So far unknown in Russia, but sensational in Asia, the company PIMAX presented its first virtual reality helmet Pimax P1. The new product is distinguished by two features: the total resolution of the 2 screens is 4K and it can work with Steam (VR), along with any programs for Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. And it costs only $375.
Design
The basic design of PIMAX 4K consists of 3 elements: a helmet-screen with interfaces, headphones, a headrest with straps.
With the help of straps, the helmet can be placed on any head - it is suitable even for small children, not to mention problematic but large adult heads.
Interfaces
PIMAX connection is carried out via two interfaces at once: HDMI is used for video stream input, USB synchronizes data.
PIMAX requires a discrete card to operate - even powerful integrated solutions from the IRIS or AMD series do not are capable of producing a dynamic three-dimensional picture in 4K, so you’ll have to be content with this panoramas.
When connecting, the proprietary Piplay utility from the official website is used as drivers. We downloaded, installed, connected the helmet - we got a second display in the system. And you can immediately enjoy the broadcast.
You can access a variety of content on Piplay, including movies, videos, and games. But the most interesting thing is a little further.
Working with Steam
Pimax P1 can work with SteamVR, and Windows replaces its name with Rift.
You don’t have to do anything special - install Direct Mode in Piplay and follow the advice of Steam VR. Connected, is the helmet recognized? You can use the app store!
The first versions of the utility only allowed the use of content for HTC Vive. Now, after some manipulations, you can easily launch even official Oculus applications, especially without its own motion controllers, PIMAX is more similar to it.
The easiest way is to launch War Thunder - it recognizes all the drivers itself and runs in the helmet. You don’t need to do anything - put it on and fly. Most other applications (except perhaps Project CARS).
Own feelings
The screen resolution of Pimax P1 is 3840 x 2160 – one and a half times more than that of Vive and Oculus! The picture is less grainy, closer to reality.
And even more so, neither the functionality nor the display quality can be compared with headsets for phones - they do not provide such an immersive effect.
PIMAX can effectively replace any more expensive virtual reality headset. In addition, the price of 375 dollars (about 22 thousand rubles) is much more pleasant than the cost of Oculus or HTC Vive for 60 thousand.
