Quad-buffered Stereo

Quad-buffered (aka CrystalEyes) stereo is the name used within VMD for the quad-buffered frame-sequential stereo display mode found on professional graphics workstations. Quad-buffered stereo generally yields the highest quality output, and is therefore the most desirable stereo mode to use when available. Since quad-buffered stereo requires more video memory, and special display synchronization circuitry, this mode is usually only available on professional-grade GPUs such as AMD FireGL, NVidia Quadro, and similar products. Typically this mode is used to drive LCD shutter glasses with a CRT display, 120Hz LCD panels, or various high-end stereo-capable projection systems.

Quad-buffered stereo mode provides separate left and right eye frame buffers. It allows the a window display in stereo, while all other windows appear as normal. The display must be set in a stereo-capable mode before starting VMD, using the appropriate operating system-specific utilities to set the video mode prior to launching VMD.

Once set in the proper display mode, start VMD as normal, and select `QuadBuffered stereo' from the Display menu. The image should switch to two images nearly superimposed, but slightly offset.