Stereoscopic Player and Stereoscopic Multiplexer

Computer-based solutions are well suited for capturing and playing stereoscopic video content at high quality, because the constraints of TV standards need not be obeyed. We developed an application called Stereoscopic Player to play stereoscopic videos. Based on Microsoft's DirectShow, it can handle all major video sources, codecs, stereoscopic layouts and viewing methods. Usability was an important goal in the application design; several features simplify handling of stereoscopic videos. To free the user from choosing the proper settings, we introduced the concept of stereoscopic information files and an Internet-based service for automatic configuration. The Stereoscopic Multiplexer is a solution to capture stereoscopic content within applications compatible with WDM capture drivers. It takes frames from two 'real' capture devices, synchronizes them and passes the resulting stereo pairs to the application. If the cameras support numerical control of camera parameters, Stereoscopic Multiplexer also synchronizes these parameters. Supporting resolutions up to high definition and a wide range of devices, Stereoscopic Multiplexer and Stereoscopic Player are universal, affordable solutions for stereoscopic video recording and playback.