There are three different ways we can distribute a video to your VR app or mobile applications,
Downloading Videos:
This is by far the most commonly used option for VR headsets since it allows for smooth playback of the highest video resolution, and videos are available for offline playback after the initial download. All of our VR and Mobile Templates have the downloading option enabled by default. If you don’t want this, you can change this is the Template Variables of your App Template.
Check the following articles for more information on video downloading:
Streaming Videos:
Next to downloading, we always offer the option to stream your video to a VR device. After you uploaded your videos to the Headjack CMS, we create an HLS with various video qualities for optimum compatibility on all network connections and devices. All of our VR and Mobile Templates have the downloading option enabled by default. If you don’t want this, you can change this is the Template Variables of your App Template.
Check the following articles for more information on video streaming.
Packaging Videos:
With this option enabled, we will include some or all videos in the distributable app package. In this case, the App download will be much bigger (since you will download the App and the videos as one), but your App is immediately ready for use when the download is finished.
Note: The maximum amount of video data that can be stored in an app is 2GB. This can be expanded further for store apps with a so-called OBB extension file; there is a limit of 2GB for the Google Play Store and a 5GB limit for the Oculus Stores for OBB files.
Enable Video Packaging:
- navigate to Apps > All Apps > “App name”
- Toggle the button under “Packaged” for the videos you would like to include in your App
- Start a new Build and Install the App
We have written extensively about video compression for VR headsets in multiple blogs; below, you will find the two most recent ones with our latest findings and insights.
Pixel Perfect Part 1: Headjack 360 video Cloud Encoding profiles
Pixel Perfect Part 2: An in-depth look into 360 video playback