This is an archive of CompuServe forum messages from 1985 to 1995, as saved in transcripts by John Foust.
Search Results (1,048 messages)
Gamma on 7750
Message #70223
Scott, Thanks for that info. It is very helpful! — James —
Building a Group…
Message #70222
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
December 7, 1993 5:42 PM
Ed, I'm not sure anyone has made any decisions yet. I am sure, however, that animator pro will figure in to the equation! — James —
Pond Ripples
Message #70221
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
December 7, 1993 5:42 PM
I would be interested as well! Please let me know how I could get my hands on this program. — James —
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 23, 1993 5:57 PM
Jay, I am in the same boat. I started my company, Mindscape Animation Productions, in early Nov. 93 and have been working on setting my rates. I have read posts here on ASOFT, read articles, and called companies. There are basically two ways of charging: 1) by the hour, or…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 23, 1993 12:23 PM
Thanks for the input everybody. Jack, the file is rather large, but if I can wittle it down to just the one object, I'll zap it over to you. Got it wittled. See file Flicker.Zip in your mail! Thnaks! — James —
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 22, 1993 5:03 PM
It would appear that you beat us to the solution singlehandedly with a dictionary! Can AutoCAD create all of these regular polyhedrons? If so, David's problem becomes only a matter of geometric construction. Also, I recall David mentioning that a Dodecahedron, (12 pentagons) was not sufficiently "busy". Using the Icosahedron…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 22, 1993 5:03 PM
Indeed, as John Tissavary said in his reply, ILM is a tight knit group of individuals — each of which has a particular talent or set of talents. I suppose that if anything can be induced from this, it would be that it takes a mixture of talents to get…
#66977-
Renderfarm Service
Message #67545
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
November 21, 1993 8:11 PM
Strange that you did not get more responses from this one. I think it would be a great service, but you would have a very specific market. As for format support. I expect that you would need to support formats from S-VHS and up to appeal to the largest audience.…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 21, 1993 8:11 PM
PMJI, but I would not expect great results from tracing apps of any sort. Corel Trace would be my choice because of its flexibility — but it is slow, as you say. I think this is one area that would be an excellent application for neural network technology. Unfortunatley, I…
#Flicking Faces
Message #67543
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 21, 1993 8:11 PM
On occasion, I have run across a model that creates flickering faces. I wish I could be more specific, but that is exactly what they are. I single face on a surface will flip from lighter than the surrounding area to darker on a 2 to 4 frame interval. This…
#Non Euclydina Geometry
Message #67280
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 19, 1993 12:15 PM
I have never really examined a 3DS GSPHERE to notice that the faces varied. In that case, you'll have to use an automated algorithm. I'll develope some algorithms, and if I find one I'm happy with I'll post it here.
Non Euclydina Geometry
Message #67279
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 19, 1993 12:15 PM
Todd, I'll play around with a few different algorithms. If I find one I'm happy with I'll post it up here. — James —
#ILM
Message #67278
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 19, 1993 12:15 PM
Aaron, I've been away a few days, but anyway . . . I posted Rosebush's side just to present an opposing point of view. As I said earlier, I feel a person's capacity is driven more by their desire than by other factors. I don't want to get into to…
Thanks for the response, Martin. I may have to follow your advice and go with the PAR to start with and get the rest later. One of the reasons I am trying to get the high end stuff (VTR & ILL Pro) is because I may be working with a…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 15, 1993 8:28 PM
I have been able to duplicate this problem when using the Vibrant driver for the Tseng 4000 with any rez with >256 colors for the Main Display. Not a problem. I don't really need >256 in the Main Display anway. — James —
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 15, 1993 8:28 PM
It just occurred to me that maybe it is a driver itself that is causing the slowdown in rendering instead of the amount of memory it is removing from 640. If, when it grabbs the interrupt, it chews up a bunch of cycles, it could impose a performance degredation.
