Photos: Up close with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset
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
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
4. Movement tracking
The Vive comes with two base units that track the user’s movement.
Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
5. The hand controllers
The Vive’s hand controllers are very comfortable and include haptic feedback.
Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
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
7. Mounting the base stations
The base stations can be mounted on walls or on tripods.
Image: Erin Carson\/TechRepublic
8. Sound
The Vive does not come with built-in headphones, though, so you’ll need your own.