Samsung Odyssey, first thoughts

[Thick8]

I thought it was going to ship on Monday but it arrived on Monday. Yea!

 

Setup: I installed the Microsoft Fall Creators update when it was released in October so that part was already done.

I unboxed the unit and installed the batteries in the controllers and plugged the unit's HDMI and USB 3.0 connectors in. Windows Mixed Reality window came on and asked me to wait while it updated the controller's hardware. That took about 5 minutes. Then I followed the simple instructions to map out my play area. That took about 30 seconds. Then I put on the headset and was in the mountain house. Could not have been easier.

 

Getting it on my head: The padded "leather" band is quite comfortable. I wore it for about an hour without sweating. I was surprised.

It took me some time adjusting the band placement and IPD to get to the visual sweet spot but once I found it there was no slipping or movement of the unit on my head even with a great deal of motion.

I have a BIG head. 23.75" where the band rides and had no problems fitting it on my head. I even had to turn it in a few clicks to secure it. The great thing about this band is that it doesn't have to be overly tight to keep it secure. I also have an IPD of 71.5 and still had to turn in the IPD adjuster several clicks. So for those of you with Herman Munster heads you should be good.

 

Lenses and screens: First off, black is black. not dark gray but black. The colors are bright and clear, not washed out at all.

The sweet spot for me is just less than the center 30% or so. There are God Rays as with all Fresnel lenses. They are not distracting but they are there. I can't really compare them with the Vive and Rift as I would need those sitting here to compare.

 

Head tracking: Spot on. I shook and nodded my head till I was dizzy and it kept up perfectly

 

Visuals: I've only used the Rift for about a half an hour in a demo with a robot the had me use a 3d printer to build and use stuff. It was cool but the screen door effect was very evident. I also had a Pimax 4K for a few days. There was no screen door effect but that unit had so many short comings that it was pretty useless.

The Odyssey does have a very slight screen door effect. So slight that I had to actively look for it. I opened the edge browser and visually made it the size of a 50-55 inch TV and stood back from it about 6 feet or so and was able to read it with no issues at all.

Windows allows you to place your desktop as a window in VR, so I did that. I made it so that it was as wide as the view thru the HMD to simulate the whole 110 degrees. Then I fired up DCS in full screen mode (1080p) and sat on the asphalt at Batumi to see what my A-10c looked like. It was beautiful. I made sure that my position in the cockpit was as accurate of a representation as when I fly on my 2d screen. I even had Facetrack turned on so I could look around. Sitting in normal position I could read all of my gauges. I have the extra slider on my Warthog throttle set up for zoom, and put it on the center detent for gun runs and spotting. Quite honestly I couldn't tell a difference between the HMD and sitting about 3.5 feet from a 55" 1080p TV. It's that clear.

 

End thoughts: This may not be "2nd generation" but it is definitely at least "generation 1.5"

The foam face ring is comfortable but too thick for my taste. When I removed it and replaced it with a thin felt ring that I made, the sweet spot grew and the overall clarity increased (probably because my fat heat could get closer to the lenses). I will be changing that out for a thinner piece of foam.

Microsoft says that there will be OpenVR and SteamVR support coming next month. Will that be good enough to make it work with DCS? That's anybody's guess right now.

All in all I am happy with my purchase.

I will try to answer any questions you have.

Thanks for reading.

John

Edited November 9, 2017 by Thick8

[JellybeanTiger]

Looks great the specs,slightly higher res than the Rift and Hive.

 

Looks like a great introduction for those who haven't dipped their toes yet.

 

Great head tracking as well ,thanks for the info.

[hansangb]

I don't think it's slightly higher resolution. It's a quite a bit higher, isn't it?

 

Thick8, so you fired up DCS in 2D mode where the HMD replaced your monitor, correct? I guess next week, when Vive support happens, you can fly in true VR. Thanks for the update.

[*Rage*]

Thanks for the review. Let us know how it works for DCS!

[wormeaten]

Microsoft says that there will be OpenVR and SteamVR support coming next month. Will that be good enough to make it work with DCS? That's anybody's guess right now.

All in all I am happy with my purchase.

I will try to answer any questions you have.

Thanks for reading.

John

 

Nice! Most important thing is that you are happy with it.

 

Your first impressions just prove some our calculations about how this could look like was right. I'm also think this is big step forward compared to CV1. Just like from DK2 to CV1 was even specs difference was minor than CV1 to Oddysey.

