Introduction

Stereo3D CAT is a comprehensive stereoscopic 3D monitoring, calibration and analysis software application designed for on-set and in-the-field applications.

System Recommendations

CPU/Processor: At least Dual-Core 2.4 GHz

RAM: At least 4 GB

GPU/Graphics Card:

• AMD Radeon HD 6000 series
• AMD Radeon HD 5000 series
• NVidia Quadra FX 4800
• NVidia Qudra FX 4000

VRAM: At least 512 MB

Operating System: At least OS X 10.6.6 (10.6.8 or 10.7 preferred)

Display: At least 1440px x 900px

Getting Started

Stereo3D CAT is optimized for Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 and Lion OS X 10.7. To update your Mac, click the Apple symbol in the top left corner of the screen then select “Software Update…” then follow the prompts.

When setting up your system please refer to the System Recommendations.

Hardware Setup

Matrox:

• Matrox MX02 (input must be pre-muxed)
• Matrox MX02 LE(input must be pre-muxed)
• Matrox MX02 Rack (input must be pre-muxed)
• Matrox Multi (input must be pre-muxed)

Blackmagic Design

• Ultra Studio 3D (Discreet HD-SDI Input)
• DeckLink Extreme3D (Discreet HD-SDI Input)
• DeckLink Duo (Discreet HD-SDI Input)
• DeckLink Studio (input must be pre-muxed)

Connecting the I/O interface to your system
If you’re using a MacPro, shut the system off, remove the power supply, remove the side cover and proceed to install the card into an empty PCI Express lane.

Black Magic Duo and Extreme3D both require a minimum PCI Express 4 lane (also compatible with 8 and 16 lane slots).

If you’re using a MacBook Pro with an ExpressCard/34 slot it is recommended to shut your system down then plug-in the interface, turn on the interface then boot your system. Some models of the MacBook Pro are able to “hot swap” ExpressCard devices. This means you can plug-in the interface without re-booting.

Stereo3D CAT requires the latest version of Noise Industries’s FxFactory plug-in suite to run. If your system does not have the most up-to-date version, CAT will prompt you to download it. To download FxFactory visit: http://www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory/download/

Stereo3D CAT supports the following hardware interfaces:

Input Type
Stereo3D CAT accepts either discreet left and right or pre-multiplexed inputs.

Discreet Left and Right Inputs:

If your system is equipped with an I/O interface with two HD-SDI inputs they will present  themselves to CAT is two independent inputs. In the “Left” menu, the input will have “(1)”and the “Right” menu will have “(2)” after the signal type.
Connect the cameras to the corresponding inputs. From the top menu select “Input” –>”Discreet” –> “Left” –> (Select the appropriate resolution, frame rate and bit-depth of your input). Ex: Blackmagic HD 1080p 23.976 8-bit (1) Then select “Input” –> “Discreet” –> “Right” –> (Corresponding input) Ex: Blackmagic HD 1080p 23.976 8-bit (2)

If you accidentally selected an incorrect signal type, or if you would like to change the input resolution, frame rate or bit depth, or if the signals become inactive, select “Input” –> “Close Inputs” and try again.

Pre-Multiplexed Input:

If the user is using a single-stream, 1.5G HD-SDI I/O interface, the signal must be muxed before it is connected. CAT accepts all popular pre-muxed input including; Side-by-Side, Top/Bottom and Row Interlaced.

Select “Input” –> “Muxed” –> (Select the appropriate resolution, frame rate and bit-depth of your input)

Recommended multiplexer converters:

• Matrox MC100 Mini-Converter
• AJA Hi5 Mini-Converter
• Black Magic Design HD Link

Quicktime Playback
Stereo3D CAT is able to playback Quicktime files from discreet or muxed sources. This function is applicable when the user has recorded data from a stereo rig in would like to analyze the two images or make adjustments afterwards. For example, when on set, once the data from the recording media has been transfer then encoded to a Quicktime wrapper, it will need to be quickly analyzed for quality assurance, the user can load an entire folder of dailies and begin disparity corrections, apply a Horizontal Image Translation (HIT) or measure parallax.

Discreet:

Muxed:

Analysis Window

The Analysis window is the primary viewing window where the user is able to monitor the video input, actively apply geometric corrections to a live signal, view the Parallax Inspector Line Guides, view detailed parallax with the Parallax Inspector and view Alignment Tracker data.

Project Window

The Project window is the control area of Stereo3D CAT. Each of the five tabs gives the user extended control over the available tools.

Saving a Project

To save a CAT project, open the prselect “File” –> “Save As” –> follow the file directory prompts, enter a name for the project –> Click “Save”

Video Tab

The Video tab contains all the video input functionality. This is where you’ll set the preferences for discreet or muxed input, flip/flop input signals (from a mirror rig), swap input, select the Analysis Window preview type (Side-by-Side, Superimpose, Difference, Anaglyph, etc…). You can also change the preferences for the External Output Device. For example, if you have a client monitor attached to the system you can display the final image, in 3D, to the director, producer, clients, etc…

Muxed 3D Input Type

Depending on the type of multiplexer being used and the settings there of, you’ll need to specify the signal input type. CAT supports Side-by-Side, Top/Bottom and Row Interlaced.

Input Flip/Flop
These settings are active for both Discreet and Muxed input types. When using a mirror rig one of the camera’s images must be flipped and/or flopped to correct its orientation. The user has flip and flop control over the left and right input.

Analysis Preview 3D Type
Stereo3D CAT supports the following 3D Output types for the Analysis Preview Window:

• Side-by-Side
• Above/Below
• Line-by-Line Interlaced
• Column Interleaved
• Checkerboard
• Superimpose
• Difference
• Anaglyph
• Left Eye Only
• Right Eye Only
• Stereo to Depth Map
• Depth Analysis

External Output Device
The External Output is a secondary monitoring option designed to allow a 3D image to be viewed on a display external to CAT. It is useful for viewing the stereoscopic image on a passive or active display. The user is able to pass an uncorrected or corrected view to the External Output. The user is also able to display onscreen meta data on the external output. This includes Timecode and geometric adjustments made in the Geometry tab.

Geometry Tab

The Geometry tab gives the user full geometric control over the left and right input images. The user can make adjustments in real-time, to a live signal (discreet or muxed). Any geometric adjustments made can then be logged on a per-clip basis under the Logging tab.

Convergence Controls (Horizontal Image Translation)
The convergence controls give the user control to adjust the horizontal position of the left and right images. The user can make HIT adjustments to a live signal.

The first convergence slider is for coarse horizontal adjustment and the Convergence Fine slider is for fine adjustments. Also known as Horizontal Image Translation (HIT), the convergence slider gives the user the ability to make live, digital convergence adjustments to the image. If the user is shooting parallel they will need to apply a HIT to the image before viewing. Without a HIT the entire image will appear in negative parallax. This is useful for the External Output when one wishes to view the final image in the correct stereoscopic space, defined by the stereographer.

Disparity Controls
The disparity adjustments give the user control of the geometric properties of the left and right image. The user can make adjustments to a live signal. Stereoscopic geometric disparity is usually introduced by improper rig calibration and can even be the result of bumping into the rig or having a adjustment accidentally moved. With the tools in the Geometry tab, the user is able to tune-out these disparities. Another situation that one might face is a stubborn mirror rig. The cameras might be extremely close to alignment but there’s a half degree of rotation or a millimeter of vertical disparity that still exists. The geometric adjustments will again be able to correct this.

Analysis Tab

Analysis Preview 3D Type

As in the Video Tab, the Analysis Preview 3D Type allows the user to pick the appropriate 3D viewing type for their application/needs. These are the same settings found in the Video tab.

Stereo3D CAT supports the following 3D Output types for the Analysis Preview Window:

• Side-by-Side
• Above/Below
• Line-by-Line Interlaced
• Column Interleaved
• Checkerboard
• Superimpose
• Difference
• Anaglyph
• Left Eye Only
• Right Eye Only
• Stereo to Depth Map
• Depth Analysis

Anaglyph Type
Anaglyph is a classic mode of viewing stereoscopic images but has become outdated by higher quality viewing methods. However, anaglyph is an excellent method for viewing parallax. Stereo3D Cat supports four types of Anaglyph:

• Red/Cyan (Colour)
• Red/Cyan (B&W)
• Blue/Yellow
• Green/Magenta

Alignment Tracker
In combination with the Dashwood 3D chart from DSC Labs, Stereo3D CAT is able to make extremely accurate disparity calculations between the left and right images. It then displays this as empirical data to the user resulting in extremely fast rig calibration.

Video Scopes
CAT features a Waveform, Histogram and Vectorscope monitor used two match exposure and colour balance between two cameras in a stereo-rig.

To access the Video Scopes go to the Project Window –> Analysis –> Video Scopes. You can select the desired scope from the drop down menu in the top left of the Video Scopes window.

Each scope displays the information from both cameras simultaneously. The left image’s data is represented in Red, the right’s in Blue – following the anaglyph convention. When the two overlap – or match – they turn white.

Parallax Inspector™

The Parallax Inspector™ is a tool used to measure parallax of the input within the Analysis window. It is best understood as a magnifying glass used to measure parallax. It is controlled by the mouse or trackpad connected to your system.

The Parallax Inspector™ features two vertical lines in a crosshair. These vertical lines represent the maximum positive parallax defined in the Stereopsis Tab. This can also be understood as the “Human Interocular Distance” as defined in the Stereopsis Tab, on the defined screen size. The purpose of this it to accurately measure positive parallax in a scene to avoid divergence when viewing on the specified screen width as defined in the Stereopsis Tab. The default value is 0.7% / 14 pixels (as projected at 2K DCP on a 30′ screen) – 0.7% of 30′ is 65mm.

To adjust these variables go to the Stereopsis tab –> adjust “Screen Size” , “View Interocular – IPD (mm)” and “Display Resolution”.

