Category: TPCAST

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TPCast Now Available to Pre-Order Throughout Europe

Last month pre-orders for the TPCast began in the UK through retail partner Overclockers. At the time however, there was no confirmation of a release date for the device. Now the company behind the product has confirmed that those who pre-order across European territories will receive their device before the year’s end.

HTC Vive TPCAST

The TPCast wireless adapter for Oculus Rift is a device that attaches to the top of the VR headset and completely replaces the need for any cables. With the adapter, users can experience VR more effortlessly.

The current high-end VR head-mounted displays (HMDs) are driven by a cable transmitting the video, voice, data, and power utilising HDMI, USB and power connectors. With TPCast, Oculus Rift users will be able to enjoy a wireless VR experience as they roam around freely and play videogames, while preserving the same high quality as a standard wired connection.

“TPCast is committed to supporting the Oculus Rift headset with our unique wireless technology solutions, and provide VR users a high quality, immersive VR encounter,” stated Michael Liu, TPCast CEO.  “With the TPCast wireless adapter, we will be changing the VR usage and experience by providing the complete freedom of movement with no cables attached.”

The consumer edition of TPCast wireless adapter is a special accessory designed for Oculus Rift. The kit consists of four parts: PC TX Module (TX), RX Module (RX), a router and a battery with a charger.

TPCast_picture[1]

The kit establishes a wireless connection between the HMD and the PC without changing the original Oculus Rift product. It supports 2K video transmission at 90Fps with sub 2ms latency. The adapter comes with a battery to power the headset and the wireless module and can last for up to five hours of operation.

The TPCast wireless adapter for Oculus Rift is available for pre-order to European consumers at a recommended retail price of €389 EUR or, £349 GBP. Pre-order is available through the following retail partners across Europe: Alternate, Alza, Amazon (Germany), Caseking, Cool Blue, Digitec, Inet, LDLC, OverClockers, Scan and Schenker Technologies.

According to TPCast, the wireless adapter for Oculus Rift is expected to reach the first consumers by the end of this year. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on the TPCast and other wireless transmitters for the leading VR HMDs.

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TPCast for Rift Pre-orders Start Shipping Next Week in North America and Europe

TPCast, the wireless transmitter first launched for Vive, is going to be arriving in few different regions soon including US, Canada, and much of the European Union. Pre-orders, which are available now, are slated to arrive as early as next week.

Launching pre-orders quietly yesterday afternoon in the US and Canada, TPCast for Rift pre-orders ran out almost immediately. Priced at $350 and only currently available direct from TPCast, the only other solution for customers looking to get their hands on one of the Rift-specific TPCast units is to either sign up for updates and wait, or purchase from a foreign storefront. Find US/Canada availability here.

European availability is still good, as the device is carried by a number of German and UK retailers capable of shipping all over Europe. Retailers are nearly universally selling the TPCast for Rift for around $460 (€390, £350). This price however includes value-added tax (VAT). Find European availability here.

What’s in the Box

  • Wireless Transmitter
  • Wireless Receiver
  • Power module and battery
  • Wireless router
  • Cables *3 (Video/Data Cable, HDMI Cable, Ethernet Cable)
  • Nylon bag, Belt
  • Quick Start Guide, Warranties

Specs

  • Video Format:HDMI
  • Video Resolution:2K (2160*1200)
  • Video Frame Rate:90Hz
  • Audio Format: 16bit 44100 Hz, 16bit 48000 Hz
  • Transmission Delay <2ms
  • Transmission Range>5m 360°
  • Power Consumption :4W
  • Battery Life: 5 hours

A thanks goes out to Roland Theron for tipping us off.

The post TPCast for Rift Pre-orders Start Shipping Next Week in North America and Europe appeared first on Road to VR.

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TPCast für Oculus Rift ab sofort verfügbar [Update]

[Update] Wie angekündigt ist die Drahtlos-Lösung TPCast für die Oculus Rift nun erhältlich und wird beispielsweise aktuell bei Alternate als lagernd geführt. Amazon verspricht hingegen eine Lieferzeit von zwei bis drei Tagen.

Originalmeldung vom 7. Dezember 2017:

Teuer, aber gut: Für Roomscale-Erfahrungen ist die Befreiung vom Kabel eine feine Sache. Für die HTC Vive gibt es seit einiger Zeit die Lösung TPCast, die in unserem Test überzeugen konnte. Nun können Besitzer einer Oculus Rift zuschlagen und die Lösung für ihr Headset bei diversen Händlern vorbestellen. Die Auslieferung ist für den 19. Dezember geplant.

