I have enough money, and i would love to try trackIR, but is gameplay so much effected by it? I do not have a fancy gaming setup, only a laptop, so please tell me, is it worth it??? thanks
Agentrunner
Agentrunner
Is TrackIR worth it?
- Thread starter agentrunner
- Start date
This is the Virtual Reality forum, so people in here are going to be running HMDs like the Oculus Rift, so we will already have positional and head tracking.
That being said, just be aware that there are some open source tracking programs out there too, some are free and just use a webcam to track your face
Program:
http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/home/default.htm
setup video for elite ( I did not make this)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6neB7_Ns6A
using this program with ps3 cameras for elite:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25988
That being said, just be aware that there are some open source tracking programs out there too, some are free and just use a webcam to track your face
Program:
http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/home/default.htm
setup video for elite ( I did not make this)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6neB7_Ns6A
using this program with ps3 cameras for elite:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=25988
TrackIR is worth it. To me.
Hey Agentrunner,
I currently own and use a TrackIR 5. I've had it for a couple years now. Sold it to a friend, and promptly bought it back from him at first opportunity. For games like Elite that support the Track IR it is an absolute must-use for me. I won't play the ArmA series without it and in general many games that don't support head tracking are not as enjoyable to me.
Head tracking in and of itself, with or without a head mounted display is a huge boost to the immersion factor of games. In Elite: Dangerous if I fly without my track IR I get agitated within minutes just because I can't look out of various windows without using keys or my mouse.
Using a Track IR is as close to being in the game as possible.
There ARE free software solutions out there. I actually tried using Face Track No IR prior to purchasing my Track IR 5. The program works well but it is dependent on the hardware of your webcam. The video QUALITY of the web came is a non-issue... However you need a webcam that records at a high frame rate. Basically I could only find webcams that were under $50 capable of 30 frame per second video recording, and in some cases 60 frame per second. Face Track No IR however at the time I used it really needed 120 Frames Per Second capability to compete with the Track IR as far as performance and responsiveness is concerned. That is why a lot of people refer to the PS3 camera for it as it's a 120FPS webcam.
However for price, if you are OK with testing it out, apparently in the US the PlayStation Eye for PS3 is only $20 at Gamestop and has the specifications needed. Cost advantage compared to the Track IR is significant but I can't vouch for how well the Eye performs for head tracking as it was significantly more expensive when I wanted to buy it a few years ago and decided to just spend the extra $50-$60 to get an actual Track IR. I'm also less inclined to have a permanently plugged in webcam on my computer as I don't like leaving myself vulnerable to hackers visually. The Track IR uses IR sensors, not cameras.
I do not regret purchasing my TrackIR. I just regret that there aren't more developers who support head tracking in their games. If I can use my Track IR in a game, it's on and equipped. Period.
Hey Agentrunner,
I currently own and use a TrackIR 5. I've had it for a couple years now. Sold it to a friend, and promptly bought it back from him at first opportunity. For games like Elite that support the Track IR it is an absolute must-use for me. I won't play the ArmA series without it and in general many games that don't support head tracking are not as enjoyable to me.
Head tracking in and of itself, with or without a head mounted display is a huge boost to the immersion factor of games. In Elite: Dangerous if I fly without my track IR I get agitated within minutes just because I can't look out of various windows without using keys or my mouse.
Using a Track IR is as close to being in the game as possible.
There ARE free software solutions out there. I actually tried using Face Track No IR prior to purchasing my Track IR 5. The program works well but it is dependent on the hardware of your webcam. The video QUALITY of the web came is a non-issue... However you need a webcam that records at a high frame rate. Basically I could only find webcams that were under $50 capable of 30 frame per second video recording, and in some cases 60 frame per second. Face Track No IR however at the time I used it really needed 120 Frames Per Second capability to compete with the Track IR as far as performance and responsiveness is concerned. That is why a lot of people refer to the PS3 camera for it as it's a 120FPS webcam.
