Virtual reality technology has advanced in recent years many times over. With the rise of the industry virtual reality has become more widely accessible for the average consumer. We are starting to see the use of VR within the public sphere, like at events, concerts, or company shows. It is an excellent way to show an audience an idea, image, place, or opportunity without having to transport them anywhere and giving them an experience they can remember.
What is VR Headset
With the popularity rising and the cost of development lowering the dream of virtual reality headsets has become obtainable for the masses. Virtual reality headsets are relatively old technology with the first iteration being the View-Master coming around in 1939. Although the View-Master was used for viewing photographs, the first virtual explorable world came around in the early 1970s for military use. This would later be developed into products like the Oculus, Meta, and Vive for consumer use. VR headsets allow for singular individuals to enter into VR spaces and play games or go through interactive scenes. Usually this includes sounds and controllers to make the interaction as immersive as possible.
What is VR Dome
A virtual reality dome is similar to VR headsets, but in domes the content is projected onto the insides so that individuals will be able to explore within. The content can be fairly similar, but the uses are different. Whereas the headset is a personal unit the dome can accommodate a larger crowd giving group immersive experiences. The virtual reality dome can be used for large productions hosting a large crowd or for trade shows to show details or transport a group to a different place through virtual reality.
How are these used/useful
Both domes and headsets are designed for the purpose of transporting an individual to a different space. In architecture this is typically used to show investors what a finished project might look like or show steps of a process. In entertainment domes can be used for venues that’ll blow people away with full 360 displays. They are also used directly for events within the entertainment industry like being a centerpiece to any event. Video game developers are also using VR headsets as a means to deliver some of the most interactive games that gamers can play.
(3D rendered content for an interactive 360 dome Source: Lumen and Forge)
Differences
The biggest difference between the two is that a VR headset is designed for a single person to use while a dome is designed for more than one. A dome requires the easy construction of the structure while the headset just needs to be put on. Content that can be shown can be different, but the headset is capable of a bit more. The headset is capable of using controllers allowing for intractability within the scenes, like using objects or interacting with the environment. The dome creates a space that you may interact with and some projection allows for interactive projection. Instead of using controllers a computer will actively map your body and project relative to that map.
Conclusion:
There are differences between VR headsets and VR domes like accessibility, ease of action, and set up requirements, but the ability to create an environment that will blow people anybody away are the same. The biggest difference comes from where you would use either VR experience. The headset will be used in environments meant for a personal experience while the dome can accommodate a bigger group and serve a different purpose. The VR headset is smaller and more personal while the dome can be used for a group or venue.
