Pixvana Launches New VR Video Playback Technology
Pixvana, a company that powers the future of XR storytelling and immersive media, today announced the launch of its new “overlay” virtual reality video playback technology, now available on the updated SPIN Play platform. By bypassing the typical rendering path, and instead sending pixels directly to the display, effectively ray-tracing through the lens, the video playback quality is among the sharpest in the industry.
The new version of SPIN Play uses an Oculus Compositor Layer to deliver high-quality 60fps video for fully immersive 360 degree with monoscopic content. Creators and producers can now easily upload their own content to SPIN Studio and stream it to Oculus Go at the highest quality possible.
“For years we’ve been focused – and pushing – on increased playback quality to help move the industry and VR adoption forward. Finally, audiences can now view immersive content in the sharpest, highest quality by either streaming or downloading it to the Oculus Go,” said Mike Swanson, Senior Architect at Pixvana. “Similar to John Carmack’s newly re-released version of ‘Henry’, you really have to put a headset on and experience these improvements first-hand, in order to appreciate the sharpness of the higher resolution. We are excited about these types of innovations and collaborations that continually advance the industry, making VR experiences more and more life-like to the viewer.”
Earlier this month, Oculus CTO, John Carmack announced the release of a pre-rendered version of “Henry”, an award-winning VR short film. While Henry was originally released as a real-time rendered experience for Oculus Rift, the pre-rendered VR video version is now available on Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR.
“This is a true breakthrough in the VR industry,” Swanson continued. “It’s analogous to when consumer audiences were first introduced to high-definition television and the entire viewing experience shifted forward. We’re opening up this enhanced experience and making it more broadly available to creators and audiences everywhere.”
Coming soon, Pixvana will also offer the video playback technology across Oculus devices in stereo.
Download SPIN Play on your Oculus Go, to see what the updated playback technology has to offer – or contact Pete@tailwindpr.com to set up a demo and compare the different video formats.
About Pixvana
Pixvana is a Seattle-based SaaS startup that powers the future of XR storytelling and immersive media. SPIN Studio from Pixvana is the first integrated platform that transforms the way customers create, edit and show VR video experiences across any device, anywhere. The company is venture-backed by Vulcan Capital, Madrona Venture Group, Microsoft, Cisco, Raine and Hearst Ventures. Pixvana’s founders have proven startup success in media technology, and hail from senior product and engineering leadership roles at Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, and Lucasfilm. For more information visit www.pixvana.com.
