Virtual Reality (VR) may be a catchphrase, but it can encompass many different aspects. It can be as simplified as you want it to be or as complicated. The key is to define it in a way that you understand it and in a way that meets your desires and needs when it comes to the VR experience.

The following are some common “setup” when it comes to Virtual Reality (VR) along with some introductory explanations of each of them. Please also keep in mind that there may be (and are) different vendors that handle these different environments and systems.

Video Games

Video games are technically the software end of things. They are called applications or “apps” for short. Generally speaking, “apps” are the small software packages that run on smartphones while software or program files or applications are the larger counterparts that run on a computer.

The term, “video games” is a term that is general. It is a case of defining the device on which it is used.

So, for example, if it is used on a computer, it may be in the form of a DVD. The DVD is inserted into the computer by way of the DVD drive. Then, the software is installed on the computer.

It may also be software that is used on a Game System (discussed in the next section). So, the definitions crossover from system to system.

Game Systems and Personal Game Systems

Game systems and personal games systems include devices that handle games. They are generally hardware and may incorporate other devices such as remotes, gadgets, and virtual reality gear. While computers can often handle the same type of thing, with their gaming technology, game systems are specifically geared toward the games rather than a computer system (even though the game system is a computer system).

Some example of game systems may include PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii University, and 3DS, to name a few (even if some of them are quite old).

Computers

Computers come in all different shapes, sizes, and ages. Oftentimes, there are the desktop versions and the laptop versions (for portability). There are Windows computers, Mac (Apple) computers, and even Linux and other *nix flavors of computers. Each of these has the capability of being the component on which the virtual reality experience begins, with software, video games, etc. That software can even be downloaded/installed by way of the cloud (i.e. dropbox.com).

So, with these first three sections, we mention the video games and then the two platforms that generally run them.

Movie Box / Video / 360 / 3D / YouTube

The direct definition of Movie Box, 3D apps, etc. is a little vaguer and yet, it is easy to define. Think of it in terms of panoramic views. If you have a video which allows you the opportunity to have a 3D view of your environment, while feeling like you are a part of what you are seeing, you are experiencing virtual reality. This is usually handled by way of some sort of viewer, even if it is the inexpensive Google Cardboard version.

Some gaming systems are built with 360 degrees or 3D. The Xbox 360 is one of those. Many of these definitions somewhat crossover between each other, as far as categories. So, in the case of the Xbox 360, it is a game system, but it uses 360 technology for the games. In the same way that we mentioned video games in one section and computers in another.

Smartphones / Mobile VR

This list would not be complete without including the smartphone. That also goes for the tablet technology, as well.

Many times the apps that run on the smartphone also run on the tablet counterparts. The tricky thing is getting those tablets into the headset viewers! This is why generally speaking, it is thought to be a smartphone component. This is because the Android phone or the iOS phone, etc. is more likely to fit into the headset viewer. Then, it functions as the Virtual Reality core, for that VR experience.

Smartphones are very popular in the VR technology world because of their availability and/or their low cost. Also, one can pick up an affordable viewer and you are all set and ready for a virtual reality experience. In comparison, some of the other platforms (and corresponding software) is more expensive to compile.

If you have been reading up on virtual reality (VR) you have probably come across terms like 3D sound. Other similar phrases include binaural audio systems or binaural recording systems.

The binaural recording system captures audio like a panoramic system captures a 3D visual representation. So, it would be similar to having the experience of 3D audio.

Stereo, Mono, 3D/Binaural Sound Systems

Do you remember hearing stereo, as compared to mono sound? Years ago, listening to mono was like listening to the sound with only one ear. It felt as if there was something missing, without that balance of the audio in the other ear. Very quickly, the culture demanded a stereophonic sound. It became essential and without it, the sound was not truly experienced.

Well, now we are entering into the next layer of sound with the 3D sound. Instead of two sources, like we have two ears, there is a new positioning of the sound. It is the interaction of the sound amongst other sounds within its field. This provides the true-life sound picture.

The perception of what we see produces a more lifelike visual representation. In the same way, the sound becomes more lifelike when it projects within a field of sound. It is a case of sound allowing the reflection of all that transpires in that arena.

Sound Engineers Weigh In With Their Perspectives

For so many years, decades, sound engineers have viewed the sound system as a matter of hearing the sound in one ear or two ears. Now, with binaural sound, there is the interpretation of the sound from within the entire human head, different positioning within the head, around the person, and the engagement with the surrounding area. We realize that simple sound is not as simple as it seems. The assessment of sound is more than two choices (stereo or mono).

The binaural sound system and recording system welcome themselves into the virtual reality (VR) world. Even with that transition, the 3D sound has not experienced full acceptance, when it comes to virtual reality (VR).

Part of the reason is that of the attitude is “if it isn’t broke why fix it.” Since we are able to hear just fine with our two ears, is there really a requirement for the next level of realistic (3D) sound.

However, as with any gainful technology steps, it is only a matter of time before the Virtual Reality world catches up and there is a demand for binaural (3D) recording systems. Once that happens, there will be competitors vying to improve upon the process and to be the first to cross this finish line or that finish line.

