#So.. WHAT and WHEN ??
Pete,
Yeah $2500 for a VGA based rendering system is quite steep amount, especially
if you have to spend another couple thousand getting a program written with it.
Sense8 has announced a version of their WTK for VGA systems that will
supposively sell for less than $1000. However, it isnt a product yet, and it is
also a programming library.
For complete VR systems, there are a couple choices right now:
VREAM – $1500 for beta version. Runs on PC's with VGA display. Complete system
including modeler, world scripting, and playback (also imports some forms of
DXF files). Runtime only licenses available for various I/O devices at various
prices.
VR Studio approx $50.00 at the local sw store. This isnt immersive VR with
face-suckers and gloves, but it is a decent low cost entry. Complete with
modeler and playback. Runtime systems are free. There are a number of such
worlds available over in GraphDev Forum Lib 11. (look'em up in Dev11.cat)
Rend386 – copyrighted freeware. runtime is Demo4.zip in GraphDev Lib 11 (VR
Tech), source code is Devel4.zip. Crude relative to other products listed here.
No modeler, tough world scripting, code is cryptic, but the price is right <g>.
The GraphDev Forum is home to two VR message and library sections, as well as a
homebrew VR development effort. You and others might find WHATVR.ZIP in lib 10
an interesting introduction to VR. Its a draft right now, final due out next
month.
Jerry Isdale