HTC VIVE User manual

User guide

Contents
System requirements
What are the system requirements? 5
How can I check if my PC meets the minimum system requirements for VIVE? 6
Can I still use VIVE if my PC doesn't meet the system requirements? 6
What's inside the box? 6
Headset and link box
Headset 7
Link box 16
Deluxe Audio Strap 19
Product care and repair 34
Troubleshooting 40
Base stations
About the VIVE base stations 45
Installing the base stations 46
Tips for setting up the base stations 48
Using the mounting kit 48
Updating base station firmware via cable connection 49
Updating base station firmware via Bluetooth 50
What does the status light on the base stations mean? 51
What should I do if any of the base stations is not detected? 51
Can I use the older version of the base stations together with SteamVR Tracking 2.0 Base Stations? 51
Which VIVE hardware are compatible with my base stations? 51
Do I need to use the sync cable? 52
Are the base stations covered by warranty if accidentally damaged? 53
When VIVE is in use, my TV remote isn't working. What can I do? 53
Controllers
About the VIVE controllers 54
Charging the controllers 55
Turning the controllers on or off 55
Pairing the controllers with the headset 55
Attaching the lanyards to the controllers 56
Updating controller firmware 56
What does the status light on the controllers mean? 57
What should I do if any of the controllers is not tracked? 57
How do I know which of the controllers is not being tracked? 57
What can I do if the controller's trackpad is oversensitive? 58
What should I do if my controller won't turn on? 58
The controller automatically turns off. What should I do? 58
My controller won't turn on after I accidentally unplugged it during firmware update. What should I do? 59
Play area
What is the play area? 60
Planning your play area 60
2 Contents

Choosing the play area 61
Setting up VIVE for the first time 62
Setting up a standing-only play area 62
Setting up a room-scale play area 63
Resetting the play area 63
Verifying your setup 64
After setting up, how do I turn the VIVE system on? 64
What is the recommended space for the play area? 65
Can I include space occupied by furniture for the play area? 65
Will VR apps for seated/standing-only experiences work with room-scale setup? 65
How do I resolve download errors during VIVE Setup installation? 65
I can't complete the room setup. What should I do? 65
Settings
VIVEPORT app settings 66
System Dashboard settings 66
Phone notifications 67
SteamVR 70
Trademarks and copyrights
Index
3 Contents

About this guide
We use the following symbols to indicate useful and important information:
This is a note. It provides detailed information for setup, common questions, and what to do in
specific situations.
This is a tip. It will give you an alternative way to do a particular step or procedure that you may
find helpful.
This indicates important information that you need in order to accomplish a certain task or to
get a feature to work properly.
This is a warning. Take note to avoid potential problems or prevent damage to your hardware.
Information contained in this guide may have changed. For the most up-to-date information,
including the latest version of this guide, go to VIVE Support.
4 About this guide

System requirements
What are the system requirements?
To use VIVE™, your computer must meet the following system requirements.
To find out if your computer is ready for VR, download and run the Vive Quick Compatibility
Check.
Component Recommended system
requirements
Minimum system requirements
Processor Intel®Core™i5-4590/AMD FX™8350
equivalent or better
Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX 8350
equivalent or better
GPU NVIDIA®GeForce®GTX 1060, AMD
Radeon™RX 480 equivalent or better
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, AMD
Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better
Memory 4 GB RAM or more 4 GB RAM or more
Video output HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort™1.2 or newer HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer
USB port 1x USB 2.0 or newer 1x USB 2.0 or newer
Operating
system
Windows®7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or
later, Windows 10
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or
later, Windows 10
5 System requirements

How can I check if my PC meets the minimum system
requirements for VIVE?
To find out if your computer is ready for VR, download and run the Vive Quick Compatibility
Check.
Can I still use VIVE if my PC doesn't meet the system
requirements?
In order for you to enjoy the VIVE experience, it is recommended that you at least have a PC that
meets the minimum system requirements. For details, see What are the system requirements?
on page 5.
What's inside the box?
Your VIVE comes with the following items, which you'll use to experience immersive VR
environments:
Main component Accessories
VIVE headset §3-in-1 cable (attached)
§Audio cable (attached)
§Earbuds
§Face cushion (attached)
§Cleaning cloth
Link box §Power adapter
§HDMI cable
§USB cable
VIVE controllers (2) §Power adapters (2)
§Lanyards (2 attached)
§Micro-USB cables (2)
Base stations (2) §Power adapters (2)
§Mounting kit (2 mounts, 4 screws, and 4 wall anchors)
You can also find documentation in the box, such as the Safety and regulatory guide and
warranty card.
6 System requirements

Headset and link box
Headset
About the VIVE headset
The headset is your window to the VR environment.
The headset has sensors that are tracked by the base stations.
The sensors on the headset are sensitive. Do not cover or scratch the sensor lenses, including
the proximity sensor.
Front and side
1Camera lens
2Tracking sensor
3Headset button
4Status light
5Lens distance knob
7 Headset and link box

Back
1Standard strap
2Audio cable
33-in-1 cable
4IPD (interpupillary distance) knob
5Face cushion
6Lenses
7Proximity sensor
Bottom
1Microphone
2 Nose rest
3 Lens distance knobs
8 Headset and link box

Putting the headset on
Before putting the headset on, make sure that you've peeled off the protective film from the
lenses.
1. Pull the headset down over your eyes.
2. Slide the standard strap around the back of your head, and adjust them so that the
headset fits snugly and comfortably.
3. Make sure that the cables pass through the sleeve at the back of the headset, and are
positioned straight down your back.
Using the IPD knob on the headset
Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the distance between the center of the pupils in your eyes. A quick
way to get an estimate is by facing a mirror and holding a millimeter ruler against your brow. Use
this measurement as a guide to adjust the distance between the lenses of the headset so that
you'll have a better viewing experience.
To change the distance between the lenses, rotate the IPD knob.
As you adjust the IPD, you'll see information displayed in the headset that indicates the current
distance between the centers of the lenses.
9 Headset and link box

Can I wear my prescription glasses while using VIVE?
Most glasses fit inside the headset. If you wear large prescription glasses, adjust the lens
distance to increase the space in the headset.
Make sure that no part of your glasses scratch the headset lenses.
Adjusting the lens distance on the headset
If you wear large prescription glasses or have long eyelashes, you may need to increase the lens
distance further from your face. Only increase this distance as necessary, as the closer the lenses
are to your eyes, the better your field of view will be while wearing the headset.
Make sure that no part of your glasses scratch the headset lenses.
1. Pull out each lens distance knob to unlock it.
2. Rotate both lens distance knobs to adjust the lens further or closer to your face.
3. After you're done adjusting, push each knob to lock it back in.
10 Headset and link box