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    Quick Start Guide

    Getting started with XSTREAM.Desktop

    Everything you need to install XSTREAM.Desktop and start visualising your Point Cloud and Gaussian Splat data.

    This guide will help you get XSTREAM.Desktop installed and running correctly. Please read through before you start — depending on your setup you may need to do something slightly different to install our software.

    You must have an active XSTREAM3D subscription to use our software. If you haven't already subscribed, visit downloads here and follow the on-screen instructions.

    Installation — standard computer setup

    1. 1
      Download XSTREAM.Desktop from the downloads section.
    2. 2
      Once your software has downloaded, if installation doesn't start automatically click the .exe file and follow the on-screen prompts.
    3. 3
      You do not need to tick the "reset license" checkbox.
    4. 4
      If you selected the .NET Runtime box, you'll be asked to install Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime. Follow the prompts to install, then complete the XSTREAM3D installation.
    5. 5
      Launch XSTREAM.Desktop and, when prompted, enter your XSTREAM3D subscription details.
    6. 6
      Your software is ready to use. You'll need our XSTREAM.Creator to work with your Point Clouds in XSTREAM.Desktop.

    Nvidia Quadro graphics cards

    If you're using an Nvidia Quadro card, apply these settings after installation:
    1. 1
      Follow the standard installation instructions above.
    2. 2
      Open the Nvidia Control Centre in Windows.
    3. 3
      Select Manage 3D Settings.
    4. 4
      Select Workstation App – Dynamic Streaming.
    5. 5
      Click Apply.

    Using the VR module

    If you're using the VR module, install SteamVR from the Steam website. To optimise Point Cloud performance in VR:
    1. 1
      Combine multiple Point Clouds using XSTREAM.Creator. This removes overlapping and duplicate points — select the Combine clouds option on the main XSTREAM.Creator screen.
    2. 2
      Reduce point size and quality in the Point Cloud properties menu to a maximum of 30%, or even down to 10%. VR headsets operate at a lower resolution, so reducing point size and quality doesn't impact perceived visual quality.

    A note on VPC files

    All XSTREAM3D desktop applications require Point Clouds to be converted into our proprietary VPC format (.vpc) before they can be used. XSTREAM.Creator is available to download from the XSTREAM3D website.
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