However for price, if you are OK with testing it out, apparently in the US the PlayStation Eye for PS3 is only $20 at Gamestop and has the specifications needed. Cost advantage compared to the Track IR is significant but I can't vouch for how well the Eye performs for head tracking as it was significantly more expensive when I wanted to buy it a few years ago and decided to just spend the extra $50-$60 to get an actual Track IR. I'm also less inclined to have a permanently plugged in webcam on my computer as I don't like leaving myself vulnerable to hackers visually. The Track IR uses IR sensors, not cameras.
I do not regret purchasing my TrackIR. I just regret that there aren't more developers who support head tracking in their games. If I can use my Track IR in a game, it's on and equipped. Period.
Addendum since I can't edit.
I should clarify that comment is meant in regards to if you don't have the cash for a head mounted display. I will add though that since I have tried an Oculus Rift DK2 with Elite: Dangerous I can very strongly state that until the consumer version comes out with higher visual fidelity, the Track IR is a much better option for head tracking in the game right now. The DK2 with E
is a bit blurry and you really have to have a high end computer to get the most out of the DK2.
Over all opinion if you're going for immersion, get the Track IR or another head tracking solution that works to your satisfaction and wait until the Rift has a final/consumer grade product out.
Oh and personal opinion, don't waste the money on the version that comes with the USB powered IR lights that mount to your headset. It's very flimsy and mine was relegated to the electronics box in my garage very quickly. The hat mounted reflective clip is just as accurate and reliable and having one less cord going to your head is always nice. (I combine that with a G930 headset for cord free head movement with surround sound).
Ok I think I'm done puking out of my fignertips for now.
I should clarify that comment is meant in regards to if you don't have the cash for a head mounted display. I will add though that since I have tried an Oculus Rift DK2 with Elite: Dangerous I can very strongly state that until the consumer version comes out with higher visual fidelity, the Track IR is a much better option for head tracking in the game right now. The DK2 with E
is a bit blurry and you really have to have a high end computer to get the most out of the DK2.Over all opinion if you're going for immersion, get the Track IR or another head tracking solution that works to your satisfaction and wait until the Rift has a final/consumer grade product out.
Oh and personal opinion, don't waste the money on the version that comes with the USB powered IR lights that mount to your headset. It's very flimsy and mine was relegated to the electronics box in my garage very quickly. The hat mounted reflective clip is just as accurate and reliable and having one less cord going to your head is always nice. (I combine that with a G930 headset for cord free head movement with surround sound).
Ok I think I'm done puking out of my fignertips for now.
Sold mine when I got my DK2. TrackIR is way over priced for what it is.
- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -
I should clarify that comment is meant in regards to if you don't have the cash for a head mounted display. I will add though that since I have tried an Oculus Rift DK2 with Elite: Dangerous I can very strongly state that until the consumer version comes out with higher visual fidelity, the Track IR is a much better option for head tracking in the game right now. The DK2 with E
.
My DK2 isn't blurry at all and runs very nicely on my 5-year-old 7i 3gig 6950 setup.
I use Track IR all the time for FSX but I don't like it in Elite.
Elite is very front focused and it seems (to me) a distraction, annoyance to be able to look around. Makes the in game menus a little awkward.
That's just my opinion.
Elite is very front focused and it seems (to me) a distraction, annoyance to be able to look around. Makes the in game menus a little awkward.
That's just my opinion.
I got Track IR when I got ED and have to admit, I love it. Even as one person mentioned ED is very front focused but the head tracking comes in handy when you're fighting, especially with a disadvantage (2v1, 3v1), when docking, or just observing the pretty sights out of your window.
The only time it annoys me is when I'm looking at the starport services window. At that time, I'll usually pause it (f9 default), buy, trade, swap, cash out bounties, set up my new routes, then unpause when I'm ready to launch.
I also found it handy for ETS2, haven't tried it with any other games though.
Mind you, it is a stop gap until Oculus Rift Consumer Version comes out. I'm not sold on dropping the money on DK2.
Hope that helps.
The only time it annoys me is when I'm looking at the starport services window. At that time, I'll usually pause it (f9 default), buy, trade, swap, cash out bounties, set up my new routes, then unpause when I'm ready to launch.
I also found it handy for ETS2, haven't tried it with any other games though.
Mind you, it is a stop gap until Oculus Rift Consumer Version comes out. I'm not sold on dropping the money on DK2.
Hope that helps.
Just some replies to further substantiate other feedback.
The menus are actually a problem I had when I first started. Now after about a week or two of usage in Elite, I actually really like using the menus with the TrackIR head tracking. It is very disorienting at first though. However I had this same issue with menus with the Oculus Rift at first as well.
I agree on the pricing. When I bought it though, it was just as expensive to set up a worthwhile FaceTrackNoIR camera setup with comparable latency. As far as the DK2 is concerned, it's possible my buddys rig wasn't configured properly then. The game ran smoothly but he had to lower the graphics signifcantly. I also didn't realize that there are HUD color configurations specifically to make the HUD readable on the screen. However the honeycomb effect is still noticeable enough to me that until a consumer version is released that minimizes this effect I'd rather use the Track IR that I already have.
I couldn't agree more with this comment. The presence factor and 3D implimentation is fantastic. However my experience with Oculus Rift so far leaves my choice financially to wait until the product is a bit more fine tuned before investing the money into it. Once it's properly fined tuned I'll be combining the Oculus Rift with a Virtuix Omni surrounded with my custom controls for flight/vehicle control and a wireless rifle for infantry combat for a full VR environment so don't take my feedback as a "Anti-Rift" or "It's not there yet." because it definitely is for the VR experience, but I need more visual fidelity before I actually invest in the product as my gaming sessions tend to be 5-10 hours plus when I game and the current Rift is not comfortable for more than an hour for me just based off of visuals. Keep in mind I have perfect 20/20 vision so it's not an issue with glasses or visual impairment of any kind.
Overall; If you aren't wanting to pay extra to get the Rift/Not happy with visual fidelity on it yet, but still want head tracking the Track IR is well worth it, in my opinion. However I will say the Rifts head tracking is significantly better simply due to the fact that you aren't using amplified head movement like with the track IR. This in and of itself makes the Rift a much much more immersive experience. In a dark room the Track IR suffices for me. For now. (Note, the track IR works in light or dark, I just like the dark for the purpose of eliminating my surroundings.)
The menus are actually a problem I had when I first started. Now after about a week or two of usage in Elite, I actually really like using the menus with the TrackIR head tracking. It is very disorienting at first though. However I had this same issue with menus with the Oculus Rift at first as well.
I agree on the pricing. When I bought it though, it was just as expensive to set up a worthwhile FaceTrackNoIR camera setup with comparable latency. As far as the DK2 is concerned, it's possible my buddys rig wasn't configured properly then. The game ran smoothly but he had to lower the graphics signifcantly. I also didn't realize that there are HUD color configurations specifically to make the HUD readable on the screen. However the honeycomb effect is still noticeable enough to me that until a consumer version is released that minimizes this effect I'd rather use the Track IR that I already have.
I couldn't agree more with this comment. The presence factor and 3D implimentation is fantastic. However my experience with Oculus Rift so far leaves my choice financially to wait until the product is a bit more fine tuned before investing the money into it. Once it's properly fined tuned I'll be combining the Oculus Rift with a Virtuix Omni surrounded with my custom controls for flight/vehicle control and a wireless rifle for infantry combat for a full VR environment so don't take my feedback as a "Anti-Rift" or "It's not there yet." because it definitely is for the VR experience, but I need more visual fidelity before I actually invest in the product as my gaming sessions tend to be 5-10 hours plus when I game and the current Rift is not comfortable for more than an hour for me just based off of visuals. Keep in mind I have perfect 20/20 vision so it's not an issue with glasses or visual impairment of any kind.
Overall; If you aren't wanting to pay extra to get the Rift/Not happy with visual fidelity on it yet, but still want head tracking the Track IR is well worth it, in my opinion. However I will say the Rifts head tracking is significantly better simply due to the fact that you aren't using amplified head movement like with the track IR. This in and of itself makes the Rift a much much more immersive experience. In a dark room the Track IR suffices for me. For now. (Note, the track IR works in light or dark, I just like the dark for the purpose of eliminating my surroundings.)
Yes it is.
A cheaper, but hackier alternative is the EDTracker. I had a TrackIR 2, but it's no longer supported. I planned to get an Oculus Rift when the CV1 comes out, so I didn't want to shell out for a new TrackIR 5. Instead I built an EDTracker (you can order them prebuilt, or DIY it for $20). I found the center would drift over time, so I'd have to recenter every 20 or 30 minutes.
