What is XR?

By ERMW Team
Thurs September 28, 2023

XR, or extended reality, is an umbrella term that encompasses different technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR technology combines the physical and virtual worlds, allowing users to interact and engage with digital content in a more immersive and interactive way.

In recent years, XR has gained significant attention and has seen increasing adoption in various industries, including gaming, entertainment, healthcare, education, and architecture. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we perceive and experience the world around us.

XR technology offers users the ability to create, explore, and manipulate virtual environments. By wearing a headset or using a mobile device, users can transport themselves to different places and interact with virtual objects. This can be particularly useful in gaming, where players can immerse themselves in virtual worlds and have a more realistic and engaging experience.

In addition to gaming, XR technology has found applications in other areas as well. For example, in healthcare, XR is used for medical training, allowing medical professionals to practice procedures and surgeries in a safe and controlled environment. It is also used for pain management, rehabilitation, and mental health therapy.

Architects and designers are leveraging XR technology to create virtual walkthroughs of buildings and spaces before they are constructed. This allows stakeholders to have a better understanding of the design and make informed decisions. XR technology also enables users to visualize and experiment with different furniture arrangements, lighting options, and color schemes in real-time.

Virtual Reality can be displayed with a headset

Augmented Reality used in Medical Environments

Augmented Reality used in Interior Design

Volumetric Studios

Robycam Studio with teleprompter in XR environment courtsey of Victorpakhomov, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

To harness the full potential of XR technology, many companies have established high-tech film sound stages, also referred to as “Volumes”. These studios serve as hubs for innovation and creativity, bringing together experts in various fields such as software development, design, and user experience. 

By combining gaming platforms like Unreal Engine and the Disguise XR technology to orchestrate content on LED walls to create real-time content and camera tracking to power production environments. The virtual background is displayed on an enormous curved LED wall and ceiling to project virtual environments in physical space to extend the bounds of reality. This space inside the display is called the "Volume" and allows for the creation of highly immersive sets for production. The combination of these emerging and advancing technologies reduces or eliminates the need for green screens, improves lighting effects, and speeds up post-production workflows.

XR technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with digital content. It offers endless possibilities in various sectors, from entertainment and gaming to healthcare and architecture. As technology continues to advance, Volumetric studios will play a significant role in shaping the future of film production.

Interested in learning more about XR technology? Read more articles on our website on the subject.