The case for both VR and triple monitors

[saviornt]

So here I am, patiently waiting for the rest of my R3volution to come in, and was reading some of the forums and reddits about VR and sim cockpits. Almost all of the comments I have read indicate that the Rift completely nullifies any need to have more than one monitor.

So I figured I would make a case for having triple monitors (as I do now, even as a Rift user), as well as having a Rift.

You see, I play games. I play Elite. When I play elite, I put on my Rift. When I use my computer for doing menial tasks, such as work, spreadsheets, game design, web design, or whatever, that is when I would want to use my three monitors. Currently, there is too much overhead to use something like VirtualDesktop to use it efficiently with real world tools.

We're not talking about websurfing or youtube videos here folks.

After Effects on one screen, Photoshop on another, Soundbooth opened on the 3rd..
UE4 engine opened on the middle screen, 3ds max or maya opened on the right screen, soundbooth opened on the left screen..

etc.. etc..

I wonder if FedEx is here yet

 

[Foxis]

The only real solution is to have a workstation with multiple monitors AND a dedicated game rig, with a comfortable seat, HOTAS setup, Oculus and only a small screen for setting stuff up.

Seriously though, I agree. Monitors are here to stay for the foreseeable future as tools for professional tasks. Gaming on the other hand will be revolutionised by VR.
And to conclude on a less serious note.... which full motion platform should one go for in combination with the Rift....?

 

[RobinsonUK]

UE4 engine opened on the middle screen, 3ds max or maya opened on the right screen, soundbooth opened on the left screen..

Wow. You're using UE4 engine. I started writing my own about 4 years ago, mostly for the experience and "fun". I got stuck on loading FBX files about 3 years 11 months ago. Why Autodesk? Just why?

 

[vanfanel]

Yes, currently a triple screen is better for multitasking and other things in general. However, as technology continues to increase at a rapid pace VR will eventually eclipse monitors. Why limit yourself to a triple screen when you can create a workstation with as many screens as you want in VR. Were not there yet but eventually it will come.

 

[saviornt]

As much as I would like to be, I am not a programmer, by any stretch of the imagination QQ. Why Autodesk? Because I prefer it over Lightwave / Zbrush / C4D. I've tried them, but I always go back to Max/Maya. Matter of personal preference really, as they all pretty much do the same thing, just with different UI's.

I also tried Unity and CryEngine, however, the upfront cost of Unity is a bit out of my current budget sadly. CryEngine's VR support isn't quite "there" yet. Maybe after I get my tax return next year, I'll grab Unity. Either that or a down payment for a CrossTrek. I might get the CrossTrek instead of Unity

Vanfanel:

No, we're not there yet.. however, I need the setup now. Like I said though, the overhead with rendering a VR workspace is, and for the forseeable future, negates the benefit. Especially when the programs and activities you are doing require as much CPU and GPU as it can get.

With that being said, I would LOVE to see an external, real-time view that outputs to the Rift when using modelling tools.

 

[arkemiffo]

Just wanna say that with a virtual desktop app, you can add how many "monitors" as you'd like (or your system can handle anyway).
Like in most Linux distros you have several desktops that you can switch between. Imagine now using the OR, and seeing all the desktops at the same time as their own monitors.
Now, the resolution need to get better of course for the OR, I'm just stating a counterargument.

 

[Asp Explorer]

Triple screens for me - I have 6 or 7 VM's running and at least a couple of terminal emulators. I can't imagine any of that working well in an OR

 

[RobinsonUK]

As much as I would like to be, I am not a programmer, by any stretch of the imagination QQ. Why Autodesk? Because I prefer it over Lightwave / Zbrush / C4D. I've tried them, but I always go back to Max/Maya. Matter of personal preference really, as they all pretty much do the same thing, just with different UI's.

Yes, I like 3D Studio Max, mostly because it's the only one I've ever bothered to learn (learning curves are hard for 3D modelling packages). I meant why did Autodesk standardise around FBX, which is to programmers what Egyptian Hieroglyphics were to 14th century peasants.

OK, it's just me. I'm not the brightest and don't mind admitting it.

 

[saviornt]

RobinsonUK: Have you tried OpenFBX?

arkeniffo: The issue isn't so much as working in VR, which would be great.. the issue is that professional programs are resource hungry. If you use VR, those resources are not available to be used by the application. This is why, when pictures are released of developer workstations, they will be using monitors with a Rift hooked up so that they can test after the scene is rendered.

 

[tommywright]

I have been converting myself to Blender 3D and am really impressed with it. I am an old school Lightwave guy having worked at several LW studios. Everyone uses Maya now (mostly) with Max here and there. I have slipped Blender into the pipeline (just for me) in two game productions (CoD:Ghosts and BF4). It's amazing for a free, open-source program.

I also use triple monitors for production but only use one monitor for gaming (except for E where I use the DK2). I've tried playing BF4 with 3 monitors and I don't like the stretched peripheral. It just doesn't feel right but that is personal preference. My Windows drive only boots with 2 monitors and the Rift. For cg only work, I boot into Linux Mint with all 3 monitors and at work I have 3 monitors, a tv and 2 computers (it's a complicated setup but I only use 2 monitors at a time here).

I also subscribe to Unreal 4 even though I like Unity better. I want to support Epic for being so reasonably priced. I have my fingers crossed that Unity will follow the trend some day. Unity is just too expensive for a hobbyist and I need the pro version because I am a Lighting Artist and all of their Lighting tools are in the Pro version.

 

[catanonia]

I have an Obutto Revolution for my main desktop and iRacing / ED.

It is very comfortable for day to day office work in the Obutto with the triple screens and can sit there all day. For gaming, I just don the Rift and play.

The Obutto is very nice and worth getting rid of my desk for.

I am going to have to work out how to position my Warthog when it arrives on Chrimbo day though.

 

[saviornt]

The issue I had(have) with the Obutto (just got it assembled yesterday), is that the X55 HOTAS, and presumably the Warthog as well, are just way to big to have the throttle shifters + the keyboard tray on the sides.

For reference, I did purchase an additional throttle shifter..

I finally got a position with the tray that, so far, seems like it works. I mounted it to the front bar (where the A10 joystick is supposed to go. I'll post some pics of my setup once I get my triple monitor mount, the rear speaker mounts and the G27 (I have the monitors on the acryllic trays currently), as well as finishing off the cable management stuff. Need to get about 6 USB extension cords and some M-F RCA cables, along with split tubing and more velcro straps :\

I'm also debating on making some speaker mounts that will mount behind the left and right monitors that come down as well. I'm also waiting for my throttle mount -> X55 custom mount brackets (that I made) to get finished up at the paint shop :S