Anyway, I ended up getting a DK2, and haven't used the EDTracker since. So I never bothered to troubleshoot it further.
Anyway, I ended up getting a DK2, and haven't used the EDTracker since. So I never bothered to troubleshoot it further.
Dear OP
If (after the replies you get) you consider it worth it, then let me know as I have a Track IR that I do not use you could purchase...
Nosh
If (after the replies you get) you consider it worth it, then let me know as I have a Track IR that I do not use you could purchase...
Nosh
Many of the arguments made for OR (and other VR implementations) in this post are predicated upon having a beast of a computer to be able to pump out decent frames at relatively high graphical settings. Granted, even base 'entry level' VR has a certain 'wow' factor, but after a few minutes/hours, if there is no graphical depth, it detracts from the experience. I am running an R9 290 (I have another for Crossfire, but I have to disable it in Elite because it significantly cuts my framerate when it is active ... Frontier, are you listening?) and while it runs well, I have to turn off shadows, run in fullscreen (borderless increases framerate) making alt-tabbing somewhat of a chore for trading apps, and am not able to take advantage of the benefits of downsampling, which I hear are significant with the DK2.
I LOVE my DK2. However, I used TrackIR 4 before then and honestly, I would never have gamed without it in Elite. I used it from day 1 and if you don't have the budget or physical capacity (i.e. a laptop) for the hardware necessary, then in my humble opinion, Track IR is not just a 'nice to have' but rather a 'need to have'.
20-30 minutes between recentre is exactly what to expect with the cheapest EDTracker. The 9150 EDTracker has a magnetometer and you can play for hours without any drift at all.
Useful not only in combat but was useful exploring with a limited scanner, looking for the parallax effect to locate distant stars and planets.
Also landing, mining and any other instance when you need to scout around.
In combat its not quiet the scene from Topgun with the co-pilot looking around the canopy to find the bogie, but still a lot of fun, I find the radar to be probably more effective.
In dogfights the Track IR is great for keeping on the tail of the other ship when the other ship is on a better vector and is out turning you, once you start tracking back in on them and the gimbled weapons on the top of the ship lock on, slip the dogs of war and watch the fire works.
Also landing, mining and any other instance when you need to scout around.
In combat its not quiet the scene from Topgun with the co-pilot looking around the canopy to find the bogie, but still a lot of fun, I find the radar to be probably more effective.
In dogfights the Track IR is great for keeping on the tail of the other ship when the other ship is on a better vector and is out turning you, once you start tracking back in on them and the gimbled weapons on the top of the ship lock on, slip the dogs of war and watch the fire works.
I should clarify that comment is meant in regards to if you don't have the cash for a head mounted display. I will add though that since I have tried an Oculus Rift DK2 with Elite: Dangerous I can very strongly state that until the consumer version comes out with higher visual fidelity, the Track IR is a much better option for head tracking in the game right now. The DK2 with E
Over all opinion if you're going for immersion, get the Track IR or another head tracking solution that works to your satisfaction and wait until the Rift has a final/consumer grade product out.
Oh and personal opinion, don't waste the money on the version that comes with the USB powered IR lights that mount to your headset. It's very flimsy and mine was relegated to the electronics box in my garage very quickly. The hat mounted reflective clip is just as accurate and reliable and having one less cord going to your head is always nice. (I combine that with a G930 headset for cord free head movement with surround sound).
Ok I think I'm done puking out of my fignertips for now.
My DK2 is only blurry if I have it incorrectly settled on my face with my eyes not dead centre of the eye lenses.
Resolution is an issue definitely but that will get better and totally understandable consider the specs of the DK2 (only 1080p per eye).
It's not even that. It's a single 1080p screen split between both eyes - so 960x1080 per eye. Many speculated the Crescent Bay prototype was 1440p, like the Gear VR, but it seems more likely it's an optimized 1080p screen (smaller gaps between pixels, so reduced screen door effect). Oculus said they were happy with the Crescent Bay resolution, so we can probably expect 1080p in the consumer release (CV1).