Preparing and Uploading Content

3. Preparing Content

3.1 Supported Video Formats

Spatial Player Pro supports various immersive video formats, ensuring compatibility with different types of content:

  • 360° videos: These videos allow viewers to look in every direction within the 360° environment.

  • VR180 videos: These provide an immersive experience with a 180° field of view, commonly used for virtual reality content.

  • 3D videos: You can also present 3D flat videos like in a theater.

  • Spatial Videos: Native support for spatial video formats that can be recorded using devices like the iPhone 15/16 or other spatial video cameras.

Ensure your content matches one of these formats and was properly encoded as described in the next step for smooth playback.

3.2 Video Encoding Methods

Videos need to be encoded in a compatible format before being uploaded. You can choose different ways to encode videos:

  • CLI Tool (Mike Swanson's Encoder) Mac OS:

    • Download the encoding tool from this site.

    • Follow the instructions to encode your video files into the format required by the app.

    • Example command: 

      ./spatial export -i spatial_test.mov -f ou \
        -o over_under.mov

      (specific commands depend on your content type).

    • Once encoded, your video files will be ready for upload to Apple Vision Pro via iCloud or other filetransfer services which can be accessed via Safari browser.

  • GUI Version (Andrew Hazeldon’s GUI Tool) Mac OS:

    • For users who prefer a graphical interface, the GUI version simplifies video encoding.

    • Drag and drop your video files into the interface, select your encoding options, and start the process.

    • This tool is particularly useful for users with limited command-line experience.

  • DaVinci Resolve (With Script) Mac OS:

    • DaVinci Resolve users can utilize a custom script to prepare and encode videos.

    • After importing your video into DaVinci Resolve, run the provided script (included in the documentation) to convert the video to the required format.

    • This method is ideal for users already familiar with video editing software. Here is a tutorial from Hugh Hou which describes the process.

  • Cloud-Encoding / Windows / Linux:

    • Cloud-Encoding: could be done via SpatialGen

    • Windows / Linux: As time of writing there is a FFmpeg solution but the tagging for the VisionOS isnt implemented yet.

4. Creating 360° Backgrounds

4.1 Equirectangular Panoramas

To create a fully immersive environment, you can use a 360° background image, also known as an equirectangular panorama. This background will wrap around the user in the immersive space.

  • Create Your Own:

    • Shooting a 360° Panorama with an APSC / Fullframe camera and panoramic equipment or a dedicated 360 camera.

    • A high-resolution still from your 360 video could be also an option.

    • You can create a custom 360° background using tools like Blender. Blender is a 3D rendering software that allows you to design and export equirectangular backgrounds.

    • You can even use AI tools like Skybox from Blockade Labs to easily create a 360° image.

    • Be sure to export the image as a PNG or JPG in an equirectangular projection.

  • File Naming and Specifications:

    • Ensure the background image is named background.png or background.jpg.

    • It must not exceed 16K (15360x7680) resolution to ensure smooth performance.

5. Creating Icons

5.1 Icon Specifications

To make the content in your showroom be in line with your brand, you'll need to create custom icons for each video. Icons act as clickable buttons in the 360° environment and should meet the following requirements:

  • File Format: PNG with a transparent background.

  • Resolution: High enough to display clearly but not exceed the recommended size (1024px).

  • Naming Convention: Each icon should be named after its corresponding video to be automatically assigned to the correct video (e.g., video1.png for video1.mp4).

Note: If there is no custom icon provided Spatial Player Pro will use the default built-in icon.

5.2 Using Templates

A set of icon templates is provided in the Member’s Area. These templates are customizable to suit your branding needs and get fast results. Use design tools like Photoshop, Affinity, or any other image editing software to create icons that match your brand.

6. Uploading Content

6.1 Organizing Your Content

Once your videos, background, and icons are prepared:

  • Create a folder on your local drive with all the necessary files.

  • Include the encoded videos, icons, and background image. Follow the correct file naming conventions.

6.2 Uploading to iCloud or any other Filetransfer service

  • Access your iCloud Drive (or Filetransfer service) from your computer or device.

  • Upload the folder containing your content to iCloud (or Filetransfer service). Ensure the folder has a clear name for easy identification (e.g., Showroom_2024).

6.3 Accessing the Content from Apple Vision Pro

  • On the Apple Vision Pro, open Spatial Player Pro and navigate to the dashboard.

  • Select the folder you uploaded to iCloud (or Filetransfer service), and the app will automatically load the content into the virtual showroom.

  • Your background will appear, and your icons will be displayed in the 360° space, ready for interaction.