With virtual reality (VR) technology riding high on a wave of hype and consumer fascination, there’s no doubt we can expect to see more companies dedicating themselves to the platform and existing companies diversifying to focus on more specialist areas. One company doing the latter is Scopic Virtual Reality, a VR video production company founded in 2014 and based in Amsterdam. Scopic is a company that specialises in creating high quality 360-degree videos but now it’s expanding by adding a smaller arm to its company called Virtual Reality Broadcasting (VBR).
Rather than creating 360-degree videos, VBR will be dedicated to, as its name suggests, broadcasting them, specialising in setting up both complex and basic live video streams for other companies. VBR claims it’s able to stream content towards a browser, both iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, and virtual reality headsets including the Samsung Gear VR, Oculus, and HTC Vive meaning content creators will be able to have their streams reach the greatest number of people possible.
VBR has two high quality livestreams under its belt so far. The first was world-famous DJ Hardwell’s Revealed party at Nikki Beach, where VBR worked with Hardwell to set up the first-ever Electronic Dance Music 360° live stream. Fans from across the globe were able to tune into the 8 hour long 360-degree livestream and watch with iOS/Android, Apple TV, desktop, and Samsung Gear VR, in multiple quality profiles dependent on internet connection.
The second stream was in partnership with the Amsterdam Royal Concert Hall to bring classical music to a wider audience. This involved VBR setting up its 360-degree camera in the middle of the musicians on the stage of the concert hall, livestreaming the concert happening inside the building to a special area outside that had been set up with theatre chairs and VR headsets.
VRFocus will continue to follow VBR’s livestreaming projects and report updates on them as they become available.