 

With OpenVR and SteamVR support will work in DCS in same way as other non Rift VRs, no problem.

 

Did you try some of those apps for VR like VorpX, Riftcat or Trident or what ever. I think all this works for free limited amount of time just to see is it working?

 

Thanks m8 and enjoy!!! :thumbup: :pilotfly:

[hannibal]

I am about the odessey more than the pimax

[wormeaten]

I am about the odessey more than the pimax

 

Maybe only for Pimax4K but for new 5K, 8K or 8KX I will not bet on that in few reasons.

 

Samsung is best gen1VR but Pimax 5K is next gen VR definitely. I'm talking about 5K because ony 5K will be fair comparison. If we not take in consideration almost double difference in FOV all others specs goes in favor to Pimax 5K. 8K and 8KX even more.

So Odyssey have 16 PPD if this 1600 pixel per eye is for horizontal, 5K got 17 PPD.

Also SDE index (PPI/lens magnification factor) for Odyssey is 183 and for 5K is 235. Remember higher is better. One other importhant issue too is chroma color. Odyssey got 4:2:2 and Pimax 4:4:4 which is result more crisp and sharp picture.

 

But for gen1 probably best choice between Vive, CV1 and Pimax4K definitely.

[Thick8]

Maybe only for Pimax4K but for new 5K, 8K or 8KX I will not bet on that in few reasons.

 

Samsung is best gen1VR but Pimax 5K is next gen VR definitely. I'm talking about 5K because ony 5K will be fair comparison. If we not take in consideration almost double difference in FOV all others specs goes in favor to Pimax 5K. 8K and 8KX even more.

So Odyssey have 16 PPD if this 1600 pixel per eye is for horizontal, 5K got 17 PPD.

Also SDE index (PPI/lens magnification factor) for Odyssey is 183 and for 5K is 235. Remember higher is better. One other importhant issue too is chroma color. Odyssey got 4:2:2 and Pimax 4:4:4 which is result more crisp and sharp picture.

 

But for gen1 probably best choice between Vive, CV1 and Pimax4K definitely.

 

I hope the Pimax 8K is all that you want. I owned a Pimax 4K. That unit was touted as the next great thing in VR. It wasn't. even if one could get past the numerous shortcomings of the device itself there was the issue of the Pimax team's deceptive behavior in dealing with their customers. Both issues are well documented in the Pimax forum if you want to check for yourself. Believe Pimax's promises and assertions regarding their upcoming headset if you wish but don't be suprised if they don't deliver or try to deceive you.

[dburne]

I hope the Pimax 8K is all that you want. I owned a Pimax 4K. That unit was touted as the next great thing in VR. It wasn't. even if one could get past the numerous shortcomings of the device itself there was the issue of the Pimax team's deceptive behavior in dealing with their customers. Both issues are well documented in the Pimax forum if you want to check for yourself. Believe Pimax's promises and assertions regarding their upcoming headset if you wish but don't be suprised if they don't deliver or try to deceive you.

 

I also have not been very impressed with those guys yet to date, time will tell I guess...

Not speaking from my experience having owned one of their devices, just reports from users I have read across various forums.

I do wish them well in this endeavor.

 

I look forward to hearing reports of this new Odyssey and how it does in DCS.

[wormeaten]

I hope the Pimax 8K is all that you want. I owned a Pimax 4K. That unit was touted as the next great thing in VR. It wasn't. even if one could get past the numerous shortcomings of the device itself there was the issue of the Pimax team's deceptive behavior in dealing with their customers. Both issues are well documented in the Pimax forum if you want to check for yourself. Believe Pimax's promises and assertions regarding their upcoming headset if you wish but don't be suprised if they don't deliver or try to deceive you.

 

first of all try this:

 

 

About 4K it is just another gen1VR which only prows that could be better results with just one better display. CV1 will be better product if they will use in that days Note4 display split i two. This results will be close to today's WMR.

Pimax4K was far away from perfect but was prow some point. At first was cheaper alternative but after Oculus and Vive price drops after all this is questionable because tracking and controllers. And here WMR combine best of both worlds.

I'm not backing Pimax5K or 8K but tracking progress and just comparing specs. So far everything I was guessing in past based on known technology and specs of VR WMR and Pimax prows in reality.

 

Personally I believe Odyssey will serve you well even much better than CV1 or Pi4K if you will be satisfied with 110FOV only.

