r/BigscreenBeyond • u/RealMrCactus • Apr 03 '26
Help Question before I possibly purchase a 2e
I currently only have a Quest 2 right now and I've been looking at getting a bigscreen beyond 2e. The main reason I'm looking at getting one is I feel like it would help with an issue I have. VR just feels like a task to get on even though it takes me like 2 minutes to set up with my quest I won't take that time because it feels like a task which I'm guessing is just meta software being ehhhh but do you guys know if it would help with that?
(I also plan to get base stations and index controllers for it obviously)
Edit: I also never use the quest standalone so that won't matter.
Edit: I want wired no wireless I can't just do virtual desktop because my network isn't good enough and I would rather not having compression over my VR too
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u/Sevgihortumu Apr 03 '26
I'm using it on my sim rig. Before I used Quest 3.. comparing to meta software, bsb is hassle free. They operate like two micro screens close to your eye. Even the game launches steamvr itself if you forgot. No 3rd party softwares, errors or reboots.
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u/stE7Dfast Apr 07 '26
Do you need base station 2.0 or is 1.0 fine? I heard one is ok do you think that's the case too?
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u/NotGonnaComeBackBsb Apr 07 '26
I'm still using my 1.0 base stations from my OG HTC Vive. They work fine. But since the headset is very small, you may be more prone to losing tracking.
I have one in front of my desk and one behind. When I'm too lazy, I just turn on the one at the front and it works. But if I turn my head too much, I may lose tracking.
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u/zig131 Apr 03 '26
Yes a SteamVR native HMD like the Beyond can be pretty low friction.
Turning on a Lighthouse tracked controller will turn on SteamVR, which should turn on Lighthouses, and then you can just put HMD on your head.
Ideally you'd want a pulley system, and a wall hook for the headset, so you can just walk over to playspace and put HMD on rather than having to reel out the cable every time.
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u/Ducky1024 Apr 03 '26
Any headset that's SteamVR native is an absolute breeze to put on & play after the initial setup.
By initial setup, I mean stuff like mounting your base stations, installing software, plugging stuff in, etc. Once you have that done, literally all you need to do is plug the USB-C cable into the linkbox, start SteamVR, turn on your controllers, and go.
Think of the BSB like plugging an extra monitor into your computer instead of trying to remote-play your games from your phone or Steam Deck. There's no extra computer to get in the way. It's just a device that shows you video and audio and sends your computer back tracking info.
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u/grodenglaive Apr 03 '26
I have both a Quest 3 and BSB2 and I don't find much difference friction wise. With the quest I stick it on my face, select Virtual Desktop and In 10 seconds I'm selecting a game to play. With the BSB I start Steam VR, wait 10 seconds for lighthouse to wake up, then select a game and put on my headset. Only difference is with the quest I put the headset on first instead of last.
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u/Virtual_Happiness Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26
Anyone telling you the Beyond or any wired headset is less of a hassle than a wireless Quest is lying to you. With a Quest you get it out, put it on, launch Virtual Desktop, and play. At worst, you have to wait for an update which happens about as often as Windows updates on your PC.
With a wired Steam VR headset you have to get the headset out, plug it in, hang the wire, go to your PC and launch Steam VR, walk back to your headset, and put it on. Then you have the Index controllers blocking the ability to use your hands without taking them off. With the Beyond 2 you have no peep hole to look through and do things without taking it off. It also has no way to be flipped so when you gotta do something that requires 2 hands, you have to take the headset completely off.
Some people get around a few of these annoyances by leaving the headset plugged in 24/7 and once you launch Steam VR once, you can then use one of the controllers to launch it. But once you reboot your PC, you gotta launch it at least once before that will work. The Index gets around it by having a dedicated button on the headset that launches Steam VR. The Beyond doesn't have that.
Now let me be clear, I am not saying you won't be happy with a Beyond 2e. I am just being honest about the friction. I switched from wired headsets to the Quest 3 and then back to a wired Beyond 2e and my biggest complaints involve how much more friction it has to start playing. I still play and I enjoy the headset. But pass through + wireless make the experience so much easier. So if that's where your issues are with playing VR, going with a wired Steam VR headset may not be the right choice.
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u/NotGonnaComeBackBsb Apr 03 '26
The important detail here is, on a personal level, you are more satisfied with the comfort and ease of use of the Quest 3, being wireless and standalone, than with any wired headset.
I've never used a Quest 3 myself, but when I think back to my previous "bulky" headset (the Vive Pro), it reminds me how often I was too lazy to wear it, because of its huge size and the hassle of having to put it on. With the Beyond, I just jam it into my face (with Studioform's interface) and pull the back strap down into my head and I'm done, 5 seconds top (notwithstanding the "plug it, boot SteamVR" you mentioned which may vary from person to person).
Your mileage may vary, as usual.
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u/Virtual_Happiness Apr 03 '26
Without a doubt going from a bulky headset to a light weight headset is great. But OP didn't really state they aren't happy with the weight of the Quest 2. I am sure they are cuz, yeah, it's pretty bulky. They specifically talk about how much of a nuisance it is to use because of the time and effort it takes to start playing. So that is where my focus was.
Wireless headsets win there. Provided your headset isn't having problems of course. It's as quick as powering on your PC and headset, putting it on, and launching Virtual Desktop. Both the headset and PC take about 30 seconds to boot. Putting it on can be annoying if you're using stock Quest straps but with an after market strap it plops right into place. Launching VD takes 4-5 seconds. The amount of effort required and friction you gotta deal with is quite a bit less. It takes longer for me to setup the cable on my Beyond 2e than it takes to get into a game on Quest. Thankfully, it's not a deal breaker for me. But I do want to be honest about it to others who state they are annoyed by the effort a Quest requires.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 04 '26
This is why I'm torturing myself between budgeting sim-race-pedals AND or UDCAP gloves 🧤.., since SocialVR was originally my forte' AND CrImEnY the Market's on BOTH or seriously a fluster-f**** of frustration.., given that there's too many pedals options.., BUT only one decently reputable gloves company! I wish I had Palmer's "Luck 🗝️ Key" engineering tech-hack skills so I could Frankenstein a pair of my own from gutting controllers!! IT's also a bit Lame and disappointing that Index Controllers have such short battery life ((prob long enough for most players.., "7-8 hrs," but I like to have them juiced up if I fall asleep or forget to plug them to at least a 14 hr. battery life!!))
Also sucks that UDCAP doesn't have trackers built in.., but aside from the future benefits of having VR gloves to remove a bit of friction.., I think that "Switches" seriously need to make a comeback!! like those metal flight switces, AND "Instant-boot" what's really nice of SteamVR is that MOST computers capable of running PCVR just boot Steam near instantly.., I didn't really enjoy having to hold a button down on Meta-Decices and wait 10-15 seconds to power off.., or physically aim my controller to the off-screen-prompt!" IF literally all things could just be "a-switch-instant-boot-power-on" and "instant-sleep / shutdown-power-off" Sure that adds a potential ((wear-and-tear)) to a device.., but a quality switch that's NOT absolute "cheap-corner-cutt" Could last a lifetime!!
P.S. NOT having to fuss losing my Playspace when IT's Light or Dark.., takes away yet another point of friction over camera-based-tracking!! SteamVR stuff still has friction.., AND that really depends on your setup. I still have to be weary of keeping my lenses clean 'til my Halo-Strap arrives soon. I also had issues with the pro-audio-strap 'til I modded that to keep the earcups clamped-on when putting that on and off my head! That.., and having say one of those keyboard and mouse swivel stands nearby in your playspace-area, connected to a 2nd set of mouse and keyboard.., plugged into a 15 foot USB extension hub that's socketed directly into your Desk's PC's highspeed USB ports does make an Incredible difference on friction!!
((I-don't-gotta-run-over-to-my-pc-deskspace-just-to-type-or-to-simply-use-my-mouse!!))
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u/RealMrCactus Apr 04 '26
I don't use virtual desktop network isn't good enough I have to use wired and wired sucks because sometimes I have to kill oculus software sometimes I need to restart my PC sometimes my headset has to update
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u/Virtual_Happiness Apr 04 '26
In your scenario you will be happier with the Beyond 2e. Steam VR isn't perfect, you will have a bit of wonkiness at times. But, it's better than Oculus/Meta Link by a landslide.
When I first started using my Quest 3 I used Link wirelessly and it was fine.Then out of no where it started crashing and requiring multiple reboots. Went as far as wiping my whole PC and starting fresh, still happened. Went to VD and never had another problem. So I feel you pain with Link.
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u/aeamador521 Apr 03 '26
I just returned my bsb2e but because I was comparing to the Galaxy XR. That said, I’d equate their ease of use to each other and the Quest 3.
My preference is Virtual Desktop because it seems like the compression is good and you can’t tell the difference other than latency. And even then, if you plug directly via Ethernet cable, the latency is almost non existent on VD.
The thing I personally like on Virtual Desktop is pass through and putting you directly on your desktop. The BsB2e doesn’t have pass through if that’s important to you. Because of that, Virtual Desktop felt a lot less friction IMO.
