This video reviews the Bigscreen Beyond 2, a compact PC VR headset designed to maximize gaming immersion. It emphasizes the headset's significant optical enhancements over its predecessor, including a dramatically improved sweet spot, near-elimination of lens flare, and an increased field of view, all while utilizing the same high-resolution micro OLED panels and achieving an even lighter design. The review highlights customization options like 3D-scanned face cushions and adjustable IPD, alongside an optional eye-tracking module. While commending its immersive qualities and Bigscreen's customer service, the video also points out drawbacks such as the relatively basic audio strap, a lower refresh rate compared to some rivals, and the complete absence of inside-out cameras, which limits its general utility beyond dedicated, tethered PC VR gaming. The Beyond 2 is positioned as a premium, niche upgrade for existing PC VR enthusiasts invested in external tracking systems.
Exploring the Bigscreen Beyond 2: A Deep Dive into PC VR Immersion
0:00 - VR Innovation and Immersion: The video introduces the Bigscreen Beyond 2 as a leading device in VR innovation, specifically tailored for extreme immersion in PC video games, significantly improving upon previous headsets like the Valve Index.
0:46 - Core Improvements: The Beyond 2 boasts dramatically improved optics, a multi-user friendly design, optional eye tracking, and is notably lighter than its predecessor.
1:40 - Revamped Optics: The original Beyond's pancake lenses suffered from a small "sweet spot," blurriness, chromatic aberration, and distracting lens flare in high-contrast scenes. The Beyond 2 addresses these issues, offering significantly clearer and more immersive visuals, despite using the same 2560x2560 micro OLED panels.
3:03 - Enhanced Field of View (FOV): The FOV has been expanded from 102° to 116°, bringing it in line with larger competing headsets.
3:30 - Light Seal and Custom Face Cushions: Although pancake lenses inherently reduce panel brightness (from 3000 nits to 150 nits at the eye), the excellent light seal provided by custom 3D-scanned face cushions helps mitigate this.
3:51 - Face Cushion Refinements and Support: While new production batches of face gaskets showed issues with magnets detaching, Bigscreen is praised for its "make it right" approach, offering modified or thicker custom gaskets (e.g., for users with long eyelashes).
5:22 - Sharability Features: The headset offers adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) via a small, less convenient screw. Future plans include a universal face cushion and Halo mount to further enhance sharability, though these are not yet released.
6:10 - Audio Strap Quality: The optional $130 audio strap, developed with Koss Audio, is criticized for feeling flimsy and cheap, and while improving comfort over the stock strap, it falls short on immersion. Third-party foam replacements are suggested.
7:27 - Optional Eye Tracking: A $200 premium optional eye-tracking module is available. However, its main benefit (foveated rendering) is not currently supported in SteamVR, limiting its practical use to social VR experiences, without accompanying face tracking.
8:36 - Refresh Rate Limitations: The Beyond 2 has a default refresh rate of 75Hz, with a maximum of 90Hz, which is lower than many competitors (e.g., Pimax Crystal's 120Hz+), potentially impacting immersion in fast-paced games.
9:14 - Tracking and Camera Absence: Due to its compact size, the headset can lose tracking more easily with limited lighthouse setups. A significant drawback is the complete absence of any inside-out cameras, meaning no passthrough vision, making real-world interactions (like finding a keyboard) challenging.
10:03 - Premium Price Point: The headset alone costs $1,199, with additional essential accessories quickly increasing the overall investment, making it an expensive, high-end option.
10:41 - Niche PC VR Upgrade: The Bigscreen Beyond 2 is described as a "laser-focused" product that prioritizes deep PC VR immersion by omitting features like internal tracking or processing. It is highly recommended as a definitive upgrade for PC VR enthusiasts already using older tethered headsets like the HTC Vive or Valve Index, who are comfortable with external tracking.