Most VR applications are solitary experiences for one single individual at a time. This is fine in most cases, but if you have a VR video that you would like to show at an event, it’s much easier and faster to show everyone the same VR video at the same time. And that’s exactly what synchronized VR achieves by using multiple VR headsets that are wirelessly synced for 360 video playback. In order to manage this feat you will need a reliable and easy to use stream 360 video gear vr for groups. On this page we will list the most important features for synchronized VR and also five suppliers of 360 sync solutions that allow the audience to simultaneously watch 360 video.
Most important features for synchronized VR
Before you choose a supplier of hardware and software there are several issues to consider. If you’re not sure if a supplier can provide these features contact their helpdesk for more information.
- 360 Video playback: This is an obvious one but it needs to be mentioned; the devices and software must support 360 video playback. This is not as straightforward as you might think. For instance, there’s an App called Bigscreen that allows you to watch movies and the PC desktop in a VR setting. But the video is not in 360 panoramic view, it’s a virtual screen with a regular widescreen image.
- 360 Video player for groups: For individual VR experiences you can just visit the YouTube site in the browser and select a 360 video, but for events you need synchronized VR. Using specialized software you can pair a handful, dozens and perhaps even hundreds of VR headsets at the same time.
- Hardware support: Because Apple is not a player in the VR game, at least not yet, most systems will work on Android based hardware. The Gear VR is very popular to watch VR together, the Oculus Go with similar specifications is a solid newcomer and there are also options for Google Daydream and Cardboard VR. The Daydream platform is not as popular as the Oculus products, and the Cardboard VR experience is somewhat limited. The Gear VR and Go are the most popular options at the moment.
- Offline operation: Make sure there’s no need for a online internet connection. This will invariably lead to buffering problems, loss of sync and other issues during an event. Although a local network provides more stability it is recommended to preload content to each device beforehand.
- Rental services: If you need multiple devices, perhaps even 100+ VR headsets, VR rental seems like the most affordable option. A one-stop solution with hardware and software typically works best.
- Support on site: If dozens of novice users have to watch 360 video together, it can and will become a mess if there’s no professional support on site. Ask the provider about the availability of staff members at the venue.
Top 5 synchronized VR providers
Here is our list of companies that offer 360 video playback and synchronized VR:
- VRSync: This solution offers VR video playback to an unlimited number of devices with centralized control and preloaded content on each device.
- eVRsync: This solution works online over a custom network that pushes content to decentralized VR headsets.
- MilkVR: This is the official solution by Samsung that is limited for use on the Gear VR system. Apart from events it is also used in Theme Parks for synchronized roller coasters.
- LiveSYNC: This is also an online solution that uses a master screen that is pushed to a number of controlled devices near the master system.
- SyncVR: This Wifi solution works without an internet connection and features a live preview screen.