This summer’s Olympic Games in Rio are the first to be broadcast in virtual reality, but owners of gold standard headsets won’t get a look in.
85 hours of virtual reality coverage will be shown by NBC in the United States, but will only be available on the Samsung Gear VR headset and a compatible Galaxy smartphone.
Those with compatible hardware will be able to see both the opening and closing ceremonies from Brazil via the NBC Sports app (via ABC News).
There’ll also be VR coverage of a range of events, including basketball, gymnastics and track and field.
Related: Oculus Rift vs HTC Vive
The International Olympic Committee is producing the footage, rather than the US broadcaster, so that opens the possibility for Brits to get involved too.
In March, Olympic Broadcasting Services revealed at least one event a day will be shot in 360 degree video. Footage will be available live and on demand.
There’s been no announcement yet on whether the BBC will seek to offer access to any of the events in VR.
Which disciplines would you most like to experience in virtual reality? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
