Virtual reality in its current state is largely a solo experience, locally-speaking. Sure, a crowd of people can gather around a monitor and watch as you play but by and large, it’s just one person that’s experiencing the action - everyone else is just a spectator.
Nvidia believes local virtual reality should be a multi-user experience (and I must say, I agree).
At the GPU Technology Conference (GTC) this week, the graphics specialist is demonstrating a powerhouse of a system that’s capable of simultaneously powering four VR headsets. Considering many systems struggle to drive just one headset, that’s a pretty significant accomplishment.
The proof-of-concept system in question features four of the company’s Quadro P6000 GPUs running four virtual machines on a PC server. The cards are mated to four HTC Vive Business Edition headsets and HTC’s Lightroom tracking system.
Nvidia said the setup was designed to minimize the amount of space, power and cooling needed, thus making it reasonably portable. It also makes it ideal for installation in tight or unconventional spaces like naval ships and mobile command centers.
While a LAN party may initially come to mind, Nvidia points out that such a system would open up a ton of possibilities – from amusement parks and arcades to first responder and military training.
Those interested in learning how to build systems to support multi-user VR are encouraged to request the design guide from Nvidia.
https://www.techspot.com/news/69237-nvidia-demonstrates-multi-user-vr-system-gpu-technology.html