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 15, 1993 8:28 PM
Well, I can see two alternatives: The automated way: 1) Get out the pencil and paper and develop a formula for finding the various angles, sizes, etc. Then, write a quick script with scriptable software like ACAD that would generate your geometry. The manual/aproximated way: 2) Achieve a close approximation…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 15, 1993 8:28 PM
Thanks Robert & John. I appreciate the feedback.
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 14, 1993 6:44 PM
Aaron, PMJI, but I am feeling an urge to defend the CS/Engineering folk . . . > I remember a few years ago when I > first visited an animation firm here > in Toronto, and they said that "It's > MUCH easier to teach an artist to > use…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 14, 1993 6:44 PM
John, thanks for the input. I am currently subcontracting for a company that has the following setup: Targa + —-RGB———> Mitsubishi 17" | —S-Video—> AG7750 VTR —S-Video—> NTSC Sony This setup works good because I can use windoze on the RGB and edit maps and also see how they look…
Martin, Thanks for your input regarding the PAR vs. MAX. I am swayed to go with the PAR due both to price and to it having Pyros' backing. Do you have any thoughts about software VTR control vs. Diaquest? > gosh! I'm green with envy if you can get all…
Thanks for the info on the Sony UVW-1800. I have a heavy background in computers, but not in video. Provided I get enough backing from some of the large local companies, I hope to build a good setup. I have some questions for you: 1) Do you feel this deck…
Todd, I'll send one out to you right away. Unfortunately, I have recieved your message after USnail hours on Saturday. It probably won't get there until Tuesday at best.
#Non Euclydina Geometry
Message #66451
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 14, 1993 6:43 PM
David, This is a reply to a message that has probably since scrolled — I'm just now getting to it. Your problem was to create a set of cones which meet the following criteria: 1) The cones share a common "tip". 2) The "sides" of the cones are tangent. 3)…
All the world's a stage
Message #66355
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 13, 1993 8:23 PM
If I were in your shoes, I would get drop a line to some of the trade magazines. If they like your story you could get published. This never hurts your career!
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 13, 1993 8:23 PM
I'm with you Jim, keep 3DS out of reach of MS Overhead 3.1, 4.0, and NT. I might go for an OS/2 version though. I run everything, less 3DS, under OS/2 — and that may change if I buy a math co.
#New 3DS3 drivers
Message #66232
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 12, 1993 5:50 PM
How is your system configured for using the MAG. ie frambuffer monitor in dual screen, or one screen for everything? I am looking for a good framebuffer monitor, what inputs does the MAG have?
#Free Comdex Tickets.
Message #66231
I have two of those complementary COMDEX/Fall '93 Tickets, "A $75 Value", that I will not be using. They are good for the following: * Exhibit Floor including Technology Showcases plus LAN LAB. * Keynote Address (based on available seating). * Ceo Perspective (based on available seating). I'm giving them…
#The whole shebang!
Message #66230
Hi all, I am planning on setting up a complete, but small, animation studio for my recently formed company, Mindscape Animation Productions. I already have 3DS, and I am currently subcontracting my work. Anyhow, it looks promising that I will have some key financial backing from various local companies who…
#Sony UVW-1800 BetaCAM SP
Message #66228
I noticed a posting on this VTR a while ago. I have called Sony and requested info, but the person I talked to could not locate any literature specifically on this unit. My understanding is that it has Timecode read/Gen and TBC, and it is priced under $10,000. Can anyone…
Live backgrnd and 3D..
Message #66227
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 12, 1993 5:43 PM
Steven, maybe I can offer an alternate suggestion. It will mean an extra trip through VP, but I think it will be less headache than trial-and-error. Since your floor and background will not usually be the same color, run a VP sequence that alphas the background color against a color…
Exabyte Driver – WOW!!!!
Message #65710
Thanks Martin, thats a good idea. — James —
#Exabyte Driver – WOW!!!!
