Virtual reality is a recent technology that has swept the globe with VR headsets becoming a common product. Furthermore, its ever-expanding features have increased its accessibility on every platform.
VR has introduced an array of VR videos that give you more than just a video-gaming experience. However, they can be confusing to view as there are different kinds of them available.
In this article, we will help you access any VR video on almost any device.
Quick Summary
In this post you will find:
- How to view VR videos
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Without any further ado, let’s get into it!
How to View VR Videos?
How to View VR Videos on PC or Mac
We understand that you might not be up for spilling hundreds of bucks on expensive VR headsets. Fortunately, VR videos can be viewed on your PC as well.
180 or 360-degree Videos
You can use either of the following methods to watch 180 or 360-degree videos on your PC or Mac devices:
- The easiest way to watch VR videos is through YouTube. It has a virtual reality category that hosts a broad range of VR content. All you need to do is to search for the video and play it on your device.
- In case you want to use a player of your choice, simply install it and start streaming. Use the left click of the mouse to pan across the 360-degree video. Hold the button down and move the mouse.
- You would require 360-degree video player support if you have a 180 or 360-degree video document. Kolor Eyes and VLC are both good options that support 360-degree videos and are compatible with Mac and PC devices. You can even use the Windows video player on your PC if the version is updated.
Note: If the document is not present as a 360-degree video, then you would require a native Windows participant.
Click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen when it is available in Windows participant and select 360-degree format.
3D Movies
You can 3D movies on your Mac or PC device in the following way:
- First of all, you need to determine whether the movie is SBS or anaglyph 3D TB. If the movie is anaglyph then you can watch it on your computer, otherwise, you would require a VR headset.
- Now you would need a pair of anaglyph glasses. You might be able to find them in a local shop, however, there are more affordable and sturdier options available on amazon.
- In case of access from YouTube or other streaming websites, make sure that you select the anaglyph option from the 3D configuration settings.
- If you have a video document then the best way to go is to get a video player that will support 3D videos. We highly recommend VLC because it is free and has great support for VR videos along with compatibility with PC and Mac devices.
- Now you can finally wear your glasses and enjoy the cinematic experience.
Full VR Videos
The method of watching full VR videos on your Mac or PC device is the same as watching 3D movies and 180 or 360-degree videos on the mentioned devices.
How to View VR Videos on VR Headsets?
There are many high-processing VR headsets that are heavy on the pocket but provide great value. However, these VR headsets are more suitable for gamers than users who want to experience casual viewing.
Smartphone VR headsets are the best option for this purpose as they are affordable and offer crisp visuals for you to have an immersive experience while watching VR content.
Here’s how you can watch VR videos through VR headsets:
Step 1 – Get a VR Headset
At the entry-level, you would only require a beginner smartphone VR headset that can allow you to have a memorable and immersive experience at an affordable price. There are many great options that you can choose from on the market.
If you intend to use this headset for VR videos and movies only then we highly recommend BNext and Panasonic. They are affordable headsets with exceptional quality that will guarantee a cinematic experience.
Step 2 – Set up your Smartphone
A smartphone VR headset does not need to be tethered to a PC. All it requires is for your smartphone to be inserted into the smartphone tray in front of the lenses for you to view 3D VR content.
The limitations to this method involve the use of a smartphone with a gyroscope sensor since you need to move around to have an immersive experience while witnessing VR videos. Moreover, these headsets cannot support smartphones with very big screens.
Step 3 – Select a Platform
Most headsets come with support from different platforms. For example, the Merge VR headset has support from the Merge library full of educational content.
You will find that you can play videos on any platform on your smartphone and view them in VR easily through your headset. Therefore, have a video that you want to watch selected before you wear the VR headset.
Step 4 – Clear the Room
A huge part of an immersive VR experience is the movement in the virtual space. While you might be viewing another world, you would still be physically present in reality which means that to avoid tripping over furniture, you need to clear some space up for free movements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you watch VR videos?
You can use the VR media player app that can be downloaded from Google Play Store if you are watching VR videos on an Android device. In this app, you need to find the folder where you can store 360-degree videos on your phone.
How can you watch VR videos through a normal smartphone?
There are many smartphone VR headsets available at a very affordable price such as Gear VR and Google Cardboard. All you need to do is insert your phone into the VR headset and play videos that you want to watch in virtual reality.
Is it possible to watch Netflix in VR?
Yes, and it is the most exciting thing ever. Netflix has launched a VR version that allows you to play your favorite shows in virtual reality using a VR headset. All you need to do is install the Netflix VR app to use it.
Wrapping Things Up…
This brings us to the end of our post on how to view virtual reality videos. We understand that purchasing a VR headset is not always the most convenient option, therefore, this post will help you play VR videos on your PC or Mac devices.
If you want a true VR experience then there are many affordable VR headsets available that allow you to watch 3D and 360-degree videos in VR.
Let us know if you have any queries.
