BBC testing service to let viewers watch the Rio 2016 Olympics in 360 video
The BBC is launching an experimental service, BBC Sport 360, that will allow viewers to watch the Rio Olympics in 360 degree video this year as part of the organisation’s testing and learning of the VR medium and its value for audiences.
BBC Sport 360
The service is intended to allow fans to get closer to the Olympics action and enjoy a new perspective on a range of live sports, including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, and a closer-than-ringside view of the boxing.
There will be live 360 video footage of an event each day during the Games, with around 100 hours in total and a choice of up to four different camera angles, plus a daily 360 video highlights package. Viewers can watch the coverage live or on-demand.
The BBC Sport 360 service starts on Friday (5 August) through a dedicated BBC Sport 360 trial app. The BBC Sport 360 service can be viewed on devices compatible with Samsung VR headsets or on a low cost mobile VR headset such as Google Cardboard using Android or iOS smartphones.
Coverage will also be available on desktop through BBC Taster, where viewers can manually scroll around the video for a full 360 view. Viewers using Taster will also be able to try, rate and give feedback to help the BBC learn from the experimental service.
The launch of BBC Sport 360 builds on the BBC’s work exploring the potential of immersive media for future audiences. This includes some of the industry’s earliest live 360 video trials, completed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and recent projects looking at if 360 video and virtual reality has a place in education, news and current affairs and TV.
The 360 video offering comes as part of the BBC’s commitment to delivering Olympic content to digital audiences, following updates to its Olympic hub that will allow every event watchable live online via 24 live HD streams or on catch-up video, plus the addition of personalised features and services.
All in, the BBC is set to stream 3,000 hours of live sporting action from Rio 2016. The BBC’s Olympic hub will be accessible via the BBC Sport website, the BBC Sport app or on a Connected TV.
Justin Barritt, executive product manager, BBC Sport, said: “The BBC delivered the first truly digital Olympics for London 2012 and we’ve continued to develop and improve our digital service ever since. Now, we’re pushing the boundaries once again to bring people closer to the action than ever before. Not everyone can make it to Rio to cheer on Team GB so we’re looking forward to giving sport fans the next best thing.”
Will Saunders, editorial lead, BBC Taster, said: “This is a hugely exciting next step in our 360 and virtual reality experiments. There’s huge potential for immersive video in sport coverage, as well as many other genres, and we want to explore that potential directly with audiences. That’s why we experiment out in the open, so people can tell us what works, what doesn’t and whether there’s an appetite for more. We can’t wait to hear what people think.”