Virtual Reality has become “quite the craze” over the past year or so and I don’t expect the interest to decrease in the near future.  It is unlike many other new technologies that have hit the market, such as 3D TV’s, etc.  Technology companies have made Virtual Reality (VR) available to everyone, including those with limited budgets.  This allows everyone to experience this immersive technology and experience the benefits of VR for themselves!

Many different companies are currently manufacturing VR headset.  Listed below are 5 different VR options, along with the benefits and suggested retail prices:

1. Google Cardboard V2:  $11.99 (Amazon.com)

• Simple design for anyone to use
• Requires compatible Smartphone

2. Samsung Gear VR (Powered by Oculus):  $59.99 (Amazon.com)

• Mobile VR
• Step up from Google Cardboard V2
• Comes with Oculus Store
• No need to wait for supporting apps
• Requires compatible Smartphone

3. Sony PlayStation VR:  Starting at $399.99 (Best Buy)

• Designed for gamers / entertainment
• Hundreds of games are planned for this headset
• Requires PlayStation 4 & PlayStation Camera (additional investment of $359.98)

4. Oculus Rift:  $599.99 (Amazon.com)

• Started the VR revolution with its hype and acquisition by Facebook
• Requires high-end PC (Could get more expensive)
• High-End VR headset with excellent quality

5. HTC Vive:  $799.99 (Amazon.com)

• VR that takes up a whole room
• Motion sensors & wireless controllers pair with headset to create the most immersive experience
• Standard of future VR gaming
• Requires high-end PC (Could get more expensive)

These are currently the most popular rated VR options on the market today.  Other VR options may be found in gas stations, toy stores, and many other retailers.  If you are looking for the best VR experience currently, the ones listed above have the most reviews and highest ratings.  When it comes to VR, the statement “you get what you pay for” may be accurate.

Enhancing Meetings and Events with Virtual Reality

Meetings and events are a large investment for everyone involved.  Most would agree that the last thing a paying customer or event planner wants is to open the doors to their event space, and have it not come out as expected.  I think it is pretty safe to say you would not purchase a home before going to see it first.  Why should this be any different when investing in an event?

Leading audio visual companies like IMS offer different ways to visualize what your event will look like prior to the event.  The most common way to provide these visualizations is  through 2D drawings and 3D renderings.  These drawings and renderings allow anyone involved to make changes prior to the event, and to see “real time” how these changes would affect the overall outcome.  It also helps with accommodating seating space, scenic layout, lighting, A/V, rigging and many other aspects of the event, all of which are not only beneficial to the client or event planner, but also to other partners involved with the setup of the show.

What if we take the 2D drawing and 3D rendering options to the next level?

Imagine putting on a VR headset and being teleported to the center of the room…surrounded by your team’s dream event! 

This is what VR is all about. It takes the guess work out of event planning and provides the ultimate visual experience.  This fully immersive experience makes you feel as though you are there.

IMS Technology Services is your “go-to” for this technology!  Provided below is a video courtesy of the IMS creative team.  This content was developed to provide you with a basic example of how an event would appear in VR.  The most cost-effective way to view this example would be through Google Cardboard V2 with a compatible Smartphone.  Be sure to watch out for future IMS Connections keeping up to date on upcoming technologies and event planning tips!

Article written by Matthew Chase, IMS National Account Manager

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