Valve Index

Valve Index
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	Discrete HMD
Platform	Steam
Developer	Valve Corporation
Release Date	June 28, 2019 (first shipment)
Price	$999 (Headset, Controllers, Base Stations)
Website	https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index
System
Operating System	Windows 10, SteamOS, Linux
CPU	Dual Core with hyperthreading, or better
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, AMD RX480, or better
Storage
Memory	8 GB+
Display
Display	1440x1600 RGB LCDs
Refresh Rate	80/90/120/144Hz
Persistence	0.330ms to 0.530ms
Image
Field of View	~120-130 degrees
Optics
Optics	Double element, canted lens design
IPD Range	58mm - 70mm range physical adjustment
Tracking
Play Space	up to 10m x 10m
Audio
Audio	Built-in: 37.5mm off-ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR), Aux Headphone Out 3.5mm, Dual Microphone Array
Camera	Stereo 960 x 960 pixel, global shutter, RGB (Bayer)
Connectivity
Connectivity	USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2
Power	12V
Device
Sensors	SteamVR 2.0, compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations
Input	Valve Index Controllers
Cable Length	5m

The Valve Index is the first HMD offered by Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam. The full kit comes with a headset, two controllers, and 2 base stations. The headset requires a connection to a PC. The controllers were formerly known as Knuckles and enable finger tracking. The actual controllers are strapped to the user's hands, and do not need to be held. The base stations are an enhancement to the Lighthouse tracking system offered by HTC Vive.

Release and Pricing

The Valve Index started shipping at the end of June 2019. It's Field of Vision was roughly 20 degrees larger than the HTC Vive's. It's resolution was better than Oculus Rift or HTC Vive's as well. It started shipping a little over a month after the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S.

You can purchase Valve Index products through Steam and have them shipped to the United States, Canada, and countries within the European Union.

Hardware

The Valve Index controllers track pressure, motion, touch, and optical data using 87 sensors. It can, for instance, understand when each of your fingers is fully extended.

The Valve Index comes with two front-facing cameras so developers can experiment with computer vision and a front port for connecting to other devices.

System Requirements

Purchase 4 base stations to get the maximum play space of 10m x 10m. You can also use the base stations that come with the HTC Vive instead of purchasing the Valve Index base stations.

Setup Tutorial

Unlike integrated HMDs, you will have to set up base stations to scale your surroundings with the Valve Index.

Input Devices

Valve Index Controllers are an iteration on Valve's Knuckles. It comes with a joystick and other common controller buttons as well as the ability to track your fingers' movements.

Accessories

There are a number of accessories for VR that are compatible with a number of VR systems including Valve Index. These include a headset stand, a cleaning pen, and a tool for cable management according to PC Guide.

Apps

You can purchase games and apps through SteamVR or Viveport.

Developer

Visit the Valve Development Community for more information on developing games for SteamVR.

History

• May 1, 2019: Valve Index unveiled.
• June 28, 2019: Shipping began.