Pixvana Creates New VR Video Playback Technology for SPIN Play

Pixvana, the company behind the SPIN Play platform has announced the launch of its new “overlay” virtual reality (VR) video playback technology to improve visual quality.

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Now available on the updated SPIN Play platform, the new version uses an Oculus Compositor Layer to deliver high-quality 60fps video for fully immersive 360 degree with monoscopic content. The technique works by bypassing the typical rendering path, and instead sending pixels directly to the display, effectively ray-tracing through the lens.

This means creators and producers can now 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 in a statement. “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.”

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“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.”

In the near future Pixvana will also offer the video playback technology across Oculus devices in stereo.

Last month saw Pixvana announce a collaboration with camera rental agency Radiant Images, so whenever a company hires equipment it’ll gain free access to the SPIN platform. For any further updates from Pixvana, keep reading VRFocus.

Immersive Tech Startup Pixvana Completes $14m Series A Funding Round

Pixvana, the tech startup that specialises in cloud-based video content creation and distribution has announced the completion of a Series A funding round of $14 million USD.

The round was led by Vulcan Capital with participation from new investors Raine Ventures, Microsoft Ventures, Cisco Investments and Hearst Ventures, and existing investor Madrona Venture Group.  

Pixvana FOVAS demo Sofia experience

The funding will be used to help bolster SPIN Studio, Pixvana’s cloud-based storytelling platform which handles everything from stitching, editing, publishing, and playback in one workflow. The platform offers creative tools for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) storytelling, including customized templates and interactive hyperports.

“We are thrilled to work with this amazing group of investors backing us, to realize our vision of XR storytelling,” said Forest Key, Pixvana CEO in a statement. “Faster iteration and blending of video and 3D content will allow creatives, brands and media companies to create amazing XR experiences. More announcements like the recent devices for Windows MR and Oculus Go will create a rapidly expanding market for XR video experiences.”

SPIN Studio users can access Pixvana’s encoding system that renders up to 8K stereo content using its patented FOVAS (field of view adaptive streaming) technology, enabling high-quality experiences on head-mounted displays (HMDs) like Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, and more.

“There is tremendous opportunity in the XR video space and it is clear that outstanding content and storytelling tools will define this new medium,” said Stuart Nagae, General Partner, Vulcan Capital. “We think that Pixvana has an extraordinary team that really understands how to deliver cinematic, immersive experiences in XR and can build a SaaS business at scale.”

For the funding pitch Pixvana created a 360-degree video using SPIN Studio called Sofia – in homage to Sofia Coppola. The video (seen below) is a cut down version of the full 15-minute pitch. As with any 360 video it’s best to watch using a headset. Whilst most headsets will be able to play the YouTube video, for the best experience – and to see FOVAS in action – you’ll need to download the SPIN Play app. Currently this is available on Steam for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, with a mobile version due next month.

For any further Pixvana updates, keep reading VRFocus.