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Autodesk Multimedia Forum · Autodesk 3D Studio

#Exploding Logos

9 messages in this thread

#185594From: Bruce WaterfieldAug 17, 1995 9:35 AM

I have been working on a logo for a client that needs to fly towards the camera and explode. I have the Yost Group Explode IPAS as well as the explode volume IPAS from Schreiber. The problem is, however, that this logo is going to be keyed over live video, so I need to have all the exploding fragments have animated mattes that follow their movements. Has anyone worked through a similar project or have any suggestions? thanks- Bruce

#185612From: Mike KelleyAug 17, 1995 11:41 AM

>I need to have all the exploding fragments have animated mattes that follow their movements. Well, I may be crazy (a secondary issue) but since 3DS will generate alpha information and write the alpha files out separately, this should be as straightforward as simply getting your animation the way you want it and rendering it to TGAs.

#185613From: Craig NeubauerAug 17, 1995 11:50 AM

Bruce, I've rendered out using both Yost Group and Schreiber explode IPAS's with Alpha split on and that works. You'll have to render to TGAs on your hard drive and not to a PAR board if that's what you're using as the PAR does not except Alpha (32 bit) files. Craig

#186517From: Andrew SinagraAug 22, 1995 10:49 AM

Craig, >> as the PAR does not except Alpha (32 bit) files. The PAR does except Alpha (32 bit) files. You just need to adjust the Input Buffer Size. If you have an image that is 752×480 and is 32-bit you need to unload your PARDRV, then reload using the line C:\DPS_PAR\PARDRV /B:1500. This will give you the space you need to import files containing Alpha info. Andrew Sinagra Digital Art & Motion

#186573From: Craig NeubauerAug 22, 1995 12:59 PM

Andrew, But it doesn't maintain the alpha info right? Craig.

#186646From: Andrew SinagraAug 22, 1995 5:48 PM

Craig, >>But it doesn't maintain the alpha info right? As far as I know it does. I have done this before without a hitch. Andrew Sinagra Digital Art & Motion

#186750From: Craig NeubauerAug 23, 1995 7:39 AM

Andrew, I had forgotten about the fact you can initially send 32 bit files to the PAR board by adjusting the buffer – you're right about that. However, on page 62 of the PAR manual it reads – "…PAR does not actually process the Alpha channel in a 32-bit file. Nor does it process any pixels beyond a 752 x 480 scan. These are simply discarded by the PAR during input conversion. I had to check on that myself as I remember shortly after getting the PAR, retreiving an image from the PAR that I originally sent as 32 bit into Photo- Shop and the Alpha channel was gone. Thanks for reminding me about that. Craig

#186804From: Andrew SinagraAug 23, 1995 10:58 AM

Craig, >>Thanks for reminding me about that. No problem. Andrew

#186768From: Ted BoardmanAug 23, 1995 9:01 AM

Craig Because the PAR converts the images to a JPG form, the result is lost Alpha, but the "effect" of the Alpha channel has been retained, i.e., compositing with Alpha in VP. You can't convert from .ani back to 32bit .tga -Ted Boardman