Computer-generated worlds are another way of describing the VR environment. It is the place where virtual reality (VR) occurs. Even if the environment is technically an empty room, the experience is computer-generated. It can be what is playing on the movie box. It could also be what is seen in the headset viewer. Another VR could be something like a flight simulator. These types of VR help to provide opportunities for practice, for educational purposes.

Understanding VR to Understand Computer-Generated Worlds

How mundane would it be if you did not have that artificial world and you simply stared at four blank walls? Virtual Reality expenses would be nominal in a case where there are four blank walls. The blank walls have no computer-generated worlds. Those four walls are boring and VR is appealing.

Interestingly, that is what people did for centuries, prior to VR. They sometimes called it imagination.

Now, imagination has taken form and it has graduated to the birth of virtual reality. Along with VR is that of the computer-generated artificial worlds. These worlds have begun to take shape (a.k.a. modeling). Modeling is the process of designing a realistic virtual reality environment.

Animation and Virtual Reality Playing in the Same Sandbox

An animation is a place where drawings and cartoons take shape in the form of activity on the screen. Animations include exaggerated scenes, exaggerated characters, and exaggerated personalities, not to mention exaggerated story lines.

Virtual reality allows the participant to become an active part of his or her own story. Animations may not include VR. However, VR may include animations. Just look at the movie with the cartoon rabbit and sexy singer wife cartoon – you know the one. Imagine a virtual reality environment like that. Now imagine it taking place in a computer-generated 3D world.

Virtual world development does not happen in a snap. There is a lot of work that needs to go into creating the computer-generated environment (modeling). There are the measurements of the actual objects, as well as the components of that environment.

Think about it. How about a table seven feet off the ground? How about a companion oak tree that is two and a half feet? Well, maybe if you were playing in a virtual world similar to Alice in Wonderland. Or, if you wanted to experience some sort of dream sequence.

Fortunately, you are likely a VR participant, so you probably already have the VR game that you want to play. However, have you thought about the development side of things?

Creating It From Scratch: The Blueprint for Virtual Success

In the cases of a virtual world that is somewhat realistic, you need to have the know-how to model it. This is not necessarily something you have to do if you already have the team to do it. Hiring the right people is important when it comes to development.

If you are building your own VR (developing it) you need to have a set of blueprints. This helps attain realism. That way, you can create it in the virtual realm.

Here is an example, to help give perspective: If you are using guns for a virtual gun range, and you really want your clients to experience a sense of reality, you would want to understand the science of it. You need to have someone calculate things like wind speed, shadows, the weight of the gun, and distance to the target, etc. Even if you do not understand all of those things, you would want your computer-generated artificial world to accommodate those real-life components and calculations. That way, the virtual reality experience is as realistic as possible.

Granted, there are inexpensive virtual reality worlds. Also, some computer-generated artificial worlds are purposefully unrealistic. Since you are developing your own VR, you are on the right track. Aiming for the top is a good goal. This objective allows you to be successful in the VR business. It allows your company to be the one making the profit. You are developing those computer-generated artificial worlds!

So, you have all of the virtual reality (VR) gear that you want, but you do not know how to transport it from one place to another. I mean you can’t walk around with a pile of gear in your hands, threatening to drop your items in the next step, can you?

That is why you need a case to carry your precious VR equipment and gear.

Oh, you could use a backpack or a suitcase, but will that work? Sure, it will work if you know what you are doing and properly pack your VR gear and any padding material you need to ensure that the gear does not bang into each other. After all, you don’t want anything to break or get scratched (especially those VR glasses).

This is where the specialized VR carrying cases come in handy.

Think about it… maybe you are lucky enough to have a couple of systems and you are going to visit Aunt Ellie over in Hawaii (long trip) and need something to do. Then, again, there is a lot to do in Hawaii and you may not have time. But, you are prepared.

So, let’s start with the first system. Let’s say it is a PlayStation. An example of a case that is built for a PlayStation VR system is the deluxe one built by EUDEMON (affiliate). It is only $44.95 at the time of this writing, but it has several desirable features. It is waterproof of nylon material. This protects your PVSR from the detrimental possibilities. As far as protecting your gear, it has two separate sections, as if a two-story house, with the VR headset on one “floor and all of the gear safely strapped into their spots on the other floor. None of the gear bangs into each other when you experience the bumps along the road (or airplane).

Another similar bag is the Hermittshell (affiliate) EVA Hard Travel Case for that ever-popular Sony PlayStation VR Launch Bundle and PS4 Slim Console. It is a little more expensive than the EUDEMON version, at $54.99 (at the time of this writing). That said, it is another case that seems to take care of all of your needs. The hard travel case should be able to handle those outback adventure tracks in Australia, as well as the airfare to get there. It has six pockets, to keep gear separate from each other, again avoiding those bumps that cause scratches. It also comes with the straps to keep everything in place.

Well, there you have it, some examples of a case for traveling, but more importantly, some things to look for in buying a case. Let’s go over those again:

Ensure that the case is made for your particular equipment and possibly additional equipment if that is what you need.
Make sure that the case allows for the separation of gear so there is no bumping into each other.
Ensure that the case has straps to strap in the smaller gear and protect them from the inevitable bumps.
The case needs to be durable material. Think of the airplane luggage handling to guide that decision. Then use your bag as a carry-on to protect it even more.

If you use a checklist like the one above, you should be able to find the case that is just right for you.