Hands-On: LG SteamVR Headset Prototype!

LG is the newest hardware company to adopt Valve's SteamVR roomscale tracking technology for their own virtual reality headset. We put on the LG development kit HMD prototype to test its ergonomics, chat with an LG engineer to learn its specfications, and share our impressions. Choice for VR adopters is a good thing!
Shot by Gunther Kirsh
Edited by Norman Chan
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Joey Fameli / joeyfameli
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Frank Ippolito / frankippolito
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Thanks for watching!

[@CatCubed]

seems like Vive is finally getting some competition, could mean that the price will drop, great for the consumers

[@smokemyjohnson6755]

Lada1208 Valve is sponsoring this.

[@CatCubed]

that doesn't change anything, it's still two very similar products on the market that compete, one of them is gonna have to go cheaper in order for people to buy it

[@reznoire]

valve is just making the tech, they don't have a voice in LG and HTC competing as companies making money

[@linusmlgtips2123]

Joe shmoe Which is all great. A monopoly = monarchy over the industry, and a duopoly is just a monopoly on crutches. The more options, the better

[@smokemyjohnson6755]

***** well considering how oculus is doing business currently, i doubt they are a serious threat.

[@Rubysh88]

Yeah, vr definitely needs a standardization so every headset is compatible with every base station and controllers, it will be good for everyone and even allow third parties to come up with their own add-ons and custom vr components or friends to come over and join you with their own headset and controller, no matter the brand

[@awesome9174]

Ruben Fernandes That's what steamvr is trying to be.

[@theUglyManowar]

Sounds great but I think we are in the infancy stages where all that research in the late 80's and 90's were pre aborted fetuses? OSVR might be a nice start though if Facebook and Valve could check their egos. Sometimes it seems as if Government mandated rulings are the best answer when Big Tech act like kids ( IE. Europe ordering Apple to use a standard micro USB charging port ) That those Iphones worked fine but they produced and forced proprietary ports for other unregulated areas almost proves that sometimes Industry has to be forced to play nice with standards! ( instead of falling on greedy peripheral practices that has left us with landfill mountains of tangled proprietary evilness ) Maybe we should lobby for as much?

[@awesome9174]

theUglyManowar osvr is supported by steam.

[@TheDMSHA]

We don't even have console standardization after how many years now? What makes you think VR will be any different?

[@TheFri13]

Because VR is not about the gear, it is about the standard protocols and API for the content creators! No one cares if the VR devices itself are incompatible (HTC vive etc has the cameras in the HMD, Oculus has the cameras externally) if the compatibility is in the big level like you have two kinds (Light transmitter in HMD or externally) but at least you would get them compatible or programmable in either category (You could make own IR led device that you then "map" to system to be at specific direction as axis point). But the main problem is that the software level should be standard for content creators, so you can take any game and put it in any VR system and the VR functions would work by its basic systems. So you don't need to own specific HMD to play specific game, so it would be like the "PS4 or XBOX One?" situation but more like a "PC game with Logitech keyboard, or with Corsair keyboard", you have same basic functions but different layout and special keys, but nevertheless you can use both as wanted.

[@vexshade]

been waiting for a steam vr headset with this comfort/convience

[@efabiano82]

Vexshade weird thing to be specifically waiting for considering there are several major developments needed in VR hardware; like greater FOV, higher resolution and triple AAA titles.

[@vexshade]

Evan M. Fabiano im a simple guy 😭

[@kappix]

Evan M. Fabiano as an owner of a Vive, the #1 thing on my list is better ergonomics.

[@34125867]

There's no such thing as a "SteamVR" headset. They're all compatible with Steam VR, because it's an open source library. Technically you can use the playstation headset while taping a WiiMote to your head and it would work inside SteamVR without a hitch.

