The VR 180 video format

Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized the way we make media, and among the growing formats we find the VR180 format (a video format for 180-degree stereoscopic content).

This format was launched by Google in 2018, helping to stimulate the production of immersive media content. Compared to 360° videos, the VR180 format is much more effective, just as immersive in many cases and allows you to stay focused on the subject of the video (on what is happening in front of the viewer).

Additionally, not all content is worthy of a 360° view. Several studies conclude that more than 75% of people watching 360 videos in virtual reality never (or almost never) look behind them.

The final advantage is that VR180 videos allow you to manipulate half as many pixels.

This type of video format makes it possible to recreate, when played in a VR headset, the volume effect of human stereoscopic vision. While 360-degree media has been around for a while, the lack of stereoscopic depth was a limitation. With VR180 cameras, content creators can now easily capture immersive and lifelike experiences for viewers, replicating the volumetric rendering of our human vision.

Unlike monoscopic 360° images or videos, VR180 content uses two wide-angle fish-eye lenses to capture a 180° field of view. This approach eliminates the need for seams and ensures the correct proportions of the contents. With greater depth, objects appear more real and unwanted elements outside the camera’s field of view are not visible, improving the immersive experience.

The development of VR180 cameras has had its ups and downs. Several VR cameras have been launched since 2018 following the creation of this video format by Google but after the end of the Daydream VR project in 2020, it has become increasingly difficult to find VR 180 cameras. at an affordable price.

However, the future of VR180 cameras looks bright again. Canon has released the Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens, enabling high-quality photos and 8K VR180 videos to be captured with its Canon EOS R5 and R5c cameras. Other companies such as CALF, TECHE, Insta360, Z CAM or Qoocam have also released VR180 cameras at different price ranges, making the technology more accessible.

For our part, with VR.cam, we want to provide a solution with the best quality/price ratio to democratize the use of the VR180 format in which we believe. The arrival on the market of a webcam like the VR.cam 02, at an ultra-competitive price, can allow more people to capture and explore immersive content.

VR180 cameras and video content have the potential to reshape the way we consume media. From immersive storytelling to virtual tourism, the possibilities seem endless. With more and more content creators adopting this format, the future should see VR180 become a mainstream medium for exploring virtual reality.

Enhanced Immersive Experience: The VR180 format provides increased immersion compared to traditional videos or even 360-degree videos. Stereoscopic depth makes objects appear real and tangible, making the experience more immersive for viewers.

Ease of creation: Unlike 360-degree videos, VR180 videos do not require complex stitching between frames to create content with no visible seams. This simplifies the creation process for content producers and reduces the time required for post-production.

Proportion Accuracy: With VR180, the proportions of objects and scenes are more accurate, as it captures a narrower field of view but with realistic depth. This ensures a truer representation of reality for viewers.

Reduced distractions: Since the field of view is narrower compared to 360-degree videos, unwanted elements outside the camera’s field of view are not visible, reducing distractions for viewers and improving focus on content and main subject.

Ease of Viewing: VR180 videos can be viewed on VR headsets, computers or mobile devices without requiring full exploration of the 360-degree environment. This makes viewing more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.

Compatibility with existing platforms: VR180 videos can be embedded and shared across various social media, streaming, and VR platforms.

Reduced file size: Compared to 360-degree videos, VR180 videos tend to have a smaller file size, which can make them easier to stream and share online, while still providing a high-quality, immersive experience.