HTC Vive - Setup and Troubleshooting: Roomscale + Spectator Display 

Thanks for the vid, watch ur twitch videos as much as I can. You are really doing a service here and making the time go by faster. thanks for the time you spend on these vids.

Thanks for all the Vive content, it makes the wait a little easier. :) Keep 'em coming!

Hi TribalInstincts, Your Setup and Troubleshooting video is really great and needed, as it answers many questions. Thank you

I just bought a HTC Vive and i was unsure of the simplicity of the setup, so I looked and looked for possible errors and I found your video! Thank you so much dude! Your Video actually gave me more faith that I could fix Problems much faster with this video than searching google XD

Once again!! Thank you!! You are proving to be real star in my build up to this thing. I'm fairly savvy in tech (not that you would agree) hah ha. But that's a great help, you got to include people in this yea? Just watched your unboxing vid!! Your lads expression is an absolute picture when you get the hmd out!! You're remarkably restrained, I feel like your kid. It's gonna be the best Christmas ever next week!

I appreciate the video. But nowhere in this video do you explain "how to stream, send" what's being displayed in my VR headset *onto* my tv so spectators sitting on my couch, can watch what I'm doing. Do you have a video somewhere that locks in on how to do this? Thanks.

3 Orange slots on breakout box = Half-Life 3 Confirmed

Hey man, do I need some extra mounting stuff to buy to mount the lighthouses on my ceiling or is everything included when I order the Vive? Do both sensors need to be on the same height or is it enough if they just see each other/look into the middle of the room?

well done,very informative. Love seeing the games however a setup like this is great. Roll on May

Thanks for the heads up poss issues :) hopefully getting my Vive in april as ordered within first 5 mins of pre-order so here's hoping I get it soon :), you might have saved me some gut wrenching moments when it looks like it broken/not working, I know I can pop back to this video and go through your fixes, only then if still no joy have gut wrenching moments lol

Much appreciated, I will surely remember these tips, and reference back to if necessary, when Vivedom commences next month :D

Hi! Thanks for the video! I have a question. I have a monitor and a TV connected to my computer. How do I get the display from the Vive to show up full screen on the TV and also get to see it on the monitor? You mentioned not having to use the CPU intensive mirror display mode in Steam VR so I was wondering if I was missing something here. Thanks again!

great review and headset not connected was my issue and despite doing all the reboots\could not get it working Sun 5/15/16 gave up repacked and will decide whether to send back or persevere with a friend. My lights in base stations and head set were green not white, but does not seem to be the issue. How long have you had yours.?

DUDE!!! YOU SAVED ME!!! I spent 3 hours on this. Uninstalling & Reinstalling Steam, Steam VR, Viveport, Drivers, etc... I took your advice on setting my A lighthouse to C (left B alone) and VIOALA! All is working better than ever! Thanks a million!

When you use your hdmi splinter to run to your spectator display, is that spectator display automatically showing a single image full screen or as two split stereo images? I wondered if you had to change any settings to get the spectator display to be one image full screen or if that's possible. I'm in the process of setting up my room and getting everything set for when my HTC Vive arrives in April. Just wasn't sure how to do the whole spectator display or if there is an option for it to display a single image. Thanks for the great videos.

Getting mine at the weekend so excited just moved around my entire room to create myself a play area i hope will be enough.

Hey Tribal, I already posted for Barnacules. But how did you get the lighthouses to your roof? The place I tested vive had some tuned camera legs for the lighthouses. But I also was thinking about just putting em up to my roof. Did the HTC Vive have everything you needed to add them to your roof. Or did you have to play around a bit and buy extra screws?

What splitter are you using? Are there any specs we need (HDMI 2.0, etc)?

Where did you get the mounting hardware for the lighthouses? Do those come with the headset?

Tribal, When you were playing Elite:Dangerous the other evening were you running in extended or direct? If Extended can you try in direct and see if that works? I was actually under the impression that for the consumer Vive we'd only have access to direct mode. Thanks and awesome videos!

