HTC is releasing a virtual reality headset – HTC Vive – that will be paired with wireless controllers and tracking technology to give users an authentic surround sound technology.
So will this open up binaural recording playback for the consumer market?
What is binaural recording?
Binaural recording is a method of recording sound that uses two, usually ear-shaped, microphones that are arranged to create a 3-D stereo sound sen
This video explains it better than we can…
And if you want to experience binaural recording, stick some headphones on and watch this…
And if you want to experience binaural recording, stick some headphones on and watch this…
What is HTC bringing to the party?
HTC is to release a test version of Vive that will go on sale to developers and follow it up with a public version later in the year – and in doing so it will go head to head with Facebook’s Oculus Rift and Sony’s Morpheus VR headsets.
The headphones will be part of part of a tie-up with Valve, a leading PC video games publisher, and units will include two 1,200 by 1,080 pixel screens to provide high definition – but not 4K – quality graphics – and allows existing sets of headphones to be plugged into its side.
The machine will also support a facility developed by Valve that allows users to explore a virtual space and the objects within it from different angles – by moving about in real life within a 15ft by 15ft (4.6m squared) space.
Owners will also need to buy a Steam VR base station in order to do this though.
The tie-up with Steam marks a massive change in direction for HTC which, until now, has focused its attention on smartphones – and it’s also announced details of its latest phone, the HTC One M9, which will come with a 20 megapixel camera that can shoot in 4K ultra-high definition (UHD)
In addition, the The handset can now simulate a surround sound experience from its front-facing speakers and the updated HTC Sense user interface can provide location-specific news and suggestions on the phone’s home screen.
