Surround vision : a handheld screen for accessing peripheral content around the TV

Abstract

If one thinks of a television set as a window into another world, then whatever one sees through it could be assumed to continue past the edges of the TV. If the TV shows a forest scene, then to the sides of the TV one should be able to find the continuation of this forest, meaning more trees and perhaps a stream, a path and even some birds and squirrels. This thesis describes a novel system that situates the viewer at the center of a surround space. The system proposes that the main program be augmented with content that is specifically created for spatial continuity or other perceptual effect, and that the viewer use a hand-held navigational device with a viewing screen to access this secondary source of information, even while keeping an eye on the main screen. This navigational paradigm begs for new storytelling conventions and presents new storytelling challenges. The thesis describes a working prototype, three types of footage used to test the system in various scenarios and a user study that provides initial understandings of the effects of this system on the audience. This thesis explores how a system that enables exploratory interaction with the contents on the TV will affect both the industry and experience.