This document discusses the challenges and opportunities of virtual reality (VR) technology. It begins by defining various types of immersive media experiences like VR, augmented reality, mixed reality, and 360-degree video. It then provides a brief history of VR technology and discusses how recent developments in consumer headsets from companies like Oculus, HTC, and PlayStation have driven a resurgence in VR. However, the document notes there are still technical, creative, and production challenges to creating high-quality VR content and experiences at scale. These include issues with latency, focus/vergence, motion parallax, bandwidth requirements, and developing norms around VR content creation. Overall, the document provides an overview of VR and outlines both its potential
5. Some definitions
Virtual reality
: an artificial environment which is experienced
through sensory stimuli (as sights and sounds)
provided by a computer and in which one's actions
partially determine what happens in the
environment
: the technology used to create or access a virtual
reality
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7. Some definitions
Augmented reality
: a technology that superimposes a computer-
generated image on a user's view of the real
world, thus providing a composite view
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10. Some definitions
Mixed reality
: the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce
new environments and visualizations where
physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in
real time
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12. Some definitions
360属 video
: 360属 video, also known as immersive video or
cinematic VR, is a video recording where a view in
every direction is recorded at the same time, shot
using an omni-directional camera or a collection of
cameras
: depending on the camera and the viewing device
360属 video may offer a 3D viewing experience
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14. Is 360属 video proper VR?
Major differentiator can the user choose a
viewpoint?
Proper VR allows the user to move around in a
virtual world, requiring a full 3D model of that
world
With 360属 video the viewing point is pre-
determined at the time of filming
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24. Whatever happened?
Was it
too expensive
too much hassle
bad luck the global recession
not compatible with the lifestyle
just not needed
The millennium 3D TV
25. Whatever happened?
Was it
too expensive
too much hassle
bad luck the global recession
not compatible with the lifestyle
just not needed
The millennium 3D TV
35. So whats it for?
Gaming
Education
Healthcare
Retail
Engineering
Entertainment
News
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Social
Sport
Art
36. VR empathy machine
36
Amnesty International Unveils Incredible
VR Experience Showing the Devastation
in Syria
https://www.brandcrap.com/2016/03/14/amnesty-international-unveils-incredible-vr-experience-showing-the-devastation-in-syria/
37. How do I get into this?
First big decision get into what?
Full VR experience
360属 content
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38. Full VR experience
Requires 3D VR digital tools and game engines
Nuke
Unreal Engine
Unity
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39. 360属 video
Camera
Google Jump, Nokia OZO, GoPro rig, Samsung,
Ricoh, Giroptic...
Stitching and processing software
From the camera manufacturers
VideoStitch, Kolor, PTGui
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42. Strategic questions
How do we consume the content? Flat screens
or head mounted displays (HMDs)?
Im really not convinced about the concept of
HMDs for every-day use by a mass audience and
engagement of a critical mass in audience
numbers is required for VR to move from niche to
mainstream
2D or 3D?
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43. Technical challenges
Motion sickness related to latency
Focus accommodation and vergence in the real
world the eyes focus and alignment depend on
the distance of the object in view
Motion parallax if I move my head laterally in
the real world objects in the foreground move
relative to those in the background. Not so with
todays cinematic VR
Translation what happens if I change position?
Bandwidth and processing power
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44. Creative challenges
With current technology immersive 360属 content
can be spectacular, and currently the novelty
value can make it a very effective marketing tool
but...
creating content is not easy, especially if you want live
video
There are consumer products available right now
but...
cameras are expensive, and quality is not brilliant
the workflow is not straightforward
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45. Production challenges
Production norms are still
emerging
Where do I hide the crew?
Its not just about the video
Camera movement
Length of scenes
How, and whether to direct
viewers attention
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46. 360属 videos and stills
These are mine many others available on
YouTube, which allows you to filter for 360属
content:
https://youtu.be/D2Ja121TjVE
https://youtu.be/pW6W-gdeFic
https://flic.kr/p/LVKz8b
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47. Other resources
My test of consumer cameras:
http://www.cliffdive.co.uk/360-degree-consumer-cameras-
users-viewpoint/
My curated content of VR related news:
http://www.scoop.it/t/panoramic-video
Contact
cliff@cliffdive.co.uk
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