How to Stream 3D SBS Video with OBS Studio

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to configure OBS Studio to broadcast a 3D side-by-side (SBS) stereoscopic video feed. You will learn how to set up your canvas resolution, arrange your left- and right-eye camera sources, and adjust your encoding settings to deliver a seamless 3D viewing experience to your audience.

Step 1: Choose Your 3D SBS Format

Before configuring OBS, decide whether you are streaming in Half-SBS or Full-SBS: * Half-SBS: Squeezes both the left and right eye frames into a standard 16:9 resolution (e.g., 1920x1080). Each eye gets a horizontally squashed 960x1080 image, which the viewer’s 3D hardware stretches back to normal. * Full-SBS: Keeps both frames at their native resolution side-by-side. For dual 1080p feeds, this requires a 32:9 aspect ratio canvas with a resolution of 3840x1080.

Step 2: Configure OBS 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 a standard 16:9 resolution, such as 1920x1080.
  3. For Full-SBS, manually type in a double-width resolution. For dual 1080p feeds, enter 3840x1080 in both fields.
  4. Set your desired Common FPS Values (typically 30 or 60 fps) and click Apply.

Step 3: Arrange the Left and Right Video Sources

To broadcast stereoscopic 3D, you must position the left-eye feed on the left side of the screen and the right-eye feed on the right side.

  1. In the Sources dock, click the + icon and add your video capture devices or media sources (one for the Left eye, one for the Right eye).
  2. Select your Left Eye source. Right-click it, go to Transform > Edit Transform.
  3. Set the Size according to your format:
    • For Half-SBS (on a 1920x1080 canvas): Set the width to 960 and height to 1080. Set the Position to X: 0, Y: 0.
    • For Full-SBS (on a 3840x1080 canvas): Set the width to 1920 and height to 1080. Set the Position to X: 0, Y: 0.
  4. Select your Right Eye source. Right-click it, go to Transform > Edit Transform.
  5. Set the Size to match the left source.
  6. Set the Position so it sits exactly on the right half of the canvas:
    • For Half-SBS: Set Position to X: 960, Y: 0.
    • For Full-SBS: Set Position to X: 1920, Y: 0.

Step 4: Adjust Encoding and Bitrate Settings

Streaming 3D content—especially Full-SBS—requires higher bandwidth due to the increased pixel count.

  1. Go to Settings > Output.
  2. Set the Output Mode to Advanced.
  3. Under the Streaming tab, select a hardware encoder (like NVIDIA NVENC or AMD AMF) to reduce CPU strain.
  4. Adjust your Bitrate based on your resolution:
    • For Half-SBS (1080p 60fps): Aim for 6,000 to 9,000 Kbps.
    • For Full-SBS (3840x1080 60fps): Aim for 12,000 to 18,000 Kbps to prevent compression artifacts.

Step 5: Start the Broadcast

Input your stream key from your chosen platform (such as YouTube or VR-friendly streaming servers) under Settings > Stream. Once configured, click Start Streaming. Viewers using 3D TVs, VR headsets, or stereoscopic players will be able to merge the side-by-side feed into a single 3D image.