Insta360 Announces Wireless Video System

Most consumer and even some professional VR rigs use a WiFi connection to transmit video. However, that only gets you so far.

As a result, Insta360 is set to release its “Farsight” transmission system, akin to DJI’s Lightbridge. It will enable users to stream full HD content from their Insta360 Pro cameras as well as wireless controls. With a maximum distance of 1.86 miles (3 km), this could be the needed tech to fly an Insta360 Pro on a large drone or work with multiple rigs on a large set.

The Specs

• 5.8 GHz broadband for a very low latency connection with little interference
• 1080p video transmission
• 1.86 miles (3 km) range ground to air, and 0.31 miles (500 m) range ground to ground.
• 32 channels with intelligent switching to optimal channel
• Connections to Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, tablets, and routers

Streaming VR

In order to meet the massive demands of streaming VR video, Insta360 needs to get creative. At IBC last year, it arose that the best way to do this might be to only stream what the user is looking at (and ignore what’s behind them). That’s exactly what Insta360 is going to do here, and they’re calling it “CrystalView.”

By selectively rendering the segments of the video that a viewer is actually looking at, while down-resing the parts they’re ignoring, high-resolution playback is made possible — even on smartphones that wouldn’t otherwise be up to the task.

This tech isn’t just applicable for use on set, but also for streaming VR content from the web. Imagine getting the same quality as an Oculus Rift, but from a smartphone instead of a beefy PC.

The CrystalView system will be debuting on Insta360’s video playback app. Versions will be expected for iOS, Android, Oculus Go and Gear VR. The Insta360 Farsight will be released this summer.