The NextVR cameras get set to go into action filming a San Antonio Spurs-Sacramento Kings NBA game last October at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. GARRETT ELLWOOD / NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES FILES
Sorting out the major winners and losers of this week — with a bottom-line twist — in the world of sports:
Bulls of the Week
The rapid rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology is arguably the single most important sport business storyline in the new year. It’s too bad, then, that the Toronto Raptors picked their debut on virtual reality TV Tuesday night to leave their vaunted offence behind at the hotel in an embarrassing 110-82 loss at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs.
The game was the 11th virtual reality telecast in a 25-game package the NBA is using as the first North American professional team sport to offer its fans a customized VR experience at home. The NBA partnership with virtual reality broadcaster NextVR offers one game each week to subscribers of the NBA League Pass package, with early priority being given to fans owning Samsung Gear VR headsets and smartphones.
The VR telecasts strive to recreate the in-venue experience, providing dance-team performances, mascot dunks and other fun and games during what would otherwise be commercial breaks on regular TV.
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Source: Vancouversun