[@aritakalo8011]

Evan. The thing is those are "hard problems". As important as it is to end users ergonomics is technically an easy field to develop. it's industrial design issue. Really important and requires it's own expertise, but it isn't one where one is constantly bumping against laws of optics, physics and nano technology. Optics at this level is HARD. companies like Nokia, Vuzix and even big defense contractors have used millions, billions and years of research on this and still couldn't really crack it on mass scale. Like one can make it work to high fidelity, but then the optics pieces must be pretty much custom ground, fitted and frame custom molded to the persons physiology as in 400 000 dollar F-35 fighter helmet with it's helmet HUD. So it's going to take some major optics breakthrough on base level to make it fundamentally better. Then again this consumer and enterprise boom should make all tech companies highly motivated to pour R&D in it to get that break through.

[@BaseRealityVR]

This is by far the best looking and well designed HMD yet. Things I really like are the angular looks, and the Single USB -C connector YAY! (Hope its Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps ) But I thinks its high time for a for a 4K Resolution. Even if that means down-sampeling or using foveated rendering. Because 4K will be really great for Movie watching also.

[@cristianconstantin6496]

I agree, most of the ideas are great, especially the usb-c (I was wondering why nobody does that), and that way it would be easier to make a universal wireless adapter for vr headsets. My only suggestion would be to use inside out tracking, the way microsoft wants to do it. That way it would be just plug and play everywhere you go, and only if you want hand tracking you would need the 2 stations. about that 4k resolution, it would be possible to work on even lower spec devices if they would use eye tracking (there are some prototypes of vr eye tracking) and render at full res only the place where you are looking at

[@MrDeits97]

AlphaWoIF look at the 4K headset by the company that has Pi in the name. It's a 4K VR with steam support but it doesn't have controllers

[@theUglyManowar]

Maybe ready by the time Vega and Volta come out? With the increase of Big Pascal in the ti version that just came out... I got pretty big hopes for the next gen of GPU's... All we need is for VR developers to leverage SLI/Crossfire and support as much aggressively. SLI was going good for a while after Fermi! I WAS CONSISTENTLY REWARDED WITH GREAT GAINS! If NVidia and AMD gave us an NVLINK type bridge solution for GeForce/Radeon then we could brute force our way to two discreet 8k screens for each eye! ( and just NVLINK 8 VOLTA TITANS together on a dual plex capable Motherboard! The truly sickest part is that I would sell everything to buy that solution as long as it worked smoothly! :) ) At some point we are just going to have to admit that a TESLA-esque brute force parallel option for consumer GPUs would go a long way to help advance a market that is aggressively hacking away at the bleeding edge of what is possible. Otherwise we will become complacent with the compromise. The great thing about such a solution is that enthusiast prestige markets consistently upgrade and their value as a stable force that has enjoyed a healthy growth proven year after year in a declining desktop computer market! Provides a secure market to develop the cutting edge for! And as long as that development happens market forces will always reward those advantages to the masses as growth lowers those "now proven" technologies... If u make it... They will CUM ( sorry I couldn't resist )

[@moonjimunji7916]

agreed, i was thinking of getting the pimax vr even though its only 60hz

[@abrampainter3764]

My laptop has a hard time doing 4k even out of game on the desktop which has minimal graphical draw. This suggests that lower hardware might not be able to properly output to 4k and the attempt at refreshing the monitor is a bottleneck to everything else. I doubt people with decent builds with dedicated GPUs have this problem but the majority of people with low end specs have intel integrated graphics.

[@fa.h.]

Rather want controllers that lay in the hand more like Oculus Touch, than HTC Vive

[@BugattiBoy01]

Fabian H. vive 2.0 controllers Google it

[@jamesecroyd]

valve knuckles look fucking nice

[@ElectricWheelz]

Every question was so specific and relevant. Great interview Norm.

[@simonj48]

wow, what a refreshing change. LG was properly upfront and frank about everything there without trying to hide behind any misleading information or blerb. Props to them.