To enter a custom Depth/Parallax budget go to the Stereopsis tab and under “Depth/Parallax Budget” deselect the “Use Calculated Positive Value” then enter the desired value. The Parallax Inspector™ will actively change as you adjust the “Positive Max” value.

To access the Parallax Inspector™ go to the Project window –> Analysis –> Parallax Inspector™. Next, Move the cursor to the Analysis window. To unlock the position of the Parallax Inspector™ right-click (secondary button) the mouse or trackpad (Control + Click), you can now move the Parallax Inspector™ about the Analysis window. To lock the Parallax Inspector™ double-left-click (primary button) the mouse or trackpad. You can increase the magnification – or “zoom” in – by using the scroll gestures on the mouse or trackpad.

Parllax Inspector Line Guides
The Parallax Line Guides are adjustable grid lines superimposed on the video input in the Analysis window. They allow the user to actively monitor the positive and negative parallax on the stereoscopic image. The distance between two lines represents the defined human interocular distance on the defined screen size and display resolution. To adjust these variables go to the Stereopsis tab –> adjust “Screen Size” , “View Interocular – IPD (mm)” and “Display Resolution”. To enter a custom percentage value return to the Analysis tab and select “Use Custom Value” then enter the desired value.

The Parallax Line Guides are to be used in the following 3D preview types: Superimpose, Difference and Anaglyph.

Stereopsis Tab

Stereo 3D Visualizer™

The Stereo 3D Visualizer™ is a stereoscopic calculator and previsualizer that gives the user the ability to make parallax calculations while on set or in the field. The Stereo 3D Visualizer™ features model diagrams that animate with user input so they’re able to see the results of adjusting interaxial distance, convergence, background distance, etc…

To access the Stereo 3D Visualizer™ go to the Stereopsis tab and select the first button “Stereo 3D Visualizer™”. A new window will appear displaying a set of eyes viewing negative parallax, another set of eyes viewing positive parallax, a birds eye view of a man in a movie theatre and the foreground and background objects within the scene. The text displays the calculate values and will actively change with user input.

The values used for the Stereo 3D Visualizer™ are used for Parallax Inspector™ and the Parallax Inspector Line Guides.

Settings up the Stereo 3D Visualizer™:
Step 1: Selecting Screen Size: This setting is dependent on the final output screen size. In many instances you should base your calculation off the largest screen size possible that the images may be displayed on. Remember, parallax can still be viewed when demagnified to a television or computer screen, however if one acquires stereoscopic images for television presentation the total parallax will be magnified.

Step 2: Sensor Size: Select the sensor size of the cameras.

Step 3: Focal Length: Select the focal length of the lenses.

Step 4: Interaxial Distance (mm): Enter the interaxial distance in millimeters between the cameras.

Step 5: Measure Distances to closest and furthest object in the scene and the convergence point. Enter the values.

Step 6: Viewer Interocular – IPD (mm): Enter the interocular distance of the specified audience. Adults, on average, have a larger interocular distance than children. This affects the maximum positive parallax threshold for comfortable viewing.

Step 7: Display resolution: Final display resolution is used to calculate magnification from the sensor.

Once all the proper settings have been made the user can begin changing the measurement values and interaxial distance value. The user will see the results as the positive parallax increases or decreased and the effects on the viewers eyes.

The apple that appears in the theatre space represents the closest object to the cameras. If it is closer than the convergence point it will appear in negative parallax. This is an excellent tool for communicating to others of exactly where an object will “appear” in the theatre.

Secondary Displays & Monitors

Stereo3D CAT supports video output to a secondary display, monitor or television. It is able to output the video signal via Display Port, DVI or HDMI. As soon as a secondary display is connected to the system it will appear in the Output menu. The user can then choose from the following output types: Side-by-Side, Above / Below, Line-by-Line (Left on Odd) and Line-by-Line (Right on Odd).

Preferences

To access CAT’s preferences click the application’s main menu and select “Preferences…”

General
Adjust the display time to fade of the project window. 1 – 10 seconds.

Auto Full Screen (Analysis view) – If selected CAT will automatically open in full-screen mode next time it’s opened.

Debug
Analysis resolution – the user can select the Analysis window resolution to Full, Half, Third and Quarter.

Preview resolution – the user can select the Analysis window resolution to Full, Half, Third and Quarter.

Stereo3D CAT Helper iPad/iPhone App

The Stereo3D CAT Helper app can be installed on your iPad or iPhone and is used to represent rig calibration data from Stereo3D CAT. In combination Dashwood 3D Chart from DSC Labs, Stereo3D CAT is able to calculate and display empirical values of disparity between the left and right image. The data allows the rig technician or stenographer to quickly make adjustments to the rig where necessary to remove disparity.

This data is clearly represented in the Analysis window and can also be wirelessly transmitted to an iPad or iPhone via a local Wi-Fi network. The Dashwood 3D Chart from DSC Labs accommodates an iPad into the centre of the chart so this information can be displayed where the rig technician or stenographer is looking, instead of turning away from the rig to face the computer system. This display can also be transmitted to an iPhone is the user prefers to view it in their hand.

How to find your Apple device’s UDID:

Please see article: http://www.dashwood3d.com/help/how-to-find-your-apple-devices-udid/

This data is clearly represented in the Analysis window and can also be wirelessly transmitted to an iPad or iPhone via a local wifi network. The Dashwood 3D Chart from DSC Labs accommodates an iPad into the centre of the chart so this information can be displayed where the rig technician or stenographer is looking, instead of turning away from the rig to face the computer system. This display can also be transmitted to an iPhone is the user prefers to view it in their hand.

We are waiting for Apple approval of the Stereo3D CAT Helper iOS app.  In the meantime if you own the Dashwood 3D Chart from DSC Labs and would like to utilize your iOS device we can provide you with a beta version of the iOS app.

To install the iOS app, first please email your device’s UDID with your serial number to ryan@dashwood3d.com. Once approved, we will email you the app you’ll be able to load the application to your device via iTunes.

How to find your device’s UDID:

Step 1: Plug your device into your Mac with Apple’s USB cable.

Step 2: Open iTunes and select the device on the right-hand side of the window.

Step 3: Select the “Summary” tab for your device.

Step 4: Click “Serial Number” until the bold text displays “Identifier (UDID):”.

Step 5: Select the “Edit” tab from the top menu then select “Copy”. Do not click anywhere else before doing this.

Step 6: Open an application that will allow you to paste text. In this case, Text Edit works well. You can also paste it directly into the email message. Select the “Edit” menu and “Paste”.

The plug-in allows users to edit with discreet left and right camera files or pre-multiplexed video files in either Side-by-Side format or Interlaced (Left on odd). The user is then able make any necessary convergence adjustments or disparity corrections to their stereoscopic video clips with a comprehensive array of tools. Finally, the user can select their desired output mode in order to view their content on 3D displays, YouTube, BluRay or Anaglyph.

Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0 is available through Noise Industries’ FxFactory. The plug-in is supported by Final Cut Pro 6, 7, X, Final Cut Express, Motion 4-5 and After Effects CS3-5.5.

What’s New in LE 3.0

Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0 is a major upgrade, introducing features such as automated nesting and more stereo 3D Output Modes:

- Side-by-Side

- Above/Below

- Line-by-Line Interlaced

- Checkerboard

- Anaglyph Outline

- 50/50 Superimpose

- Difference

- Anaglyph Colour

- Anaglyph B&W

- Stereoscopic (Hasbro® my3D for iPhone 3Gs & 4)

- 2D Bypass Corrections

Left & Right Eye Nests
Two new plug-ins included in Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0 are the automated nesting plug-ins. These new plug-ins allow the user to efficiently create Side-by-Side files that can then be nested before editing. This replaces the convention Image Well workflow used in the previous version.

When working in FCP X simply select the stereopair, right-click and select “Synchronize Clips” then open the new synchronized clip and apply the Left Eye Nest and Right Eye Nest.

S3D Input Type

Discreet Left and Right Video Files (Two simultaneous streams)

Image Wells

The Image Well method allows the user to mux a stereo pair within the Stereo3D Toolbox LE plug-in.

To use the image well method, place either the left or right clip on the timeline then apply the Stereo3D Toolbox LE plug-in. In the S3D menu select the corresponding option – if the clip is the left, select “Clip = Left & Image Well = Right” and vise versa if the filter is being applied to the right clip. Then click and drag the corresponding clip into the image well directly below the S3D menu.

The sequence that the stereo-pair clip sits in can then be nested into a new sequence to begin editing.

Pre-Muxed Video Files

Side-by-Side

Side-by-Side is a very common 3D format. Since the left and right image exist in a single video stream it allows for easy transferability between a hard drive, the NLE and 3D display. In certain circumstances the user may transcode single SIDE-BY-SIDE files before editing to avoid bottlenecking, a common occurrence when attempting to playback two video streams. The user is able to apply Stereo3D Toolbox LE directly to a native SIDE-BY-SIDE file then set the S3D input type to “Side-by-Side” then immediately begin adjusting the convergence and disparity controls.

Interlaced

Similar to native Side-by-Side, a user may decide to transcode single interlaced files. Not to be confused with native interlaced video, when two video fields combine as one whole video frame. Rather the left image is in the odd lines of resolution and the right image is in the even lines.

The user would simply apply the plug-in to the 3D Interlace clip, set the S3D Input type to Interlaced then begin editing and adjusting the convergence and disparity controls. Then finally, selecting the desired Output Mode.

Input Squeezed

The Input Squeezed option allows users to select if a Side-by-Side is squeezed. Conventionally, a Side-by-Side file contains two 1920×1080 video frames that have been squeezed to 50% of their original width, resulting in each image consuming 960×1080 of each frame, equaling 1920×1080.

In certain circumstances a user may decide to work with “Unsqueezed Side-by-Side” video files. This means that both the left and right eye maintains full 1920×1080 resolution but is contained within a single 3840×1080 frame (4K wide, 2:1 aspect ratio). If this is the case, the user is still able to apply the plug-in and use it just as one would with a squeezed Side-by-Side input. The downfall of an unsqueezed Side-by-Side file is the large frame size and increased processor demand. An average editing system will have difficulty transcoding such a file and playing back within Final Cut Pro. However, it is worth experimenting.

