As the owner of an Oculus Rift headset, you’re probably excited to try out all the great VR content that’s out there. But what if your favorite videos aren’t in VR format?
Luckily, it’s relatively easy to convert both 2D and 3D videos into a format that can be played on the Oculus Rift. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it.
For 2D videos, the easiest way to convert them is to use a video player that supports side-by-side (SBS) playback. This means that the video will be split into two separate images, one for each eye, giving the illusion of depth.
There are a few different video players that support SBS playback, but we recommend VLC because it’s free, easy to use, and available on a variety of platforms.
To convert a 2D video using VLC:
1. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert / Save.
2. In the Open Media dialog, click the Add button and select your video file.
3. Click the Convert / Save button.
4. In the Convert dialog, select the Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4) profile.
5. Click the Browse button and choose a location to save the converted file.
6. Make sure the Enable checkbox is selected next to the Stereo Mode option, then select Side by Side from the drop-down menu.
7. Click the Start button to begin the conversion process.
Your video should now be converted and ready to view in VR!
For 3D videos, the process is a bit more complicated, but still relatively easy to do.
First, you’ll need to download and install a tool called Handbrake. This free, open-source tool can be used to convert videos into a variety of different formats.
Once Handbrake is installed, launch it and click the Source button at the top of the window. Select your video file and click the Open button.
Next, click the Output Settings button. In the Output Format section, select MP4 from the Format drop-down menu.
In the Video section, select H.264 from the Codec drop-down menu and choose one of the following options for Stereo Mode:
• Top-Bottom: The top half of the video is meant for the left eye, and the bottom half is meant for the right eye.
• Left-Right: The left half of the video is meant for the left eye, and the right half is meant for the right eye.
• Full: The entire video is meant for both eyes, but it will appear in 2D unless you view it with special VR goggles that support this format.
Click the Start Encode button to begin the conversion process. Once it’s finished, your video should be converted and ready to view in VR!
Table of Contents
How to: Convert 2D/3D Videos to Oculus Rift VR
The Different Types of 2D/3D Videos
There are several different types of 2D and 3D videos that can be converted to Oculus Rift VR. The most common are side-by-side, anaglyph, and top-bottom.
Side-by-side is the most popular type of 3D video. It is made up of two images that are side-by-side. Anaglyph is another popular type of 3D video. It is made up of two images that are superimposed. Top-bottom is the least popular type of 3D video. It is made up of two images that are on top of each other.
How to Convert 2D/3D Videos to Oculus Rift VR
There are a few things you’ll need in order to convert your 2D or 3D videos over to Oculus Rift VR:
1. A video editing program that can handle 3D video. We recommend using Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
2. The Oculus Rift VR plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro CC. You can find it here.
3. A 3D video converter. We recommend using the one from Oculus VR.
4. A VR headset. We recommend using the Oculus Rift.
Once you have all of those things, you’re ready to start converting your videos! Here’s how to do it:
1. Open up your video editing program and load in the 2D or 3D video you want to convert.
2. In Adobe Premiere Pro CC, create a new sequence and select the “Oculus Rift” preset.
3. Drag your video into the new sequence.
4. Export your video using the “Oculus Rift” preset.
5. Run the video through the VR converter.
6. Enjoy your video in VR!
The Pros and Cons of Converting 2D/3D Videos to Oculus Rift VR
Assuming you have a 2D or 3D video that you want to view in Oculus Rift VR, there are a few things to consider before starting the conversion process. Here are some pros and cons to think about:
PROS:
-You’ll be able to view the video in a completely immersive environment
-The conversion process is relatively simple and can be done with readily available software
-You’ll be able to view the video in high quality if it’s originally in HD
CONS:
-The video may not look as good as it would in its native format
-The process of converting the video can take some time
-You’ll need to have a powerful computer to view the video in Oculus Rift VR
How to Convert 2D/3D Videos to Oculus Rift VR – The Bottom Line
There are two different ways that you can convert your 2D or 3D video files into a format that will work with Oculus Rift VR. The first is to use a specialised converter tool that will do all of the work for you, and the second is to do it manually using a video editing program.
If you want the quickest and easiest way to convert your videos, then using a converter tool is the best option. These tools are designed specifically for converting video files, and so they will do a great job of converting your files into the right format with the minimum of fuss.
The second option is to convert your videos manually using a video editing program. This is a more manual process, but it does give you more control over the final video quality. If you are experienced with video editing, then this may be the best option for you.
either way, once you have your video files converted, you will be able to enjoy them in Oculus Rift VR.
