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How do VR 360 video goggles work?
For many years, leading consumer electronics manufacturers have been working with the sweat of their brows on virtual reality technology. The latest fruit of these efforts are VR goggles, which allow the person wearing them to almost literally move into another, completely virtual dimension.
In a nutshell, VR goggles are a device consisting of two separate screens responsible for displaying an image. They are supported by a set of lenses and sensors that track the position of the head and body. Our eyes see the image from slightly different angles, which gives the impression of three-dimensionality.
The whole is enclosed in a solidly made casing, which when worn allows for hours of play without interruption. Thanks to this, even the longest full-length VR 360 movies do not cause discomfort to the person watching them. Moreover, the image moves depending on the position of our head, which makes us feel like participants of a given scene in a film.
What are VR 360 videos?
VR 360 films are understood to be all kinds of video content that have been prepared with virtual reality technology in mind. In practice, this means shooting material using special cameras that capture images from all sides of the camera. As a result, VR 360 films have a frame that is as wide as 360° in all planes.
Of course, for practical reasons, it is not possible to watch the entire frame at once, so each person watching VR 360 movies with the help of the aforementioned virtual reality goggles can control themselves where they look.
The easiest way to illustrate this on the example of recording a car race – VR 360 videos shot with a camera placed in the cab of the vehicle allow you to observe the action both in front of the hood of the vehicle, on the sides, but also from behind. Thanks to this, it is possible to admire overtaking manoeuvres in their full glory – from the moment of the attack, through the very moment of passing, to the rival driving away towards the finish line.
Why is it worthy to watch VR 360 videos?
Virtual reality goggles are a phenomenal technology that allows for full immersion in the movie you are watching. A person who watches VR 360 films feels as if they are literally in the centre of the action – they can watch the course of events from different perspectives and look closely at the details that interest them.
What’s more, some VR 360 videos, specifically those that were shot with virtual reality technology in mind from the start, take place around the viewer. Sometimes even the person watching is the hero of the video.
It’s no wonder then that VR 360 films are generating so much interest – they’re a true revolution in the world of cinema, providing an unexpected level of realism and immersion during every session.
Where can you watch VR 360 videos?
Currently, the largest concentration of content made in 360 technology is YouTube. The portal hosts productions from almost every field of cinematography – from amateur recordings to professional productions commissioned by major Hollywood studios.
Interestingly, many modern sports cameras offer the possibility of recording VR 360 content. A video made with a GoPro or other brand of device allows extreme sports enthusiasts to produce breathtaking shots at a low cost. Therefore, if you want to try out your newly purchased virtual reality goggles, YouTube is one of the best libraries of VR 360 videos.
Why have VR 360 videos not yet become the world standard?
Without a doubt, VR 360 videos are revolutionising the face of modern cinematography, allowing for a much deeper, even interactive narrative. Unfortunately, the costs of producing such recordings are very high, which discourages many creators. The situation is also not helped by the relatively low adoption of this technology among consumers.
But the biggest challenge is writing the script itself. Traditional cinematography is based on a strictly defined frame, the control of which is the responsibility of the director. VR 360 films, on the other hand, impose the need to capture the full image surrounding the camera, which makes the work of production, sound engineers, special effects and lighting staff more difficult.
