The Bigscreen Beyond is a high-resolution VR headset with micro OLED displays, offering a resolution of 2560 x 2560 per eye. However, there are known issues related to its upscaling, particularly when operating at different refresh rates.
Upscaling at 90Hz
When the Bigscreen Beyond is set to 90Hz, it does not display the full native resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye. Instead, SteamVR outputs a maximum source resolution of 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye, which is then upscaled to the full resolution in the headset[3][4]. This upscaling results in a slightly less sharp image compared to running at 75Hz, where the full native resolution is utilized[3][4]. The difference in sharpness is most noticeable in scenarios requiring high text clarity, such as reading or watching movies.Display Stream Compression (DSC)
The headset uses Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology to compress and decompress the video signal. This technology is "visually lossless," meaning it reduces bandwidth usage without significantly impacting visual quality. However, even with DSC, the upscaling at 90Hz can lead to a perceived reduction in sharpness compared to the native resolution at 75Hz.User Experience and Other Issues
Some users have reported additional issues with the Bigscreen Beyond, including glare, a small sweet spot for optimal viewing, and fan noise[5]. These issues can detract from the overall experience, especially in low-light environments or when trying to achieve optimal focus across the entire field of view. Despite these challenges, the headset is praised for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to its micro OLED displays[5].In summary, while the Bigscreen Beyond offers impressive resolution and color quality, its upscaling at 90Hz can result in a slightly less sharp image compared to 75Hz. Users may need to balance refresh rate and resolution based on their specific needs, such as gaming versus media consumption.
Citations:
[1] https://www.roadtovr.com/bigscreen-beyond-review-pc-vr-headset/
[2] https://community.openmr.com/t/bigscreen-beyond-review/41569
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5OgYbEMDzs
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQV6qH6T2Ug
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFWxSnXbCXo
Can the upscaling issues be mitigated by adjusting other settings on the Bigscreen Beyond
Yes, the upscaling issues on the Bigscreen Beyond can be mitigated to some extent by adjusting other settings. Here are some strategies users can employ:
1. Refresh Rate Adjustment**
- Lower Refresh Rate: Running at 75Hz instead of 90Hz allows the headset to use its full native resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye, which can improve sharpness and clarity. This is particularly beneficial for applications where high resolution is crucial, such as reading or watching movies.- Dynamic Refresh Rate: Some VR applications and systems support dynamic refresh rates, which can adjust the refresh rate based on the content being displayed. This can help balance performance and image quality.
2. Graphics Settings in Games and Applications**
- Resolution Scaling: In some games and applications, you can adjust the resolution scaling factor. Setting it to a higher value can improve image sharpness, but it may also increase the load on your computer's GPU.- Anti-Aliasing and Sharpening: Enabling anti-aliasing techniques (like TAA or SMAA) and sharpening filters can help mitigate the softness caused by upscaling. These settings can enhance the perceived sharpness of the image.
3. SteamVR Settings**
- Supersampling: Increasing the supersampling ratio in SteamVR can enhance image quality by rendering the scene at a higher resolution than the headset's native resolution and then downsampling it. This can help counteract some of the softness from upscaling.- Motion Smoothing: While primarily used to reduce motion sickness, motion smoothing can also affect image quality. Disabling it might improve sharpness but could increase motion artifacts.
4. Graphics Card Settings**
- NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings: Adjusting settings like texture filtering, anisotropic filtering, and ambient occlusion can enhance overall image quality. However, these adjustments are more related to texture and lighting detail rather than directly addressing upscaling issues.5. Software Updates and Drivers**
- Keeping your graphics drivers and VR software up to date is crucial. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and image quality, which can indirectly mitigate upscaling issues.By experimenting with these settings, users can find a balance that optimizes their experience with the Bigscreen Beyond, depending on their specific needs and preferences. However, it's important to note that some compromises may be necessary, especially when running at higher refresh rates.
Can changing the refresh rate help mitigate upscaling problems
Yes, changing the refresh rate can help mitigate upscaling problems on the Bigscreen Beyond. Here's how:
Impact of Refresh Rate on Upscaling
1. Native Resolution at Lower Refresh Rates:**
- 75Hz: At this refresh rate, the Bigscreen Beyond can display its full native resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye. This means that no upscaling is required, as the content is rendered at the same resolution as the display. Running at 75Hz can provide the sharpest image possible on this headset.
- 90Hz: At higher refresh rates like 90Hz, SteamVR typically outputs a lower source resolution (e.g., 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye) due to bandwidth limitations. This lower resolution is then upscaled to the headset's native resolution, which can result in a slightly softer image compared to running at 75Hz.
2. Performance and Image Quality Tradeoff:**
- Gaming Performance: Higher refresh rates like 90Hz are often preferred for gaming because they provide smoother motion and can reduce motion sickness. However, this comes at the cost of using a lower source resolution that needs to be upscaled.
- Media Consumption: For applications where high resolution is more important than high refresh rates (e.g., watching movies or reading), running at 75Hz can provide a sharper image with no upscaling required.
Mitigating Upscaling Issues by Adjusting Refresh Rate
- Use 75Hz for High-Resolution Content: If sharpness and clarity are paramount (e.g., in media consumption or applications requiring high text clarity), running at 75Hz ensures that the full native resolution is utilized without any upscaling.
- Use 90Hz for Smooth Motion: If smooth motion is more important (e.g., in fast-paced games), running at 90Hz can provide a better gaming experience, even though it involves some upscaling.