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Understanding 360-degree video
What is a 360-degree video? How is it different from conventional video that we are all familiar with?
The notion of 360-degree video refers to the spherical panoramic video, that is created by stitching video footage from two or more wide-angle lenses of a 360-degree video camera. The lenses of these special cameras are designed to be facing in enough directions to capture the entire scene simultaneously. The difference between a frame from a conventional video and an unwrapped frame from a 360-degree video is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Comparison between a conventional video and a 360-degree video; (a) A frame from a conventional video; (b) An unwrapped frame from a 360-degree video.
To watch a 360-degree video, there are three ways:
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On a mobile device, the viewer can either use a finger to pan and look around, or directly point the device to where the viewer wants to look.
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On a desktop PC, the viewer can use the mouse to pan and look around.
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In a virtual reality (VR) headset, the viewer is virtually wrapped by the video and can simply look around as it is in real life, by moving their head.
The major characteristic of a 360-degree video is its ability to capture the entire scene simultaneously, enabling an immersive experience for the viewer.
When should I use this 360-degree video?
The 360-degree video is best for creating a sense of being transported to a new or important place, and having an immersive experience, as opposed to just watching something or being informed about something. It emphasizes the experience of being at a location together with the presenter. Here are some exemplary user scenarios in which 360-degree videos are preferred, and in which user scenarios conventional videos might be good enough.
Exemplary user scenarios in which 360-degree videos might be preferred:
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Joining a safety induction with Professor Jackson in the biology laboratory
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Standing on the rim of the gigantic crater of a volcano with Ben Kennedy
Exemplary user scenarios in which conventional videos might be good enough:
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Introducing the personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear in the laboratory
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Showing the textures of the aa rocks found near the crater