Recording and Viewing 3D Spatial Video on Galaxy and Quest
Convert Samsung spatial video files for playback on Meta Quest VR headsets.
1Spatial Recording Capabilities
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra users can capture 3D spatial content using the Camera Assistant app within the Good Lock suite. By activating the spatial toggle, the phone utilizes two rear cameras to record in MV-HEVC format. This feature allows users to create immersive 3D videos directly from their mobile devices.
2The Format Challenge
The captured MV-HEVC files are primarily optimized for Samsung or Apple Vision Pro headsets. For users wanting to view this content on a Meta Quest 3, direct playback is restricted unless using paid third-party apps like ImmerGallery. Consequently, manual file conversion becomes a necessary step for cost-conscious users seeking compatibility.
3Conversion via FFmpeg
To make files compatible with standard 3D players, users can convert MV-HEVC files into Side-By-Side (SBS) format using FFmpeg. This powerful command-line tool is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. By executing specific filter commands, users can transform spatial video into a universally readable format for various VR media players.
4Technical Execution Steps
After installing FFmpeg via Windows Package Manager, users can initiate conversion by opening the terminal in the folder containing their video files. The command utilizes the hstack filter to combine views, ensuring the output is correctly formatted. This process effectively bridges the gap between proprietary mobile formats and open VR standards.
5Hardware Acceleration Options
While CPU-based encoding is sufficient for shorter clips, users with compatible NVIDIA GPUs can optimize performance. By replacing standard encoding flags with hevc_nvenc parameters, the conversion process becomes significantly faster. This hardware-accelerated approach is particularly beneficial for processing longer videos without enduring excessive wait times during the file transformation stage.
6Transferring to Quest
Once the SBS 3D file is generated, it must be transferred to the Meta Quest headset. Users can copy the file onto a USB-C flash drive and move it to the internal media folder via the Quest file manager. Alternatively, playing the file directly from the external drive remains a viable option.
7Playback and Verification
For viewing the converted content, free applications like Finally VR Video Player are available on the Meta Store. Simply opening the app and selecting the file allows for 3D playback. If the depth perception appears inverted, users can swap the view order within the initial FFmpeg command to correct alignment.
8Future Media Accessibility
This workflow demonstrates how technical workarounds can bypass ecosystem lock-in for spatial media. By mastering basic command-line tools, users gain control over their 3D content across different hardware platforms. Maintaining regular backups of original spatial files ensures that future software updates or improved conversion methods remain accessible for long-term viewing.
Original article: How-To Geek — Recording and Viewing 3D Spatial Video on Galaxy and Quest