Swap Input

Allows users to swap the left and right input incase of an error earlier in the pipeline.

One of the most common errors in stereoscopic 3D editing and mastering/grading is inverted 3D – the left and right eye in the place of one another. For example, a user may have a Side-by-Side video file and the right frame is in the position of the left and the left frame is in the position of the right. The result is inverted 3D and causes objects to be indented and can cause headaches amongst viewers.

3D Output Mode

For previewing purposes and final output the 3D Output Mode gives the user a wide selection of the most popular 3D formats, including; Side-by-Side, Above/Below, Line by Line Interlaced, Checkerboard, Anaglyph Outline, 50/50 Superimpose, Difference, Anaglyph Colour, Anaglyph B&W, Stereoscope (Hasbro® my3D for iPhone 3Gs & 4), 2D Bypass Corrections.

Once the user has finished their edit and made any necessary convergence and disparity adjustments, they’re able to select the Output Mode. The type of display you’ll be viewing your content on will determine your stereo 3D output type. It is important to check what type of 3D input your display accepts.

For sharing your video on YouTube you’ll need to output as Side-by-Side.

3D Output Mode is also important when grading 3D. Modes such as Superimpose 50/50, Anaglyph Outline and Difference are designed for grading.

Side-by-Side

Side-by-Side has become a standard in modern stereoscopic 3D editing that all current professional and consumer 3D displays accept. The left and right video files are squeezed 50% horizontally (each frame equals 960×1080) and placed beside one another in a single 1920×1080 frame. The disadvantage of this format is the 50% loss of horizontal resolution however the simplicity and popularity of this format negates the loss of resolution for most users.

Above/Below

Similar to Side-by-Side, Above/Below squeezes the left and right video files however it does so vertically by 50%. Each clip is now 1920×540 within a single 1920×1080 clip. Most consumer 3D televisions also accept this format.

Line-by-Line Interlaced

Line-by-Line Interlaced is popular previewing format accepted by some 3D displays. The left clip’s resolution is halved then placed in the odd lines of the video stream. Correspondingly then right clip’s resolution is halved then placed in the even lines of the video stream. When combined the video stream totals 1920×1080.

Checker Board

Checkerboard is a method of combining the left and right eye in both the vertical and horizontal resolution. It achieves the highest diagonal resolution out of all the single-stream 3D formats.

When speaking in terms of one line of horizontal resolution, each odd pixel (1, 3, 5, 7, etc…) contains the left images; each even pixel (2, 4, 6, 8, etc…) contains the right. The next horizontal line below the previous will begin with the right images on the odd lines and the left on the even lines. Thus resulting in a checkerboard pattern throughout the frame.

Anaglyph Outline Mode

New to Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0, Anaglyph Outline Mode makes correcting image disparity much easier and intuitive. This mode is strictly designed for mastering functionality by creating a very clear visual representation of the difference between the left and right images. Both left image and right images are treated with an edge effect then the left is coloured red and the right is coloured blue. When an edge from both images overlap (no parallax) in turns white. This effect results in a very clear representation parallax and convergence to the user.

50/50 Superimpose Mode

A standard 3D analysis view, 50/50 Superimpose layers the left and right image at 50% opacity. This mode is useful to users who wish to see a simple, unaffected superimposition of the two images. This format is commonly used when calibrating a stereo-rig. This is another mode strictly used for finding disparities between the two images and is not a delivery format.

Difference Mode

Difference Mode is an analysis view. By layering the left and right image, any area with difference will appear as false colours, any areas with no difference turn thus revealing the convergence point or point of no parallax. This mode is also useful for finding geometric disparities between the two images. Difference Mode is not a delivery format.

Anaglyph Colour

Anaglyph is a classic method of viewing stereoscopic images. It is the easiest method to share stereoscopic content without any special display technology or expensive eyewear. Anaglyph can be viewed on any colour display with inexpensive paper and coloured plastic lenses.

The basic principal of Anaglyph is for the parallax in the left image to appear red and parallax from the right image to appear as cyan. The corresponding lenses in the glasses worn by the viewer filter out the opposite eye’s image only allowing the correct eye to be viewed, resulting in two separate images reaching the viewers eyes independently. The viewer’s visual system then processes and combines the two into a stereoscopic image.

Anaglyph can become extremely uncomfortable after extended periods of time due to the heavy colourization of the images and heavy filtering over the eyes.

Anaglyph Black & White

Anaglyph Black & White works within the same principal as Anaglyph Colour however the saturation from the images is completely removed with the exception of areas with parallax.

The advantage of Anaglyph Black & White is the absence of competing chrominance of the images themselves and the colour effect created by the Anaglyph method. For example; an image that contains dominant areas of red or orange chrominance (such as red clothing, skin tone and essentially any red objects in the scene) can compete with the red effect in the left image, resulting in an image that can be difficult for a viewer to fuse resulting in a lose of the stereoscopic effect. This same result can occur with images containing dominant areas of cyan or blue.

