Why Is 360 Video Low Quality?

360-degree videos have become more popular over the years due to their immersive and interactive nature. They allow viewers to experience a scene or event in a way that traditional videos cannot provide.

However, many people have noticed that the quality of 360 videos is often lower than traditional videos. In this article, we will explore why 360 videos are low quality.

What is 360 Video?

Before we dive into why 360 videos are low quality, let’s first understand what they are. A 360 video is essentially a video recording of a real-world scene in every direction at once.

This type of video is shot using a special camera that captures images from multiple lenses and then stitches them together to create a seamless video. The result is an immersive experience that allows viewers to look around and explore the environment as if they were physically present.

Why is 360 Video Low Quality?

There are several factors that contribute to the lower quality of 360 videos compared to traditional videos.

Compression

One of the main reasons for the lower quality of 360 videos is compression. When a 360 video is recorded, it captures much more visual information than a traditional video.

As a result, the file sizes for these types of videos can be massive, making them difficult to stream or download online. To make them more accessible, these files need to be compressed, which can lead to some loss in quality.

Stitching

Another reason for the lower quality of 360 videos is stitching. As mentioned earlier, 360 videos are created by stitching together images captured from multiple lenses on a camera.

However, this process can sometimes lead to visible seams in the final video where images do not line up perfectly. This can detract from the overall viewing experience and reduce the perceived quality of the video.

Resolution

Resolution is also a contributing factor to the lower quality of 360 videos. To capture an entire scene in every direction, the camera needs to use multiple lenses, which can reduce the resolution of each individual image. As a result, even if the final video is displayed in high definition, the actual resolution of each individual image may be lower than what viewers are used to seeing in traditional videos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 360 videos are low quality due to several factors such as compression, stitching, and resolution. However, despite these drawbacks, 360 videos provide a unique and immersive experience that cannot be replicated by traditional videos. As technology continues to advance and improve, we can expect 360 videos to become even more popular and higher quality in the future.