 

Once again good luck and I'm supporting your choice as long as you are satisfied. Hoping this video could help you to run DCS soon as possible. :thumbup:

[wormeaten]

One more review

 

[hansangb]

Hmmm, you don't need to have Steam version of DCS for this to work, right? I mean with Vive, I didn't have to have a Steam version of DCS, so I'm thinking it'll be the same for this HMD?

[slipstream21]

Why is there a steam and non steam version of DCS anyway?

[dburne]

Hmmm, you don't need to have Steam version of DCS for this to work, right? I mean with Vive, I didn't have to have a Steam version of DCS, so I'm thinking it'll be the same for this HMD?

 

You just have to have Steam VR, do not have to have Steam Version of DCS.

 

I run IL-2 Battle of Stalingrad which only has Steam VR support, and it is not the Steam version of the game.

 

Now how DCS will run in the Odyssey remains to be seen.

[dburne]

Why is there a steam and non steam version of DCS anyway?

 

Steam is just a storefront that offers DCS as well.

I personally do not care that much for it, and prefer to buy mine directly from the developers.

[wormeaten]

I think this will work same way as Pimax4K. First run Piplay then SteamVR and after that combination DCS recognized Pimax as Rift.

 

I don't see the reason why with Microsoft will be different. Only you will run some Microsoft "MRplay" instead Piplay.

[slipstream21]

Steam is just a storefront that offers DCS as well.

I personally do not care that much for it, and prefer to buy mine directly from the developers.

 

Thanks. Me too. I avoid steam where possible.

[Thick8]

I'm going to try the beta from the above post tonight. I'm almost done with my vr chair. I'll post a pic later

[Eskay]

Pimax 5k, 8k have a problem, and this problem is frequency (HZ). Now works 75 hz and the minimum is 85~90hz.

Now it version is v3, but in january they sell the final version (v5), and only have 1 month. Will they get 90hz?

[wormeaten]

Pimax 5k, 8k have a problem, and this problem is frequency (HZ). Now works 75 hz and the minimum is 85~90hz.

Now it version is v3, but in january they sell the final version (v5), and only have 1 month. Will they get 90hz?

 

Pimax 5K and 8K is still prototype. V3 reach stable 83Hz and unstable 90Hz. So it is proven that display is capable for 90Hz but real firmware is still developing and going well so don't worry about 90Hz this is just matter of time when will be stabilized. Such issue in this stage is normal especialy they just start to use DP. Even Vive or Rift didn't reach 90Hz over night.

 

I don't know why doubt about it. Pimax4K was at 60Hz because display limitation and HDMI 1.4. Now it is completly new hardware which is capable to reach 90Hz and developing is going much faster than it was with Rift.

This 90Hz is just trolling of people which didnt read nothing about Pimax5 or 8K.

[dburne]

Pimax 5K and 8K is still prototype. V3 reach stable 83Hz and unstable 90Hz. So it is proven that display is capable for 90Hz but real firmware is still developing and going well so don't worry about 90Hz this is just matter of time when will be stabilized. Such issue in this stage is normal especialy they just start to use DP. Even Vive or Rift didn't reach 90Hz over night.

 

This ain't exactly Pimax first rodeo either ya know.

 

I think it is quite obvious they have some hurdles to overcome to deliver on all their promises.

We shall see...

Btw thought this was a Samsung Odyssey thread lol.

[Thick8]

I can't download the steam MR demo. Bummer.

[tweekieyoung]

According to this post you should be able to install SteamVR for WMR devices on Nov 15. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/11/windows-mixed-reality-headsets-get-steamvr-games-and-apps-november-15/

[wormeaten]

This ain't exactly Pimax first rodeo either ya know.

 

I think it is quite obvious they have some hurdles to overcome to deliver on all their promises.

We shall see...

Btw thought this was a Samsung Odyssey thread lol.

 

Just passing official Pimax statement not some subjective impression after few minutes in Fruit Ninja.

 

After all lets focus here on Odyssey not Pimax. Pimax here is just for comparison and you have to teki in mind 5/8K is still prototipe made more for prove conc3ept than a finished product.

 

Right now I'm waiting real in use review after SteamVR will work properly in some serious usage in DCS for example. How it is in compaction with CV1/Vive with reading instruments or spiting targets in distance.

That is only thing I'm waiting right now and I hope we will see some first impression in a week.

[wormeaten]

I can't download the steam MR demo. Bummer.

 

Yea it is closed beta and you need to get key for it. I dont know how but in 4 days will be opened, so we all have to survive this 4 days. :music_whistling: