Steerable Interactive Television: Virtual Reality Technology Changes User Interfaces of Viewers and of Program Producers

Television has traditionally been a passive medium from the viewerÕs perspective. The viewer sits in front of the television receiver and passively absorbs what is presented. On the other hand immersive virtual reality systems engage the user and bring the user into the virtual world, often as a participant rather than just as an observer. This paper looks at applying virtual reality display technology, the Address Recalculation Pipeline, to the familiar technology of television. In so doing it transforms the relationship between the viewers and the television program producers. It can be made compatible with conventional television for those without the means or inclination to buy the new technology, and provides a base for future developments in virtual reality to be brought to the mass market. Linking virtual reality technology to mass entertainment has the potential to stimulate consumer interest and hence research and development funding in this demanding area, as well as providing an exciting, interactive system in its own right. The user interfaces of both the television production team and of the viewer are changed dramatically with this technology. This paper outlines how the user interfaces differ from conventional ones. An overview of the virtual reality display technology is given to set the scene.