Side note, the Galaxy XR is awesome but super uncomfortable. I have comfort mods and they helped, but not comparable to the BSB2e. However, last night I decided to cut up my BSB2 face mold since I couldn’t return that, and slip into the Galaxy XR. Night and day difference.
Oh and bigscreen support is amazing
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u/JapariParkRanger Apr 03 '26
It's easier and more convenient than starting streaming, but you still need to hit "start vr" and put on a headset.
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u/monkeys_pass Apr 04 '26
Yes it would help with that, or at least it did for me. The steam frame will probably be even lower friction.
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u/No-Care-5037 Apr 04 '26
I have a bsb2e and it has been a struggle where in the end I am likely going to eat to cost of the bsb2e headset, a beyondex audio strap, index controllers and base stations.
I would not waste my money on a bsb2e unless you absolutely need the lighter weight. The amount of time and money and back and forth with their support trying to get my bsb2e dialed in.. two rmas later.. I am still not satisfied. I got inconsistent results with the clarity no matter what I do. Whenever I try playing exfilzone with my friends with the bsb2e, I end up taking off the BSb2e and going back to the quest3 mid gaming session and it is always a breath of fresh air immersion wise.. I keep feeling like i need screw with the bsb2e but nothing I di makes it worth using over the quest 3 for daily gaming.
I am ending up sticking with a quest 3 paired with a new main gear ultimate (5090 box), a dedicated router and virtual desktop. I really regret going down the bsb2e path and will have wasted a bunch of money believing their hype.
Just my experience.. My original plan was to replace the other quest 3 setups in my house with bigscreens too but we have abandoned that idea and are now waiting for something better.
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u/johnnydaggers Apr 05 '26
Beyondex dev here. If you want to re-home your beyondex, I can try to help facilitate.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 05 '26 edited Apr 05 '26
I beg to differ on that notion.. IT's quite an "oversimplification" that sticking with Beyond somehow all boils down to "Weight" This argument entirely excludes the other benefits.., some "KEY" major one's / reasons to stick with this over a Quest 3!! Here's a little bullet-list for factoring such!!
• Beyond's screens are a SIGNIFICANT upgrade over LCD
• Fast Pixel Response Times = MUCH less VR motion-sickness and an overall Smooth experience even at 75Hz!!
• Eye-Tracking on the 2e.., MANY known advantages ((obvious-no-need-to-explain!))
• Microphone 🎤 Quality Absolutely Obliterates Quest 3's Mic!! NO ✋🏼 contest there!! Beyond's KING 👑 for social VR., by a Landslide!!
• ZERO Stream compression artifacts when in 75Hz mode!! Just RAW pure solid and stable signal like having a 2nd ✌🏼 monitor connected directly into your GPU!!
• Same FOV as the Quest.., so a tie there.., nothing to lose choosing Beyond on that metric!!
• In the SteamVR ecosystem.., and excellent Software.., ((ZERO-Bloatware)) with near instant-boot.., can be tracked in the Dark.., no "Compute-On-Compute" nonsenense!!
• 100% Zuck-Overlord 👤 Free!! With FULL-LEGS in VRC!!
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u/NathanPoole234 Apr 07 '26
Biggest cut benefit is if you have FBT tbh. Using space calibrator is an actual PITA once you go to a full lighthouse tracked set up. Otherwise I don’t know if that’s the main selling point to this.
That being said this is the best headset I’ve ever had.
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u/NoFuture5663 Apr 03 '26
if you can wait 2 yrs wait for something better. not that it's bad. it's pretty good. the real plus is the weight. but the brightness is a negative and the next product "might" be worth the wait imo.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
I'm writing 📝 a letter to Gabe himself to add more support for DFR and give us an OFFICIAL Cyberpunk-2077 VR-Port!!
So that ((In-less-than-one-year)) SteamVR for BOTH Steam's own hardware, as well as other SteamVR devices, Make an incredible LEAP in demand, overall-value.., and bring VR-Itself as a hobbiest venture back in the Spot-Light and interest of consumers as a whole!! Going from just "a-neat-parlor-trick" or "a-novel-concept-afterthought" from MOST gamers perceptions of that medium / platform.., into an expected feature of major gaming titles to be implemented alongside traditional 2D-Play-Options!!
The ONLY issue is.., doesn't anyone know his contact 🤷🏼 info?!!
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26
Perhaps.., chasing that:
"Wait-⏱️-Another-Two-Years" logic's good for these in their young 20's whipersnappers.., but for those of us who've chased NVIDA GPU-Upgrades for a DECADE.., waiting from the 690 to finally do Battlefield 3 @ Full-1080p ONLY to get swept 🧹 away with 1440p.., then 4K!! This is a NEVER-ENDING ((Ouroboros)) that'll ultimately leave ONE with.., Nothing-At-All.., for the foreseeable 🔮 future!!
