CompuServe Thread

Does anyone know of an excellent add-on package to use for architectural renderings in 3D Sudio? I need to have nice real life textures and ray traced shadows. The WCT CD-Rom that comes with 3DS doesn't cut it. HELP!

>> The WCT CD-Rom that comes with 3DS doesn't cut it. HELP! << Umeadi Do you need more variety of textures or are the textures not looking good in your scenes? The raytraced shadows in 3DS work fine, but maybe you need a Plug-in like Rayman to get raytraced rendering of materials? Give us more detail on the problems and we'll see how we can help. -Ted Boardman

Umeadi, >> excellent add-on package to use for architectural renderings in 3D Sudio? One of the nicest sources I've seen is the Blocks and Materials CD from Ketiv at ~$195. Ph. 503-252-3668 John

John: I'll second your opinion, Blocks and Materials is very useful. I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention the new Autodesk 3D Props CD's, one for residential and one for commercial. Also, Sydesis Corp's 3D ROM's vol I and II are chock full of goodies but not quite as focused on architectural use. – Bob Ritger

Umeadi, As others have said, Blocks and Materials is good. You may also be interested in Model Mongers, Interiors 1 FotoReal. It's has some pretty good hi-res meshes. Model Masters LLC, markets this one. They also have an online service that you can buy models by the piece for $5. Terry

Hi Ted, Thanks for the quick response. Well, my problem is that I sometimes get blurred rendered images that get even blurrier when I output to my Epson color ink jet. I feel the bitmaps are too small. For instance, I when I apply a brick texture on a 100' long wall, I get a lot of pixellation and tiling. Would I be better off with some SXP package, or an add-on with large bitmaps that focuses more on architectural applications? Furthermore I would like to create scenes with dramatic and transparent shadows. What's this Rayman plug-in and how much is it? Thanks. Umeadi.

Hi Bob, Thanks for getting back to me quickly. I do have the Ketiv Blocks and materials, but they are still a little limited as far as size and variety of bitmaps for strictly architectural application. I get a lot of pixelation when rendering a 100 ft wall for instance. Your reference to the Autodesk 3D Props CD's has got me realy interested. Seems worth exploring. Do you know how much they are? Thanks, Umeadi

Robert, I also have Blocks and Materials, but ran into a little glitch. When I try to install the materials libraries it doesn't seem to want to except 4 as a version of 3DS. Did you have this same problem? Know how to fix it? Thanks, Terry

Robert, >> architectural use For interiors, also check out the new Interior Designer from 4D Vision; 'some of the best furniture I've ever seen! They've also got Home Designer coming out in the near future. John

Robert, Nevermind on that version thing, I got it just using 3. Terry PS: Someone was hoping they wouldn't get to be known as the forum idiot a few weeks ago. Who ever you are, fear not, I still have a pretty good lock on that title.

John: I was digging in a desk drawer today and found a demo disk from 4D Vision which I have yet to check out. I got it at SIGGRAPH. I don't know if it has any info on their furniture offerings but now that you mention it I'll have to check it out. An excellent resource for furniture is often the manufacturer themselves. I have a CD worth of stuff from Herman Miller and several floppies worth of stuff from Steelcase. – Bob Ritger

We have 15 SXP's for sale if your interested I'll private Email you. Mike White [SDP]

PMJI: RayMan is the 3DS raytracer. You should search the libs for files with the keyword RAYMAN. I think you`ll like the softshadows of Rayman… RayMan 1.5 will be available in about three weeks and costs 399 US$. It`s available from VisArt, Germany (Fax: 49 208 85738-24, Phone: 49 208 85738-0). Michael

Umeadi It looks like you've gotten some good info from others on maps. Reread the 3DSr4 manual sections on map filtering 7-183, 9-50 and the section on Pixel size on page 7-213. I also use Kodak CD-ROM images taken with a 35mm camera to create my own maps. It's about 75 cents per picture and comes in five resolutions up to about 3000×2000. Good luck -Ted Boardman

Umeadi: I don't have the price handy for the 3D Props CD's. Maybe an Autodesk rep could pop in here and give us the list prices. – Bob Ritger

mike could you also include me for a mail out of sxp's…Gary

John Sounds as if you own the Ketiv CD….. does the collection include a 3ds mesh for a high wing light plane(such as a Cessna)? I thought there was one shown as part of the magazine ad? Any help is appreciated

Terry Do you happen to have the # for Model Master's on-line service? Gary

Gary, Model Masters, L.L.C. 420 Frontage Rd. Northfield Il 60093 Tel (708) 446-9762 Fax (708) 446-8320 Ord (800) 306-6357 There ya go. Terry

"Autodesk 3D Props CD's …Do you know how much they are?" There's a special introductory offer which expires Oct 31: $149 each title (regularly $50 more each). There are 2 titles: a CD with Residential props, and another 3D Props called "Commercial". They're offering both for $249. FAX: 800/626-6252 Voice: 800/225-6106. I'm not sure you can get the brochure in time to help make your decision, although you might ask to have something faxed to you. They are pretty good quality models for the price. If they have what you need, I'd get them. Nik

Gary, Blocks and Materials has numerous aircraft including a Cessna 172 and a Piper Cub, both high wingers. Others include Super King Air, 747, 737, Falcon 20, C-130, SeeBee Amphibian, C172 Sea Plane, Bell Jet Ranger and AH-64 Apache. Terry

<<<could you also include me for a mail out of sxp's…Gary>>> It's out tonight Mike

Popping in: Autodesk's 3D Props Residential or Commercial are list @ $199 each, with Autodesk introducing them at $149 each or $249 for both (all current list pricing). Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates

Nik: Thanks for jumping in with all of that info. – Bob Ritger

Mike, I'm interested too… – Steve Ormonde

<<<I'm interested too…>>> The info on it's way. Mike

"Thanks for jumping in with all of that info." Hey, – you're welcome!

Hi mike, sorry for butting in, but i'm interested in any sxp's as well, could you include me in the list? thanks -Peter Dunn