I installed everything and set up correctly still I get no video. I get sound and I can see what the headset is suppose to see on my monitor but the headset is black. The light is red when I open steam. The only time I seen something on the headset was on my first try and all it said was to complete the set up so I took them off and did the installation. After that it did an update and that's about it. Can't play because some program on steam won't open and when it does it doesn't open full screen. Still no video on the headset just on my PC what can I do? I have installed everything 3 times and checked all my drivers and everything.

I am looking to get a HTC Vive in the future. But wondering if it is able to broadcast VIA steam link ? Have a 3 monitor setup right now, 2 graphic cards. Also a little concerned about sensor placement. If I am sitting at PC is it important to have both sensors see the Vive?

One of my sensors doesn't turn on anymore when i plug in the power cable. I just have a black red above of the sensor. This happened after i plugged it to my PC to update the Sensor and now it doesn't work. Pls help what should i do???

if i have two pc monitors pluged into the back of my computer and using both monitors how do i plug in the htc vive without sacraficeing the use of one of my monitors. only have two hdmi outputs? thanks good info

Great video. My Vive was sent back to the shop after 3 hrs of use. It’s been 2 weeks and still don’t have it back. This issue I had was a red light on the head set and it was not recognised by steam vr. Error 208. Was just wondering wether the display settings might have affected it.

great video.. I have the vive and played it for years, but now the tracking is off (hand controllers project too high or the floor is too low) yes I rescaled the room many times. but now I think I should just format my pc and reinstall Vive, Steamvr, Vive port, and the Vive wireless software. I don't know how to do it. do you have a video on how to format and reinstall VR software? Thank you

do the base stations plug into anything besides for power? do they connect to the linkbox or do I have to have them plugged into my computer?

Hey Tribal, I have been reading a lot of places that you need to cover up windows and mirrors to avoid sunlight and reflections messing with the lasers from the lighthouse's. I saw your mirror over the fireplace mantle is exposed, have you noticed any problems that might becoming from that? Or is this something we likely will not need to worry about? My space that I am setting up has some large closet door mirror's that is going to be a pain to cover up every time i need to play, Cheers man! And keep up the videos doing great.

Is it possible to add some power to the graphic chipset by turning off the monitor output, so you're only using the VR headset?

here's a big question for me. can you play non steam vr compatible games with the HTC VIVE. I understand the VIVE works with steam VR, part of the steam OS, so does that mean it requires you to add the games onto steam?

Hey man, have you ran into any issues where one of your displays on your headset is flashing white whilst the other is briefly showing the game world? I have tried all manner of things to fix this but I am unable to correct this issue. I'm starting it might be a hardware issue but I wanted to exhaust all options before having to send it back. My current theory is that there is a problem with the HDMI signal being carried from my pc all the way to the headset but I'm not sure what could cause that. Can drivers be the culprit?

Is HTC going to work through HDMI switch (KINIVO 501bn)? Got any ideas? Thanks :)

For error 400 issue, can I use just 1 hdmi..connect this with hdmi splitter(1x2) and put both HTC Vive hdmi & PC monitor hdmi into this one splitter? will it work and still maintain 4k monitor quality? (cuz if I connect PC montior to other 3DP slots, the resolution becomes terrible)

@TribalInstincts - Where can I find that HDMI splitter or a similar one like it? Thanks!

Hi just wanna ask if how to reset the htc vive in a new play area? and is there any limitation in moving a play area to another? Thanks!

Hi tribal. How did you setup your monitors? I have a GTX 970 Dual-SLI system and nvidia states that it will only run 2 monitors. that was no problem so far, but the vive would be the third wouldn't it? am I missing something?

+TribalInstincts How long is the cable connecting the headset to the computer? I'm thinking of a way to mount the cable on the ceiling so I will not trip over it :P

I want ask you something, i've tried to use my HTC Vive VR to LED T.V , it didn't work correctly i thought that was a VGU problem but when i tried to use it on a monitor it worked correctly no problem. Is it must be connected to computer monitor ?!