[@Slurm_Daddy92]

looks like lg took notes from everyone else and putting great ideas together! I bought psvr but definitely waiting for something better and greater...

[@BasedBidoof]

This was cool looking. I'm excited for the future of vr.

[@Subparanon]

This is what I was hoping for. Round 2 of consumer devices are going to realize comfort and ease of use are important. VR has the ability right now to replace a monitor completely. You could go with a small laptop, and a vive with no monitor in use for complete privacy even out in public. However if that's going to become a reality we need changes to the ease of use to allow people to more quickly switch between headset off and on, and ways like this to flip the display up to do something, talk to someone, and easily flip it back down to go back to what you were doing. The ski goggle mounting system needs to go.

[@cheatman05]

It's promising, I really love the ideas they're implementing in this headset! LG has never disappointed me with their products

[@keithrinzema3453]

Norm always does a great job interviewing

[@Yoshimatsu414]

Nice, can't wait to see how the final product comes out. I like LG, they do good work!

[@jtphr33ky]

the visor flip is genius!

[@LOKO22Bach]

Dev was very nervous but he handled it pretty well

[@xalener]

I love that they've adopted the PSvr style mount system.

[@RAMtrails]

it seems very well thought out!

[@Tedlasman]

Great questions Norm, keep it up!

[@TWISM1337]

I'm a VR developer, and I'm loving some of their design decisions. Exciting to see that the VR-space is growing, and that there seem to be strides made in a way that will be great not only for devs, but consumers too!

[@SolWake]

Glad they went with PSVR style padding. Most comfortable head mounting I've experienced so far!

[@AnonP2X3YZ]

That taking it on and off style its supppper nice. All VR headsets should have that.

[@thegreatgambino]

you guys give the best reviews!

[@LKDesign]

Glad to see VR developement picking up pace and going into the right direction.

[@mynameishonour5965]

Im so happy you guys are right on top of it for us thank you liked and subbed.

[@Sitti2300]

I was just about to buy Vive or Rift along with my new upcoming 1080 Ti. I am going to wait for this one. Really hope they do release this sometime this year.

[@1teamski]

Very interesting! Thanks for the intel guys!

[@3rdaxis649]

Loving my CV1 touch.

[@tsuna111]

if this is 50% cheaper than htc i would gladly buy this

[@Anrighe]

It's hardly gonna be 50% cheaper than the Vive. If there may be a price difference it probably would be only matter of minimal variation between the two headsets, considering what they're offering.

[@ThomySTB]

Echiiru The rift 200$ down since a few days

[@Tedlasman]

It's going to be minimum 75% of the price.

[@peoplepeople21]

Echiiru it won't be as valve are involved with making this so it will be priced the same as the Htc vive

[@simonj48]

One would assume LG will become a Microsoft mixed reality headset partner too, so you're probably looking at sub $300, since that's what the rest of the OEMs will be providing headsets for. LG would kill their headset before it was even released if it was more expensive than that otherwise.

[@SegginsProductions]

I love when Norm gives a question that the dev just doesn't know how to respond to.

[@daimyokupopoo9500]

Hope it comes out this year!

[@Spedley_2142]

I want one using DLP chips which actually project light into your eyes with no need for lenses or focusing. It would also be quite possible to adjust the resolutions/detail based on where your eyes were looking.

[@WMfin]

So cool that there is always something better coming out but makes me unsure when to buy and which to buy if every year a better model is out!

[@stuwoac]

good review guys keep it up, I too would like a pick and mix market, hmd looks good not sure on the controllers but would need to use them first. Valve really want vr to work, I also think if HTC knew we would now be having a chance for more powerful gpus I believe they could of gone with a higher res on the screens

[@miniman3112]

The advanced head strap is neat. Also finally a second real "made for SteamVR" HMD. Does not seem like a hyper advanced HMD compared to Rift/Vive/psvr yet, but more competition is great any way. Will stick to what I have, but overall yay!! Edit: Great job on the interview questions and post-interview talk as always, keep it up!

[@computer5272]

For pretty much anything other than a virtual desktop, the resolution is fine. The FoV is what needs to increase and will provide a much more dramatic change as opposed to just increasing the resolution.

[@JamesFirth-v]

To be fair you can move the screen on the Vive farther away from your face, though it's a bit of a hidden feature! Have to pull the rings out on each side then twist the dials then push the dials back in after

[@squancicusprime2340]

Looks pretty neat, headset is similar design to PSVR with headband and pushing hmd out etc

[@ehyouman]

Wow... looks awesome exciting times!

[@TheIsolatedPhoenix]

Its nie to see LG getting into this market, they usually are innovative and add interesting new idea to their devices that others would never do

[@DeathlyScrub]

If it finally comes with or without Sound, i hope that you still can switch it out and use your own Headset!

[@cujothekitten]

Totally agree at 10:30ish. I'd love to be able to buy everything separately, especially since I already have controllers and tracking. I think if LG offered a base headset option they'd get more sales from people that already have a vive and are willing to pay for a tiny upgrade. If you're out there LG, offer bundled and stand alone options.

[@Domtrain]

Man this guy was not ready for Norm in-depth questioning.

[@Exevium]

USB Type-C is a really, really clever decision. Not so much the interface specifically, but the idea to go with a single cable and therefore an interface that could do audio, video and power is smart. I would suggest Type-C (Mini?) for the controllers too.

[@Nevatis_]

Like the concept of the HMD but the controllers don't look very ergonomic, they're flat rather than formed to your grip

[@RobsZombies]

I've chosen my next HMD. This thing is lovely, I knew I could count on LG.

[@sourcethunderlight2723]

This headset's status is unknown, many want it but it seems like they either cancelled it or they halted it's development, This is the only thing we saw about it, it's been over a year and half and no news about it, Don't make your hopes up. In the meantime Check Pimax Headsets, they have extreme high FoV, and they use SteamVR technology aswell.

[@miko_un_]

Thx for more VR stuff

[@HangryBunniesFromMars]

SAweeeeeeet! Working our way to Star VR level. Huzzah for progress :)

[@MrAphexcloud]

detachable integrated sound so if you have a pair of headphones that are preferred you can swap out to that instead

[@Nulibrium]

Looks really good, hopefully the price will be good as well

[@spartan23456789]

if this works with the vive knuckles i'm buying it FOR SURE!!!

[@BlakeMessick]

looks good!

[@13ane]

Increasing the resolution is the biggest thing for me. Really love my Vive but it is pixelated when you search for details. Getting 4k to run at 90Hz is going to be a challenge but I think developers are up to the task. 1920x2160 per eye or above is what I will be looking for in my next headset purchase.

[@FeralMarauder]

Those controllers are cool looking.

[@robbiederoo3225]

I don't need integrated sound I have bose quite comfort 35s. :) The controllers have an extra button, the hmd looks insanely comfortable. Let's hope the hardware is solid. I have had to RMA my Vive components 4 times now and that is at least three times too many times, so I am totally getting this when it is released later on this year.

[@iinRez]

I'm so glad I haven't bought into this trend yet, can't wait to see what a few more years of R&D brings to the table!!

[@dfbndslv]

i really like the design of the headset so far! but as always it is the final price that determines the success of the VR at this time

[@Viper0hr]

I read one of the reviews of this yesterday and instantly was interested. VR NEEDS 1440p 90fps or better to be realistic IMO (1080p can always still be used scaled up or just stretched to fit too) and the ergonomics look to be the best by far. I kind of hate how all the headsets are using different controllers though, with some games not supporting certain controllers.

[@blatantabuse352]

Make the handle portion of the controller, the part that the hand actually grips, more like a gun's grip. Rift Touch's grips leave a little to be desired when playing shooters.

[@Jacksirrom]

For anyone not looking to watch the video, there is no talk of potential pricing. But a word to LG and any other manufacturer - first to market with VR comparable to Vive's quality w/ motion tracking at ~40% less cost will sell like hotcakes and devour early market share.

[@rashadb954]

I am digging this HMD. Higher res, better fit than the vive, a thin usb c cable, swivel up action. Just needs that integrated audio. Also, wireless capability would be cool if possible I would probably prefer a controller more like the oculus touch, though.

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Can't wait for VR to include a full body.

[@Raddz5000]

That's a very nice looking headset, gotta say.

[@rationalityfirst]

Yasssss, sharp corners!!

[@kedwardsTWO]

Being an owner of a VIVE here is my suggestions to LG 1. The cable that connects the headset to the computer, make it so that I can remove the cable from the headset during storage. 2. Steam is glorious, don't do an Oculus. 3. Provide bumpers for the remotes in the box. 4. Keep the audio jack! I want to choose which headset I listen to, because if I can afford a one of these, then in all likelyhood I have a good set of headphones. 5. For the visual input to the headset, give us an adapter for Displayport / HDMI / Mini-DP. Alot of GPU's these days are fading out some ports in favour of others.

[@sable_ensemble]

Just based on the stats, this seems like one of the best avenues for VR so far.

[@ChuckstaGaming]

I like the look of this headset. Very nice design and the way it works. I'm currently looking at taking my first steps into VR at the end of 2018. Technically, the current generation of VR tech is not good enough for me. I want at least: 4k cordless 90hz positional tracking I must admit I am tempted to get the Pimax 4k for viewing films, but I probably won't. I'll try and keep it in my pants till December next year :D

[@IsaacPoopsAlot]

I WANT ONE AHHHHHHHHHH I have a Vive, could I just replace the HMD and keep the controllers and sensors?

[@cskhard]

Cool! I love how the competition in the market keeps making the technology grows! :D Keep it up with the good news guys,you're the best

[@_wolf_gang_]

I want options and accessibility financially, I want to be able to use the LG VR with the Vive Knuckle controller which in my opinions are amazing as well as the best in the market currently.

[@bliglum]

Superior resolution, better headset design, excellent lighthouse tracking... If the price is right, I'm sold!!!

[@threemoo]

I feel like this is the best way to go about ergonomics, is it comfortable, is it easy to work on my computer screen while using the VR headset. For some reason the other companies think that having the headset on the whole time is the right way, which makes no sense for us devs... I switch between my computer screen and headset about once every minute on average when I'm coding something that needs to work in a quite precise way.

[@DennisEvansG]

Being able to wear your glasses is nice, is this only with LG SteamVR or does the Rift and other VR Headsets allow you to wear your glasses as well?

[@RyouConcord]

Being a Vive owner, I'll say this: 1. I LIKE THE SWIVEL! I really like that this headset swivels up. And having a better field of view (with higher resolution) would be nice. I do get immersed, but you can definitely see pixels when you're trying to focus in on objects that are far aware. However, 2. I DO NOT LIKE HOW LG'S HEADSET USES ONE CABLE. The Vive has the power, USB and HDMI separated, and you know what? That makes it more ... resilient and modular. And if something breaks, I can get one type of cable to plug directly into the headset, or plug in other periphery. I don't want a single cable to handle all my functions, because that'll just make it harder for developers to pair up things like the Leap Motion to it, or you'd have to get some fancy connectors to do it, and I don't want that to get complicated because LG wanted to use USB type C for power/audio/video.

[@AusSkiller]

I love that Valve has been open with their VR tech, their tracking system works great but their HMD isn't as good as it could have been so being open with their VR tech allows other companies, like LG, to take the good parts of it and improve upon the rest leading to much better hardware much quicker and at a lower cost to develop since a lot of the R&D is already done :).

