Updated: 27/03/20

In this article, I want to tell you about a few interesting bits and pieces that the BBC are doing at the moment – but first, a few quick definitions:

What is Binaural Sound?

The BBC explain it as “Binaural sound technology allows the creation of immersive spatial audio experiences for headphone listeners.”  So it’s a bit like 3D, but for audio. Read more here

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

From Wikipedia “The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.”

What is BBC R&D?

The BBC have a Research and Development (R&D) website called Taster – it’s where they demo exciting new things, such as interactive story telling or Virtual Reality. Often their experiments only last a few weeks or days, but some they leave up for months!  They also have an actual R&D website where they go into the technical details of how all this stuff works, and you can find that here.

Want to give some of the things a try?

Here are some suggestions to get you going:

  • Binaural sound
    The BBC has quite a few programmes, but I had a listen to this BBC Radio 3 programme: Between the ears: Omay. Binaural documentary on an anthropologist’s quest to live with an uncontacted tribe. I’m not too sure I had the full 3D effect with this, but give it a go. (You need a free BBC Account to listen.)
  • Virtual Reality
    Try the Dr Who game (this one’s still available for several months) – here’s the link. If you don’t have a VR headset, click on the “In Browser” option, then on the green accept button above it (it doesn’t appear to work in Firefox, I tried it in Chrome and it worked).  It’s not brilliant without a Virtual reality headset, to be honest – but it’s still fun.  Imagine every time you click and move the mouse you are moving your head instead and the whole thing follows you round.
  • BBC Taster website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/taster/ Give something new a try, but be warned – it might not work!

Have a try of some of the experiments on the BBC Taster website and drop us a comment if you find one you enjoy!
Mike 🙂

You may also like: