Fundamentals of XR Production
What is XR?
Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), representing a wide spectrum of hardware, software, and experiences that combine the digital and physical worlds. XR production involves creating content and applications that blend real-world and digital elements to create immersive experiences for users. Unlike traditional media, XR places users inside the experience, letting them interact with a three-dimensional environment. XR production can utilize technologies such as LED video walls and chroma-key effects together with virtual sets and camera tracking to simulate a virtual world within a studio setting. This blog post outlines the basics of XR production, explains the difference between AR, VR, and MR, and explores the applications best suited for XR production.
Understanding VR, AR, and MR
To completely grasp the concept of XR you’ll need to understand the experiences that can be created with XR production and how they differ from each other. Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a completely virtual environment that is disconnected from the real world. Using head-mounted displays, like the Meta Quest or HTC Vive, VR creates a simulated environment that can be similar or completely different from the real world. Augmented Reality (AR), on the other hand, overlays digital content onto the real world through devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, enhancing the user’s perception of reality without replacing it. In this year’s Super Bowl, CBS used AR graphics composited over shots of Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium to convey important information about the game like the score or player stats. Another aspect of XR is Mixed Reality (MR), which blends VR and XR to produce new environments and experiences where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real-time. Mixed Reality is useful in fields like education and research where training environments can be created virtually, with students and scientists using physical and virtual tools together for learning. MR technologies are still emerging, with products such as the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro showing promise with what can be done when merging VR and AR. XR production requires understanding of the specific features and capabilities of each technology (VR, AR or MR) to create immersive and interactive experiences.
Fundamentals of XR Production
Since the applications for XR are numerous, you’ll need to tune your XR production based on the target audience and specific experience you want to present. First you need to figure out who your audience is and what is the purpose of the experience, whether it’s for entertainment, education, training, or marketing. Designing for XR involves creating 3D models, environments, and animations, as well as considering user interaction and interface design to ensure a seamless and intuitive experience. Developing content for XR requires programming skills, often in languages like C# or C++, and familiarity with XR development platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
An essential component of XR development used to create realistic and immersive experiences is camera tracking. Camera tracking is technology that enables your XR system to replicate your real-world camera movements into the digital world. Camera tracking used in tandem with technology like Brainstorm’s InfinitySet, which utilizes 3D rendering software and chroma-key effects or LED panels to create a virtual set that talent can move in and interact with. With camera tracking, your camera movements are tracked in physical space, ensuring the camera’s perspective matches the 3D render displayed on your chroma-key composite or LED Wall. Ikan’s XR production tripod system the EG25XR-PRO uses encoders placed on the camera’s lens and built into the tripod head to record focus and zoom data as well as pan and tilt movement, which is then sent to your virtual production software via the FREE-D protocol.
Check out this video about our EG25XR-PRO Encoded Tripod System for XR Production
Applications Best Suited for XR Production
XR technology has applications in a diverse range of fields, each benefiting from the immersive and interactive nature of these experiences. Education and training are among the top sectors leveraging XR to provide hands-on learning and simulation-based training, enabling learners to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment. In healthcare, XR is used for surgical training, patient education, and therapy. The entertainment industry uses XR for creating immersive gaming experiences and virtual concerts. XR is also making significant impacts in retail with virtual try-ons and in real estate with virtual property tours, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
XR production represents a cutting-edge blend of creativity, technology, and user experience design. By understanding the distinct characteristics of VR, AR, and MR, creators can harness the unique capabilities of each to develop immersive content and applications that push the boundaries of traditional media. The applications of XR are numerous and varied, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation across multiple industries. As technology continues to evolve, XR production will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital interaction, making it an exciting field for creators and users alike.