On 6th May, 2017, in the broadcast of the game between Chongqing Lifan FC and Henan Jianye FC in the Chinese Super League (CSL), a live broadcast employing panoramic virtual reality (VR) technology was delivered to the fans. It is the first time that the CSL has introduced VR to their broadcast.

This live VR was delivered on an App named “WhaleyVRLive” offered by Whaley, an Internet-focused technology company specializing in home entertainment. This App has been developed and launched with the support of China Sports Media, the official public TV signal producer and all media partner of the CSL.  According to Huxiu, a website focusing on business news and opinions, this Live VR also involved the JauntVR shooting technique. JauntVR is a professional VR company financed by CMC Capital, the parent company of Whaley.

To offer the best experience to the fans, Whaley sets about 15 cameras at different points on the pitch, including the sidelines, the coachs’ seats  and points behind the goals. Whaley have also introduced some special cameras by partnering with Flycat TV, a company providing special equipments & service for Film & TV.

According to Sports Money, in the next 6 months, Whaley will offer Live VR of the most important game every week. As a brand new treat for the audience, Live VR is likely to lead the CSL to step into the new era of paid-viewing.

Source: Sohu and PRNewswireAsia

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin