG unveiled its prototype at GDC 2017 and received encouraging response from critics.

Key Features Of The LG Headset

The LG VR headset is the second gaming headset built in compliance with the Valve specification behind competitor HTC Vive. As such, the LG VR headset uses a similar positional tracking technology as Vive’s Lighthouse tracker. This means users can expect to experience accurate and smooth positional tracking in their gameplay.

Similar to HTC Vive, the LG VR headset features two controllers but with better grip as it is designed based on Valve’s’ Viper concept that incorporates textured grip. LG also claimed that its controller has a slight edge over its competitor in terms of positional tracking.

A truly unique feature that would be welcomed by gamers is the adjustable visor. Instead of totally removing the headset, users can flip up the visor to allow them to switch from VR to the real world. The visor can also be slide forward to accommodate gamers who are wearing glasses.

Visual Performance Of The LG VR Headset

Although only at a prototype stage, LG’s VR headset is functional when revealed at GDC 2017. It has received encouraging reviews with expectations of improvements for the final version. The LG VR Headset can deliver a wide field-of-view (FOV) when the lenses are brought closest to the eye. There is also no sign of light leak that can remind gamers of the real world they are in.

Instead of using Fresnel lenses like its competitors Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the LG VR Headset uses refractive lenses. This eliminates any light-ray artifact, that can be distractive at high-contrast visuals. As a display manufacturer itself, LG uses an improvised version of smartphone display for its VR headset.

Inside LG VR Headset

A poorly design headset can results in uncomfortable experience when you’re immersed in the VR world for hours. Fortunately, LG got the design of its VR headset right from the start. It features a ratcheting headband that secures the headset around the back of your head. It gives a well-balanced and comfortable feel when you’re wearing it for a long period.

The headset came with a single LG’s own AMOLED display of 1440 x 1280 resolution per eye, and offer 90Hz refresh rate and 110 FOV. There is also a camera lens built in the front for a pass-through view. The prototype came without built-in headphones but has a 3.5mm audio jack to plug your own in. It connects to the PC via a USB Type C connector. You would have expected to see sensors littered over a high-end VR headset, but LG did a good job by placing the sensors underneath a smooth surface.

Impressive LG VR Controller

The controllers that came with the LG VR headset spot a slight resemblance to the HTC Vive. This is not entirely surprising as both are built with the Valve’s specification in mind. However, LG introduced a few enhancement that gave it a slight advantage to its competitor. Its textured grip design means that the controllers are easier to hold especially when you’re in a heated gaming situation.

The LG’s controller looks more compact to Vive and has a slightly edgier edge for its tracking ring. It also sports a better placement for the grip buttons, where they can be easily activated by the squeeze of the palms. It has two apps button and a system button on above the trackpads, a position that prevents the buttons from interfering gameplay. Early testing of the controllers shows impressive tracking performance with no visible jitters.

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 1440×1280 per eye
Display Type: OLED, single panel
PPI: 540
Field of View: 110 degrees
Refresh Rate: 90Hz
Lens Type: Convex, non-Fresnel

Developer

The LG VR Headset is developed in compliance with specifications by Valve and leverage on the contents available on SteamVR. Developers who are looking forward to bringing more content to the platform can find helpful resources in the Valve Developer Community.

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamVR

History

Feb 2017, - LG VR Headset Revealed at GDC 2017