{"id":49069,"date":"2018-06-19T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2018-06-19T16:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=49069"},"modified":"2025-04-22T11:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T15:24:10","slug":"how-virtual-reality-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/how-virtual-reality-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How Virtual Reality Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Virtual reality (VR) has certainly come a long way. From the invention of the Sensorama machine in the early 1960s to the creation of the Oculus Rift headset \u2014 which paved the way for many VR headsets available on the market today. What started out as science fiction has since become a reality, with VR technology allowing users to immerse themselves in environments that either closely mimic reality or are utterly fantastical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, we can experience virtual reality through mediums such as games and apps. The technology is also making its presence known in the film industry, with filmmakers incorporating virtual reality into documentaries<\/a> and animated films. Facebook and YouTube have also taken advantage of VR by developing 360-degree videos, giving users a chance to try it out for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we discuss how it works and how people can utilize this technology, whether for entertainment or for practical, real-world purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But first, what is VR, and how does VR work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is VR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtual reality allows users to explore and interact within a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment. Current technology utilizes virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments, at times in combination with props or physical environments, to generate highly realistic images, sounds, and other sensations. Once inside the immersive environment, users can execute certain actions, such as moving around, manipulating objects, and utilizing other imaginary features found in this fabricated artificial world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going beyond its technical aspects, virtual reality is considered to be a specific type of reality emulation. The term\u2019s definition stems from the words \u201cvirtual,\u201d which means near and \u201creality,\u201d which pertains to our real-world experiences. Both our senses and the parts of our brain involved in sensory perception dictate our perception of reality. Hence, when the brain is fed made-up information, it can alter our perception of reality. But how does VR work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does VR work?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"How
Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

VR headsets receive input from two different sources: an HDMI cable that is either connected to a PC or console or a smartphone. The former applies to headsets such as the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, while the latter is used with Google\u2019s Daydream and Samsung\u2019s Gear VR headsets. You can also connect other devices\u2014such as head and hand tracking, controllers, and voice input\u2014to your VR headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re ready to use your VR headset, here\u2019s what happens inside of it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are either one or two screens per eye that receive two feeds, as well as autofocus lenses that are positioned between your headset\u2019s screen and your eyes. These can be adjusted depending on both eye movement and positioning. Their other functions include picture focusing and reshaping for each eye, and tilting two 2D images to produce a stereoscopic 3D image that emulates how our eyes view the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several VR headsets have a minimum 100- or 110-degree field of view for a more immersive VR experience. As for the image produced by these devices, a minimum frame rate of 60fps is required to make it convincing without making the user feel sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a VR headset?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

VR headsets are a form of heads-up display (HUD). They allow users to immerse themselves in imaginary environments via a first-person view (FPV). The user\u2019s everyday world is replaced with games, movies, or pre-recorded 360-degree VR environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apps created for these devices can either be mobile or tethered. These feature technology such as gaze tracking, infrared sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers that naturally move the users\u2019 point of view. Stereo (for mobile apps) and surround or 3D sounds (for tethered apps) are also present in these types of apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, VR apps and headsets have encountered problems in their development, with some users experiencing \u201cvirtual reality sickness,\u201d the most common symptoms being headaches, nausea, and vomiting, among others. Developers also struggle to reduce latency to help prevent viewer disorientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most popular VR headsets on the market today include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oculus Quest 2<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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With hundreds of new and backwards-compatible games to choose from, access to live events, and a vibrant online community of gamers, the Oculus Quest 2 is a definite upgrade from prior versions. Use the headset and touch controllers with the mobile app or connect to your computer for even more content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Vision 8K X<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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For intense VR that rivals reality in clarity and scope, the Pimax Vision 8K X is hard to beat. This headset features a 200 degree field of view \u2014 more than double the FOV of many of its competitors. Immersive acoustics complete the experience whether you\u2019re gaming or exploring new worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HTC VIVE Pro 2<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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The HTC VIVE Pro 2 proactively addresses one of the top complaints about VR headsets: eye fatigue. With an adjustable interpupillary distance, you can calibrate the headset and visual effects to suit your eyes. You can even wear the headset with glasses. Say goodbye to VR headaches and tired eyes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Vision 5K Super<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Enjoy a massive collection of games on Steam and Oculus home with this wide FOV headset. The Pimax Vision 5K Super delivers a significant refresh rate upgrade. That makes ghosting effects that can lead to dizziness a thing of the past. For both gaming and watching movies, you\u2019ll notice the resolution improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinegears V1 Pro VR 3D Player<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Designed specifically for VR filmmakers, the Cinegears V1 Pro VR 3D Player features a uniquely developed operating system strategically assembled for VR production. Now 3D filmmakers can fully immerse themselves in the environments they create for troubleshooting, testing, and reviewing on set footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pupillary distance and screen distance are both fully adjustable to ensure maximum comfort and reduced eye fatigue after prolonged use. Removable velcro padding makes cleaning easier and provides a customizable fit for faces of all shapes and sizes. Plus, blue-light-protective, distortion-free lenses pamper your eyes and may even combat sleep interruption issues associated with screen use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HTC VIVE Focus 3<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is a robust VR headset designed for immersive gaming, education, business applications, and exploring marketing campaigns. Dial in the perfect interpupillary distance for improved comfort and enjoy an active cooling mechanism that prevents overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This set\u2019s astounding 3D Spacial Audio will also make you feel fully immersed in your favorite VR content. Open-back speakers keep you aware of your surroundings, while the directional speaker design reduces sound leakage for added privacy. A patented quick-release button makes the set easy to put on and take off quickly for additional convenience and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the uses of virtual reality?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtual reality is present in numerous fields, such as entertainment, marketing, education, and medicine, although gaming remains one of the most popular VR uses. For instance, military forces use VR for flight, battlefield, and vehicle simulations, as well as medic training and virtual boot camp. It also helps them reduce training costs and recreate training conditions safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VR systems are widely utilized in both mental health and medical training, and are used to treat post-traumatic stress, anxiety, phobias, and depression. Both medical and dental students have taken advantage of this technology, as it enables them to practice surgeries and other procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the field of education, VR systems enable students to interact with each other in 3D environments. Museums, the solar system, and historical time periods can be \u201cvisited\u201d remotely with the help of VR. The technology can also encourage children with special needs to practice their social skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does virtual reality look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Ancient Colosseum: A Virtual reality experience with Oculus Rift<\/div><\/div>
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