The Spanish football team Real Madrid will incorporate augmented reality into its viewing options for its in-house streaming channel, Real Madrid TV. The OTT channel, which is operated by Real Madrid’s partner Cinedigm, will allow viewers to watch football content on a virtual screen (measuring 220 inches with high-definition viewing), via AR glasses produced by AR technology company, Nreal. Users will connect the glasses to their Android smartphones, which they can use as a remote control. Nreal have compared the experience to an IMAX theatre viewing.
In 2018, Real Madrid launched its own 360º channel and Virtual Reality channel, through its collaboration with virtual reality company, The Dream VR. The sports team then partnered with Cinedigm in August of last year to expand the reach of Real Madrid TV to linear and AVOD platforms across North America.
At the time, Erick Opeka, President of Cinedigm said: “Soccer is the most popular sport in the world with an extreme level of fandom. Partnering with Real Madrid, and giving this global club an exclusive home to many of the biggest OTT distribution partners in North America, will allow viewers to experience never before released content in the United States.”
During the LaLiga season, Real Madrid TV streams two to three matches from the Spanish football league per week, in addition to UEFA Champions League matches. The channel also provides coverage of Real Madrid training sessions, club news conferences and classic match replays.
