NBC Olympics to provide live VR coverage of winter Olympics powered by Intel True VR

NBC Olympics will provide over 50 hours of VR footage enabled by Intel True VR technology from the during the XXIII Olympic Winter Games from PyeongChang, South Korea. The content can be accessed by authenticated end-users with Windows Mixed Reality headsets, Samsung Gear VR, and both Google Cardboard and Google Daydream, with compatible iOS or Android devices via the NBC Sports VR app.

NBC Olympics said it will mark the first time ever that VR will be available for a Winter Olympics and that Olympic VR programming will be live in the US on a wide range of devices and platforms.

The more than 50 hours of live VR programming, supplied to NBC Olympics by its partner Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), will include the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, alpine skiing, curling, snowboarding, skeleton, figure skating, short track, ski jumping, ice hockey, big air and more.

In addition, NBC Olympics will offer VR replays of all events previously livestreamed; one daily 360-degree video of a sport not available in VR the previous day; and packaged highlights from the day before.

The VR experience is enabled by Intel True VR technology, which uses multiple camera pods at each event to create interactive 360-degree VR environments. Viewers will be able to customise their experience by switching between multiple vantange points, hear natural sound captured at each camera location to provide a truly immersive experience, and enjoy real-time stats, leaderboards and post-event results. Viewers will also be able to “fly” through the Olympic world, tour Olympic venues and different areas throughout Korea.

NBC Olympics will also provide content prior to the start of the Games, with behind-the-scenes content captured with Intel True VR technology.