Univ. Of Miami Is Launching A VR Channel To Deliver A 360-Degree Video Experience

The Univ. of Miami is "launching the Canes VR channel," and for $30, UM fans can get a VR viewer to "attach to their cellphone and a subscription to the channel showing specially produced content" throughout the '16-17 academic year, according to Craig Davis of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. UM Senior Associate AD/Communications & Sales Jason Layton said, "Some will be more experiential stuff -- running through the smoke would be a prime example of something you could see through the virtual room." The channel is "accessed on a smartphone, which is inserted into the viewer to bring the virtual world to life." The viewer itself will be available for order at hurricanesports.com. Canes VR can be used to "show practice footage, scrimmages and news conferences." However, it "stands out in giving fans an inside look at a team and action that is not otherwise available." For instance, there is a "montage of scenes that takes viewers on a road trip with the Hurricanes." Another shows the "inner workings of a field-goal kicking drill from the kicker's view of the snap, hold and the ball sailing through the uprights." While the channel is "debuting during football season," UM Assistant Dir of Digital Strategy Tim Brogdon said that the VR channel "will be utilized for all Hurricanes sports teams" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 10/16).