HiGame

Given the massive investment in VR, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out how to get rid of one of its biggest limitations — the tethering cord. Whether you’re using an HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or one of their lesser-known competitors, they all rely on a cable to relay high-resolution video, and sometimes other information, in real time. Startup TPCAST is changing that, with a $220 wireless accessory that will work with the HTC Vive when it ships early next year.

TPCAST looks good in the demo



One of the biggest problems with using existing high-performance wireless solutions with VR headsets is that the user is typically in constant motion. That means a head or hand sometimes blocks the receiver. The performance needed to stream the two HD video streams needed for VR typically means high-frequency signals, which are particularly susceptible to losing line of sight.

In other applications, intermittent delays are acceptable. But in VR, every frame needs to be delivered in a few milliseconds; typically a total system lag time of 11 milliseconds is the goal. One way the TPCAST device tries to minimize this problem is by including the small receiver clip in*the top headband of the Vive headset, so that it’s minimally affected by the user turning around.

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