DDD60 · Project

Smaller VR Video Files Mean Affordable High-Quality Streaming for Film and TV

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Imagine trying to stream a movie through a garden hose — that's essentially what happens when you try to deliver VR video online. The files are so massive that distributors have to crush the quality down just to make them fit through the internet pipes. DDD60 built better compression and delivery technology that shrinks those giant VR files without killing the quality, so Film and TV companies can actually show their VR content online without breaking the bank on storage and bandwidth.

By the numbers

12–15

screening booths deployed at Sunny Side of the Docs 2017

EUR 880,000

EU contribution

consortium partners across 4 countries

83%

industry partner ratio in consortium

total project deliverables

The business problem

What needed solving

VR video files are enormous, and internet bandwidth hasn't kept up. This forces content distributors to either slash quality to make files small enough to stream, or spend heavily on storage and delivery infrastructure. For creative industry SMEs with limited budgets, this makes online VR content distribution economically unviable.

The solution

What was built

The project built improved VR video compression technology, optimized transcoding mechanisms, and more efficient storage and delivery workflows. These were demonstrated live via an on-site video library with 12–15 screening booths at the 2017 Sunny Side of the Docs market, showing immersive content to professional buyers. A total of 11 deliverables were produced.

Audience

Who needs this

VR content distributors struggling with file size and bandwidth costsDocumentary and immersive journalism studios producing 360° contentFilm & TV market platforms looking to add VR screening capabilitiesContent delivery networks expanding into immersive mediaCreative industry SMEs wanting to distribute VR content affordably

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Film & TV Distribution

SME

Target: VR content distributors and online screening platforms

If you are a VR content distributor struggling with massive file sizes that force you to downgrade quality or spend heavily on storage — this project developed improved compression and transcoding technology that reduces VR file sizes significantly, letting you deliver higher quality content online at lower cost. The technology was demonstrated live at the 2017 Sunny Side of the Docs market with 12–15 screening booths.

Documentary & Journalism Production

SME

Target: Documentary studios and immersive journalism producers

If you are a documentary or journalism studio producing VR content but finding it too expensive to store and distribute — this project built optimized storage and delivery workflows specifically for creative industry SMEs. With 6 partners across 4 countries and 83% industry involvement, the solution was designed by the industry for the industry.

Media Technology & CDN Services

any

Target: Video platform providers and content delivery networks

If you are a media technology company looking to add VR streaming capabilities but deterred by bandwidth costs — this project improved compression technology and transcoding mechanisms that make online VR screening a viable business. The consortium included 5 industry partners who validated the approach at leading Film & TV markets worldwide.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or integrate this VR compression technology?

The project was funded with EUR 880,000 in EU contribution across 6 partners. Licensing terms would need to be negotiated directly with the consortium, led by the coordinator based in France. As an Innovation Action, the results were designed for commercial uptake.

Can this technology handle industrial-scale VR content delivery?

The project demonstrated its technology at live Film & TV markets with 12–15 screening booths running simultaneously at Sunny Side of the Docs 2017. This suggests the system was tested under real market conditions, though scaling to mass consumer delivery would require further validation.

Who owns the IP and how can I access the technology?

IP is held by the consortium of 6 partners. With 5 industry partners (83% industry ratio) and no universities or research institutes, the IP is likely structured for commercial exploitation. Contact the French coordinator to discuss licensing options.

Is this technology still relevant given VR market evolution since 2018?

The project closed in June 2018. While the core compression and transcoding principles remain valid, the specific implementations may need updating for current VR standards and codecs. The underlying approach to reducing VR file sizes for online delivery addresses a problem that has only grown larger.

How does this integrate with existing video delivery infrastructure?

Based on available project data, the technology improves compression and transcoding mechanisms within existing internet delivery pipelines. The project specifically addressed making online VR screening viable without requiring new infrastructure, focusing instead on reducing the data that needs to flow through existing connections.

What formats and VR devices does this support?

The project targeted Film & TV industry professionals and demonstrated at major markets. Based on available project data, the technology was designed for high-quality immersive content delivery. Specific device compatibility details would need to be confirmed with the consortium.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a heavily industry-driven consortium: 5 out of 6 partners are from industry (83%), with zero universities or research institutes — unusual for EU projects and a strong signal that the technology was built for commercial use, not academic publication. The consortium spans 4 countries (Germany, Finland, France, UK) covering key European media markets. Two partners are SMEs, and the coordinator is a French organization connected to the international film festival circuit, which gave the project direct access to real buyers and distributors at major markets.

SOCIETE DE GESTION D'OPERATIONS COMMERCIALES POUR LE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILMCoordinator · FR
reelport GmbHparticipant · DE
SPIN DIGITAL VIDEO TECHNOLOGIES GMBHparticipant · DE

How to reach the team

The coordinator is based in France and connected to the international film festival circuit. SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to discuss licensing or technology access.

Order a report on this consortium See SOCIETE DE GESTION D'OPERATIONS COMMERCIALES POUR LE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILM profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how this VR compression technology could fit your content delivery pipeline? SciTransfer can connect you with the right consortium partner and help structure a technology transfer discussion.

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