Meta Quest 3 is a “standalone” headset, meaning users can experience live concerts, comedy shows, immersive games, and social interactions with friends globally, all without the need for wires. However, it is also considered part of a larger ecosystem.
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This perspective dates back to 2019 with the launch of the Link Cable, which allowed VR enthusiasts to connect the original Quest headset to their PCs. Over the years, connecting to PCs has been made even easier with Air Link, enabling wireless streaming of PC content to the Meta Quest headset. Additionally, there has been a focus on mixed reality, blending the physical and virtual worlds.
Now, Meta is introducing and releasing Meta Quest HDMI Link for Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro. The goal is to enable users to connect their headsets to a wider range of devices.
HDMI Link allows users to connect their Meta Quest headset to devices with HDMI or DisplayPort output, such as handheld PCs, consoles, laptops, and more. HDMI Link enables users to display 2D content in VR on a large, low-latency “screen,” similar to the Theater View from the recent v67 software update.
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For example, if a roommate is using the TV or a user is staying in a hotel and wants to play games on a big screen, HDMI Link allows them to access their favorite games directly in the headset. HDMI Link outputs games at 1080p with near-zero latency, and the screen size can be adjusted and repositioned as needed.
Additionally, HDMI Link works with laptops and phones. Whether a user is on a flight and wants to watch a movie or get some work done privately, most content should display seamlessly via HDMI Link. However, certain apps, particularly streaming apps with built-in copy protection software, may interfere with HDMI Link.
While there are other options for ideal circumstances, such as Air Link for reliable WiFi or Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) for 2D gaming on Quest, HDMI Link is beneficial when WiFi is unreliable or unavailable. It also supports many devices that otherwise wouldn’t be compatible with Quest.
To set up HDMI Link, additional third-party hardware is required, specifically a UVC and UAC compatible capture card and related cables (USB 3.0 is recommended). Although it is mostly plug-and-play, it is slightly more complex than setting up Air Link. For this reason, HDMI Link is being released on App Lab initially.
The setup process is fairly straightforward. Users need to:
- Install Meta Quest HDMI Link on their headset.
- Connect their source device to the capture card using an HDMI cable, a USB-C to HDMI cable, or a Lightning to HDMI cable, depending on the device’s outputs.
- Optionally run USB-C power to the capture card to keep the headset charged during use.
- Connect the headset to the capture card using a USB-A female to USB-C male cable.
- Turn on the headset, grant necessary permissions, and start using the feature.
Meta is excited to see how the community uses HDMI Link, whether for gaming, work, entertainment, or other applications. As Meta continues to envision VR as a general computing platform, ensuring Quest works seamlessly with other devices users depend on is a priority.
HDMI Link represents another step towards making VR a versatile computing platform, and Meta remains confident that the Meta Quest 3 offers the best value in both VR and mixed reality at $499.99 USD.
The Meta Quest HDMI Link app can be downloaded from App Lab, though users will also need a compatible capture card and associated cabling to connect their devices to their headset.
FAQ:
What does the app do?
The app streams video and audio content to Meta Quest devices from a UVC (USB Video Class) compatible USB Video Capture Card accessory.
What headsets are supported?
Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro.
What input devices are supported?
UVC-compatible USB Capture cards that support 1080p capture and output resolution. USB 3.0 cards are recommended.
How do users get the app?
The app is available for installation on Meta Quest headsets through the Meta Quest Store.
Why can’t movies from streaming services be played?
Capture cards do not display video if the HDMI signal has HDCP protection enabled.
Which capture cards are supported?
UVC-compatible USB Capture cards that support 1080p capture and output resolution. USB 3.0 cards are recommended for optimal performance.
Why does the app require Camera and Record Audio permissions?
Android apps that interact directly with USB devices require camera permissions to access UVC devices, similar to regular camera apps.
What is the screen resolution of Meta Quest HDMI Link?
The screen resolution is 1920×1080. For the best experience, users should use a capture card capable of capturing 1080p content at 60fps.
How can users troubleshoot a blank screen?
Users should try disconnecting and reconnecting the capture card. Ensuring the correct HDMI or DisplayPort input is being used is essential, as capture cards will not display video if the HDMI signal has HDCP protection enabled.
How can low video frame rates be fixed?
This may be caused by a low-quality capture card or USB 2.0 cables. A USB 3.0 setup is recommended for better performance.
What if a user’s capture card isn’t working?
Users should disconnect and reconnect the capture card, ensure it is UVC compatible, and verify the correct input connection based on the user manual. If problems persist, they should contact the manufacturer.