CHANTILLY, Va. TVWorldwide.com, a web-based global TV network and streaming video service provider will produce the first live concert webcast in 360 degree video, during an October 7, 2000 homecoming celebration show featuring the J. Geils Jazz Quartet at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. The JVC-sponsored webcast will utilize the 360-degree camera and lens technology of BeHere Corporation, the leading provider of 360-degree Internet video technology.
Be Here’s patented iVideo technology provides viewers with a personalized and interactive ”be here” experience. With iVideo, concert fans will have control of the entire 360-degree scene and can watch the J. Geils Jazz Quartet perform, view the audience response to favorite songs from the band’s point of view, and see who’s watching from back stage. The webcast will also feature conventional streaming video using JVC professional digital video cameras.
The event will offer interactive chat and e-mail to allow audience communication with musicians. All proceeds from sponsorship of the event will be donated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Foundation and contributions will be accepted on-line. Other sponsors include National Response Corporation, USA Youth Sports Channel and AbleTV.net.
”This is a historical first for streaming video,” stated Dave Gardy, Chairman and CEO of TVWorldwide.com ”The 360 degree feature will give every on-line participant a customized view of J. Geils and his musicians as they perform their world-renowned jazz repertoire. For the regular video stream, we’ll be using JVC cameras, which have always produced the best signal for our streaming video applications. Along with the interactivity, this event will offer a whole new dimension in live concert video.”
”This should be fun,” remarked J.Geils, formerly of the J.Geils Band, and now a pioneer in jazz education and performance on the web. ” We’re excited to see how this new level of interactivity will enhance the audience experience. We also welcome the opportunity to help raise money for the academy’s foundation.”
Recently, it was announced that Geils had joined the TVWorldwide.com executive advisory board along with astronaut Buzz Aldrin and several top Internet industry executives.
The event will be compressed and archived using for viewing later in both 360 degree and conventional video format.
TVWorldwide.com is also developing a network of video channels that is an affiliation of community-based Internet television stations, each underwritten by a strategic partner, ”aimcasting” to targeted B2B and special interest demographic audiences worldwide.
