Photos: Up close with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset - TechRepublic

Photos: Up close with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset

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    1. A big box of VR

    The HTC Vive started shipping in early April 2016. The box contains everything a user needs to get started, except a powerful PC.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
  • 2. The headset

    The Vive headset fits over the user’s head like a baseball cap and uses an internal display.

    Image: Erin Carson/TechRepublic
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    3. Tethered to the computer

    As you can see, the headset is tethered to the computer with a sizable bundle of cables.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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    4. Movement tracking

    The Vive comes with two base units that track the user’s movement.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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    5. The hand controllers

    The Vive’s hand controllers are very comfortable and include haptic feedback.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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    6. A full-room experience

    The Vive, unlike its competitors, offers a full-room experience, so the user can move around a designated space that can vary depending on what users have available.

    Image: Kyle Blagg
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    7. Mounting the base stations

    The base stations can be mounted on walls or on tripods.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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    8. Sound

    The Vive does not come with built-in headphones, though, so you’ll need your own.

    Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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Erin Carson

Erin Carson is a Staff Reporter for CNET and a former Multimedia Editor for TechRepublic.