Advances in how 3D spaces and objects are captured to create immersive, interactive content are helping redefine how stories are told and experienced. Integrating volumetric capture into mainstream media however requires a new set of skills, blending creative storytelling with advanced technical knowledge.
Unlike traditional video, which is confined to a 2D plane, volumetric video provides the added dimensions of depth and volume, making it possible to interact with digital objects in ways that were previously not possible. Objects such as a coffee cup can be digitally captured in 3D and placed within a virtual environment almost in the same way a practical prop can be placed within an actual set. This technology has many applications for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), virtual production (VP) and mixed reality (MR).
Several technologies underpin volumetric capture, including photogrammetry, Gaussian splatting, and 4D capture. Photogrammetry involves taking multiple photographs of an object or scene from different angles and stitching them together to create a 3D model. Gaussian splatting, a more recent innovation, creates a point cloud where each point represents a small, textured circle. This method is lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for real-time applications. The cutting-edge 4D capture extends this technology to the 4th dimension of time, making it possible to capture animated content volumetrically, providing enhanced options for animation...
You are not signed in
Only registered users can read the rest of this article.
From screens to spaces: The rise of immersive experiences in live events
From AR-powered sports coverage to immersive theatre and AI-driven fan engagement, broadcasters, organisers, and rights holders are rethinking how live experiences are created and extended beyond the event itself.
.jpg)
SVOD vs AVOD: The reinvention of live sports viewing
The live sports landscape is the crown jewel of entertainment, and as it evolves, streaming platforms are driving its next phase of growth.
Content Everywhere: The long and the short of it
Short-form video platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have transformed how audiences consume content. According to recent data from YouGov, rather than replacing traditional viewing, short-form clips are becoming an important step in the viewing journey, helping audiences discover shows and inspiring them to tune in.
Hybrid by design: How immersive tech is transforming remote collaboration
From shared virtual spaces and volumetric media to real-time engines and cloud rendering, broadcast and proAV teams are moving beyond simple connectivity towards collaboration that feels genuinely co-located.
Creator takeover at MPTS: “You’re competing for tiny slices of attention”
Exhibitor and conference sessions still nestle deep-tech dives about compression alongside tutorials on podcasting, but this no longer feels incongruous. Adrian Pennington reports.