Stereoscope

New to Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0, Stereoscope output mode allows users to master their project for viewing on the Hasbro® my3D stereoscope for the iPhone 3G, 3Gs and iPhone 4.

2D Bypass Corrections

2D Bypass Corrections output mode only displays the left image and the clip becomes unaffected by any disparity of convergence adjustments the user has made. This is useful when a project has been completed and the user has created a Side-by-Side version, an anaglyph version and wishes to have a 2D version as well. Instead of selecting each clip and removing the plug-in, the user is able to select 2D Bypass Corrections on a single clip and the entire sequence will only display the left image without removing any convergence or disparity adjustments.

Use Global Output Mode

Use Global Output Mode is a setting that allows fast switching between S3D Output Modes and its use is highly recommend. In order to gain full advantage of this feature the user must select the checkbox in every instance of the plug-in, in other words, whenever the plug-in is applied, check the box.

If a user decides to switch from Side-by-Side output to Anaglyph Colour output simply select Anaglyph Colour and check “Set New Global Output Mode”. This will change the output mode of every instance of the plug-in. Global Output Mode is a system-wide setting. If you select this in Final Cut Pro, the settings in Motion and After Effects will also change.

Set New Global Output Mode

Set Global Output Mode works in unison with “Use Global Output Mode”. If the user decides to switch output mode, they can open a single instance of the plug-in in the Viewer window (in FCP), select the new Output Mode then check “Set New Global Output Mode”. This will change the output mode on every instance of the plug-in to the chosen output mode.

Convergence and Disparity Controls

The convergence adjustment slider allows the user to adjust where the parallax budget (depth bracket) sits on the z-axis in relation to the screen plane. The disparity controls allow the user to adjust for geometric disparities between the left and right images. These can be the result of a misaligned camera rig or a bump while shooting. Each slider can be adjusted until the desired position is achieved.

The point of zero parallax or the convergence point is on the screen plane. Objects in a scene that appear behind this point appear to be “inside” the screen, this is called positive parallax and objects that appear in front of this point appear to “come out” (they exist in theatre space) this is called negative parallax.

When shooting, the inter-axial distance will determine the parallax budget (depth bracket) of the scene, or in other words, how “deep” the scene appears to the viewer. Adjusting the convergence point will slide the parallax budget or “depth” either in front or behind the screen plane.

When shooting 3D it is extremely important to be taking measurements of the further object, the convergence point and closest object within a scene and to be making calculations to ensure the proper inter-axial distance is set for the desired convergence point. It can also be described as fitting the depth budget of a scene into the appropriate parallax budget or depth bracket for the desired screen width. If these steps are ignored during shooting the footage may have excessive positive parallax, causing the viewers eyes to diverge or excessive negative parallax, causing extended periods of hyper-convergence, resulting in headaches. There is also the potential for objects in negative parallax to break the stereo-window, also resulting in uncomfortable viewing.

Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0 also features Vertical, Rotational and Zoom Disparity controls.

Convergence and Disparity Controls are not keyframeable in Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0.

Autoscale

The Autoscale feature automatically scales the frame to remove any black edges introduced as a result of convergence or disparity adjustments.

Swap Output

Swap Output is the same as Swap Input however, as the name describes, the images are swapped during the output. This is useful if the user discovers inverted 3D and would like to quickly swap the two images.

3D Preview Mode

*Not available in FCP X or Motion 5

The 3D Preview Mode is a section window to help analyze the stereoscopic effect. It essentially acts as a secondary display that appears in the Filters tab. The user is then able to preview in the desired output method in the canvas window and analyze with a different output method.

Mix

Standard to most effects, the mix slider adjusts the amount of the effect you see in the final image. Always leave this at 100.

We have been alerted to a potential bug related to the “Field Dominance Mismatch Error” popup alerter window that won’t stop popping up even when “Don’t show this message again” is checkmarked and the alert is closed.

This issue will be addressed in a Stereo3D Toolbox LE v3.0.1 update. Until this update is officially released please download the beta version attached to this article.
Download Stereo3D Toolbox LE v3.0.1 beta1

This v3.0.1 beta 1 version will disable the alerter message completely. However, please be aware that it DOES NOT solve the issue that triggered the alert in the first place. Please see the article “One Eye Resized” for information on how to prevent scaling issues with interlaced sources in FCP 6 & 7.

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDnZrd9rQk

The Aiptek i2 3D-HD is one of the only pocket camcorders that captures 2D and 3D in High Definition.  While others shoot very low resolutions, this 3D Camcorder captures still photos and

Aiptek’s 3D-HD utilizes “Parallax Barrier” technology on its LCD preview screen so that you can enjoy a Live 3D view while you record.  The Parallax Barrier embeds the Polarized glasses, that you would normally wear in a movie theater, to the screen of the camcorder, eliminating the need for 3D glasses.

The Aiptek 3D Pocket Camera (small enough to fit in the palm of your hand) is extremely simple to use and provides a direct connection for both HDMI and USB. You could take snapshots, record 3D video and playback your videos with the touch of a button. The included MP4 format is compatible with most new 3D HDTVs as well as Laptops and PCs that are equipped with 3D cards.  Whether it be Anaglyph, Polarized, or Active-Shutter technology, Aiptek’s new 3DHD Pocket Camcorder may be the perfect solution for you.

Specifications

Sensor Type: 5 Mega-Pixel CMOS (2592 x 1944); 1/3.2″
Video Resolution: 720P (1280 x 720), up to 30 fps, 16:9
Still Image: 5 Mega-Pixel CMOS (2592 x 1944), 4:3
3D File Format: Photo is .JPEG; Side-by-Side & Video is AVC H.264 (.MP4)
Internal Memory: 128MB for Software and e-manual (No Storage)
External Memory: Up to 32GB SDHC Card
Display: 2.4″ 2D/3D TFT Panel (480 x 240 Pixels)
Panel Type: Glasses Free Stereoscopic TFT
3D Display: Parallax Barrier
Display Viewing: Best at 11.8″ Distance
Lens: Fixed Lens x 2
Digital Zoom: 4x
Focus Range: 1m ~ ∞
Night Mode: Auto (for Video and Photo)
White Balance: Auto
Exposure Control: Auto
Power Save Mode: Yes, 3 minute Auto Off
Microphone: Built-in Stereo Microphone
Speaker: Built-in Stereo Speaker
Weight: 4.3 oz. without battery; 5.2 oz. with
Dimensions (L x W x H): 2.75″ x 1.0″ x 4.5″
TV-Out: HDMI (3D/2D Output)
YouTube Upload: Supported by Embedded Software
USB Interface: Integrated USB2.0
Battery: NP-60 1200mAh, 3.7V Li-Ion Rechargeable
Tripod Port: Yes, 1/4″

“As a result of research conducted through Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, Panasonic developed a professional 3D system camera and successfully brought high-quality Full HD 3D images to the home for viewing on Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D televisions. But now, Panasonic has taken it one step further and developed the world’s first consumer 3D camcorder, the HDC-SDT750 — creating a 3D ecosystem available for consumers in the home,” said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “Incorporating Panasonic’s professional broadcast technology and bringing it to an easy-to-use consumer model, the SDT750 makes high-quality 3D video content a reality in the home.”

As the camera records to a single sensor block, there is no risk that the shots will be out of synch or will have two different exposures. In addition to shooting 3D, the SDT-750 can record full 1080p High Definition (HD) in AVCHD when the 3D conversion lens is removed and includes powerful features like the Leica Dicomar lens and a 12x optical zoom.

Specifications (NTSC)

GENERAL
Power Supply: DC7.2V / 9.3V
Power Consumption: Max. 6.0W (Recording)
Weight: Approx. 375g (0.83 lb) (excluding battery)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 66 x 69 x 138 (mm) (2.59 × 2.71 × 5.43 [inch])
Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card

IMAGE SENSOR
1/4.1″ MOS x 3
Total Pixels : 9.15 megapixels (3.05 megapixels x 3)
Effective Pixels :
<Motion Image>
7.59 megapixels （2.53 megapixels x 3）[16:9]
<Still Image>
7.89 megapixels (2.63 megapixels x 3) [3:2]
7.59 megapixels (2.53 megapixels x 3) [16:9]
6.96 megapixels (2.32 megapixels x 3) [4:3]

LENS SECTION
F Value: F1.5 (WIDE) / 2.8 (TELE)
Optical Zoom: 12x
Intelligent Zoom: 18x
Digital Zoom: 30x / 700x (The maximum value of zoom magnification)
Focal Length: 3.45 – 41.4mm
35 mm Film Camera Equivalent:
<Motion Image>
35.0 – 420mm (16:9)
<Still Image>
35.7 – 428mm (3:2),
35.0 – 420mm (16:9),
38.8 – 466mm (4:3)
Lens Brand: Leica Dicomar Lens

CAMERA SECTION
Standard Illumination: 1400 lx
Minimum Illumination: 1.6 lx (1/30 Low Light scene mode)
1 lx (Color Night Rec.)
Focus: Auto / Manual
White Balance: Auto / Indoor1 / Indoor2 / Sunny / Cloudy / White set
Shutter Speed:
<Motion Image>
[60i / 60p] Auto Slow Shutter
ON : 1/30-1/8000, video flash: 1/30-1/500
OFF : 1/60-1/8000, video flash: 1/60-1/500
[24P] Auto Slow Shutter
ON : 1/24-1/8000, video flash: 1/24-1/500
OFF : 1/48-1/8000, video flash: 1/48-1/500
<Still Image>
1/2-1/2000, video flash: 1/2-1/500
Iris: Auto / Manual
Backlight Compensation: Yes
Image Stabilizer: HYBRID O.I.S. [Optical Image Stabilization]
Quick Start: Yes