Message #65075
Hey, Can anyone recommend a dealer who carries the Exabyte 8505, and also where I can get the ASDG driver? — James —
Bill, If the test is proctored, then security is probably not too much of an issue. This is probably the best policy. However, please allow me to play the hacker's advocate. Keep in mind that hackers generally posess greater-than-average intelligence. This means they are not usually affected by the obvious…
VIEWPOINT MESHES
Message #64777
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
November 2, 1993 8:41 PM
Paul, Don't feel bad. I asked for one at SIGGRAPH, and then I called them a week ago to ask again. Its still vaporware here in Michigan. — James —
Globe not turning smooth
Message #64776
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 2, 1993 8:41 PM
I'm jumping in a little late on this one . . . To obtain constant angular velocity, set the Continuity to 0 for all rotate keys for the object. As for your mapping, is your texture slider up over 50 so the map is visible? BTW: make sure your Earth…
DPS PAR
Message #64775
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
November 2, 1993 8:41 PM
Greg, Thanks for offering to send the specs! My FAX is 616-344-0186. BTW, I dug around in my massive product literature file cabinet and found that I did have literature on the Amiga version. I would like the have the finalized PC specs too! — James —
#Drake Like Testing Progr
Message #64454
I am curious about how secure such computer-based tests are . . . About four years ago I took a computer-based computer literacy exam as part of a training program. I scored a 95/100 on the test. Just to be a show off, I used a hex editor to change…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
October 31, 1993 11:59 AM
Thanks, Martin. — I'll put a PM Alarm up to tell me to check with G.P.
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
October 31, 1993 11:59 AM
Not going to go for the double dongle offer being "dangled" by Crystal? (Say that really fast ten times.) I have decided that Topas is worth $750. I hear the offer has been extended until Nov. 12th or so. Still, 3DS is my right arm. Topas is my right pinky…
#64202-
Exabyte Driver – WOW!!!!
Message #64449
Thanks. Yes, that helps my understanding of how it works!
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
October 31, 1993 11:58 AM
Tim, fortunately for you it is the fall/winter season. I would recommend that you take the "Disney" approach to your wind problem. At Disney (and many others) they videotape complex actions that they need their animators to duplicate. If you have even a basic camcorder (or rent one) you could…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
October 29, 1993 10:26 PM
I seem to recall a similar problem I ran into a while back. I was using project files since I tend to work on several jobs at once. Because of this, I keep separate map paths for each project. I can do this easily *without* changing my 3DS.SET file. Before…
#DPS PAR
Message #64197
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· Autodesk 3D Studio
October 29, 1993 5:54 PM
Martin, I am unfamiliar with the DPS PAR. Could you tell me what the acronyms stand for and where I could get some literature on this wonderful thing? — James —
#3DS vs. Topas
Message #64196
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
October 29, 1993 5:54 PM
" But why are you comparing 3dsr2 to Topas 4.2? Yep, I have to agree. Comparing shipping versions is a valid means of comparison, since life in the real world doesn't wait for the competition to catch up. Probably my biggest reason for comparing R2 with T4.2 was because those…
#Exabyte Driver – WOW!!!!
Message #64195
Suresh, Is that data written with this utility still Abekas compatible? For example, could I use this utility to do my rendering/rotoscoping (like you proposed), and then take the finish set of files, as written, to the Abekas DDR. Or, would I need to somehow transfer these finished files to…
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
October 26, 1993 12:27 PM
Continued from my posts RE: 3DS vs. Topas #63165 – Camera manipulation in Topas is very different from than in 3DS and most CAD apps. In Topas, the camera interface is designed to represent that of a real camera. Hence, it is easy to get lost in 3D space. The…
#62884-
3DS vs. Topas
Message #63165
From:
James Coulter[Mindscape]
Autodesk Software Forum
· What's New/Want Ads
October 24, 1993 9:58 PM
I would like "second" your posts, Don, per your comparison of 3DSr2 vs Topas r4.2. I have recently purchased my own copy of 3DSr2 (via free r3 upgrage promo), although I have used 3DS extensively in the past years at WMU. Since graduation I have subcontracted for a tiny company…
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