Intel True VR Returns to NBA on TNT for 2018-19 Season
Story Highlights
Intel and Turner Sports are returning for the 2018-2019 NBA season with exclusive virtual reality broadcasts via the NBA on TNT VR app, powered by Intel True VR.
“After an amazing debut NBA season with Turner Sports, we’re looking forward to bringing NBA fans back to the hardwood with cutting-edge, immersive experiences,” says James Carwana, vice president and general manager, Intel Sports. “This season will feature a full schedule of some of the most competitive matchups. The NBA on TNT VR broadcast will take fans closer to the action, giving them courtside views from anywhere.”
“With the incredible passion and growing interest in this year’s NBA season, we are excited to bring as much of the electric atmosphere and in-your-face action from the arena to fans through the new NBA on TNT VR app,” says Will Funk, executive vice president of property marketing and corporate partnerships, Turner Sports. “Intel has been a true partner as part of our multiyear collaboration, as we look to bring to bear some of the latest VR advancements to enhance the experience.”
Available to download for Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR headsets via the Oculus store, the NBA on TNT VR app takes fans onto the virtual set of Turner Sports’ award-winning Inside the NBA, where they can access live game action, full-game replays, highlights, and more. The app will deliver a customized VR broadcast and commentary across NBA on TNT’s live coverage throughout the rest of the season, including a weekly marquee game, NBA All-Star Weekend, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup, TNT’s extensive 2019 NBA Playoffs coverage, and TNT’s exclusive presentation of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Veteran broadcaster Stephanie Ready and former NBA champion and three-time NBA All-Star Richard “Rip” Hamilton will serve as commentators throughout the season, providing play-by-play and in-depth analysis of all of the action happening throughout the live VR game coverage.
The NBA on TNT VR app takes fans courtside from anywhere via multiple Intel True VR stereoscopic pods containing up to 12 4K-resolution cameras each. The footage is stitched to produce a comprehensive, live VR broadcast, using Intel’s powerful end-to-end technology solutions. Fans have the option of watching a live produced feed or switching between multiple vantage points of their choice to create a personalized, fully immersive experience.
Deploying new Intel True VR cameras this season, fans can experience an enhanced field of view, resolution, and color. A brand-new head-mounted display app delivers new content navigation and interactivity. Real-time data, such as integrated game and shot clocks, and more team and player stats round out the additions to the app.
Fans can access the live games whenever and wherever they want by logging in with the username and password provided by their TV service provider.
NBA on TNT VR Season Schedule:
- Dec. 27, 2018 – Celtics @ Rockets
- Jan. 3, 2019 – Rockets @ Warriors
- Jan. 21, 2019 (MLK Game) – Warriors @ Lakers
- Feb. 7, 2019 – Lakers @ Celtics
- Feb. 15-17, 2019 – NBA All-Star Weekend 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Feb. 15 – Rising Stars Challenge
- Feb. 16 – All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Competition)
- Feb. 17 – 2019 NBA All-Star Game
- Feb. 21, 2019 – Celtics @ Bucks
- Feb. 28, 2019 – 76ers @ Thunder
- March 7, 2019 – Pacers @ Bucks
- March 14, 2019 – Mavericks @ Nuggets
- April 4, 2019 – Warriors @ Lakers
- April 9, 2019 – Celtics @ Wizards
- April through May – NBA on TNT Playoffs coverage and Eastern Conference Finals
