Platform-specific 3-D tools
Article Abstract:
Each of the three major microcomputer platforms can be used to create 3-D video each platform has its own particular qualities can run software products that take advantage of the system's advantages. Newtek Inc's Video Toaster add-in board for Commodore's Amiga 2000 series sells for $1,595. It is also sold as a complete Video Toaster System and sells for $3,995. The Video Toaster's 24-bit paint program and the animation software is broadly useful and of excellent quality. MacroMind Three-D, which runs on the Apple Macintosh, also offers the three basic tools required to produce animation: modeling, rendering and motion control. The package sells for $1,495 and produces professional-looking video animations. Video-to-computer connections have been improved on the IBM PC AT-compatible microcomputer platform with the introduction of the TARGA series of video boards from Truevision, and Autodesk's $2,995 3-D animation product, 3D Studio, supports the Truevision series of graphics boards and standard VGA boards. New VGA boards allow video overlaying for mixing live video and computer graphics.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1991
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Hooked on animation: a 3-D animation primer
Article Abstract:
3-D animation is more technologically advanced than it was several years ago, but it still requires the animator to possess enough knowledge to make educated choices from a growing base of hardware and software options. There are three basic steps to the production of an animation: modeling, rendering and motion scripting. Modeling is the initial creation of the object; rendering involves coloring and shading of the 3-D object, and motion scripting assigns movement to the object. After an object has been modeled, it can be given color and surface characteristics. Advanced modelers are usually able to create an object in a variety of ways. A 3-D object can be formed out of polygons, or they can be shaped from splines, which are curved lines. Objects can be shaded using the flat, Gouraud or Phong methods. Storing the animated sequence on tape is complicated by differences between video tape recorders.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1991
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Go deep
Article Abstract:
Expert 3D programs that satisfy varying graphics requirements are now available at a wide range of prices. The more sophisticated tools are designed for experienced users and employ terminologies that may be unfamiliar to the inexperienced. They are also the most expensive, frequently costing over $3,000. Many products are available for less than $100, but they will probably not offer such advanced features as animation or ray tracing. Users who wish to animate their models will need to know which output formats the application provides. Web designers will need support for VRML 2.0 and animated GIF files. A buyers guide describes the features of nine expert 3D applications, priced from $90 to $3,495.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1997
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