RECORDING SECTION
Signal System: 1080 / 60p, 1080 / 60i
Compression (Recording Format):
<Original Format>
1080 / 60p : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
<AVCHD standard compliant>
HA / HG / HX / HE : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Recording / Playback Mode (1920 x 1080):
1080 / 60p (28Mbps / VBR),
HA (17Mbps / VBR),
HG (13Mbps / VBR),
HX (9Mbps / VBR),
HE (5Mbps / VBR)
Audio Compression: Dolby Digital (5.1ch / 2ch)
Media Remaining Indication: Yes
Microphone: 5.1ch Surround, Zoom and Focus Microphone
Speaker: Dynamic type

MONITOR
LCD: 3.0″ Wide LCD (230,400 dots)
EVF: Yes

3D productions of the past involved a large-scale setup in which two cameras were fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. The 3DA1 Camcorder has been able to achieve this process in one complete unit. The lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body which incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to operate. It provides the flexibility of handheld-style shooting for more challenging shooting environments, making it ideal for sporting events, weddings and documentary 3D projects.

The left-channel and right-channel optical sections, image sensors, signal processing circuits and recording section are precisely synchronized. The AG-3DA1 outputs left-eye and right-eye full-HD image signals as simutaneous HD-SDI video and also records to the SD/SDHC memory cards in the AVCHD format.

Full HD video steams from the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on optical disc, HDD, tape or other mechanical-based recording systems. This no-moving-part design helps to reduce maintenance costs, and allows for better performance in extreme environments and be more resistant to extreme temperatures, vibrations and shock. Users can expect a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.

Specifications

GENERAL
Power Supply: DC 7.2 V (when the battery is used)/ 7.9 V (when the AC adapter is used)
Power Consumption: 17 W (recording)
Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Operating Humidity: 10 % to 80 % (No condensation)
Weight: Approx. 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) (excluding battery)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 158 mm × 187 mm × 474 mm, excluding the projecting part (6-1/4 inches × 7-3/8 inches × 18-11/16 inches)

CAMERA
Pick-up Device: 1/4.1 type MOS solid-state image sensing device × 3 × 2
Picture Elements: Effective picture elements: Approx. 2,070,000 pixels × 3 (16:9) × 2
Lens: Motorized 5.6 x zoom, F1.8 (WIDE) to F2.4 (TELE) Focal Length (f=4.2 mm to 23.5 mm) (35 mm equivalent: 47.1 mm to 264 mm), 16:9
Optical Color Separation: Prism system
Optical Axis Interval: Approx. 60 mm
Minimum Shooting Distance: Approx.1.2 m (47-1/4 inches) (all zoom range)
Gain Settings: 0 to +24 dB (variable in 1 dB steps)
Color Temperature Settings: 3200 K/5600 K preset, Ach, Bch

RECORDING
Recording Specification: AVCHD
Compression Method: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Recording Media: SD Memory Card: 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB (FAT12 and FAT16) SDHC Memory Card: 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB (FAT32)
Transmission Rate: Approx. 21 Mbps (VBR/PH mode)
Recording Time: Approx. 180 min. (rough indication) if a Panasonic SDHC 32 GB Memory Card is used
SD Memory Card slot: 2 slots (for left/right)
SD Memory Card: Maximum number of clips to be recorded continuously: 200 clips (when formatting and recording continues without removing the card) Maximum number of clips to be played back: 200 clips (up to 200 clips can be displayed)
Thumbnail Display: 8 thumbnails/page
Editing Functions: Delete, Protect

VIDEO OUTPUT
HDMI Output: HDMI type A connector × 1, HDMI ver 1.4a Standard 3D compatible (not compatible with VIERA Link)
HD SDI Output: BNC × 2 (HD SDI 1/2 for L/R), 0.8 V [p-p], 75 Ω

AUDIO SYSTEM
Compression Method: Recording/playback: Dolby Digital/2 channels
Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz
Quantization: 16 bit
Compressed Bit-Rate: PH mode: 384 kbps

AUDIO INPUT/OUTPUT
Internal Microphone: Stereo Microphone
XLR Input: XLR 3-pin × 2 (INPUT 1, INPUT 2), High Impedance LINE: 0 dBu, MIC: –50 dBu/–60 dBu (selectable in menu)
HDMI Output: 2 channels (Linear PCM)
Headphone output: Stereo mini jack (3.5 mm diameter) × 1
Built-in Speaker: 20 mm (round) × 1

OTHER INPUT/OUTPUT
Camera Remote: Super mini jack (2.5 mm diameter) × 1 (ZOOM, REC S/S) Mini jack (3.5 mm diameter) × 1 (FOCUS, IRIS) Super mini jack (2.5 mm diameter) × 1 (CONV.)

MONITOR
LCD monitor: 81.3 mm (3.2 inches), approx. 921,000 pixels, 16:9, LCD color monitor
Viewfinder: 11.4 mm (0.45 inches), approx. 1,226,000 pixels, 16:9, LCD color viewfinder

STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Accessories: AC adapter with AC power supply cable, Battery (5400 mAh × 1), Battery charger with AC power supply cable, Microphone holder with adapter and screws, Eye cup, Lens cap, Input terminal cover × 2, Screw spacer, CD-ROM (contents repair software)