The Scale of Immersion: different audio-visual experiences exemplified by the 360° video Secret Detours

Abstract

Since the use of video became popular in the last five decades, the quality of the recorded images improved constantly, while broadcasting techniques thus advanced concurrently. From Omnimax to mobile screens, if panoramic, vertical or spherical, the author of the work is challenged to either fight for the intended format or adjust the work accordingly to presentation possibilities. Our recent Secret Detours may serve as an example, which was conceived as an immersive 360° video. Currently, we have developed a range of different versions in order to explore screening possibilities and adjusted not only the visual composition but as well the sound-design appropriately. We argue that the experience hugely varies, whether the work can be collectively viewed in a hemispherical dome, a cylindrical panorama, a panoramic LED video wall or by using VR glasses.