FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

A source of scattered information you may find helpful for 3D-Con.

What is 3D-Con?

3D-Con is the annual convention of the National Stereoscopic Association (NSA). It is for photographers and collectors of stereo (3D) images and anyone interested in 3D imaging including 3D movies and Virtual Reality.

What happens at the convention?

The convention has programming for the collector as well as the photographer. Among the highlights are the 3D Theater, Workshops, virtual Art Gallery, Guest and Keynote Speakers and Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings. There will also be social gatherings on Zoom and other online forums. A highlight will be a symposium on the history of stereoscopic photography.

How much does it cost?

It is free of charge, but we do accept donations. With a paid registration you will receive a commemorative set of Viewmaster type reels and the glasses you will need to view images presented during the convention.

Why should I register?

Besides receiving the registration packet with the reels and glasses, it helps support the NSA in its commitment to promoting 3D photography. We have a donation level that will include membership in the NSA. It also allows us to inform attendees of any technical problems or changes in the schedule.

How will I know what is going on?

The 3D-Con website will have a calendar of events and will be updated regularly. Facebook users are encouraged to join the 3D-Con group. There will be ongoing updates and opportunities to connect with other attendees. There will also be spontaneous workshops or social live streams. The group is currently open and may be joined anytime.

How do I join the meetings?

Simply click on the links in the convention calendar. We will also be posting links on the Facebook 3D-Con group. You can also subscribe to the NSA Theater on YouTube.

How do I view the images?

The 3D Theater will have two streaming options. Anaglyph for those without 3D TVs or monitors and a side-by-side stream for 3D TVs, projectors or monitors. Workshops and SIGs will use anaglyph.

Can I use my 3D TV?

Absolutely! Just hook your TV to a computer as a monitor using a HDMI/DVI cable. You can then make a side-by-side video full screen and choose the 3D option on your TV to handle the side-by-side images. Or, with a passive 3D TV, when viewing some of the Supplemental Material galleries, you can select the Interlaced option and your TV will see it in 3D.

How can I use my VR goggles at the meeting?

The event works well on many VR devices. Here are specifics for the Oculus headsets.

  1. Download the "YouTube VR" app. This will allow you to view the 3D Theater streams in 3D. Other 3D YouTube links may appear elsewhere during the event.
    Pro tip - to easily access a YouTube link in VR, log into YouTube on your phone or computer. Then log into YouTube VR on your Go. Any link you visit on either device will be saved in your "History" in YouTube. So rather than trying to type a whole URL in VR, just open it on another device, then go to History in YouTube VR.
  2. Additionally, you can download the FireFox Reality browser. This may help you in some "additional content" areas where the speaker's pictures may be available in a gallery. Navigate to a page on the Go with side-by-side content, and at the bottom of FFR there is a button to switch 3D on.
  3. You may also be able to attend the High Fidelity session, which is flat and audio only, but is a nice way to chat with many people at once. On the Quest, it works on FireFox Reality but not on Oculus Browser.
  4. Finally, we suggest you download the BigScreen app. It allows people to share 3D from their desktop computer, create a room, and other folks to watch as a shared experience. Someone may share their screen with 3D Theater playing from YouTube. They create a room, you can join them and watch the show.

Is everything live? I live in a different time zone.

Many events will be recorded so you will have the option of participating at live events or watching a recording at a time convenient for you. Some events, such as certain keynote speeches will not be recorded due to proprietary or copyright issues. The NSA Theater will remain online for the duration of the convention. Select presentations may be preserved on the NSA Theater channel indefinitely. Workshops will remain on YouTube.