Digital Domain Holdings Limited (DDHL) and China’s leading digital sports broadcaster, Letv Sports, have joined together to broadcast the 2015 International Champions Cup in China in 360-degree virtual reality (VR).
The ICC finals are being played in China for the first time in history and this will also be the first major sporting event in China to air live in VR. Provided by IM360, a subsidiary of DDHL, the camera technology will bring the entertainment of the stadium to fans who cannot physically attend the matches.
“Once viewers experience IM360’s lifelike 360-degree experience, we anticipate they’ll be demanding it for all their favorite events,” said DDHL’s Chairman and CEO, Daniel Seah. “By utilizing live-streaming in a 360-degree atmosphere, we are planning to provide more exciting virtual reality experiences for a variety of sporting events, live performances, concerts and other popular entertainment activities in the future to bring this content to more regions in Asia.”
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By partnering with Letv, China’s leading digital sports broadcaster, DDHL will be able to promote the growing idea of 360-degree virtual reality for sporting events. It gives fans the ability to enjoy the action of a game at home because it feels like they are in the heart of the event. Eventually more leagues will likely lean towards the virtual world to incorporate more fans. VR will be a great alternative for spectators who might not have the time or opportunity to travel to games. And broadcasters will be able to provide the best entertainment that technology can provide for their viewers.
“Teaming up with DDHL for ICC 2015 would be a stepping stone and I believe the 360-degree camera technology would provide a wonderful experience to our viewers as well as changing the sports live streaming industry,” said Lei Zhenjian, CEO of Letv Sports.