TNT is relaunching its weekly NBA game in virtual reality on Dec. 27, when the Rockets host the Celtics in Houston. Intel True VR will again power the experience but with refined cameras, an updated app, and more real-time data overlays. VR broadcasts will continue through the Eastern Conference Finals with extensive coverage of NBA All-Star weekend.
Howard Wright, Intel Sports’ AVP of business development, said the next generation camera systems will provide better coverage, clarity, pixelaton, bit rate, and frame rate that viewers “will appreciate optically.” The number of camera angles will vary by location. The broadcasts will be compatible with Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream headsets.
“This is our dogged pursuit to help the NBA realize and manifest its immersive media creation and distribution plans,” Wright said. “We really think we’re on the very of helping the NBA help distance itself as the most tech-forward, tech-savvy, and tech-fluent league.”
The NBA on TNT VR app launched prior to All-Star Weekend in February. Wright, a former Stanford star who had a brief NBA career, likened the evolution of Intel’s VR broadcasts to “a multi-act play.” The tech giant is now exiting the first act, which focused on showing what was possible.
This next stage hinges on improving the experience. Not only has Intel’s VR technology improved, but also the production crews have logged more and more experience with the system. Intel has fueled experiences for MLB games, PGA Tour events, and the March Madness tournament. True View has also been used for El Clásico, the fierce rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“We are steadily approaching what is our master’s class thesis on creating, curating, generating and distributing immersive media with partners around the world,” Wright said.
Wright then joked about the wisdom gained “every time one of our engineers crawls in the water at Sawgrass to check the calibration,” referring to the famed Florida golf course.
Intel will again offer its VR Cast that is the lean-back experience of a director-led broadcast. Fans will also have the opportunity to choose their own camera views. User data has indicated that there is an interest in catching glimpses of superstars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant from rare vantage points.
“We’re finding that a lot of the tech-savvy fans are jumping to different camera locations,” Wright said. “‘I want to go to half court because I see KD is about the check in.’ ‘I want to go to the basket stanchion because LeBron is going to shoot some important free throws.’”
The product continues to evolve, including with regards to which new stats will be included. Also under development are the integration of other technologies. Wright described Intel’s mission as working “to be a sensory repository for digital creation.”
“VR, AR, MR, XR—whatever the new sexy phrase becomes, we’re in that business, as opposed to being in competition with just another VR provider,” Wright said, referring to virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended realities.
Some fans may choose to watch entire games in virtual reality, while others will opt to make VR a second or companion screen experience. Enhancing the fan experience, however that is achieved, is the Intel mission.
“We’re unapologetic in how good our technology is and can be, but we’re humble warriors when it comes to being the ingredient brand, a private label behind the NFL shield or behind the NBA logo of Jerry West or behind the individual Warriors app that’s on our phone,” Wright said, before later adding:
“That’s the hero’s journey. That’s what gets us fired up every day.”