Enroute Imaging Unveils New Technology for PlayStation 2 and PC

Enroute Imaging announced last week that it will be bringing its FirstPerson Immersive Video System to the PlayStation 2 and other next-generation consoles sometime next year. FirstPerson merges multiple video streams captured by 360-degree cameras into one broadcast-quality stream that allows the user to manipulate the panning, tilt, and zoom while the video is in full motion. Early applications for the technology include the filming of concerts, music videos, sporting events, movies, and video games.

In practical application, Enroute will place multiple 360-degree cameras at events and then provide all the feeds on one DVD-ROM. The user will then be able to choose which camera to view and when. With this technology you could sit center stage at a rock concert and then immediately jump backstage. In video game applications, FirstPerson has the potential to replace prerendered FMV characters with live actors while still remaining interactive.

"The viewing public demands rich, interactive media that not only entertains but engages," said Paul Cha, executive vice president of Enroute Inc. "Our broadcast-quality immersive content takes viewers beyond simply thinking to actually seeing 'outside the box' by visually transporting them into the scene."

Enroute stopped by GameSpot today and showed us its new technology that could have limitless applications. In one demo, you are traveling in a convertible. As you drive down the road you have the ability to look wherever you choose and zoom in for a better view via the Dual Shock 2's analog sticks. Another demo showed a music video where you could pan around and look wherever you pleased, completely ignoring the band members.

Enroute's FirstPerson Immersive Video System falls squarely in line with Sony's commitment to making the PlayStation 2 a device for multiple forms of entertainment.