TF1 and Viaccess-Orca claim world VR first

French commercial broadcaster TF1 and technology provider Viaccess-Orca have staked their claim to a world first by broadcasting a live stream of a football match in 360 degrees and in ultra HD to virtual reality headsets for a test audience.

The match between France to Russia on March 29 was broadcast in real-time to viewers in three remote locations using VR headsets.

Other technology partners involved in the project included video compression and delivery company Harmonic, over-the-top streaming specialist, Keepixo, 360-degree stitching and image processing specialist VideoStitch, expert in production process for live programmes AmpVisual TV and specialist in filming and post-production of 360-degree videos Digital Immersion.

A recording of the broadcast, which was encoded in the HEVC format, will be shown by Viaccess Orca at the forthcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas.