Hi,
I have the TrackIR 4 (using it with latest trackIR 5 software). All is pretty much fine, the issue I have is that due to my setup (running on Lounge TV) the actual trackIR device is some distance from where my head is.
Sometimes this can lead to the device not seeing me properly and I am constantly aware that I need to keep my head in view. This leads me to being aware of the device rather than just relaxing and becoming immersed.
My question really is, would the TrackIR5 provide better tracking at distance than v4 hardware? I know it's stated that the resolution is better and it tracks at higher fidelity but would this translate to better tracking at range? or is this just a limitation of this tech?
Many Thanks.
TrackIR 4 vs 5 Hardware - Should I upgrade?
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Seth Steiling
- Posts: 1365
- Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:29 am
- Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Re: TrackIR 4 vs 5 Hardware - Should I upgrade?
Tracking distance can be improved with a TrackIR 5. The higher resolution is part of what enables this. I think that our recommended max distance is still around 6 feet/1.8 meters, but I've been able to get pretty good results at about 9 feet/2.7 meters (NOTE: tracking to this distance is not guaranteed to work). The camera is powerful enough that the problem isn't the range of light or its sensitivity to it, but rather that, eventually, the markers in the TrackClip/TrackClip PRO (the latter being strongly recommended for tracking at larger distances) get too close together for our vector algorithm to solve head orientation reliably. With a TrackIR 5, that's likely to happen before the camera stops seeing the dots.
Another factor to consider is that, the farther you are from the camera, the more physical space each pixel in its sensor represents. So, the higher resolution of a TrackIR 5 actually makes more of a difference the farther you are from the camera, as it has 3x the pixels at its disposal.
My first recommendation would be to upgrade to a TrackClip PRO, if you haven't already. After that, I do think that the TrackIR 5 will offer you a more stable and reliable tracking experience. Your mileage will vary, of course, but it should be a noticeable improvement.
EDIT: Another idea is to mount the TrackIR behind your head. You'll need to invert a few axes to make the tracking work, but that is a solution that some users have settled on as an alternative to tracking at large distances if they sit a ways from their monitor.
Another factor to consider is that, the farther you are from the camera, the more physical space each pixel in its sensor represents. So, the higher resolution of a TrackIR 5 actually makes more of a difference the farther you are from the camera, as it has 3x the pixels at its disposal.
My first recommendation would be to upgrade to a TrackClip PRO, if you haven't already. After that, I do think that the TrackIR 5 will offer you a more stable and reliable tracking experience. Your mileage will vary, of course, but it should be a noticeable improvement.
EDIT: Another idea is to mount the TrackIR behind your head. You'll need to invert a few axes to make the tracking work, but that is a solution that some users have settled on as an alternative to tracking at large distances if they sit a ways from their monitor.
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Re: TrackIR 4 vs 5 Hardware - Should I upgrade?
thanks for the info, most useful.
I do have a track Clip Pro but I found the vector clip on a hat easier. I'll give the pro clip another try, and also investigate mounting the TrackIR closer or behind me as you suggest.
If not, I'll save up for the 5. Thanks very much.
I do have a track Clip Pro but I found the vector clip on a hat easier. I'll give the pro clip another try, and also investigate mounting the TrackIR closer or behind me as you suggest.
If not, I'll save up for the 5. Thanks very much.