TPCast: Leine los für Oculus Rift

Erst im September erreichte die drahtlose Lösung TPCast für die HTC Vive hiesige Gefilde, letzten Monat gab es dann erste Vorführungen des Systems für die Oculus Rift auf dem SVVR Meetup. Nun ist es so weit und Interessierte können das System für das Oculus Rift Headset bei verschiedenen Online-Händlern vorbestellen. Am 19. Dezember soll dann die Auslieferung erfolgen. Ganz billig wird das drahtlose Vergnügen aber nicht, der offizielle Preis liegt bei 389 Euro und robbt damit recht dicht an den Preis des VR-Systems von Oculus heran. Die Lösung für die HTC Vive ist derzeit ab rund 345 Euro zu haben. Wer die Kabelverbindung zum PC kappen will, hat allerdings derzeit keine Alternative zum TPCast.

TPCast Oculus Rift

In den Spezifikationen und im Lieferumfang unterscheiden sich beide Versionen nicht voneinander. Das TPCast-Set enthält den PC-Transmitter, einen HMD-Receiver, die Power Box mit Befestigungsgürtel, den Router, Verbindungskabel sowie eine Anker-Powerbank mit einer Kapazität von 20.100 mAH. Diese soll für eine Laufzeit von immerhin fünf Stunden sorgen, bei Bedarf kann man eine zweite hinzukaufen.

Der Beitrag TPCast für Oculus Rift ab sofort verfügbar [Update] zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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Huawei and TPCAST to Develop 5G Cloud VR Rendering Solution

TPCAST, which is developing wireless solutions for virtual reality (VR) headsets, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Wireless X Labs in a bid to develop a 5G cloud VR rendering solution, it was announced this week.

VR hardware falls into two basic categories at present. Mobile devices like Samsung Gear VR, which are cost effective, easily available and provide a decent experience, yet are hampered by smartphone processing power, or tethered headsets – either via PC or console – which provide a better visual experience, but feature high costs and poor mobility. What TPCAST and Huawei Wireless X Labs hope to do is bridge that gap by migrating complex image processing, currently managed locally, to the cloud to implement real-time cloud rendering of interactive VR content.

Huawei Wireless X Labs - Ken Hu

To do this TPCAST plans to offer an ultra-low latency codec and real-time VR data control protocol, while Huawei provides cutting-edge 5G network technologies. Introducing a powerful cloud server should improve computing and image processing capabilities for smartphones, enabled by hardware resource sharing among multiple users whilst reducing the investment required.

“TPCAST is excited to work with Wireless X Labs and develop the 5G cloud VR rendering solution,” said Michael Liu, CEO of TPCAST in a statement. “TPCAST’s ultra-low latency codec and real-time VR data control protocol makes cloud rendering possible. We are dedicated to working with Huawei to optimize our cloud rendering technologies and improve the VR experience. We are currently the only wireless VR solution provider to successfully complete the adaption of wireless VR HMDs — the world’s first. It is our solemn and inescapable duty to improve the cloud VR rendering solution. In addition, we have accumulated an abundance of technical experience and resources, which can help implement this solution.”

Wang Yufeng, who heads Huawei Wireless X Labs, emphasized that: “Cloud VR is an important use case for 5G networks. The connections between VR terminals and the cloud are crucial to deliver an optimal VR user experience. 5G networks can provide low latency and large bandwidth required by cloud rendering and content release. Huawei will provide world leading 5G network technologies and test environments and is honored to partner with TPCAST to verify cloud VR, laying a solid foundation for future trials and commercial deployment on many operators’ networks.”

The majority of smartphone users and networks currently use 4G. This can deliver peak download speeds of 300Mbit/s with response times of around 50 milliseconds (not that great for VR purposes). 5G on the other hand promises to offer speeds in excess of 1Gb/s, with many estimates placing it closer to 10Gb/s, boasting 1 millisecond end-to-end response times (much better for VR).

Just don’t get too excited, as at the moment 5G is still being tested. The first 5G networks available to the public are expected to roll out in the UK, US and South Korea in 2020, although these will be limited to major cities. Widespread 5G usage probably won’t happen until 2022.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of TPCAST and Huawei, reporting back with the latest announcements.

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TPCAST zeigt kabellose Oculus Rift

Werbung für Virtual Reality Hygiene

Mit dem TPCAST steht seit einigen Monaten auch ein Zubehör in Deutschland bereit, welches die HTC Vive von den lästigen Kabeln befreit. Die Erfinder des Wireless-Moduls genossen das Vive-X-Förderprogramm von HTC, doch diese Partnerschaft verhindert nicht, dass auch die Oculus Rift noch in diesem Jahr seine Kabel verlieren soll.

TPCAST zeigt kabellose Oculus Rift

Das Zubehör wurde zwar bereits vor einigen Wochen für die Oculus Rift angekündigt, doch nun gab es auch eine erste Vorführung auf dem letzten SVVR Meetup. Auf Road to VR sagt Jon Oakes, der das System auf dem Meetup testen konnte, dass die Performance gut war und er keine Frame Drops erkennen konnte. Zudem sei das Gewicht zwar deutlich höher, jedoch bleibe die Rift komfortabel zu tragen. Kritik übt Oakes jedoch an der schwierigeren Einstellung der Größe der Brille. Im privaten Umfeld sicherlich zu vernachlässigen, aber im Arcade-Betrieb kein unwichtiger Faktor.

TPCAST bestätigt, dass das Wireless-Zubehör für die Rift rund 300 US-Dollar kosten wird und sich somit preislich am Produkt für die HTC Vive orientiert. Das ist ein heftiger Preis, der viele private Interessenten abschrecken könnte, denn immerhin kostet der TPCAST fast so viel wie aktuell die VR-Brille selbst. Zudem steht fest, dass die Module nicht untereinander kompatibel sein werden. Ihr könnt also nicht euren TPCast für die Rift mit dem HTC-Vive-System verwenden.

(Quelle Road to VR)

 

Der Beitrag TPCAST zeigt kabellose Oculus Rift zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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TPCAST Shows Off Oculus Rift Wireless Module, Due Out By Year’s End

TPCAST announced last month plans for an Oculus Rift version of their wireless module. This week at the SVVR offices in Silicon Valley, the company showed off a functional version of the module for the first time. The unit is said to be available by year’s end, and will have the same or similar $300 price as the HTC Vive module.

Image courtesy TPCast

At the SVVR Meetup #46 on Tuesday, TPCast showed the first public demo of their wireless Oculus Rift module. The system eliminates the Rift’s tether by attaching a transmitter to the wearer’s head which sends the headset’s USB and HDMI data over a 60GHz connection to a receiver which connects to the host computer. The system is powered by a belt-worn battery which is said to last several hours.

VR industry insider Jon Oakes was present at the Meetup shared his experience of trying the demo with Road to VR.

The demo they showed was Google Earth VR, and performance seemed perfectly acceptable. I did not notice any significant frame drops even when moving my head back and forth rapidly. I was not able to fully test the range limits given our space constraints but it definitely performed well in standard Vive room-scale range. It was comfortable although it’s still an extra box on top of your head and it made adjusting the head strap a bit challenging. I don’t think this would be a problem for personal use but in an environment like an arcade some thought would have to be given to quickly adjusting the strap lengths for varying head sizes.

Weight wasn’t too much of an issue since most of the weight was on the battery which hangs from your belt/pants. I’m not sure what they would do if someone were not wearing pants (such as someone wearing a dress) but for an arcade environment a simple nylon belt should hold it fine.

It definitely felt good to not have to worry about wires. I realized I was subconsciously managing my movement after spending a lot of time in VR navigating the cables we all have currently, but after a few minutes I was able to relax more and feel a bit more connected to the virtual environment because of not having the ‘anchor’ of the VR headset cable to the real world. A properly configured chaperone system is really important however because without wires you do lose some sense of where you are in relation to your play space.

Oakes further said that performance during his time with the unit felt just like he’s used to in a typical wired scenario. From my own experience testing the Vive version of the TPCast wireless module at several different events, performance was hit or miss from one event to the next, but it seemed that in situations where the module was set up optimally and in an ideal environment, the system is capable of providing a consistent wireless experience without impacting visual performance.

image courtesy TPCAST

At the event, Udi Yuhjtman, TPCast’s GM of North America, said that the Rift version of the module would be priced at or near the same $300 for the Vive version—a price point which is more appealing to VR arcades than home users, but which could still interest power users, especially with the cost of these headsets plummeting in the last 12 months. Due to differences in cabling, the company says the two modules are not interchangeable.

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Yuhjtman said that FCC certifications, which were blamed for missed deadlines for the launch of the Vive version in the US, won’t need to be redone since the two modules are so similar. The company says that the Rift version of the headset is in production now and is due out by the end of the year, presumably alongside the Vive version.

The post TPCAST Shows Off Oculus Rift Wireless Module, Due Out By Year’s End appeared first on Road to VR.

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TPCast for Vive is Now Available for Pre-order in North America at $300

TPCast, the eponymous company producing a wireless VR transmitter, is now offering its HTC Vive-specific device for pre-order in US and Canada.

The TPCAST Wireless Adapter for Vive has been available in China since December 2016, with pre-orders only opening up in Europe two months ago. Now the wireless transmitter, a battery-powered device that lets you go cable free, is available for pre-oder in the US and Canada starting today. Shipping is slated as early as November 24th.

TPCast for Vive is priced at US$300, and is sold on TPCast’s website and online retail sites including Amazon and NewEgg.

image courtesy TPCast

The company suffered somewhat of a false start when they first announced pre-order availability in North America back in September. Originally slated for its US release on 9/25/2017 through the Microsoft Store, pre-orders were quickly refunded for no discernible reason.

