How to Watch 360 Videos in VR?

Posted On 18/02/2023

Are you interested in experiencing 360-degree virtual reality (VR) videos? Immersing yourself in a virtual environment to watch a movie or TV show can be an exciting and different way to enjoy your favorite content. With the recent rise of VR headsets, it is now easier than ever to access 360 videos and explore the virtual world. In this article, we will discuss how to watch 360 videos in VR and some tips for getting the most out of your experience.

How to Watch 360 Videos in VR?

VR technology is becoming more and more popular with each passing day, offering users unprecedented levels of immersive experiences. One of the most popular and sought after features of VR technology is 360 videos – these allow viewers to explore their virtual environment in an entirely new way. We will be exploring exactly how to watch 360 videos in VR, including tips on what equipment is needed and how to get the best viewing experience.

What is 360 Video?

A 360 video is a video recording that captures the view in all directions, usually using multiple cameras or a single camera with a fisheye lens. The video is then stitched together using software to create a seamless, 360-degree view. When you watch a 360 video, you can move your head or device to explore the scene in all directions.

Advantages of Watching 360 Videos in VR

Watching 360 videos in VR has several advantages over watching them on a screen. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Immersive experience: Watching a 360 video in VR gives you a sense of being present in the scene. You can look around and explore the environment as if you were actually there.
2. Increased engagement: The immersive experience of VR makes you feel more engaged with the content. This can be particularly useful for educational or training videos, where the viewer needs to focus on specific details.
3. Enhanced entertainment: Watching a 360 video in VR can be a lot of fun, especially for travel or adventure videos. You can feel like you are really there, experiencing the action first-hand.

Requirements for Watching 360 Videos in VR

To watch 360 videos in VR, you will need a few things:

1. A VR headset: There are several types of VR headsets available, including standalone headsets, mobile VR headsets, and PC-based VR headsets.
2. A device: Depending on the type of VR headset, you will need a compatible device. Standalone headsets have everything built-in, while mobile and PC-based headsets require a smartphone or computer.
3. An internet connection: If you are streaming 360 videos, you will need a stable internet connection. 360 videos are usually large files, so a slow connection may result in buffering or low-quality playback.

How to Watch 360 Video in VR Headsets?

Watching 360 videos in VR headsets is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Put on your VR headset and turn it on.
2. Launch the VR video player app on your headset.
3. Navigate to the 360 video you want to watch. You can either download the video beforehand or stream it from the internet.
4. Once the video starts playing, use your head or controller to look around and explore the scene.

How to Watch 360 Videos on a Computer?

If you don’t have a VR headset, you can still watch 360 videos on your computer. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to a website that offers 360 videos, such as YouTube or Vimeo.
2. Search for the 360 video you want to watch.
3. Click on the video to start playing it.
4. Use your mouse to click and drag the video to look around the scene. You can also use the WASD keys to move around.
5. If the video is not playing in 360 mode, look for a button or menu that allows you to switch to 360 mode.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having trouble watching 360 videos in VR, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get started:

1. Check your device compatibility: Make sure your VR headset and device meet the minimum requirements for playing 360 videos. If your device is not compatible, you may experience issues such as low frame rates or distorted video.
2. Check your internet connection: If you are streaming 360 videos, make sure you have a stable internet connection. A slow or unstable connection may result in buffering or low-quality playback.
3. Adjust your headset settings: If the video looks blurry or distorted, try adjusting the IPD (interpupillary distance) setting on your headset. This will help you achieve the proper distance between the lenses and your eyes.
4. Use headphones: To enhance the immersive experience, use headphones instead of the built-in speakers on your VR headset.

Bigscreen VR 3D Movies

Bigscreen VR is a popular platform for watching 3D movies in VR. It allows you to watch movies with friends in a virtual theater, providing a social and immersive experience. To watch 3D movies in Bigscreen VR, you will need a compatible VR headset and a 3D movie file. You can download 3D movies from various online sources, but make sure the file is compatible with your VR headset.

Once you have the file, you can launch Bigscreen VR and create a private theater room. Then, you can invite your friends to join the room and start the 3D movie. Bigscreen VR offers various settings for adjusting the 3D effect, such as depth and convergence. With its social features and customizable settings, Bigscreen VR is a great platform for watching 3D movies with friends.

How to Watch 3D Movies on Oculus Quest 2?

To watch 3D movies on the Oculus Quest 2, you will need a compatible movie file and a VR player app such as Skybox VR or Bigscreen VR. Once you have the app installed, you can open the movie file and adjust the settings to enable 3D mode. The Oculus Quest 2 also offers various options for customizing the 3D effect, such as changing the depth and adjusting the IPD (interpupillary distance). With its high-quality display and easy-to-use interface, the Oculus Quest 2 is a great choice for watching 3D movies in VR.  

Conclusion

Watching 360 videos in VR is an exciting and immersive experience that allows viewers to explore vast new worlds. It is easy to set up a VR headset and begin watching 360 videos with minimal effort. As the technology advances, more and more people are now able to watch virtual reality content through their phones and headsets. With the right apps and equipment, you can access high quality 360 videos from anywhere. Whether you want to explore outer space or the depths of the ocean, VR can take you there.