Stereo3D

Video Pro X enables the editing and creation of "genuine" 3D videos and photos. First, let's create an overview of this complex topic by familiarizing ourselves with the most important principles and the golden rules that are involved. Next, we'll look at the individual steps of the workflow in more detail.

NOTE Note on using 3D content: Some people experience unpleasant symptoms (e.g. headaches, overexertion, eye strain or nausea) when they are exposed to 3D video. We recommend taking regular breaks for this reason. In case of problems, the user should immediately stop use and refer to a doctor or optometrist. Incorrect production of 3D content may also produce these symptoms.

IMPORTANT Warning regarding small children: The eyesight of small children (especially those younger than six years old) is still developing. We recommend referring to a doctor or optometrist prior to allowing your child to view 3D videos.

The basics

Human eyes perceive objects from two different angles, and our brain calculates an image using this information. This enables us to recognize the distance and position of an object. That's any 3D material that we want to process should be recorded according to this scheme.

Viewing 3D

A conventional canvas or a simple television is only able to display images in two dimensions, which is why different techniques have been developed to project images in 3D. All of these techniques have one thing in common: special glasses are required in order to display the left and right eyes different information. We will examine these technologies in detail later.

The three golden rules

Maintain limits during recording: In order to retain a 3D recording with natural depth information certain limits need to be maintained. The most important rule is not to go below the point of minimum distance or "near point". The near point is the point in the picture that is closest to the camera.
Frame around near point: To create a 3D effect behind the illusory window, both title images must be moved exactly over each other at the location of the minimum point. Simultaneously, the same objects must be visible at the edges of both spatial images; if needed, you may use the cropping function in the Media Pool to do this.

NOTE The illusory window is a theoretically perceived sort of screen, behind which the 3D film is played back to the audience. This marks the closest point, i.e. the foremost point. If this rule is not adhered to, the object seems to "jump out" of the imaginary window, and this may cause headaches if it is excessive.

Observe natural viewing direction of eyes: Objects featuring 3D depth effects as a red/cyan image (anaglyph) that are viewed without glasses may be perceived as offset. This displacement should, if possible, take up less than 1/30 of the entire image. Otherwise, it will appear that the eyes are looking in different directions.

NOTE This offset may only take place on the horizontal access. Displacements on the vertical axis and rotated portions must be adjusted to each other!

Record 3D

The distance between eyes in humans is ca. 65 mm, which forms the so-called "stereo base width". But because our eyes are dynamic and we can even "cross" our eyes, it is possible to focus on objects that are closer.

Various techniques exist for 3D recording. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages:

3D cameras with two lenses: The advantages are easy to see – these cameras deliver 3D material without much effort. The disadvantage is that the stereo base width (lens distance) cannot be changed.
Two cameras on a special mount: This involves a little more work. Two cameras are mounted on a special support to record material for the left and the right side of the 3D image simultaneously; microphone booms for stereo recordings may also be used for this purpose. The disadvantage in this case is that the shutter releases have to be pressed at exactly the same time if there are moving objects in the picture. In case of video, both movies must be synchronized before being edited. Advantages: Stereo base width may be changed by adjusting the distance between the cameras; larger selection of camera models.
Two photos via the same camera: This technique only allows still images. The camera is simply used to record two images from different perspectives, and these are used as the right and left images. For best results, use a tripod.
Consistently fast camera movement, e.g. along a street: Only a single conventional camera is required in this case, but the range of applications is very limited. This is the most cost-effective method for creating 3D videos. Material is filmed at a speed of circa 6 to 15 km/h. During editing, the edited video object is duplicated and one of the videos is played back with a time lapse. The movement direction determines which is the right and left image. 3D still shots may also be created using this method.

Pay attention to the minimum distance.

The position of the object closest to the lens or lenses is designated as the "near point". This near point may not exceed a specific minimum distance; this is easy to calculate via the following formula:

NOTE Focal length of the lens (e.g. 25mm) x stereo base width (e.g. 65mm) x 1.5* /1mm**= near point (2437.5mm ~ 2.44m)
*1.5 is a factor derived from the cut-off appearing when filming through a lens.
**1 mm is the so-called "deviation" or "spatial dimension". This only involves a rough value in this case.

