Introduction
Are you a videographer wondering what resolution to use for your 360° videos on the HTC Vive Flow and easybox360? This guide provides key recommendations to achieve the best possible quality.
Key takeaway: The HTC Vive Flow is a compact, lightweight headset (189g), powered by the Snapdragon XR1. Its video decoding capabilities are comparable to the Pico G2 4K. Use the H.264 codec for smooth playback.
Recommended Resolutions
Monoscopic 360° Video
Monoscopic video (2D spherical) is the most common format for 360° experiences.
| Parameter | Recommended | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4096 × 2048 | 5120 × 2560 |
| Framerate | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Codec | H.264 | H.264 |
| Bitrate | 40-60 Mbit/s | 80 Mbit/s |
Tip: Go with 4K (4096×2048) resolution for the best balance between quality and smoothness. The Vive Flow display (1600×1600 per eye) cannot perceive the difference with higher resolutions.
Stereoscopic 360° Video (3D)
Stereoscopic video provides depth perception through two separate images (one for each eye).
| Parameter | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 × 3840 |
| Framerate | 30 FPS |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Format | Top-Bottom or Side-by-Side |
180° Side-by-Side Video
The 180° VR format is ideal for front-facing content with a depth effect.
| Parameter | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4096 × 2048 |
| Framerate | 30 FPS |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Bitrate | 60 Mbit/s |
Why Choose H.264?
The H.264 codec is recommended on the Vive Flow for several reasons:
- Fewer artifacts: cleaner rendering, especially during motion
- Better compatibility: natively supported by the Snapdragon XR1
- Lower heat output: H.264 decoding uses fewer resources, preventing overheating during long sessions
- Faster export: less demanding encoding on the editing side
Warning: H.265 (HEVC) may work but is not optimized for the Snapdragon XR1. It can cause stuttering or excessive heat. Always test before deployment.
Resolution vs Performance
Important: The highest resolution is not always the best choice. A slightly lower resolution can offer:
- Better battery life: lower power consumption
- Less heat: extended comfort for the user
- Smoother playback: stable framerate without drops
- Equivalent experience: the visual difference is often imperceptible
Since the Vive Flow is designed for mobile and extended use, prioritize stability over maximum resolution.
Recommended Export Settings
Here is a summary of optimal settings for exporting your 360° videos:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4096 × 2048 (mono) / 3840 × 3840 (stereo) |
| Framerate | 30 FPS |
| Video codec | H.264 (AVC) |
| Profile | High |
| Bitrate | 40-60 Mbit/s (VBR recommended) |
| Audio codec | AAC, 48 kHz, stereo |
| Container | MP4 |
Vive Flow Specifics
The Vive Flow has a few characteristics to keep in mind:
- Lightweight headset (189g): designed for extended viewing sessions
- 1600×1600 per eye display: native resolution is lower than the Quest 2/3, so there is no benefit in exceeding 4K
- Smartphone connection required: the headset uses your phone as a controller and audio source
- Supported formats: MP4, MKV, WebM
Production Workflow
- Shooting: film at the maximum resolution of your 360° camera
- Editing: work in your native resolution
- Export: apply the recommended settings listed above
- Metadata injection (optional): use the Google Spatial Media Metadata Injector tool so the video is recognized as 360°.Not required for easystory360.
- Test on headset: verify the final result on the Vive Flow
- Upload to easystory360: integrate your video into your experience
Additional Resources
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