Tokyo-based KDDI R&D Laboratories announced [JP] they developed a technology that makes it possible to distribute free viewpoint video through the web. The research arm of the Japanese telecommunications powerhouse has been working on the technology for several years.

KDDI claims users will be able to watch video from various angles. The technology will only work when the video material is filmed using multiple cameras. According to the company, viewers will be able to watch the action in a soccer game not only from a stadium/bird’s perspective but also from the position of the players (“walk-through system”).

The technology is planned to be presented for trial on the KDDI website by the end of this year. KDDI says they will improve the system for use in on-demand television services over the web by 2013. The company will employ data compression systems to deliver their service to Japanese homes via the Internet with 300 mbps data transfer rates.