Updated Crystal FAQ

Why does the Crystal need to use its battery, even when tethered?

Crystal is based on Qualcomm’s latest XR2 platform, and features a dual-mode design that supports both PCVR mode and stand-alone mode. The Qualcomm platform requires battery power to start and run.

In addition to wired PC VR mode, users can unplug the DP cable and use the independent VR mode for wireless and streamed experiences, giving users a different sense of freedom and flexibility. In the independent VR usage scenario, the battery is also an essential component.

Furthermore, from an ergonomic design perspective, the battery design at the back of the headband helps balance the weight distribution of the headset. This approach has been recognized by early testing users, who generally believe that the weight distribution of the battery can effectively improve wearing comfort.

Here we go into more detail here on why the Crystal has an XR2 chip.

What’s the battery life in PCVR mode?

In the latest version of Crystal, the battery life of a single battery has increased to about 6 hours, which can meet the demand for continuous use in nearly all PCVR scenarios. In most cases, VR users use it for no more than 3 hours at a time. When the user rests, the power of the headset can be restored through charging. In fact, PCVR users basically do not need to consider battery life.

At the same time, the Pimax design has already considered the usage scenarios of users who need to go beyond 6 hours. This is why the headset supports hot-swappable batteries and is equipped with two batteries. Meanwhile, we continue to optimize the software to further improve battery life.

What is the official response to Crystal reporting that its FOV level is 103 degrees (instead of the promised 120/125 degrees)?

RISA2000 is not officially certified software or an industry standard, so we really can’t say too much about it. Additionally, the FOV test in SteamVR only renders the FOV. Different measurement methods will present different values. Human usage is also different, for instance, your facial shape or the use of different cushions used, eye positions, etc., will have an impact on the test results.

According to our own technical design drawings, Crystal’s horizontal FOV is definitely 125 degrees. So in our own measurement method, it is 125 degrees horizontal FOV. (In fact, there are differences between the reported FOV of many headsets and the measurement methods of users).

What is the FOV of the crystal?

– When using a standard 35 PPD lens, the diagonal FOV is 130°.

– When using a large FOV lens, the diagonal FOV can be enlarged to 140°.

– When using a 42PPD lens, the diagonal FOV is the smallest, at 120°.

What is the minimum requirement for a GPU when using Crystal?

The minimum GPU you need is an RTX 2070, and we recommend an RTX 3080 or better. For a more detailed list, see here our minimum PC requirements for VR.

About the focusing problem (limited to consulting about the focusing problem of non-myopic users during the roadshow)

Due to the differences in the Eastern and Western populations, the sample size of our internal testing is small and cannot fully cover the issues that users may encounter.

To address this issue, we have conducted further targeted comparative verification and combined with the analysis of the R&D team to quickly locate the problem. In our design, due to excessive consideration of some of the population with basic myopia and the desire to ensure the visual effect of normal vision population, the crystal lens on the screen is lowered by 2 mm compared to the standard when designing; We have completed the adjustment of the lens holder height to make it more suitable for your vision.

This solution has been fixed in the current device, so this problem will not occur again in the future.

Is Crystal’s controller tracking made by Qualcomm?

Crystal’s controller tracking algorithm is a completely self-developed solution. We have a professional algorithm team responsible for research and design and ensuring fast product iteration.
Currently, Crystal’s controller tracking solution is close to that of the Quest 2. Our algorithm team is still continuously optimizing algorithms to make positioning and tracking more accurate.

Does Crystal support AMD high-end graphics cards?

Currently, Crystal supports the use of AMD 6700xt, 6900xt, 7900xt, and 7900xtx graphics cards;
Compatibility issues with other models are being closely worked on in collaboration with AMD.

Can the Crystal be used with a laptop?

Yes. High-performance laptops with direct-connected graphics card DP and mini-DP interfaces (laptops with an RTX 3080 graphics card or above) are recommended.

Can the Pimax Crystal play Oculus games?

Crystal currently needs to use the Pimax Play client driver. We are working on adapting Oculus games. Users can launch the games they want to play through Pimax Play.
OpenXR support will be available in the future.

What’s the difference between Crystal and 12K?

12K QLED is the flagship product of the Pimax Reality Series, which features an ultra-wide FOV and offers a maximum resolution of 12K QLED. Crystal is the first product of the Pimax P3 series, which features ultra-high-definition and realistic color reproduction.
Crystal and 12K QLED have 75% similarities in their system architecture, dual-mode functions, and design. The main difference between them is in the lens and the differences in screen and resolution.

Is it compatible with an RTX 4090 GPU?

Yes. Crystal supports the use of the 4090 graphics card.

Why are the resolution data of all-in-one mode and PCVR inconsistent?

Taking into account factors such as usage scenarios, chip processing capability, and battery life, there will be resolution adjustments when in an all-in-one mode.

Can it be used with the lights off? Can it be switched to 3DOF?

Due to the need for light recognition of objects for positioning in 6DoF VR operations, inaccurate or lost positioning may occur if the lighting is too dim. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it in the case of turning off the lights. Currently, the use of 3DoF is not supported.

How to solve the SteamVR button adaptation problem

    1. You can submit any unavailable games to us, and we will optimize them based on your feedback for different games.
    1. You can also change the custom buttons of your controller in the SteamVR controller settings to use it normally.

Furthermore, for games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS World, and others, we recommend running OpenXR instead of SteamVR. More on that here in our article on how to run openXR on the Pimax Crystal.

What’s the Tobii eye tracking refresh rate?

120Hz

1 Like