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Introduction to PCVR

Estimated Reading Time: 1 Minutes
2021

Introduction to PCVR

This articles serves as a table of contents for newer users to PCVR or tethered virtual reality headsets that require a computer and SteamVR. Linking to other articles available in the knowledge base, this article will help you identify hardware, connect it to the PC, open and configure SteamVR, and if necessary, access the SteamVR Tutorial which will show you the basics of virtual reality interaction.  

 

1. Become familiar with VR hardware, how to power them on/off, and connect them to the PC: 

In most cases, you'll only need to know how to connect the headset to the system and turn on the controllers. The trackers will already be configured and require no user interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

Head Mounted Display (HMD) Controllers Base Station Trackers

 

2. Steam and SteamVR

SteamVR is required for all currently used PCVR virtual reality programs. Ensure you know how to access the Steam application, open SteamVR, and connect the hardware listed above to the system prior to beginning any virtual reality applications.

Opening Steam and SteamVR

 

3. Starting SteamVR Tutorial

If you have little to no experience in virtual reality try the SteamVR tutorial to familiarize yourself with the basics of movement, locomotion, and interaction. It lasts about five minutes. For more experience, try "The Lab" listed in the Steam games library.

Accessing the SteamVR Tutorial

Introduction to PCVR

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