PC Animation
I've recently looked at several 3D rendering packages in the market.
My docs are at work, but I've seen demos from Caligari TrueSpace 3D.
It's Windows based and features a very intuitive interface with quick
rendering times. The cameras are placed similar to Lightwave 3D
(Video Toaster fame and now standalone and multiplatform). I've also
looked at a Windows demo of MacroModel. It seemed a little tougher to
use but still Windows based. DOS offered 3D studio of course…also
Crystal Topas Pro which appears very good, but it does not enjoy the
3rd party support as 3D Studio does. All in all, I really liked the
Windows packages, especially TrueSpace. The projects that we were
developing however, were too limited to justify a true 3D rendering
package. I ended up scaling back to a pseudo-3D package . We've had
Typestry from Pixar for quite a while. It's interface is is desparate
need of enhancement and I guess they will upgrade it when the next
version comes out. Unfortunately it is late since July. There is also
Flying Fonts from Topas that supports AI format (Illustrator and
Corel) importing and has an impressive list of features. Today I
ordered a package from Virtual Reality (I forget the name of the
product…-something-3D). It had some cool capabilities, plus a 1000
texture CD for $100. Gotta love it 😉 jim