#scripting
13 messages in this thread
Dear Guys at Impulse,
I'm trying to decide which 3d software system to purchase for the PC,
and I have a few questions. 1. Are there any plans to allow
scripting hooks for animation? I.e., being able to write a script in
text format to essentially program the Stage/Action/Project editors.
A similar question would be: are there plans to put in hooks so
people can write more detailed modules not already covered in the
program such as physics, etc.? 2. Will the next version of
Imagine have a more friendly interface for the PC? The current
version I've seen is somewhat hostile to PC users. 3. Will there
be an Imagine Companion for 3.0, and will it cover the various
options for getting an Imagine animation to tape? 4. Not a
question… a comment! I have a friend who owns Imagine 3.0, and
after playing with it, I am very impressed with all the capabilities
of you product. I'm close to plunking down my dollars for one of
these programs, but I really would like to know if Impulse is going to
make the PC version suffer to remain compatable with Amiga version.
In other words… sell me, give me your best pitch. I'm already
familiar with Imagine's capabilities, but where is the company going?
I'm not making platform judgements here, but in my own (enlightened?)
self interest, I need to know this company is committed to the PC
product. And lets face it, one of the important attributes of the
current successful 3d products (Lightwave, Autodesk) is an open
architecture, to allow for customization.
I look forward to a reply (if anyone over there has the time!). Thanks, AD
Adam,
I dont think the Imagine interface is hostile, it is just different.
ITs not windows and its not clunky dos. It is this way for one reason, 10s of
thousands of AMiga users may someday want to buy a PC and then they will want
not to learn again things that they already know how to use. So we opted to
make it easy for them.
If you have ever used 3DS you would find it in many ways just like
IMagine except thousands of $$ less.
There are other programs that have spent all of the time they have on
interface, and then when it gets to the down and dirty of doing the job, they
fall apart. The Imagine interface is the way it is until Windows 4.0 with 32
bit addressing is reay for all to use. Then we have something different in
store.
When are true feature by feature comparisson is made among all of the
3D products, you will find Imagine at the top and in most cases leading the
pack.
The main difference is this, we have free teck support, we dont charge
an arm and a leg for upgrades and (big sales pitch) we are nice people. We
also listen to what people want and we do our best to make sure those features
are in the code so they can do what they want to do. We would love to have
your business and hope that you can soon become an Imagine user. In any event,
have fun and make some great pics for all of us to enjoy.
Mike
>>If you have ever used 3DS you would find it in many ways just like IMagine
except thousands of $$ less
You mean Imagine cost thousands of dollars_more_than 3ds!!!!???? Sorry,
couldn't resist ;^).
John Stetzer
JWS
John
Yes for you thousands more, but we will also send a new car to drive it
around in with a pentium to go along.
:.>'
mike
As for scripting, I talked to John Greiggs the other day and his Imagine
Staging Language (ISL) for 3.0 should be ready soon. It allows you to write
scripts that are then compiled into Imagine staging files. I've used it for
doing particle simulations and animations with large numbers of objects, and
it's great.
Jim Shields
Regal Rodent Development
Great! I would love to hear details about this scripting language. Off the
bat it sounds like one of the things I'm looking for in Imagine. AD
>>Yes for you thousands more, but we will also send a new car to drive it
around in with a pentium to go along.
:^). (but no Yugos)
John Stetzer
JWS
Thank you for a nice reply. It was a bit generic though… I fully
realize that price/feature-wise, you guys are ahead of the pack. I
disagree with your description of the interface (I do find it less
than adequate, but perhaps hostile was a bit strong), but I can
appreciate that you are trying to please two camps. I guess my
problem is that I'm not a member of the other camp! Although, I did
own an A1000 years ago…
Anyway, what does the future hold? Are hooks into the system planned?
I'm a developer to, so believe me I take these things with a grain of
salt, but if you could hint as to what is coming up that would be
great.
In closing, I hope I have been clear that I am only looking to find
out what would be best for me to purchase. I have no axe to grind
with Impulse, It's just that you are front runner in my search, so
you get the attention. I wish you
success, thanks, AD
Adam
No offense in your comment, but hostile indicates that the software
does not somehow run properly. Interface design is an art in and of itself, we
have spent less time with the overall pretty stuff and more on the meat of the
matter.
We render faster, better and with more options than others, of course
this comment would be up for grabs as you talk with others.
As for hooks into the system we are doing that now, things like IPAS
routines might work in the future….Also we welcome third party input.
Have fun in your journey, it will be a tough one.
MIke
Thanks Mike, I think hostile was a bit strong (didn't I already retract that
word? <g>) And I think it's great you take the time to share stuff with
someone who is not even an owner of your product. Between you and the
Lightwave guys, I am quivering with indecision, though frankly your price
advantage is significant when coupled with the fact the Lightwave PC isn't out
yet. Preparing to slog road, AD
I've been doing this 3D thing for several years now, and went through
the classic "Lightwave or Imagine" quandry a few years ago. Both
programs are good for a lot of things, but I think I made the right
decision in putting most of my resources into Imagine. IMHO, you
just get better value and service from Impulse. I hear people bitch
about Impulse's tech support line, but I've found it to be quick and
definitive (and free, that's a big consideration). They seem to be
able to answer my questions pretty much right away; sometimes it's
not the answer I would have wanted to hear, but hey, life's like that.
Stick with Imagine.
Jim,
I certainly would not have a problem with their tech support (I do
that myself), and I'm glad to hear they're responsive. After reading
about some of the future plans Mike mentioned, I've got a tough
choice ahead. Thanks for the testamonial.
BTW, anyone seen the promotional video from Alladin? I can't
understand why they put together what is basically a Toaster (give or
take) for the PC, and then sell it for more than twice as
much?! AD
We also have some other factors that Newtek does not.
Faster rendering…. very important.
Low cost upgrades on a regular basis
Free tech support that you can acutally use here and by phone
no need to have, Windows NT lots of memory and
Well enough bashing, if that is what this is, we would like your
business
so why dont you place your order to day so that we can get you Imagine and you
can start doing some great stuff.
IN any event, thanks for all of your intrest.