London: Tata Communications said that it has been chosen by Ultracast to power the international expansion of the company's 360° video and virtual reality (VR) platform. Ultracast creates live 360° video and VR content in motorsports series such as NASCAR, FIA World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as other sporting categories such as boxing, rugby and professional bull riding.
The company will use Tata Communications' Ultra Live Video Delivery Network (VDN) to bring this content from events globally to fans' smartphones, tablets and VR devices in complete sync with live TV broadcasts. These VDN capabilities are underpinned by Tata Communications' global network, which minimises latency for live 360° video and VR content and ensures high-quality entertainment experience for sports fans.
“Our aim is to become the largest live 360° video and VR content platform in the world, allowing fans to teleport themselves to tracks and stadiums and engage with their sports heroes in new ways,” said Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Ultracast. “But, in order for fans to be able to experience the action anywhere in the world as if they were right there, these technologies need to work without a glitch, no matter what. Using Tata Communications' global network and VDN capabilities to power our platform ensures that sports rights holders are able to offer fans worldwide the highest quality 360° video and VR experiences, complementing the live action on TV.”
“Live 360° video and VR are the biggest disruptive force we've seen in sports distribution in years, and Ultracast is a trailblazer in this space,” said Brian Morris, Vice President and General Manager, Global Media and Entertainment Services at Tata Communications. “Ultracast's platform enables sports organisations to grow their audience through new kinds of immersive entertainment experiences that transport fans to the middle of the action. But, because there are often thousands of miles between the match or a race and the fan's smartphone or tablet, a slow network can shatter the illusion. Our global reach lowers the barriers for Ultracast's customers anywhere in the world to generate new revenue streams from live 360° video and VR.”