Question. Can one sensor be lower than the other? One of my sensors sits nicely atop of a curtain rod/bar, but the location of the other is a bother because there's a dang huge cieling lamp in the way. I was thinking of using my camera tripod.

TibalInstincts I'm having a lot of issues having my monitor RGB-PC input and the HDMI into the Vive. It seems like the video card isn't handling both well and won't recognize the headset (error 208). Should I just use an HDMI splitter to handle both?

You're doing good work, man. Thanks for these vids.

i have the exact same hdmi splitter but mine doesnt work. my setup is i have only one hdmi port on my gpu so i bought this splitter to split the hdmi out the gpu to the vive and the monitor. but it doesnt work. any recommendatins?

Anything you can share about how to adjust the resolution and frame refresh rates. Using gtx 1080 by Asus. To get the best VR experience.

How did you mount the lighthouses to your ceiling?

what mounts did you use for the lightboxes?

What a 3.5mm Port is used? Are you able to use a headset with integrated microphone? :)

This was the developer kit, correct? Any important differences between the two with regards to setup?

What about the USB not connecting from initial setup? Can you help with that or show me a good video for it?

Are you able to run Nvidia Surround (assuming you have an Nvidia card) with that HDMI splitter? meaning... I have a similar setup to yours. I have 3x27" monitors for surround gaming. I run my Vive through the wall to my living room, where I have a main tv with an hdmi running to it. Right now I can't run (have connected at the same time) that tv, the vive, and all three monitors.

No matter what i try i just cant get mine to work. When i set up steam VR everything seems fine but i try to do room set up either the base towers cant see my headset or all green symbols go dark like nothing is being picked up. Could it be that i dont have the base stations high enough or angled right?

I got my Vive yesterday, either I got a bad unit or the wrong setup was installed. It cuts out a lot, apps are glitchy if they load at all. I mostly just get audio and a black background with the chaperone displayed. The Ikea demo is one of the few things that will run. When I have to use taskmaster to close out of the vr app I'm stuck in, I notice references to 32 bit, my computer is 64 bit. Which makes me think the wrong setup was loaded.

I got everything working but when i click to pair my controllers i get "the headset is not properly connected message...". Is this normal? I just played the lab demo with no problems.

I spent 5 hours trying to get this setup on a gaming Laptop. Direct mode will not work. I extend the display and I get to the home page where it says this is real and shows Earth. But when I open up a game, the game runs and responds to the headset but All I see is the same homepage. Im going nuts trying to find a solution!

Long time lurker and fan...Need help please! I have had non stop issues with my VIVE. When I launch SteamVR, it will recognize the base stations and controllers...however the headset will start up saying it's connected and tracking but then go into stand by mode for no reason causing an error message when I launch room set up in SteamVR. When i first set up everything it worked great but now it just won't work and I have spent hours trying to resolve. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance guys.

do you have to drill in the base stations first

Hey Tribalinstincts i tried setting up my vive and the steam vr home works but any game i play shows up on the desktop monitor. the headset and controllers still track but nothing shows up on the vive itself. Any tips you have for me would really be appreciated.

Really informative, cheers

I need help. I cannot get most Vive applications to run. I bought an Alienware 17 R3 just for the Vive, but can't even get the Steam VR demo to run. I don't seem to have a problem with other Steam games such as GTA 5 , and I can get the Ikea demo and a few other things such as InMind VR to run

Hey, have you had issues with display mirroring? Mine always comes up blank...

I'm trying to set mine up via Hdmi to diplay port since I need the one hdmi port on my GPU for my tv, but the installer does not see the usb connection(but windows does), nor the HDMI to display port, how do I get arou d this?

Is it that easy to set-up to display the stream on my TV for spectators. I have standard PC set-up, 1 monitor, gtx 980 ti with 4 hdmi ports and 1 display port, tv has hdmi also. I obviously don't want a drop in quality in the vive hmd. What other hardware and cables would I have to purchase. Thanks

Please don't do flash frame text, so annoying, add it in long enough for people to actually read it. otherwise good info, thanks!

@TribalInsstincts how do I connect my PC motior for 4k when I only have 1 hdmi place on back of my computer used for vive headset's hdmi? (Currently having steamvr error400) HELP!! If I directly connect my PC monitor to hdmi it becomes 4k but if I connect it to DP, it's 1080p..I only have 1 hdmi for my PC..Can I use 4k at the sametime?

The thing where you start up SteamVR, and the screen goes black for a second was actually my Nvidia Driver shutting down and restarting(it's really quick so its easy to miss the message in the bottom right corner). It used to work without issues, but suddenly out of nowhere it stopped working. Now whenever I start up steamvr, it gives me the driver shutdown message, which dissappears, but the Vive's monitor will not turn on, even if all Steam VR icons shows tracking being green. If I try multiple times, my monitor blacks out as well and I have to reboot. I went on Steam's forums, and there were a couple of other people experiencing the same problem, but no real solutions, other than trying to roll back nvidia drivers. Could there be something that I'm missing? Great video by the way!

Ok so the steam vr status pops up but it doesn’t show the base stations, controllers or the headset. I’ve unplugged everything and plugged it back in and still nothing. I checked to make sure everything is updated and everything is. I also check the lighthouses and it set to B and C (they are set up to where they can see each other) what else can I do to get my thx vive up and going again?

specific your pc ??? mi future pc is i7 4790k 16gb 1600mhz and 980ti waterforce xtreme runnig or no htc vive ??

im having issues with some games not showing up in the vive but the games show on the tv, im able to interact with things fine its just it wont show up in the headset

Nice vid, thanks for sharing

Hi, I have two problems: the firmware updates are getting stuck on the first step, every time, and second, even though a have a green light on the controller, one of them doesn't connect at all. Thanks!

Hey what is that splitter that feeds a monitor and TV at the same time that isn't using a HDMI port on your pc. If you could link it that would be awesome. I imagine its a DVI to HDMI splitter? please confirm thank you for your great content!

Hi, love the vids, I'm having real issues with my display. I only have 2, the main desktop monitor and the hrs vive, but I've tried every combination of making screen 1 or screen 2 my main screen in both direct mode and indirect mode and I can't find a repeatable way of seeing the games in the vive. On a couple of occasions I was able to get into the game by launching it from the desktop, putting the vive on, where I see a partial view of the extended screen, and then clicking down on the taskbar at the vive window and suddenly the game will appear. I also am able to get to the 'this is real' environment, but in that environment, when I click the controllers, all that appears is a small grey box on the floor that looks like the bottom of the virtual desktop screen, but I can't see or select anything. When I take the headset off and launch a game from my actual desktop and put the vive back on, the 'this is real' be wallpaper environment turns into either a white bread environment

is htc vive compatible with all in one pcs (the computers that just looks like a monitor) like a hp envy?

just kindoff a random question, whats better, a GTX960M 2GB or a GTX950M 4GB?

was a new beta released adding new features today?

Thanks for your help

hey I work at a virtual reality entertainment Studio in the HTC Vive lighthouses have just been given an update and fucked everything up now we have a bunch of gray screens and we do everything we could I was wondering if you have any problems with the lighthouse update that came in on December 14th

I only have 1 hdmi plug to my computer, I got a splitter, though when I try to use it it won’t show up on the headset

I feel pretty bad about the sde... I just received my vive few days ago and no matter how immersed I am, I still see it :S Elite, Lab, etc. Any way improving this ?

I need help badly, last night I was playing with my vive and randomly the screen went black and my game on my monitor froze, and now I have error 208 and my actual computer says it isnt even plugged in via hdmi.

Is the HTC compatible with extension cables IE USB and HDMI extensions?

Another Issue I am having its currently I am useing Graphic Card Zotac Amp extreme 1080 OC.Problems its only come with one HDMI port.Rest all 4 are DVI port.How i do i connect both my monitor n VIVE in same time while playing games.Please help me out bro.

help...when i start up my computer with my VR connected into the splitter and when it starts up it keeps changing the setting from HDMI into DVI...why is this? I also notice my sound goes mute when I unplug the vR and and the settings go back into HDMI.. but i have to restart my computer to get the sound to come back...How do i fix this issue..oh when my screen automatically switchies to DVI the screen goes blue and says no imput...please help where do i find the settings for this to work on my VR..someone told me its looking for a place where it might find sound and it might want the sound to come from the TV but I have my default on my computer settings for sound output to go to my speakers...not the tv..is there another setting for this? will plugging in a headphone stop the computer to stop switching to DVI when the computer starts up if it is the sound problem...please help...

i try hooking it up on my cpu got everything up and runing butt my headset was on but not tracking i also think i don,t have high enough video because i did not pass the test but i still try anyway i have a AMD Radeon R7 240 but will it still work just not good are better like Radeon 290

My mouse quit working in the headset. I can see the pointer but I can't move it. take the headset off and I see the onscreen mouse and it works.but while in a race session I can't make any adjustments.

How do you record full screen with Shadowplay? it makes the video small.

I have tried everything from making sure that my PSVR is connected to attempting to put the VR into direct mode

Hey man, My SteamVR keeps saying Not Ready and won’t connect the Vive or bass stations with my computer. The lights on my base stations are green as well as on my Vive.

i need help one of my controlors is not paring and it says there already 2 paired when one is not paired how do i fix?

Can you share the link to the HDMI Splitter? I ve seen a lot and all of them (than duplicates instead of works as switches) are around 40-50€

I have questions regarding the Vive during the computer boot up process. Is it exactly the same as if you were to start up your computer with your monitor? I would like to use the Vive as my only display ya see. I use an LCD HDTV as my monitor and I really don't want to use it anymore. Oh and you wouldn't happen to know if you preordered the Vive 30 mins after the preorder launch time. Is the person who preordered going to have to wait for the next wave of shipments after April because they were kinda late to the preorder time. I heard a rumor that might be the case.

I am screwed, nothing works. I updated drivers but there is an Asus one that says can't find .\AsusSetup.exe and seems to update forever. Not sure if that one is important. I installed Steam VR and installed the HTC Vive stuff but none of my devices are good to go on the little screen. I did get everything green before except the headset but now nothing. the lighthouses show green and are mounted up high on two walls linked together with the really long link. Windows shows it recognizes that the headset is in the HDMI I guess. I am no expert, just bought an Asus ROG 20CB and the vive, never used steam before. I feel like I bought a Ferrari that won't start. 3 hours of failure and I an beginning to hate this thing.

My controllers system buttons won’t work I tap them and the menu doesn’t show up what do you do to fix this? thanks

How long is the headset cable?

Settingi t all up in my room wasn't a problem at all, Piece of cake. But when I'm "ready to og" the devices wont etiher be detected (sometimes for a brief second) and they won't track. I've tried turning on and of Devices and also restart steamVR. No go!

It won't let me- it says, "could not start openvr.tool.steamvr_room_setup. Applications interface not available." PLEASE HELP!

Please help!!!! i am using trinus vr and steam vr and i am getting a problem ipc or something error 308 but not the display error i am getting unknowen error help me!!

I would be nice to hear a little more about how to set up this tracking boxes - is it hard? How big needs your room to be. I see cables going down your walls - that makes it not very girflfriend friendly in the living room :)

What if it's tracking and you can see everything on the screen but your headset is not receiving

I have a problem. I set up my vive a few days ago, and worked fine the first day. The next, while I was playing, the vive shut off. Everything is plugged in, and there is a red blinking light on the vive. The lighthouses, vive, and controllers are not syncing. Please help!!!

So I went to use direct mode and it's not there...what should I do?