CompuServe Messages

Hi Steve! Well, get ready for the list……. The first thing you will need in addition to the EVO-9650 is an animation controller. I was browsing through the current issue of New Media magazine at a store and noticed that it reviewed several of them. I purchased a Diaquest DQ-422+ (cost around $2400.00), which is directly supported by 3D Studio. If you want to do frame-accurate video capture with the Diaquest, I also recommend the Action Animator hardware/software option (cost $695). This will allow you to do rotoscoping. Secondly, you'd probably need a full-color graphics board with frame buffer, such as the Targa+ or better. Costs of those will probably run $2K or more. Another item that I would definitely recommend is an NTSC monitor so that you can check what your colors will look like on tape as you develop instead of getting surprises after the video is rendered. An example is the Sony PVM-1342Q, which runs about $1150. If you want to add music or sound effects, you might also want to consider a good sound board. The Turtle Beach Multisound was my choice because it has an on-board synthesizer and can record sound in true CD-quality. It is primarily a Windows-based board, though. Lists for $599. And don't forget the cables! The book mentioned in this thread (AutoCad 3D Design and Presentation) goes through several levels of hardware and software recommendations. I'll extend my compliments to the authors of this book, too. It's very good! Good luck in your search! I'm sure you may also get recommendations for other items, but this setup worked flawlessly with 3D Studio, since it was all included in the program with built-in support. Denise