Over-the-top distribution is about to be inextricably intertwined with virtual reality, according to Level 3 Communications.
Interviewing 628 programming industry executives in a survey conducted in partnership with Unisphere Research and Streaming Media, Level 3 found that 52 percent of respondents who are offering OTT services are getting ready to also launch VR content.
Of those surveyed, 67 percent agreed that "VR is here to stay," according to Level 3.
"When I started the process of crafting questions for this second annual survey on OTT for Level 3, I was a VR-video skeptic," said Tim Siglin, the report's principal author. "But it became clear, during the analysis phase, that a VR-video strategic decision has tremendous mindshare for those companies already offering OTT services."
Close to half of respondents also indicated plans for 4K broadcast, or 4K VOD or live-event streaming, the survey indicated.
The survey results were released simultaneously with Hulu's announcement that it is supplying VR content to Oculus Rift VR headsets.
Meanwhile, Comcast Ventures (NASDAQ: CMCSA) announced yet another investment in the VR market, leading a $6.8 million investment round in Felix & Paul Studios, a Montréal-based creator of virtual-reality films.
For more:
- read this Level 3 press release
- read this TechCrunch story
- read this Bloomberg story
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