Quest headsets now have an exciting new capability via the new first-party app Meta Quest HDMI Link.
The app lets you view the screen of virtually any device through a UVC capture card, a hardware device that supports HDMI or DisplayPort and outputs a compressed video signal over USB.
Meta promotional video.
Capture cards can be used with smartphones, tablets, consoles, tablets, and more. For example, you can use a Lightning to HDMI cable alongside a capture card to view your iPhone on a giant virtual screen in your Quest.
It is already possible to view your laptop wirelessly on a Quest using Meta Quest Desktop, Horizon Workrooms, or third-party apps like Virtual Desktop. However, this new wired method eliminates the need for a Wi-Fi network and should reduce latency.
Meta says the app supports input up to 1080p 60 FPS and recommends setting your capture card to that resolution and frame rate.
There’s a big caveat here. Capture cards won’t display DRM content that uses HDCP. That means you won’t be able to use this setup to watch downloaded Netflix or Disney+ movies and TV shows, for example.
The Meta Quest HDMI Link app is available for free on App Lab. It's a panel app, so you can use it alongside other 2D apps and even within VR apps if you have v69 PTC.
Capture cards start at around $30. UploadVR tested with a Genki ShadowCast 2currently available for $50, and found it worked well.