How to Broadcast 3D SBS Video with OBS Studio

Broadcasting a 3D side-by-side (SBS) video feed using OBS Studio allows you to deliver immersive content compatible with VR headsets and 3D players. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough on how to set up your OBS canvas, align your left- and right-eye camera feeds or game captures, and configure your output settings for a seamless 3D SBS stream or recording.

Step 1: Determine Your 3D SBS Format

Before configuring OBS, decide between the two main SBS formats: * Half-SBS: Both the left and right video feeds are squeezed horizontally to fit into a standard 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g., 1920x1080). Each eye receives a 960x1080 image stretched back to 16:9 by the viewer’s playback device. * Full-SBS: The feeds are kept at their native aspect ratio, resulting in a double-wide 32:9 canvas (e.g., 3840x1080 for dual 1080p feeds). This provides higher quality but requires more bandwidth.

Step 2: Configure the Canvas Resolution

  1. Open OBS Studio and go to Settings > Video.
  2. For Half-SBS, set both the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 1920x1080.
  3. For Full-SBS, manually type in a double-width resolution, such as 3840x1080 for dual 1080p inputs, or 2560x720 for dual 720p inputs.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 3: Add and Align Your Video Sources

You will need two separate video inputs: one representing the left-eye perspective and one representing the right-eye perspective.

  1. In the Sources dock, click the + icon and add your left-eye video source (e.g., Video Capture Device or Game Capture). Rename it “Left Eye”.
  2. Add your right-eye video source and rename it “Right Eye”.
  3. Position the Left Eye source on the left half of the screen:
    • Right-click the source, go to Transform > Edit Transform.
    • Set the Size to half of your total canvas width (e.g., 960x1080 for Half-SBS or 1920x1080 for Full-SBS).
    • Set the Position to X: 0, Y: 0.
  4. Position the Right Eye source on the right half of the screen:
    • Right-click the source, go to Transform > Edit Transform.
    • Set the Size to half of your total canvas width (same as the left eye).
    • Set the Position to start exactly where the left eye ends (e.g., X: 960, Y: 0 for Half-SBS or X: 1920, Y: 0 for Full-SBS).

Step 4: Configure Stream and Encoder Settings

Because 3D video contains double the visual data of a standard stream, you must adjust your encoder settings to prevent buffering or pixelation.

  1. Go to Settings > Output.
  2. Set your Output Mode to Advanced.
  3. Under the Streaming tab, select a hardware encoder (like NVIDIA NVENC or AMD HW H.264) to reduce CPU strain.
  4. Increase your Bitrate. For a 1080p Half-SBS stream at 60fps, aim for 6,000 to 8,000 Kbps. For a Full-SBS 3840x1080 stream, aim for 12,000 to 15,000 Kbps (ensure your chosen streaming platform supports this resolution and bitrate).

Step 5: Test and Broadcast

Before going live, record a short local test by clicking Start Recording. Play the file back in a 3D-compatible media player (such as VLC or a VR video player) to ensure the left and right perspectives are correctly aligned and do not overlap. Once verified, copy your stream key into OBS and click Start Streaming to broadcast your 3D SBS content.