SES teams with Heinrich Hertz Institute for VR over satellite

Satellite operator SES is teaming up with Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) at IBC to demonstrate the transmission of a 10K x 2K panoramic video signal via satellite to multiple devices.

The panoramic signal will be received at the SES stand at IBC and transmitted to an Ultra HD display, as well as a set of virtual reality head-mounted devices.

The viewer can choose a viewing angle, zoom in and out, turn the picture on the TV display using a simple remote controlm or choose to wear a VR headset, where the video signal is delivered simultaneously.

The content will be filmed with Fraunhofer HHI’s OmniCam-360 camera and transmitted via SES’s Astra satellite at 19.2° East orbital position.

“We use a combination of technologies here exactly to showcase what is possible when using hybrid approaches. There is no stadium in the world providing enough seats for all enthusiastic fans. So imagine a live event somewhere in the world – filmed with professional cameras like our OmniCam-360 and then delivered to a huge global audience via satellite. And every single viewer at home has the best seat in the middle of the show,” said Dr Ralf Schäfer, Fraunhofer HHI’s head of division video.

Thomas Wrede, vice-president reception systems at SES, said, “Satellites are the perfect distribution path for these new kinds of video experiences, as they can manage huge volumes of data being offloaded from terrestrial networks. Furthermore, technology standards like SAT>IP not only allow the viewers at home to pick and choose a device – the TV screen, tablet or virtual reality equipment – but also they can now choose their favourite viewing position.”

SES will be exhibiting at IBC on stand 1.B51. Frauenhofer HHI will be exhibiting on stand 8.B80.