One Week To Go!!!

Here it is October and the fall weather is apon us. Some it may be cooler than others and some warmer than others...either way it's here. This is what we have been waiting for since the pre orders went live in March. Like I have said before, some of us have been waiting for proper VR sine TRON and the Lawnmower Man. Well, we are all about to get our dose of PSVR and for one I will be happy to take it all in.

The Reviews

I am sure you may have seen the reviews out there on the unit. Most are positive. Some are comparing the PSVR to the Vive and Oculus. Many of us have not used either of those two, But here is the thing. There was one review that was done by a company that has a magazine that the reviewer started to talk about the nausea. They also said that they get motion sickness from 3D, so my question is why would the one person that is prone to motion sickness be allowed to review PSVR? Of course they are going to give it a bad score because they cannot handle it when they are already getting sick from 3D and who knows maybe car rides. 

My point is this. Most of the "Reviewers" if you notice are in a room or studio with bright  lights. Some of the points being made is not even going to reflect on the norm as everyone's place of living is not going to be set up the same. Some of us will be playing in the dark. I mean why have the light on if you're the only one playing, It's not like you are going to see the lights in your house. Some of us may only have one or two lights in their living room. If you want a detailed review that is actually well rounded of the PSVR watch this

Just remember if you are getting PSVR, you getting because you want it, you want that next level of playing. Will we get a lot  of ports of things out there, sure. But honestly I am ok with that. The more we have to play, the more we get to experience and isn't that what we want...more content? Now there is also reviews of the games and even online videos showing that. But keep in mind, it may ruin the experience. So if you do not care about that, enjoy at your own risk. However, if you want to be surprised and part of VR is giving you that surprise, then avoid. 

PSVR Processing Box

Now with ever PSVR comes the processing box and it basically looks like a small PS4. But what does it actually do.

• It carries out object-based 3D audio processing ("really good and important to VR").
• it displays the social screen - undistorting the VR output for display on TV. Quality is lost in this process, so it scales the image up and crops it so you don't see edges.
• "Separate mode" - a completely separate audio and video stream you can send over to TV, as opposed to the mirrored social screen. It's sent compressed to the PU and then uncompressed by the device and sent to the screen. We're told that this was "an innovation that came quite late" in the development of the system.
• It displays PS4's system software interface in cinematic mode, handling the display of traditional 2D content.

Now what is 3D Audio? 3D Audio effects are a group of sound effects that manipulate the sound produced by stereo speakers, surround-sound speakers, speaker-arrays, or headphones. This frequently involves the virtual placement of sound sources anywhere in three-dimensional space, including behind, above or below the listener. Some are asking about will your headphones you have now work. The processing box that comes with every PSVR provides the 3D Audio. So any wired headphones will be able to be plugged into the inline remote. So that means that the headphones that come with the PSVR will allow you to hear 3D Audio. Yes even your Pulse Wireless headset will work via audio cable that came with it. If you don't have that cable any more, you can get them off Amazon pretty cheap.

Keep in mind wireless headphones will not work with PSVR. For 3D Audio/Binaural Audio you need wired headphones. If you are looking for a new set to go along with your PSVR, then I will suggest two. Releasing on October 9th we have Turtle Beach 350VR. I have been trying to find out more info as far as reviews as I want to know how actually well they do sound as some times what they have at your local store may not actually be how they sound at home. I know the charge is supposed to last at least 30 hours and has a detachable mic.

• Integrated Amplifier - Play for over 30 hours with the built-in rechargeable amplifier
• Variable Bass Boost - Increase spatial immersion in VR with powerful and controllable bass response
• High Quality 50mm Speakers - Hear every crisp high and thundering low with these large 50mm speakers
• Mic Monitoring - Say it, don't shout it thanks to the ability to hear the volume of your own voice
• Noise-Cancelling Microphone with Mic Monitoring - Communicate clearly with your team using the mic monitoring feature
• Ergonomic VR Design - Tailored for an out-of-this-world virtual reality experience with memory foam ear cushions and plenty of clearance for your VR headset and cables
• Lightweight Comfort - Reduce fatigue during long sessions with this lightweight headset, memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband.

 $79.99

The other one is the Official Sony Platinum Wireless and according to Amazon comes out in November. With these you do get:

• 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound: Experience rich, highly positional virtual surround sound powered by revolutionary 3D audio technology.
• 3D Audio: In select PS4™ games that fully support 3D audio, hear and feel an amazingly rich audio experience with surround sound emanating from all directions, including above and below you.
• 50mm Drivers: Highly responsive drivers provide amazing clarity and range of sound to your virtual world, from soaring highs and mids to a rich bass.
• Exclusive Audio Modes: Download the companion app from PlayStation® Store to tune your headset with audio modes created by developers to bring out every subtle nuance in their game. 

So yes these are wireless, but does come with the audio cable so when played with PSVR will work but comes at a price of $159.99. So it really comes down to what features your  wanting and what brand you may trust. 

So will you be sticking with what you have or will you be getting one of these new headsets?

HDR TV's

Well it has confirmed that the processing box does not support HDR pass through. So what does that mean for the ones that got an HDR TV and for the ones getting the PSVR. Well you do have some options. 

1) You will have to unplug from the processing unit to the tv each time you are wanting to switch from PSVR to regular PS4 playing on the tv. Not really that big of a deal, 3 seconds bam done.

2) The processing unit is what is allowing you to use the social screen, so basically what you are seeing in PSVR, anyone else in the room can see what you are seeing on the TV. It  also is needed if you plan on playing games like Playroom VR where others can play as one is wearing PSVR. But if you will be the only one playing PSVR or if someone wants to watch TV while you are playing (technically you don't need a tv to use PSVR) you then should be able to bypass the processing box and leave the PS4 connected as you have it.

3) Now if you don't want to keep unplugging or plugging  and have an HDR TV, then I bet there is some sort of HDMI splitter on Amazon that does support HDR and that might be the best option down the road.

PSN Deal

Right now at the PSN Store there is a deal running that if you spend $100.00 in the PSN Store you will get $15.00 back and is good until November. With PSVR coming out next/this week (depending on when you read this) the PSVR titles will be added. So feel free to stack those PSN wallets (remember you cannot have more than $150.00) in your PSN wallet (They are not a bank and therefore have guidelines they have to follow). Right now you can pre order Rez Infinite ($29.99) and 100ft Robot Golf ($19.99 or $17.99 if you have PS+) and both oth PSVR titles. But come Oct. 13th the flood gates will be open.

Well ladies and gentleman...players of all ages, now is the time. VR is coming at us full steam ahead. It's either stand and let it pass you by or get hit and get aboard the PSVR Hype Train. Now there may be one last stop until the 13th, but our final destination is fast approaching and we can finally see that light at the end of the tunnel...all aboard