Examples for 3D cameras:

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 (base width 12 mm): Near point is approx. 1.5m.

Fuji REAL 3D W3 (base width 75 mm): Near point is at approx. 3m; for long-distance recordings as much as 8m.

The "near point" has an important role in other aspects of 3D editing.

Prepare for 3D editing

3D videos are recorded and saved differently by the various cameras, which means that depending on the camera model or recording method, videos and images will be present in different forms.

In one file

Many cameras, especially for photos recordings, create one single file containing the left and the right image next to one another.

Drag these files from the Media Pool directly into your arrangement.
Select the created objects.
In the Media Pool under "Effects > Stereo3D > Properties > Create stereo", select the entry "Side-by-side (left image left/right)" for material at half-width.

NOTE If you have created side-by-side material yourself (e.g. two photos arranged next to each other in a single image file), then continue as described, but select "Side-by-side (left image left/right)" for material at full width.

In multiple files

Some 3D cameras create one file for each the left and the right side. In case you just take two photos from different perspectives with a conventional camera, the process functions the same way.

In the Media Pool, open the folder that features the desired files.

Sort the files in increasing order according to the date. This way, all files will lie in pairs one below the other.
Now, select the files and drag them from the Media Pool directly into your arrangement.
Now select all newly created objects in the arrangement.
In the Media Pool under "Effects > Stereo 3D > Properties > Create stereo" create "Stereo 3D pair left/right image first".

Turn camera movements into 3D videos

Camera movements may be transformed into 3D videos by being duplicated and converted via time displacement. To do so, you can simply record on the right or the left side while, for example, driving along a street.

The speed should be set between 6-15 km/h (approx. 4-10 mph) and depends on the frame rate, the focal point, and the distance of the objects being filmed (among other things). At increased speeds, it may occur that the spatial impression is too strong and the filmed material seems unnatural and unpleasant.

If the video is in the arrangement, the stereo depth for the 2D object may be set in the Media Pool via "Effects > Stereo 3D > Properties".
Depending on the direction of the recordings, you will have to move the control either to the right or the left.
Check the results in the anaglyph display with red/cyan glasses
Correct any unrealistic effects by adjusting the controller in the opposite direction.
If the spatial depth is exaggerated, reduce the changed parameters.

NOTE Note: Not only camera movements, but also other 2D materials may be arranged spatially.
3D material may be edited with the same functions as 2D material.

Export and burn 3D videos

There are no special requirements for export and burning. Only the desired 3D technique is specified.

Anaglyph: This technique is recommended for uncomplicated playback of finished videos or playback with conventional TV sets or projectors. Viewers must simply put on a pair of red/cyan glasses to be able to enjoy a 3D movie.

Side-by-side: Create 3D movies for a 3D-capable playback device without having to compromise the quality. It doesn't matter initially whether your video is viewed in "Shutter" mode or in "Polarized filter".

Depending on your playback device, you should set double resolution in order to produce full resolution for both the right and the left image.
Not all playback devices are capable of double resolution. If this is the case for your device, 50% pinched images will be displayed. The quality is nevertheless higher than output using the anaglyph technique.

Only left/right side: This settings exports only one side of your 3D video instead of the entire video.

Lenticular image: This allows you to view 3D footage without 3D glasses. The footage is displayed interchangeably to give the impression that it is wiggling or shaking.

Superimposed: This export option is similar to „Side-by-Side“. The images are superimposed during output.

Depending on your playback device, you should set double resolution in order to produce full resolution for both the upper and the lower image.
Not all playback devices are capable of double resolution. If this is the case for your device, 50% pinched images will be displayed. The quality is nevertheless higher than output using the anaglyph technique.

Exporting files

The standard path for all file exports is "File > Export". Depending on the export format and destination, the export dialog also allows the 3D technique to be used to be selected.

Burning

When burning a Blu-ray Disc or DVD, you must first open the encoder settings in the burn dialog and select the 3D technology you want. You can then proceed to burn the disc as usual.