Virtual reality is an incredible experience but also can be a lonely one. One way to create a more social and communal experience is watching the same 360 content at the same time. This can be done by synchronizing multiple headsets. In this article we’ll talk about how you can easily achieve this, we’ll cover the following:

Choosing the right VR headset for your content

Preparing your content

Preparing your virtual reality headsets

Synchronizing multiple VR headsets

Please note that syncing multiple headsets like the Oculus GO or HTC Vive is only possible when using the multiplayer option within the game or application. This article assumes that you want to sync 360 video or photo for larger groups.

Choosing the right VR headset for your content

Going on the assumption that you probably need to synchronize 360 video content we advise using the Oculus GO. It has a great screen, sensors and battery which can play 360 video’s at resolution of 4096 x 2048 resolution at staggering 70 frames per second. The battery lasts for almost 2,5 hours when continuously playing 360 content. A high comfort level as well as easy handling and charging makes it the best VR headset available.

The second choice would be the Samsung Gear VR. Offering a good experience with a similar resolution but a lower 30 FPS and bitrate. While the battery live is similar it has a higher chance of overheating and is less user friendly in handling and charging. To top it off, it’s twice as expensive as the Oculus GO. The latter going for 220 euros.

You could also go for a branded Google Cardboard with an Android device. The experience is not to be compared with the GO or Gear but its cheap and it works.

Preparing your content

Before you can start syncing your content to multiple VR headsets its critical that you check and test your content. Check if the content specs match the device capabilities. You can check the specs of your content by right clicking it and selecting ‘properties’. 

Oculus GO Gear VR

• Resolution 4096 x 2048 3840 x 1920
• Codecs H.264 en h.265 H.264 en h.265
• Filesize 9,4 GB 700 mb
• Length no limit 10 minutes
• Bitrate 40 Mb/s 16 Mb/s
• FPS 60 30

Testing your content is done by uploading the content to your device. Then playing your content multiple times in sequence to see if your device and content holds up.

Using Syncing software to prepare 360 content

Following the aforementioned instruction is a straightforward way to test your software but is quite labor intensive. With specialized software, like our own VR Sync, it’s much easier and faster to prepare and test. Using the content manager you just have to upload your content once. It will be saved in the cloud and you can select which content you want to publish to your devices.

Preparing your virtual reality headsets and testing your content

Assuming you’re using our Syncing software preparing your devices is as easy as downloading our app from the relevant store. Once you’ve entered your unique pin the device is linked to your VR Sync account. It will automatically receive the content which you published in the previous step. Testing your content can be done by using the loop function and letting the software run for a while to make sure no issues will occur. Afterwards you can move to the final step with confidence, playing the content to all your headsets. Simultaneously.

Synchronizing multiple VR headsets with VR Sync

This last step is pretty straightforward. You can use our web based remote to monitor and control 360 playback. Make sure all devices are turned on and have enough battery, then simply press play to start syncing multiple VR headsets. You can monitor playback and the status of each device to make sure everything runs smoothly.  Using VR Sync to prepare, test and control this should be the case.

Curious to experience just how smooth VR Sync works? We offer a free trial on our website.