VR Cinema’s are a great way to show 360 content to large groups at the same time. Organizing and running the VR cinema’s can be quite difficult without the proper software. That’s one of the main use case for which we’ve developed VR Sync. In this article we’ll run through all the steps of setting up a VR Cinema for hundreds of people. We’ll cover the following;

Selecting the right VR devices for your VR Cinema
Other hardware needed for a VR Cinema
Selecting and checking content for a VR cinema
Using VR Sync for a VR cinema to prepare, test and run

Selecting the right (VR) devices for your VR Cinema

Your VR devices should offer proper image quality, have a decent battery live and a good comfort level. Easy handling, charging and maintenance are also thing to take into account when selecting VR devices for a VR cinema. Lastly, the price should also be such that your VR cinema can turn a profit.

At the moment our weapon of choice is definitely the Oculus GO. At a price point of just 220 euros it check all the boxes. A great resolution and comfort level, a battery life of over 2  hours and easy handling makes the Oculus GO the best choice for your VR Cinema. Another great feature is that the battery doesn’t drain when the GO is on standby. Meaning the battery level will stay on level much longer.  

Summing up; these the main reasons why we advise the Oculus GO:

  • A great screen with a 4096 x 2048 resolution which support 70fps
  • Battery life up to 2 hours when playing and no depletion when not used
  • Lightweight, comfortable and lenses which are suited for most viewers
  • No overheating issues, easy charging and handling

As a second choice we advise the Samsung Gear VR. While it lack the specs, handling and level of comfort level and is twice the price it still offers a decent experience for your VR Cinema.

Running your VR Cinema in Sync requires special software like our VR Sync solution. To make things even easier we’ve developed a VR Sync Box. This offers a complete hardware solution to run your VR Cinema offline, with just power. Decreased latency and ease of set up make this a great addition to your VR Cinema.

Using VR Sync for a VR cinema to prepare, test and run
Once decided on content and hardware you can prepare your VR Cinema by following these steps.

  1. Upload your content via the dashboard and publish all which are needed
  2. Select which content you want to publish which of your devices
  3. Download the app from the relevant store to your VR headsets
  4. Enter your unique pin in the app

Afterward test your devices by playing all your content, multiple times and in sequence. This allows you to stress test your devices and you’ll get insight in battery levels.  After testing comes the easy part; playing your 360 content, synchronized, to all your devices.If you’ll like you can also use Sync to divide your Cinema in segments. Grouping a set number of devices to play different content. Allowing you to operate a variety of Cinema experiences with ease. Additional features like sending messages make communicating with the crowd straightforward. Just send a message when the show is finished and move on to the next group. Adding subtitles is possible so you can even show foreign films.

Additional tips on running a VR Cinema

Here are some practical tips for a VR Cinema:

  • Have 10% of spare VR units available in case a devices malfunctions
  • Use rotating chairs, this allows viewers to see the entire 360 video playback.
  • Give each viewer some room to move, this will enhance the experience.
  • You can use headphones for an optimal audiovisual experience in a quiet room.
  • Make sure there is a professional staff present to instruct the audience for a seamless experience.

Concluding

Using VR Sync for VR cinema’s is a great way to make operations much easier. Less staff needed reduces costs while less issues ensure a memorable experience for attendees. If you would like to test VR Sync, you can apply for a free trial here.