The Valerion looks great, I’ve been following the Kickstarter but I’m happy with the PJ I’ve got.
There are strong rumours on Valves next HMD so I’m holding on to the hope Index 2 will be a reality in 2025.
2 Likes
Does Pimax Prime still include an imposition on how many times an HMD can be resold (I believe they said 3 times in their presentation)? I find this completely unacceptable as it effectively reduces the resale value of the product with no advantages offered in return. In the EU for example, such an imposition is illegal.
Other than that, I still don’t understand how Pimax Prime is meant to work when buying from a reseller. Does anyone know?
If I were to buy another Pimax HMD at some point in the future, I would only do it via amazon or another reputable reseller, so that I can get a proper RMA in case something goes wrong.
If it’s only possible via Pimax themselves, the products are dead to me anyway.
If it’s possible via a reseller, I want to pay the full price of the HMD and have 0 obligation for a user check (if an account is required, I’m out). The reason is very straightforward: I do not trust whatever database holds the information that I have paid for the access to my property (the HMD). If Pimax goes bust, I’d be seriously worried that the next owner does actually implement the mandatory online check; to then have to show proof of purchase is just too much hassle for my liking. Or, if Pimax goes bust and there is no new owner, I’d be extremely worried for who pays the bills for the server check that could any day render what I paid for in full into a paperweight.
2 Likes
You are raising an interesting point: will the Super eventually become available via a reputable reseller? That would probably fix the issue because I don‘t expect them to be interested in participating in any such dodgy subscription scheme. But that of course means Pimax would need to offer the subscription free version of their software for such customers, and one would have to hope that this is truly the case and not just some setting which makes it seem as if there is no check happening… and with each new software update they could introduce the check again, and introduce their paid software after 2 or 3 years after all.
As I said, unfortunately Pimax have opened a can of worms here and this kind of uneasy feeling will now be present even if the‘d bury Pimax Play tomorrow.
Well with any new product release(as we know even KS,) imho it is best not to be first in line to receive. Generally best to see how the product release goes and the bugs worked out. Just look at the issues both Nvidia and Amd have released over the years.
Now with the AWOL projector being maybe just a marketing gimmick. Then not really a risk, we have seen a few companies use it as simply a product promotion. Otherwise KS are just a big risk with people not understanding it and treating it as a pre order instead of a financial risk.
I know I have been more careful. After investing in a few successfully funded KS that failed. I was fortunate those KS were low amounts only $100 US loss. Which I am thankful that while Pimax’s KS was not as successful as planned. They did deliver a reasonable product.
1 Like
This is very valid as well. If your content with something you already have and are using. Is there really a need to upgrade?
Well if some of the rumours are true. Valve’s next hmd may also run on the next Steam deck. Likely for a PC standalone vs Quest using Arm. Then also have potential of PC tethering
Beware - Off-Topic
Yes, I am more cautious with Kickstarters nowadays, have had one big fail (FeelThree; whose owner Mark Towner simply disappeared with what was left once things didn‘t work out as planned (also happened during the pandemic)), and one where I was lucky but many did not yet receive their device, although there is still hope (Yaw 2).
But Valerion really looks like a cheap way to drag a lot of attention. Save for the top model they are planning to deliver most pledges beginning directly now in December, so the development had been completed, devices had already been sent to reviewers prior to the Kickstarter campaign and the reviews appear to show few issues (only 3D wasn‘t activated in the early going, but had been patched in later).
But on the upgrade part, that‘s generally a fair observation. I didn‘t plan to upgrade now, as I bought a cheapish shift 4K projector in my Viewsonic PX748 and wanted to upgrade once native 4K becomes affordable. But the Valerion seems pretty neat also in terms of contrast, etc. so I succumbed. If it doesn‘t offer much of an upgrade after all, I would hope that I can sell it off right away w/o any greater loss.
Off-Topic end
2 Likes
My last Kickstarter is the HasLab Ghostbusters Trap and PKE meter. I’m waiting for that to turn up any time now. They have a great track record for delivery.
I was in the same mindset when it came to Valerion. If it wasn’t as good as the Sony 290es I was going to sell it on at no loss. But I didn’t go for it in the end solely because of the DLP rainbow unknown. Looking forward to hearing about your experience @Axacuatl
2 Likes
Well, that’s the confusing part:
Jaap clearly states in one of the deep dives after the last major presentation that Pimax Prime would not apply to HMDs sold before the presentation.
Does it already apply if buying eg a Crystal Light?
If so there are two distinct classes of Crystal Light available: the one via a reseller at full price with no account or online check obligation like alternate.de right now (with two years of EU mandated warranty) or the one from the PIMAX storefront.
@PimaxQuorra could you please expand on that?
1 Like
Resellers are are an interesting aspect!
Perhaps Pimax could create an (optimally open source) “Pimax Core” version of the driver suite that doesn’t need registration, has no phone home and lock-out features - just what is needed to use the headset. This version could be bundled with the reseller versions of the headset. These can sell them for full price as usual, offer payment by installments options like many already do now, with 2 years warranty, 14 day return time etc.
And then Pimax can offer the “Pimax Prime” option directly from their webpage with all the strings attached that they consider necessary. Then customers have the choice. And Pimax (who apparently assume that customers “want” this Pimax Prime) gets valuable feedback about customer preferences. And those (hypothetical?) customers who would really buy the Pimax Prime option in that scenario would apparently be fine with it.
Everybody happy!
2 Likes
The problem with having an open-source version of core. Is that people will obtain the open source core in one form or another.
Making the payment plan option; software control ineffective. As you just go from the pimax play to the open-source core driver.
Pimax should just call pimax prime what it is:
- optional payment plan. Deposit X then 24 monthly payments at Y.
- Pay full amount for headset which is $$$.
With resellers selling hmd at full price. It likely won’t take long for customs to charge import fees based on product’s full price and not just on the deposit amount.
All pimax has done is created a lot of confusion by trying to dress this up calling it a subscription.
2 Likes
Let’s see what Pimax’ next move is. Game on.
2 Likes
It sounds like a concept that an investor imposes on a company. Turn hardware sales into a subscription sort of idea. On the other hand it could be that Pimax are just bad at doing business and actually thought this might be a good idea to boost sales.
If it‘s the latter, cancel Pimax Prime as a concept and offer a BNPL scheme like everybody else. Hell, your resellers already do it, just do it as well on your webshop.
If it’s the former, well, it’s now the third major bad strategy decision since the Crystal AIO monstrosity and the terrible accident that is Portal.
1 Like
To me it’s Pimax looking at future headsets and say heck let’s get people roped into a Pimax sale now before MeganX, Index2 and Somnium get there headsets to market and keep them locked in and can’t change their mind.
I don’t know why people can’t just get an interest free credit card and pay for the thing outright and pay the credit card off and be free of any after sale shenanigans.
Something big is coming next year, are we ready?
They have an answer to the things you brought up in the latest video they put out about Pimax Prime. You should watch it. They said that you could use it offline.
1 Like
The mere fact that there is some kind of disabling mechanism makes me personally feel uncomfortable with it. Whatever the exact mechanics of it are, if there is a general online check or only occasionally, I don‘ want to spend 2k on a device which has restrictions. Say, Pimax go bankrupt next year or a new owner/major investor demands a subscription for the further use, they could simply enforce it. Of course this could also happen with any other headset, but then you could e.g. roll back the firmware to a version which did not have such online check - here it would not be possible.
It may in part also be psychological in nature - but it will nevertheless prevent that I would buy the Super.
That‘s the big difference between a device being priced say 500 and one coming in at 2k: I am not prepared to take a risk with the most expensive headset I would then have purchased during the entire time of getting engaged in VR, I.e. since 2014.
Well it is definitely mislabeled. Once the 24 months or one time payment of the full amount is complete. There is no further fees.
The portal not that terrible except that pimax was maybe not the manufacturer to push it. It likely wouldn’t have been any better if Qualcomm has kept this project instead of passing it over.
Had pimax been able to keep focus and released the easy things like the portal XL. It would be better. The device itself had good reviews. Complete the VR mode. Open things up and reach out to third parties. I long ago bought a 3dscanner that uses a phone. So peripheral add on frames like a 3dscanner, camera module, a laptop type dock like Motorola tried years ago and Razor a few years ago. The portal needed some also much better exposure getting it into places like GameStop.
But instead like so many of pimax whims. It was set aside and went nowhere.
The option to disable a pimax hmd has been there since one of the pitool versions. As we saw a couple of hiccups when a small number of ppl had their 8kX’s say “illegal Device” or something like it.
Even the 7invensun ETs can be disabled by the manufacturer.
And we know even Windows can be crippled via an update. Stating serial is not valid.
A bit off topic. But a good look at users who have taken portal into their own hands
1 Like
No, this wouldn’t apply to any HMDs sold before the Prime is introduced.
If you’re purchasing from a reseller, the full price would apply rather than being asked to join the Prime program (as it’s only available on Pimax.com). Of course, other distributors might offer alternative payment methods, such as installment plans or similar options.
Prime though is just a payment plan gimmick that if you pay in full you will get prime discount offers.??!!??
1 Like