Sunday, January 14, 2018

Discovering Virtual 360 Tours Of The World

By Mary Sullivan


When it comes to traveling the world, it can often be quite expensive. Now, with Virtual 360 tours, it is possible to do so without ever leaving home. Whether using this new technology for fun and recreation, or to view a number of institutions and museums, the technology can provide a great deal of entertainment.

While there are some free photographs and videos of this nature, most videos have a price. While this is the case, most visitors agree the experience is often worth the cost. Whereas, in order to see the content in person, it would cost far more than the price of a 360 virtual video.

One of the main companies behind this technology is that of AirPana, a Moscow based professional group of 360 degree photographers. These photographers shoot 360 degree videos, also known as immersive or spherical videos. In the process, the photographers capture the view in every direction at the same time. While AirPana has created a number of videos in this genre, there are also other companies working on the creation and development of more of these type videos.

When it comes to photography, multiple cameras or an omnidirectional camera are often used in the process. After which, the photographs are stored online. Once this is the case, individuals can play back photographs using a viewer which allows the photographs to work as a panorama. An equirectangular projection system is often used in the creation of videos with a stereoscopic or monoscopic camera.

The difference between stereoscopic and monoscopic relates to whether the operator is using a single or a multitude of cameras. Monoscoping refers to one camera while stereoscopic refers to multiple cameras. In most cases, the middle of videos using either of these techniques can often be blurry while the top and bottom are often clear. As with stereo equipment, the sound is also different between the two.

There are currently specialized rigs and cameras which have been created for use with this technology. Equipment used in this manner includes all-in-one virtual reality cameras, Go Pro's and an Odyssey system which provides an array of different size camera equipment. Once other companies discover how to use this and other equipment, AirPana will have far more competition. As such, the cost of memberships and videos will most likely go down in the future.

Whether using a laptop, desktop, notebook, tablet, other mobile device or virtual reality headset, looking at photographs and videos in this format can be quite entertaining. Whereas, when viewing on a smart phone, the user can pan across various pictures. As such, it is easy to get a feel for the landscape reflected with this new technology.

When it comes to websites providing these videos, some have memberships while others place a price on each video. While this is the case, there are a number of reasons why, even if a video of this type cost money, it can be beneficial to pay to watch. For example, previewing an area before vacation, looking at other cultures for a class project, or simply for entertainment.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment