Stefe,
Larry's response isn't entirely correct. To work around the
255-material limit in 3DS, start using .IFL files or other animated textures.
This still limits your settings regarding Diffuse, Ambient, Specular lighting,
etc., although you can use different textures, bumps, opacity maps and mapping
coordinates.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
You could always render separate PRJ files to frames with the forethought of
compositing them in VP. It's a lot of hassle, but it works. Optionally, you
could be more elaborate in your material creation: Combine multiple maps into
a single material, etc. Either way you're in for some effort.
— James — Choreo Motion —