How To Troubleshoot and fix “Jitter On HTC Vive.”

So you just got your HTC Vive and are all ready to start playing some games, but once it’s all hooked up and you’re in the game it doesn’t feel right. Things don’t seem like they’re as smooth as they should be. Well, this is probably due to the fact that your headset or controllers are jittering and being tracked improperly.

Do not worry though, this is a very common issue, and there are plenty of things you can do to fix it.

Jitter is a common problem in VR. While it may be slightly less pronounced on the HTC Vive compared to other headsets, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re looking for a way to fix the issue.

In this guide, I’ll go over what jitter is, why it happens and how to fix it. So without further ado…

What is Jitter?

Jitter is a measure of the amount of variation that occurs as a result of time-based changes. When it comes to VR, jitter refers to the tiny shifts in motion or position that occur from frame to frame.

Why Does Jitter Happen?

There are several potential causes for jitter in virtual reality:

Poor tracking quality — Tracking devices like the Vive’s Lighthouse sensors will occasionally lose sight or connection with your headset or controllers, and when they do, they can’t reliably follow your movements. This leads to jittery motions when you’re playing games.

Software issues — Some applications may have bugs that cause them to stutter or freeze, which can lead to noticeable jitter and choppiness when they’re running while you’re using your VR headset.

Network problems — If you’re streaming video games over the internet, network data packets can occasionally get lost, causing small interruptions in your game’s video feed. How Can I Fix Jitter?

Because there are several possible causes for jitter, there are also several ways you can try

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How To troubleshoot Jitter on your HTC Vive

follow these steps.

• Step 1: Check your cables.

• Step 2: Update your graphics card driver.

• Step 3: Check if your HTC Vive is not defective.

• Step 4: Install the latest updates for Windows 10.

• Step 5: Disable the Steam Overlay on specific games in the Steam application.

• Step 6: Run SteamVR with Administrator account.

• Step 7: Increase the virtual memory of your PC.

How To troubleshoot Jitter on your HTC Vive

Below we have listed some things that you can do that will help with jitter on your HTC Vive.

Move your base stations further apart

If your base stations are too close together or not at the right height, the tracking system won’t work properly. You should refer to this guide for more detailed information about how to position these correctly.

Ensure proper room lighting

Make sure that your room isn’t too dark or brightly lit as this can also cause issues with tracking jittering. If there is too much light it will make it hard for the camera on the front of the headset to pick up on specific points in a room which will make tracking an issue.

On the other hand, if your room is too dark then the headset may pick up points of light

Take a Break From VR

Sometimes after playing a few games, you can feel your head spinning, and that is not fun. You may even want to throw up, especially if the game you are playing is fast-paced. The best thing to do in that situation is stop playing immediately.

Go take a break and then try later on. However, just like other things in life, you should always take breaks when using VR especially if you have been using it for long hours at a time. If you are experiencing jitter in your HTC Vive headset, this could be because of motion sickness or fatigue.

Adjust Your View

If you have been using VR for a while, then you will agree with me that there are times when the screen gets blurry especially when moving quickly from one scene to another.

This usually happens when the view is not properly adjusted to your eyes. In such a case, all you have to do is adjust the view so that it appears clearer to your eyes and make sure that it does not go out of focus when you move from one scene to another. Most people tend to experience this more often if they wear eyeglasses while using their HTC Vive virtual reality headsets. So if this is the case with you too, then

If the above preliminary fixes do not work then try the following steps:

Step 1: Check your base stations.

You must ensure that your base stations are stable.

Step 2: Repeat the room setup process once more.

Step 3: Check to see if your base stations are covered in protective plastic.

Take the protective plastic off your base stations.

Make sure your base stations are clean.

Step 4: Cover everything in your room that could cause reflections.

You will need to cover your TV, windows, etc…

Step 5: Switch from USB 3.0 to USB 2.0.

Step 6: Use the Sync cable in A-B mode.

Change Lighthouses B-C to C-B without using the Sync cable.

Step 7. Test both of your base stations separately.

In A, there is only one station.

Step 8: Disable any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi sources.

Turn off the network controllers as well.

Restart your computer and start a new room setup.

Step 9: Disable SteamVR’s performance settings.

Disable Bluetooth communication as well as the camera.

Step 10: Look inside your base stations; there should be two striped spots while tracking.

If you only see one stripe, your base station is broken.

Step 11: Close the gap between your headset and the base stations.

