Virtual Reality headsets are becoming increasingly popular; you can use them for gaming, watching movies, and even working. The VR headset developers attract more users by offering a wider field of view and higher resolutions. So, the question is, can you replace your monitor with a VR headset?
The short answer is yes, but there are some things you need to take into consideration before you make the switch. You need to download the required software to mirror your PC to the headset. The virtual reality (VR) headset may be a monitor for work, entertainment, and gaming.
In this blog post, I will discuss how you can use the VR headset as a monitor replacement and the pros and cons of using a VR headset as a monitor replacement. I will also mention the best VR headsets used as a monitor replacement.
How Does a VR Headset Work as a Monitor Replacement?
To use a VR headset as a monitor replacement, you need to connect it to your PC. You can do this by using an HDMI cable or a DisplayPort cable. Once the VR headset is connected to your PC, you need to download and install the required software to mirror your PC display on the VR headset.
There are many software options available that allow you to mirror your PC display on the VR headset.
I will mention a few popular software options below:
Once you have installed the required software, you can launch it and select the VR headset as the display device. You can also adjust the settings to improve the image quality.
The image quality will depend on your VR headset’s resolution and the software’s quality. Some VR headsets have a higher resolution than others. The HTC Vive Pro, for example, has a resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels.
!! For more information about the different VR headsets on the market, check out this product specification list.
Factors to Consider When Using a VR Headset as a Monitor Replacement
There are a few factors you need to take into consideration before you use a VR headset as your monitor replacement.
1. The Power of Your PC
Your PC needs to be powerful enough to run the software and games you want to play. The image quality will also depend on the power of your PC. If you want to use a VR headset as your primary monitor, you need to ensure your PC is powerful enough.
2. The Cost of the VR Headset
VR headsets are not cheap. Some of the high-end VR headsets can cost upwards of $1000. So you need to make sure the VR headset you choose is within your budget.
3. The Quality of the Image
The image quality will depend on your VR headset’s resolution and the software’s quality. Some VR headsets have a higher resolution than others. The HTC Vive Pro, for example, has a resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels.
4. The VR Headset Weight
Some VR headsets are very heavy and can cause neck pain after extended use. So, you need to make sure the VR headset you choose is not too heavy.
The Pros and Cons of Using a VR Headset as a Monitor Replacement
There are both pros and cons to using a VR headset as a monitor replacement.
The Pros:
You Can Immerse Yourself in the Game, Work, or Movie
When you use a VR headset as your primary monitor, you can immerse yourself in the game or movie. This is because the VR headset covers your entire field of view. This enhances your concentration and allows you to focus on the task at hand.
The Image Quality is Good
The image quality is good, and it can be even better if you have a high-end VR headset. Some VR headsets have a resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels.
Extra Large Screen
The VR headset can give you an extra-large screen. This is because the VR headset covers your entire field of view. You can fill your whole view with the game or movie you’re watching.
Multiple Virtual Monitors
You can use the VR headset to create multiple virtual monitors. Softwares like Immersed allow you to create multiple virtual monitors. You can use these virtual monitors to do different tasks. For example, you can have one virtual monitor for watching a movie and another virtual monitor for browsing the web.
Compact Size
It is very easy to carry a VR headset with you, especially if you are a laptop user. This is because VR headsets are very compact. You can easily put them in your backpack or carry-on luggage.
The Cons:
You Need a Powerful PC
Your PC needs to be powerful enough to run the software and games you want to play. The image quality will also depend on the power of your PC. If you want to use a VR headset as your primary monitor, you need to ensure your PC is powerful enough.
The VR Headset can be Expensive
VR headsets are not cheap. Some of the high-end VR headsets can cost upwards of $1000. So you need to make sure the VR headset you choose is within your budget.
You Might Experience Motion Sickness
Some people experience motion sickness when they use a VR headset. This is because the VR headset covers your entire field of view, and you can’t see anything else. If you experience motion sickness, you can try to reduce it by playing not too fast-paced games.
You Need to Take Breaks
Because the VR headset covers your entire field of view, you need to take breaks often. This is because you can’t see anything else when you’re wearing the VR headset.
Keyboard/ Mouse Issues
Using a keyboard and mouse can be hard when you’re wearing a VR headset. While using the headsets, you cannot see the real world; thus, you’ll be using the keyboard “blindly,” which can be hard for some people.
Also, if you’re playing a game that requires a lot of movement, it can be hard to use a keyboard and mouse. You might need to use a game controller instead.
Overall, there are both pros and cons to using a VR headset as a monitor replacement. You need to consider every possibility before you make your decision.
What are Some of the Best VR Headsets to Use as a PC Replacement?
As with most tech gadgets, not all VR headsets are created equal. The resolution and overall visual output quality will be the most crucial factors when the aim is to replace your monitor with a VR headset.
The comfort element is also important since modern headsets aren’t all that comfortable to use for extended periods.
Here are two of the best VR headsets to use as a PC monitor replacement, based on those factors:
Meta Quest 2
The headset has an LCD that can produce a resolution of 1832 by 1920 per eye. Thanks to the headset’s excellent visual clarity, you can read the text and other stuff without straining your eyes.
Although comfort might be improved right out of the box, several official and third-party straps, foam paddings, and cushions are available to enhance comfort.
You should be aware that to utilize the headset; you will need a Facebook account.
HP Reverb G2
If visual clarity is your priority, put away the ultra-high-end VR headsets and choose the HP Reverb G2 with its twin LCD displays (2160 by 2160 resolution per eye).
In comparison to the Quest 2, it is also a little more expensive (around $600.00). The Reverb G2 is the one to choose, however, if you’re serious about replacing your display with a VR headset.
Reasons for Using a VR Headset as a Monitor Replacement
There are a few reasons why you might want to use a VR headset as your monitor replacement. These reasons include:
You Can Immerse Yourself in the Game, Work, or Movie
When you use a VR headset as your primary monitor, you can immerse yourself in the game or movie. This is because the VR headset covers your entire field of view. You can also use the VR headset to create multiple virtual monitors.
You Can Focus Better
When working on a task that requires a lot of concentration, it is better to use a VR headset as your primary monitor. This is because you can’t see anything else when you’re wearing the VR headset.
You Can Save Space
VR headsets are very compact. You can easily put them in your backpack or carry-on luggage. This means that you don’t need to have a lot of space to store a VR headset.
You Don’t Want to Buy Another Monitor
You may have a gaming computer or a workstation for which you don’t want to buy another monitor. In this case, you can use a VR headset as your monitor replacement.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for immersive gaming or movie-watching experience, then using a VR headset as your monitor replacement is a good option.
You can do this by connecting your VR headset to your computer. Just make sure your graphics card can handle the resolution of the VR headset.
I hope this article has helped you learn how to use a VR headset as a monitor replacement.
Espen
Espen is the Director of PursuitMeta and has written extensively about Virtual Reality and VR Headsets for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested VR Headsets for the last decade.
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