VirtualLink: New Open Industry Standard for Next-Generation VR Headsets

[Raevenlord]

(Editor's Note: Naturally, the adoption of such a standard does imply that graphics card manufacturers will have to start fitting USB 3.1 connectors on their graphics card outputs. This opens up a proverbial can of worms on backwards compatibility of this new data delivery protocol, however, in that even current top-of-the-line graphics cards lack such a port - meaning that this protocol will only be compatible with eventual, future GPU releases.)

A new industry consortium led by NVIDIA, Oculus, Valve, AMD, and Microsoft today introduced the VirtualLink specification - an open industry standard that enables next-generation VR headsets to connect with PCs and other devices using a single, high-bandwidth USB Type-C connector, instead of a range of cords and connectors.





This new connection, an Alternate Mode of USB-C, simplifies and speeds up VR setup time, avoiding key obstacles to VR adoption. It also brings immersive VR experiences to smaller devices with fewer ports, such as thin and light notebooks.

To fulfill the promise of next-generation VR, headsets will need to deliver increased display resolution and incorporate high-bandwidth cameras for tracking and augmented reality. VirtualLink connects with VR headsets to simultaneously deliver four high-speed HBR3 DisplayPort lanes, which are scalable for future needs; a USB3.1 data channel for supporting high-resolution cameras and sensors; and up to 27 watts of power.



Unlike other connectivity alternatives, VirtualLink is purpose-built for VR. It optimizes for the latency and bandwidth demands that will enable headset and PC makers to deliver the next generation of VR experiences.

The consortium also announced the publication of an advance overview of the VirtualLink specification, available to companies that wish to receive details ahead of the upcoming VirtualLink 1.0 specification.

Support by Industry Leaders
Leading players in VR expressed enthusiasm for the new standard.

"Simulating reality requires incredible visual fidelity and processing power," said Jason Paul, general manager of gaming and VR, NVIDIA. "With a single, high-bandwidth cable, VirtualLink unlocks the full potential of the PC to power amazing VR experiences."

"At Oculus, we're committed to making VR easily approachable for a wide variety of people," said Nate Mitchell, head of Rift, Oculus. "A consolidated connection point is critical in removing barriers to experiencing high-powered PC VR. With the adoption of VirtualLink technology, purpose-built for VR, we look forward to helping push the industry forward into the next phase of VR."

"We hope to see the results of this collaboration enhance the user experience and extend the possibilities for all developers and hardware manufacturers," said Pierre-Loup Griffais of Valve.

"We have been involved on VirtualLink from the beginning and are supportive of industry-standard approaches for emerging Windows experiences including mixed reality," said Scott Evans, general manager, Mixed Reality, Microsoft.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[xkm1948]

This is good news. Wonder when will these be implemented? Probably 12xx series Nvidia cards and actually 2nd gen VR HMDs.

 

[cucker tarlson]

"A new industry consortium led by NVIDIA, Oculus, Valve, AMD, and Microsoft today introduced the VirtualLink specification - an open industry standard"

 

[Gasaraki]

Wow, crazing that they came together did this and it's about time.

 

[HisDivineOrder]

There goes DVI-Dual. They certainly won't drop one of the hundred Displayports and the sole HDMI they add to cards these days.

 

[AsRock]

"A new industry consortium led by NVIDIA, Oculus, Valve, AMD, and Microsoft today introduced the VirtualLink specification - an open industry standard"

Yes when did those 2 words happen together on a positive note, i hope this don't hinder the other company's in the VR gear business.

 

[Mussels]

I've got one of the microsoft mixed reality headsets, and all it needs is HDMI, one USB 3.0 and a bluetooth adaptor

The headset has one cord that splits at the end, so while this is great for future tech its not exactly a game changer, even the higher wattage comes at a cost of having 27W of heat dumped into your face

 

[Xaled]

Yeah it is surprising that nVidia didnt make similar technology under another name (GVR ?) and asked 500$ more for hardware supporting it.

 

[Mussels]

In theory it should be possible for a splitter box at the end of this cable for backwards compatibility, even if it needs to be powered