As the title suggests, I want to be able to play some VR games in flat mode without triggering pimax or steam into VR mode. Is there a way to turn off VR detection? AS an example, No Man’s Sky is far better in flat mode than in VR for me. The VR implementation for this particular game leaves something to be desired. I would rather play it with an xbox controller than the Steam controllers. Thanks.
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You could always install VorpX. It’s quite nice when configured. It has Pimax support and semi-automatic profiles now.
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Unfortunately other than using it with VR in say things like theater mode. You’d need to have the old Extend mode to support being used as a regular monitor.
I have played pancake Games in VR theater mode in steamvr…
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Hmmm I always get the choice of whether to play NMS in VR or not. If I’m using my monitor I just choose the option to play in non-SteamVR mode, which is the first choice in the launch window.
Always loaded VR mode either via PiTool, or these days from Experience, so basically I have to manually choose to launch in VR.
After a bit of getting used it, I absolutely love the VR implementation, personally I think it’s one of the best. Not like Skyrim or something which is an awful bolt-on, this is done properly. I also stopped playing ED because of this now. Happily switch NMS between non-VR with gamepad, and VR with Index controllers. Got used to both.
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Is the extend mode no longer available? If it is where do i find it and how do i configure it?
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Thanks for the reply. I just want to basically use my headset as a passive monitor. have played NMS in VR too but don’t always want to. I like the control scheme with the xbox controller. I have over 1000 hours in NMS and have gotten spoiled by the Steam xbos controller configuration. I could get used to the VR visuals if i could use the xbox controller in it.
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Could a simple passive monitor mode be added to PE? That would provide a lot of flexibility for using this amazing headset as a desktop device for those that prefer the privacy. I realize that it was designed as a VR device but more flexible non-VR uses would be extremely useful.
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I hope you could use Virtual Desktop to do that - it would work on the assumption that you can then launch NMS from Steam and tell it to run in non-VR mode on the window prompt.
I haven’t tested it myself but worth a shot. Not familiar with SteamVR theatre mode to know if that would also allow it, but it sounds like @Heliosurge is saying it’s no longer possible? I presume he means it forces VR mode on detection of SteamVR
Edit I’ll try to test this myself, but now away from my VR machine for a couple of days
Even for a “passive monitor” you would need an app which would simulate the monitor, for example Big Screen, which will render the regular monitor output into 3D scene (in particular size and distance, so you can see it).
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You don’t understand. I don’t want the 3d screen. I just want a flat monitor i can wear on my face. THat should not be too difficult. It should only be disabling all of the 3d rendering and outputting the same display on both screens.
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In order to see anything in the headset you need to project it correctly into the 3D (i.e. render correct stereoscopic projection, so your eyes actually can match both left and right images) and warp it to cancel the lens distortion.
The usual way how to do it is to render the 2D image in “theater mode” which means on a virtual canvas which has a comfortable distance and size in the 3D space, so you can watch it with ease.
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I understand, but that isn’t a viable viewing mode. The VR lenses will warp those dual images into a distorted mess.
What you need to do is use a VR video/movie watching app, to simulate a large flat screen in VR. I use Virtual Desktop or Simple VR Video Player, but there are lots of good options.
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Speaking of which…
(Off topic, I know; Sorry.)
Somebody put together Half Life Alyx gravity glove-like picking up physics objects, for Skyrim.
Download link to the prototype in the video descriptions (Cangar there persuaded the maker to share the thing in its current state).
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Ha nice, I’m impressed that such things are possible.
I’ll take back what I said, ‘awful’ is too strong a word. Let’s say ‘limited’, given the age of the game. Although the above goes to show that perhaps they could have gone the whole hog 
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Extended Mode was discussed during the Kickstarter but pimax didn’t add this option.
You can launch non vr games in SteamVR in Theater mode. VD and Big Screen should also work.
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Thank you all for the education. i did not realize how complex it is to do something seemingly simple. i will use bigscreen to do what i need. Thanks. Having said that, does the same apply to using my xbox controller instead of the steam controllers? or is that something too complicated also?
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It depends on the game. For example, I use an xbox controller for a quick game of Assetto Corsa (in VR), instead of setting up a steering wheel, pedals, etc. Unfortunately, many VR-only games do not support an xbox controller.
In Steam, you can see what controllers are supported on the game’s store page.
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I tried that today and it does seem to work ok. the only drawback is that i’m running it on a 1080 GPU laptop and it has some hesitation because of the software within software within software situation. Pimax>steam>virtual desktop>game. slows things down some. it is playable if you have some patience.
Thanks.
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i do not intend to play VR only game in a flat mode. I was interested in NMS particularly, it does work. albeit a bit jerky from time to time.
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