Going from CV1 Should I go Index or Rift S?

[Scendore]

My biggest gripe with CV1 was always resolution. Mostly more difficult to see aspect and IDing aircraft. Which is better for flight sim money no object. I left out Reverb because I don't want to deal with HPs hardware problems. I'm leaning towards S because Rift and their software has been around. Thoughts?

[Wicked.-]

I just upgraded to the Index from the CV1. Initially I bought the S because you can't beat Oculus software with DCS, you simply plug it in and it works. Unfortunately I have an IPD of just at 58 and was not able to get a clear image using the software IPD adjustment. Oculus also changed the catchers mask style headset for the halo style headset you see on the Odyssey or cheaper WMR headsets. I believe that was Lenovo sabotaging Oculus lol. The speakers are crap now and built into the halo. But, it's $400'with inside out tracking that is solid and it's extremely clear in the sweet spot. If you're IPD falls into the 80% range it's definitely an upgrade to the CV1 image wise.

If your IPD is below 60 or over 69 then you need the Index. The Index uses Steam and SteamVR but does not need WMR. While not as seamless as Oculus, it's not bad. The image is much better than the CV1 but it may take a couple days tweaking to get the settings right as it has the most adjustability of all HMD's I've tried. It has outside in tracking like the CV1 (sensors/base stations)that is not included with the HMD. You'll have to buy them as well. I tried using one base station but needed another as I lose tracking while checking six. The speakers are outstanding as is the build quality of the unit in general. It's much more comfortable than the CV1 which wasn't bad and it has mechanical adjustment for IPD and eyerelief if you wear glasses. It ain't cheap though. I dont use it for anything other than DCS so I didn't need controllers, still for the unit and 2 base stations it's $800. Even though the S has better clarity in the center the Index is the better unit all around and you get what you pay for. The S feels cheap which it is but it gets the job done if you can use it. HP Reverb is the clearest of all but it has its own set of problems. I found the Pimax 5K+ to be Chinese trash. Good luck.

Edited August 28, 2019 by Wicked.-

[dburne]

I went from CV1 to Rift S and am quite happy with it.

I am able to keep my higher GFX settings and still get the same performance I was getting with CV1.

I reduced PD from 1.4 to 1.2 and it looks great to me.

 

I did get a set of earbuds though, the in built audio is not that good at least for me. With my earbuds the sound is great.

[Bwaze]

Thank you Wicked.

 

I have an IPD of about 59, so most of the modern VR devices aren't made for me - Valve Index seems "cheapest" of the new bunch with hardware IPD adjustment, if I'm looking correctly...

[jojo]

Yes Bwaze, at 59mm I would advise IPD adjustment = Index.

 

For Scendore, the upgrade from CV1 to Rift S does worth it from my point of view (I did it).

For the audio I’m fine with a pair good old Philips ear bud which has been serving me well for a long time.

 

I have no problem with the build quality of Rift S. Reverb has extra options, for twice the price but roughly the same pixel per degree count, so not necessarily big difference for visual clarity if your are close to Oculus target (around 64mm).

[Wicked.-]

Thank you Wicked.

 

I have an IPD of about 59, so most of the modern VR devices aren't made for me - Valve Index seems "cheapest" of the new bunch with hardware IPD adjustment, if I'm looking correctly...

 

If I could have used the S I would have kept it. The Pimax has a mechanical IPD adjustment but the lenses are so close to your face that they crush your nose. If you raise them above your nose you're out of focus.

 

It took me a day or so to get the positioning right with the Index but since then I've been very happy with it. It's a quality piece of kit and I think whatever issues it had in the first batches have been fixed because mine has no graphic problems at all.

[Stewart]

I have tried both and the Index is way better. Tracking on the Rift S was worse than my WMR Samsung O+. The Index had better FOV and better tracking overall. Of course the Reverb I tired was almost monitor quality and blew all other headsets out of the water in DCS, though tracking was good as the Rift S but not as good as the Index.

[JoeyJoJoJunior]

I personally like the halo more. It has to be worn very differently, more like a crown, but I find I have to do a lot less fiddling to get it in the right place once I got it adjusted than the CV1. Took some time to get used to it, though.

[dburne]

I have tried both and the Index is way better. Tracking on the Rift S was worse than my WMR Samsung O+. The Index had better FOV and better tracking overall. Of course the Reverb I tired was almost monitor quality and blew all other headsets out of the water in DCS, though tracking was good as the Rift S but not as good as the Index.

 

Not sure when you tried Rift S, but yes initially the tracking was not that great.

Through some firmware and software updates it is very good now.