The company has since launched their wireless transmitter for Vive in several European countries for around €350.

TPCast is also gearing up for the release of its Oculus Rift-compatible trasmitter, with a pre-order page spotted on Overclockers.co.uk. No information on North American availability has been made public yet.

What’s in the box

  • Wireless Transmitter
  • Wireless Receiver
  • Power module and battery
  • Wireless router

Check out the full video guide from the company below to see just what sort of setup the TPCast demands. Spoiler Alert: it takes forever.

It appears Amazon’s link isn’t active yet. Please check back soon.

The post TPCast for Vive is Now Available for Pre-order in North America at $300 appeared first on Road to VR.

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Pre-Orders for TPCAST Oculus Rift Adaptor Now Available

Last month Chinese wireless technology company TPCAST made the surprise announcement that it was working on a version of its adaptor for Oculus Rift. At the time the company said it planned on launching the device by the end of Q4 2017. Now PC components retailer Overclockers UK has TPCAST listed on its website to pre-order for £349.99 GBP.

Whilst this is the first indication of an official price – very much similar to the HTC Vive version – Overclockers listing doesn’t detail a more exact launch or shipping date. What it does detail are the full specifications for the TPCAST wireless adaptor and that’s included in the box.

HTC Vive TPCAST

Ever since TPCAST first announced its wireless adaptor back in 2016 as part of the Vive X Accelerator programme there’s been a lot of interest in the company due to it being the first one to seemingly solve the major issue of tethered VR headsets. It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing since, with the device made available in China first. Over 2017 VRFocus has reported a number of times about TPCAST being made available to pre-order in North America and Europe, with shipping windows being given but not materialising.

For example in February, Vice President HTC Vive, Europe Peter Frølun confirmed to VRFocus that TPCAST would be available to order in Europe during Q2 of 2017. Then in August a release date of 1st September for Europe came to light. Yet a quick look at online retailers and TPCAST’s own website show no stock, just pre-order listings.

So at present – looking at the current state of things – either both the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive versions will appear at the same time, the HTC Vive version does see a proper western release or consumers are looking at 2018 to realistically get their hands on one.

Which is a shame. While the VR PC headset market is small, and the price of TPCAST almost equals that of Oculus Rift, there will undoubtedly be consumers who are happy to pay that price for complete wireless freedom in VR.

There’s also the problem for TPCAST that it’ll lose its lead, with companies like Intel working on WiGig or DisplayLink. Plus there’s going to be a new influx of standalone headsets like Oculus Go and Vive Focus, while not as powerful as a PC-based system offer a cheaper wireless alternative.

Whatever happens with TPCast, VRFocus will keep you updated.

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TPCast Opens US Office, HTC Vive Wireless Adapter Ships this Month

TPCast has announced the opening of its US Office in Sunnyvale, California at the heart of the Silicon Valley. Headquartered in Beijing, TPCast is set to introduce a commercial wireless adapter for PC virtual reality (VR), the TPCast Wireless Adapter for HTC Vive, to North America this month. The product has been commercially available in China since November 2016.

HTC Vive TPCAST

The TPCast United States office will cover all marketing, sales and customer support activities across the North America market. In support of its US launch, TPCast is planning a series of initiatives, including building sales channels and a customer service team to serve its fast-growing list of US customers and expanding partnerships, which currently include the likes of NVIDA and Lattice, to focus on business development activities in North America.

“Following the pent-up demand in the U.S. market we’re excited to bring our revolutionary wireless technology to the American users,” said Tony Ho EVP Sales and Marketing at TPCast. “With the United States team, we are planning on addressing verticals such as Medical, Education, Entertainment, Real Estate, Oil &Gas, and make VR more available to the U.S. consumers.”

Creator of the first commercial wireless VR solution, the company’s patent-pending technologies enable highly efficient bi-directional communications between the PC and a VR head-mounted display (HMD) with remarkably low latency. Pre-orders for the TPCast Wireless Adapter launched throughout North America and Europe in September, including via the online Microsoft Store.

HTC Vive TPCAST

“The U.S. is the world’s #1 market for VR headsets followed by China, both of which will face expedited growth as a result of wireless capabilities enhancing the VR experience,” said Udi Yuhjtman, general manager for North America, TPCast. “Having a footprint in the U.S. is important for TPCast and we are looking forward to introducing the TPCast wireless product line to both consumers and enterprises in order to support the VR market expansion.”

The TPCast Wireless Adapter that supports the HTC Vive HMD has already been shipping in China, and is currently available for pre-order in Europe. The company is planning on launching the product in the U.S. in November 2017, with an Oculus Rift edition set to follow. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details.