Step 12: Install SteamVR again.

Step 13: Do the setup in different places.

Attempt it on a different PC If this step does not resolve your issue, contact HTC support.

How do I fix my HTC Vive lag?

Turn your HTC Vive off or restart it.

While this works for various gadgets and devices (not just VR), it is typically done when a lag spike or issue occurs.

It may sound simple, but try turning off or restarting your HTC Vive headset; it usually works.

If the lenses are messy

If the display is operational but has dark spots, dust may be obstructing the image.

You may not have to disassemble. Wet the cleaning cloth that came with the device with alcohol or lens cleaner, and carefully wipe the lenses from the center out.

If the display does not light up.

The device is turned on, but the screens remain black, it means the HDMI cable is not connected.

The HDMI cable is part of the Three-In-One cable, located at the device’s top.

Please see the Strap and Cable Replacement Guide for instructions on hotplugging in or replacing the headset cables.

If the internal video cable has been unplugged.

If the HTC Vive is turned on and all of the cables are correctly connected, but the display does not turn on, the internal connector for the headset’s video may have become disconnected.

Many internal cables may become disconnected if the headset is dropped or shaken violently.

The video cable is connected to the device’s motherboard via the Eyepiece Assembly. Please refer to the Motherboard Replacement Guide for instructions on how to reach the internal video cable.

If the motherboard has failed.

If the HTC Vive is turned on and all cables are properly connected, the device’s motherboard may have failed. The malfunction could result from a factory defect or an electrical short. Please refer to the Motherboard Replacement Guide for instructions on how to replace the headset’s motherboard.

If the video on display is stuttering or discolored and both screens are intact, the device’s motherboard may have failed. A factory defect or an electrical short could be blamed for the malfunction. Please refer to the Motherboard Replacement Guide for instructions on how to replace the headset’s motherboard.

If the display is blurry.

The display is turned on, but the video on the screens is distorted.

The headset is not properly positioned.

If the display is blurry, it could mean that the headset may not be centered on your face. The images produced by the headset will not be adequately focused unless your head is positioned in a specific location. According to HTC, “the bottom edge of the headset should rest on your cheekbones, while the standard strap should cup the back of your head.” You should be able to bend down without the headset slipping off.”

If the lenses are dusty.

If the display is blurry and the headset is positioned correctly, dirt or dust may be obstructing the image. Disassembly is not required. Wet the cleaning cloth that came with the device with alcohol or lens cleaner, and carefully wipe the lenses from the center out.

If the screen is cracked.

A screen may be broken if the display does not produce a clear image. Dropping the headset or a manufacturer’s defect can both result in a split-screen. Please follow the Screen Replacement Guide to replace a broken screen.

If the display is discolored.

If the display is choppy or discolored,the fault could come from a broken screen. Please follow the Screen Replacement Guide instructions to replace a broken screen.

HTC Vive repair cost

HTC is making replacement parts available for some of its systems. VIVE CE and VIVE PRO headsets, VIVE Wireless Adapter, and VIVE Tracker. For example, they sell a controller lanyard for $3.99, replacement foam pads for $19.99, and headphones for the Vive audio strap for $59.99. 

The power adapter for the link box, on the other hand, costs $19.99. Another example is the Vive Wall Mount, which costs $17.99, while the Vive Headphone Screws cost just under $5.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will you be able to begin purchasing parts?

HTC currently only lists one region where parts can be purchased. And those can be purchased directly from the iFixit website.

To put it another way, the parts are currently only available to HTC Vive customers in North America. There is no word on when or even if the companies will collaborate to offer details in other regions. There has also been no word on whether HTC’s future Vive products would be sold this way.

How do you reset a Vive Cosmos controller?

Connect your controller to your computer using a microUSB cable while holding the buttons. Wait five seconds before releasing the buttons. Ignore the new storage device and unplug the micro USB cord to reset.

Why is my Vive controller showing blue?

If the Vive controller powers on and a blue LED appears on the controller, it is not correctly connected to your PC.

To connect your Vive controller to your PC: follow these steps

Launch Steam VR.

Select Devices from the drop down menu.

Pair Controller can be found on the Devices tab. 

To pair your HTC Vive controller with your PC, follow the instructions provided.

Conclusion

Your HTC Vive is an electronic device, it could get faulty and jitter. Thankfully, these steps outlined here are all you need to troubleshoot jitter on your HTC Vive.