Are you wondering why are VR videos low quality?
Let’s find out.
Why Are VR Videos Low Quality?
As long as the image is ultimately captured in a regular, rectangular format, the usual resolution of 4K, 6 K, or 8K can look quite sharp.
However, when moving between different types of screens, for example from a standard screen to a large screen (like a TV), the image will be displayed at a smaller size.
What Are Virtual Reality Or VR Videos?
Virtual Reality videos are an immersive type of videos shot from all directions and sides, which makes the viewers feel as if they’re physically present in the environments where the scenes in the video take place, and/or interacting and controlling the VR object and the environment with their hands, body and so on.
Viewing
You can watch VR videos using the web browser and mobile apps normally, but they allow the viewer to move the video by scrolling from any direction to change their perspective.
There are plenty of videos for any VR headset device available in the market, whether they’re Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, etc.
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive
- HTC Vive Pro
- Vive Cosmos
- PlayStation VR
- Oculus Quest
- Oculus Rift
- Samsung Gear VR, and the cardboard–name it.
You can watch these VR videos using any kind of device, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
Monoscopic
It was the first immersive video technology and remains the most commonly used today. A monoscopic (single) VR video is one that has been relayed from a single source but displayed to both viewers in their respective headsets.
Because there is no difference between the two eyes, there is no sense of “distance” in this video.
Stereoscopic 3D 360 Video
For example, if you’re watching a movie in which there are two separate videos inside one video file, then the perception of 3D is present because each of the two videos gives a different view to the eyes.
It costs more than just streaming the front of the eye because even the parts of the 360-degree video that are behind the eyes require additional bandwidth.
VR180 Or 180 3D video
The VR180 format has two channels for each of the eyes, but only for the front-facing 180-degree field of vision.
It provides a sense of presence but isn’t completely immersive as 360-degree videos and is best for situations where the content stays in front of the viewer.
You can get good quality videos at an affordable price by buying a camera for this purpose.
Best VR Videos On YouTube
BBC Earth: Total Solar Eclipse: 360 Video Seen From Space
If you’re into space, then this VR video by BBC Earth will let you see a total solar eclipse as seen from space.
NASA: Cassini’s Grand Finale
NASA created this video to take its viewers on a trip into space even as the spacecraft explored Saturn’s orbit.
The 20-year mission of the Cassini space probe has helped scientists learn about the rotation rate of Saturn, its atmosphere, its famous rings, and one moon on the planet named Enceladus.
MythBusters: Sharks Everywhere
Try some of these VR experiences such as “Mythbusters: Sharks Everywhere,” “Great Hammerhead Shark Encounter” by National Geographic, and “Diving With Sharks” on the Oculus Store.
Free Solo
Free Solo is an immersive VR experience that takes you to the top of Yosemite’s giant El Capitan. It allows you to explore new heights and stunning views in VR, which would be interesting even for people who aren’t into nature.
Superman Roller Coaster
This virtual reality experience shows you a virtual reality version of the real Superman roller coaster from Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
If you’re looking for more roller coaster rides, you could also visit
- Stormrunner 360 VR
- Otherworldly Theme Ride
- Oktoberfest Thrill Rides
- 360 Roller Coaster in VR
- GhostRider Wooden Roller Coaster
Mission Impossible: Fallout BTS
You’re immersed in the scenes of the film, sitting next to Tom Cruise, who is driving through crazy narrow passages and performing insane stunt jumps. Director Christopher McQuarrie gives commentary throughout the ride.
Brave Wilderness: Giant Mud Dragon
National Geographic, being an adventurous explorer and documentary filmmaker, has plenty of VR videos on the wilderness. In one of them, you can experience an expedition of the Okavingo Delta in a canoe.
You also get up close and personal with lions and zebra, as well as other wild creatures. Africa’s pristine delta
Top Virtual Reality Video Platforms
If you’re interested in sharing your VR content or if you want to discover new VR content, here are some good sites to visit.
You can use some of these platforms to sell your VR and/or 360-degree video content.
YouTube 360
YouTube’s VR dedicated channel has over three million subs and it has VR videos of all kinds—movies, documentaries, short videos, etc.—collections from different sources including BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), movie studios, individual VR creators, groups, and hundreds of brands.
You can watch 4K/HD video and VR content.
Vimeo 360
Through its 360 degrees platform, Vimeo lets people upload their VR videos, watch them, and share them on YouTube and Facebook for free. However, uploading and sharing large videos comes at a cost.
You can embed these video clips on websites for your viewers.
If you want to view the video, open it on a regular web browser or download the Vimeo Android and iOS apps and scan your headphones or touch the headphone icon in the mobile app then put the phone into the headphone. Strap it onto your head.
Oculus Gear VR Store
The Oculus store is a place where you can download not just VR movies but also VR games, applications, and other experiences.
Most of the apps include the following features:
- Samsung VR app
- Samsung XR
- SkyBox VR Video Player, and many others,
allows you to watch VR videos from Oculus and Samsung Gear VR headsets, HTC Vive, and Valve Index.
To view Virtual Reality (VR) content, download the app from Google Play or iTunes and scan the QR code on the back of your phone to connect to Samsung Gear VR and any other smartphone-powered VR devices.
You can either download videos from your PC onto an SD card and then insert the SD card into your phone or use Bluetooth to connect directly to your phone.
Conclusion
With the advent of virtual reality technology, we now have access to a whole new world of entertainment.
Whether you want to enjoy movies, TV shows, music, or sports events, or simply want to learn about the world around us, virtual reality videos will give you a chance to do so without having to leave home.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below.