Voxelvideos for Entertainment, Education, and Training

Volumetric videos allow for a true three-dimensional experience where users can freely choose their viewing angles and be actually immersed in a video clip. High quality video productions are gaining attention and first volumetric video recordings are commercially provided at select places. Unfortunately, the production process is very time, labour, and technology-resource intensive, which requires specialist hardware, software, and production experts. A “youtube-like” production, distribution, and experience system would be desirable. Here we present an approach which allows for the creation and interactive replay of three-dimensional videoclips using a novel voxel-based platform—voxelvideos. We can show that our voxelvideos experienced in virtual and augmented reality are effective, enjoyable, and perceived as useful. We hope that our approach and findings will encourage researchers, media experts, and hobbyists to experiment with voxelvideos as a new form of affordable media production and experience.