Virtual reality (VR) has finally made its way into consumers’ living rooms. While some years ago, the technology was still the stuff of science fiction, virtual reality has become more and more prominent among a mainstream audience thanks to affordable devices such as Google Cardboard, and the recently-launched $99 Samsung Gear VR headset, powered by Oculus. In 2016, more companies like HTC with the HTC Vive headset (powered by SteamVR), Sony with PlayStation VR and Oculus with its Oculus Rift consumer edition, will follow suit. We are entering the consumer VR era.
Virtual reality offers exciting new opportunities for the entertainment industry. TV in particular might be the medium that will eventually let VR break into the mainstream, with immersive experiences and storytelling innovations that might change the way we consume content in the future. Numerous production companies specialised in the production of virtual reality content assist TV networks in developing VR experiences for their viewers. Consequently, over the last few months, TV audiences could already get an impression of how the future might look like.
This white paper features several projects and initiatives by TV broadcasters which illustrate the potential of VR technology in different genres, ranging from documentaries and reality TV through live shows and sports to fiction.
Photo: © Stefano Tinti via shutterstock
