how much more latency do vr headsets have using pcvr wireless streaming over traditional wired solutions like displayport

When comparing the latency of VR headsets using PCVR wireless streaming to traditional wired solutions like DisplayPort, here's what we can gather from available information:

    Wired PCVR (DisplayPort):
        Traditional wired connections, especially via DisplayPort, offer low latency. The latency here mostly comes from the inherent delay in the system's rendering, display refresh, and the physical properties of the display technology itself. For example, high-end wired headsets like the Valve Index or Pimax headsets with DisplayPort connections can achieve latencies around 10-20 ms, considering all factors including game rendering, display refresh, etc.

    Wireless PCVR Streaming:
        Wireless streaming introduces additional latency due to several factors:
            Encoding and Decoding: The video stream needs to be compressed (encoded) at the PC and then decompressed (decoded) at the headset, adding significant latency. This process can contribute around 14-24 ms of additional latency, depending on the efficiency of the codec and hardware capabilities.
            Network Latency: The wireless transmission over Wi-Fi adds a small but variable amount of latency, typically around 0-6 ms under optimal conditions but can spike higher with network congestion or interference.
            Total Latency: When using advanced streaming software like Virtual Desktop with optimized settings, users have reported total latencies ranging from about 20-50 ms for Quest headsets. However, this can vary based on the quality of the Wi-Fi setup, bitrate settings, and the specific game or application's demands.


Comparison:

    Additional Latency: Wireless streaming generally adds about 10-30 ms of latency over wired solutions, with the bulk of this increase coming from encoding/decoding processes. Here are some specific comparisons:
        Pico 4 or Quest 3 with Virtual Desktop or Air Link: Reported latencies can be as low as 20-30 ms in optimal conditions but can go up to 40-50 ms or more with less ideal setups.
        Wired headsets with DisplayPort: These can achieve latencies in the range of 10-20 ms for the entire pipeline from input to display, which is notably lower than wireless streaming.
    User Perspective: For many users, this additional latency isn't significantly noticeable for casual or slower-paced games. However, for fast-paced gaming or applications requiring precise timing, like racing sims or rhythm games (e.g., Beat Saber), the difference can be more pronounced, potentially affecting performance.


Sources for Reference:

    Latency comparisons and user experiences are discussed in various threads on Reddit, which include detailed setups and measurements.


In summary, wireless PCVR streaming can add an additional 10 to 30 ms of latency compared to wired solutions like DisplayPort, primarily due to the encoding, decoding, and network transmission processes.