How to properly set up PlayStation VR.
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PlayStation VR (PSVR) headsets connect to PS4 and create an authentic virtual reality experience. But like all VR headsets, you need a lot of cables. We’ll show you how to hook everything up and set up your room to get the most out of your PSVR.
PlayStation VR allows players to take on new challenges in new worlds, but the first challenge is setting it up. It’s more cumbersome than challenging, but don’t worry! We are here to lend a hand.
First some requirements
Sony recommends a 10′ x 10′ play space. A 6′ x 6′ area may be sufficient, but results are not guaranteed. You might be able to trick your PSVR into working in a smaller space by tilting the PlayStation Camera down slightly; more on that later.
Although not required for most games, PlayStation Move controllers are recommended. They are an additional expense, but you are unlikely to regret it.
Now, open all those boxes and unwrap the cables. It’s time to start.
How to set up PSVR
First, unplug the HDMI cable from the back of the PS4 and connect it to the port labeled “HDMI TV” on the back of the PSVR Processor Unit (the box that came with the PSVR headset). This sends the signal to your television.
Now, connect the PlayStation Camera to the AUX port on the PS4. It is labeled and is the only port that will fit on the PlayStation camera cable.
Connect a new HDMI cable to the port labeled “HDMI PS4” on the back of the processor unit; ours is pink, but yours will be black.
Plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI port on the back of the PS4. This sends the video from your PS4 to the PSVR.
Connect the USB cable to the back of the processor unit and then to the PS4. This allows the two to communicate with each other.
Connect the AC power cord to the AC adapter, plug the cord into the back of the processor unit, and plug it into a power outlet.
Next, connect the PSVR headset cable to the front of the processor unit, matching the symbols on the cables to the correct ports.
Now, place the PlayStation Camera on top of your TV using the provided mount. Make sure it’s positioned centrally and angled slightly downward, more so if you’re in a particularly small room.
Now you can connect the included stereo headset to the PSVR headset and turn everything on. Remember to press the power button on the PSVR headset as it will not automatically turn on with your PlayStation.
How to position the camera
The PlayStation VR uses a single camera to track movement, and its positioning is important. The height of the camera, as well as the angle at which you sit, has a huge impact on your field of vision and what you are able to see.
Position the camera at the same height as your head so that you can see the PSVR headset when you are using it. If the camera is pointing up, you may have a hard time identifying the DualShock or PlayStation Move controllers in your hands. That is why it is recommended to tilt the camera slightly downwards.
This also helps if you have a small room. Imagine that the camera’s field of view is a flashlight illuminating your room; The camera’s field of view has a similar cone shape. You’ll be able to stand closer to your TV because the camera’s field of view is now lower than before. A lower field of view is beneficial in smaller rooms where you need to stand closer to the TV than recommended. This is because the lowest point the camera can see is now closer to the TV than it normally would be. As shown in the image below, tilting the camera down zooms in on the red shaded area.
It is recommended that you stand at least two meters from your TV, but tilting the camera slightly downwards can reduce that distance.
Don’t get too close though, there is a sweet spot to be found. The camera can look slightly up, but if you stand too close, the camera won’t be able to see your head.
Make sure that the PlayStation Camera is not exposed to direct sunlight, as strong light sources interfere with its ability to track objects. Keep the camera away from lamps or anything that emits infrared. Cover any light source during play if it cannot be removed.
Tips for a better PSVR experience
Now that it’s up and running, it’s time to modify its settings. Sure, out of the box, PSVR usually works well enough, but unless you’re playing in a 12ft x 12ft dark cave, things won’t be perfect.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make things work better the next time you put your headset on:
Clean up your play area. This is particularly important if the space you have is not large. Move lamps, vases, or other breakable items within impact distance, and make sure nothing is near your feet. When you wear the headphones, you lose visibility of your surroundings, so you’ll bump into or trip over things if they’re too close.
A good fit of the headphones is essential. Use the adjustment mechanism to ensure that the headset fits comfortably without being too tight. Replace it if the image is blurry.
Manually set the interpupillary distance (IPD) if things are still blurry. Go to Settings > Devices > PlayStation VR > Measure Eye to Eye Distance and follow the instructions.
Make sure the track lights are set up correctly. Go to Settings > Devices > PlayStation VR > Adjust Tracking Lights and follow the instructions on the screen.
Clean PSVR lenses. They are going to get dirty no matter how hard you try to keep them clean. Clean them with a microfiber cloth. Don’t use anything wet or abrasive, you don’t want to damage the lenses or coating.
Charge everything, all the time. DualShock 4 controllers usually hold a good charge, but PlayStation Move controllers…not so much. Make sure they are charged before you want to use them to avoid disappointment. We’ve been there and it’s not fun.
Take frequent breaks. You may not want to do it when you’re in the thick of the action, but a break every 30 to 45 minutes is a good idea, if only to wipe the sweat off your brow.
Above all, have fun. That’s what gaming is all about, right?