[@skyy5425]

Hey LG, you have to have integrated audio like the Oculus Rift. It is just too awkward to have to wear headphones over the HMD. I suppose you could just have a connector like the Rift and sell attachable headphones separately.

[@spartan23456789]

THIS is the one i'll be getting assuming it's more comfortable than the Vive which it looks like it will be. Also assuming it works with the VIVE Knuckles

[@TrowaBarton]

was there lens adjustments to be able to use it without glasses when you need 5 -6 stregenth vision correction?

[@TheRedstoneGamerOfficial]

awesome!

[@CoolSandwich67]

Im so glad they are using steam vr and im really hoping it doesn't change because using similar remotes designs and tracking being the same means buying a vive instead of this would be PlayStation vs Xbox they have their differences but they are essentially the same and games can easily be made for both

[@koberko]

Only thing VR in general lacks is resolution. Once they manage to get at least 4k displays in this headsets, then we can talk about something that's usable.

[@Assashimaru]

it looks just like the dot hack headset

[@jaxslaps1011]

i cannot wait for this... AND I OWN A VIVE!

[@RolandAshcroft]

I really wanna get into PC VR since I first heard about the Rift. I'm really hoping for a competitive price. Something around 400-600 range with better optimization for mid end gaming PCs . Vive and Rift sets are both around and above $1000 in Europe because of VAT (~sales tax) + GPU/CPU upgrades if needed.

[@asboll]

I think the controllers will be easier to create cheap GUN attachments for, like a lightweight "PSVR Aim controller" solution. The angular design is way easier to 3D print or mold attachment sockets for, compared to the vive's donut controller shape

[@HyenaBlank]

With it having a more rigid band by default, Any clue how well it fits on slightly larger heads?

[@BillyC]

Next game announcement from valve pared with this new headset? One can only hope.

[@MrComedyExplosion]

LG: can I copy your homework? Vive: yea! Just change it up a bit so it doesn't look too obvious LG:

[@ShadowTheLight]

This does seem great, but what will the price be? The price could make or break if this sells

[@fondajames]

Haha I love that this prototype literally has the psvr headstrap. it's certainly better than it in capability but good that they are having comfort in mind as well

[@Doritoboy69]

Cool, glad to see more hardware integrate into SteamVR. If I ever see something that beats out my Vive headset I can swap it out and still use my base tracking stations. Oculus's walled garden can go fuck itself, especially when ReVive is a thing.

[@aemerox5773]

This VR headset reminds me of the welder helmet only with a few differences.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

It's gonna HAVE to be competitively priced with the Oculus/Touch package price drop and PSVR doing well. Maybe it's also a shot across HTC's bow as well since they decided to fire up their own walled garden store for parts of the asian market.

[@redmeatroast4025]

Y'all should make the Dragon priest mask/staff from the game Elder Scrolls V Skyrim. They're pretty cool.

[@Hyncharas]

What I'd really like to see is a hybrid headset; if LG made the device so it could change its functionality from virtual to mixed reality, it would be a huge game-changer for developers.

[@BillBodega]

I hope parts of these are interchangeable with the Vive setup.

[@ragingdonut4301]

Well, I just would like to know the price. And how are they getting roomscale? I didnt see any sensors on the headset...

[@Psythik]

So basically it's an improved Vive. I'm currently happy with mine but had this existed at the same time I bought my Vive I would have definitely gone with this headset instead simply because it's easier to use with glasses.

[@timdawson3194]

what ever people say about Oculus in my opinion they have the best controllers by far and I prefer the desktop sensors as they are far more convenient than having to wall mount sensors everywhere especially if you have a small room to play in.

[@Zed0086]

Is friction good for longevity?

[@MD_Builds]

Funnily they go on about how people want integrated sound... I prefer the idea of having a jack, maybe provide integrated optional snap ons on the headset, but I like the idea of having a jack you can plug a decent set of in ear silicon buds...