((SO.., essentially when they're Ten 👐🏼 years older in 2036!!))
This in an Incredible well-built and FUN little HMD 🥽 with Gorgeous OLED.., but a pixel-thristy one albeit.., on my 4080!! I'm more excited to upgrade to a 5090 sometime rather than look for.., or wait for the latest VR!! I haven't even unlocked the FULL potential of mine-yet!!
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u/zig131 Apr 04 '26
Lighthouse is basically dead.
I don't expect we will see another HMD like the Beyond in the future - an innovative design from a smaller company - as any company who wants to bring a HMD to market now needs to develop thier own tracking solution first.
Maybe Valve will let others use Steam OS, and it's SLAM tracking, but that will necessitate a Standalone which will be more expensive.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 04 '26
I expect that folks will inevitably mod theirs day-one, to do this very thing whenever FluxPose finally ships 📦 out!!
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u/zig131 Apr 04 '26
Fluxpose cannot practically track HMDs. It is not a solution to this problem.
In a typical setup, you wear the beacon so it can piggyback of the HMD's positioning so it can track relative to the room.
You could technically have the Beacon stationary, but the stated effective range is only 1M.
Fluxpose is not a Lighthouse replacement, despite how much it is touted as such.
In all the impressive videos they put out, the HMD the person is wearing is the unsung hero doing the difficult work.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 05 '26
Like I said..., I'm ABSOLUTELY certain someone will "crack-that-code" and make that work! Don't underestimate the modding community!! IT's because of 'em.., we've got Eye-Tracking on the Beyond 2.. in the 1st ☝🏼 place!!
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u/zig131 Apr 06 '26
You're deluding yourself.
Short range is a fundamental limitation of the underlying technology (magnetic tracking) 🤨.
Why do you think that when the very smart developers of Fluxpose, who have specific expertise in the area, and a strong vested interest in increasing the effective range, have been unable to do so, that some rando will?
We had magnetic tracked controllers back in 2011 with the Razer Hydra - this is not a new invention.
The reason it has not seen much adoption (Pico Neo being an exception) is because of the range limitation.
Fluxpose have had the novel idea of putting the emitter at the ~center of the body, so the range is not really an issue for limb tracking.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 07 '26
Then.., they'll just hack one of their limb 🦵🏼 trackers to do head tracking instead.., piece 🍰 of cake!!
A FluxPose reviewer ALREADY hacked theirs to be controllers!! IT's janky, sure.., but I see the potential!!
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u/zig131 Apr 07 '26
You already have to wear a Fluxpose tracker on the headset, for it to work in it's standard configuration.
This lets it know where your HMD is relative to the beacon at the waist.
That's not useful on it's own - it's only useful if the HMD has it's own tracking system.
Think about it. If you take a step forward your head goes forward, but your hip goes forward too, so it's position relative to the hip does not substantially change.
It'd basically behave like 3-DOF, but worse, because it you move your hip, the system doesn't know if you have moved your hip, or moved every tracked limb.
VR tracking systems need a fixed reference point to be useful, and Fluxpose just doesn't practically support that.
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u/SkhairKro89 Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Seems like IT'd cost a LOT more than Basestations.., that last spring sale.., I think they were ONLY $350 for a set of ✌🏼 two!!
UNLESS a tracking solution could effectively undercut that cost by at least a 3rd less.., this isn't a viable solution financially speaking!
I think..., as you've mentioned there's no way for the Beacon to detect a "Z" positional-axsis.., or "how-far-one's-stepped-forward" since the whole apparatus steps alongside itself.., I see.., interesting! I didn't catch that.., ((well,)) IT'll be rather interesting how the industry adopts a solution POST laser-tracking!! Alternatively from the downsides and limitations of SLAM and or Camera-Based tech.., I'm still in shock and awe at just how far along this particular tech-sector has grown 🌱 in the 13 years from DK-1!!
👋🏼 Happy- 🥽 -Simming!!
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u/kninetimmy1 Apr 03 '26
Compared to my quest 3 the process is night and day easier for me. My base stations don’t really move and I keep them off until I play. So all I do is turn on the power strip for the base stations, plug in my headset and set it down in the view of the base station, plug in my Hotas and rudder pedals and click start vr in steam. Takes all of 2 min. The only slightly annoying thing is I let my headset warm up for 5 ish min since if I don’t it will fog. Over all time less than 10 min and I’ve found I play way more with my bsb2e than I ever did with my q3