Updated: 27/03/20
In this article, I want to tell you about a few interesting bits and pieces that the BBC are doing at the moment – but first, a few quick definitions:
What is Binaural Sound?
The BBC explain it as “Binaural sound technology allows the creation of immersive spatial audio experiences for headphone listeners.” So it’s a bit like 3D, but for audio. Read more here
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
From Wikipedia “The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.”
What is BBC R&D?
The BBC have a Research and Development (R&D) website called Taster – it’s where they demo exciting new things, such as interactive story telling or Virtual Reality. Often their experiments only last a few weeks or days, but some they leave up for months! They also have an actual R&D website where they go into the technical details of how all this stuff works, and you can find that here.
Want to give some of the things a try?
Here are some suggestions to get you going:
- Binaural sound
The BBC has quite a few programmes, but I had a listen to this BBC Radio 3 programme: Between the ears: Omay. Binaural documentary on an anthropologist’s quest to live with an uncontacted tribe. I’m not too sure I had the full 3D effect with this, but give it a go. (You need a free BBC Account to listen.) - Virtual Reality
Try the Dr Who game (this one’s still available for several months) – here’s the link. If you don’t have a VR headset, click on the “In Browser” option, then on the green accept button above it (it doesn’t appear to work in Firefox, I tried it in Chrome and it worked). It’s not brilliant without a Virtual reality headset, to be honest – but it’s still fun. Imagine every time you click and move the mouse you are moving your head instead and the whole thing follows you round. - BBC Taster website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/taster/ Give something new a try, but be warned – it might not work!
Have a try of some of the experiments on the BBC Taster website and drop us a comment if you find one you enjoy!
Mike 🙂