To TrackIR or to not TrackIR?

[Hunter~SPARTA~]

So I've been considering purchasing a TrackIR for a little while now, but Lighty's post re-inspired my interested in the product. Seeing as the only game I play I can even use it in is Arma 2, would you guys say its worth the investment? If so, whats the major difference(s) between TrackIR 4 and 5?

 

 

- JHunter

[Lightspeed~SPARTA~]

very little - buy the 4 not the 5 - it definitely adds to the immersion but takes a little while to get used to.

 

you could live without it but if you got spare change then get the 4

[Fatal_Papercut~SPARTA~]

I use version 5, and I'm not to certain what the major differences between 5 and 4 are. However, you can still use the TrackIR with games that don't officially support it, especially with the 3rd-party add-ons that have been written for it. For example, two of the add-ons emulate keyboard and joystick inputs. For RTS/TBS games that use the arrow keys to scroll the screen, I use the keyboard emulator to allow me to do the same thing by turning my head left/right or looking up/down. And instead of using the camera software that supposedly adds TrackIR support to NFS Shift (it never worked for me), I use the joystick emulator with TrackIR to implement free-look.

 

So although you may not be able to use TrackIR with other shooters for independent head-movement, you're not limited to using it only with games that are officially supported.

 

Links for these 3rd-party add-on can be found in the Support section of NaturalPoint's website.

[Batwing~SPARTA~]

I have V 5 and i love it.

 

Difference between the 2s (4 and 5) is in the higher precision with a higher resolution. However i can t say the real life difference because I never tried the 4 before. I find the 5 resolution very high and precise, but you need to use it to get use to it.

 

Good thing the software allows to handle many aspects so you can set a comfy level of reaction to your moves.

 

I use it on Arma2 and on LockOn flight sim and is quite amazing.

 

SUGGESTION:

 

If you are using a BIG screen, this gadget will result uncomfortable. I am using a 37" at the moment and I got 2 major issues:

 

1- setting it on top of the screen is feasable but can get to an inclination that may result not good to set the right movements with your head

 

2- considering how big this monitor is, I already move my head just to look the entire screen, resulting in unvoluntary moves in game.

 

 

I decided i am downsizing my screen and i got a 26" which will be way better for playing games - I had the 37" because I was using it mostly for HD tv and blu-ray through the PC, but my config changed and I am moving the 37' in another room now.

 

With a normal monitor size I m gonna enjoy the trackIR way better

[Ebden~SPARTA~]

Could those unlim-budget types integrate Track IR with a monitor trio? You could limit further the turn ratios on track IR with a wider viewing angle- 155-180deg?

 

I may toy with freetrack, but only after everything else in this house is put to rights.

[Batwing~SPARTA~]

Software allows you to reduce your turn angle, so for sure you can adapt on a triio set.

 

If you get to the decision to use TIR wiith your trio set, let me know, I am very curios about that

[Ebden~SPARTA~]

Software allows you to reduce your turn angle, so for sure you can adapt on a triio set.

 

If you get to the decision to use TIR wiith your trio set, let me know, I am very curios about that

 

I don't have a trio, but I might be able to run my older Dell 19"CRT and the 22" Samsung LCD together! It'll be bootleg, whatever I try to do.

[Batwing~SPARTA~]

I don t think this solution is good for a 2 monitor set. i don t really see how that may help.

 

I have doubts on how it works on a trio also, but it could be interesting to try.

 

On a correct trio set with eyefinity, you potentially already cover a good 90 degrees or a bit more in front of you and on ure sides, defeating the need of the TIR.

On the other hand, if you slightly move your head, you might enjoy a larger field of view. true also to say that all of the other degrees of freedom offered by the TIR would be welcome on a trio set, indeed. Tilting up and down, moving side by side and zooming in - out are still very useful on a trio set to have.

[wormeaten]

Did you guys check this.

[Lightspeed~SPARTA~]

yes seen it but i wasnt going to build one myself