#Help me understand…
6 messages in this thread
Well, have done some looking around, and even got the brochures from my local
reseller on 3DS, and you know what? I'm still confused.
So, lets try it like this:
I currently am familiar with Caligari's trueSpace (demo), and a registered
owner/operator of Visual Software's Visual Reality product. I understand
(pretty much) what I can do in those products. What can I do in 3DS that I
can't with those? What are the 3DS features I'm currently missing?
To the extent it matters, am creating 3D animations for inclusion in our SF
magazine, though I hope to branch out into some more ambitious projects soon. I
don't mind (much) spending 10 times as much on 3DS as on my current setup – IF
I can figure out what the extra $$$ will be helping me do.
Thanks again,
Ewan Grantham
grantham@MR.Net or 74123,2232
Editor of RADIUS – A Magazine of Future Fiction and Fact
Ewan Grantham & Associates "Innovation in Information"
Hi Ewan,
<< What are the 3DS features I'm currently missing? >>
That's a big question. To help answer it, I would suggest browsing all of the
demo IPAS routines found in the IPAS Usage section of the lib. You may want to
browse the animations that are found in the Scripts section of the lib by "Ed
Kellerman". Also, review the following files..
File Info for R4FEAT.TXT
Section: Autodesk 3D Studio Contributor: 73172,1351 Size: 10173
Submitted: 10/31/94 Type: Text Accesses: 391
Title: 3DSr4 feature list
Keys: AUTODESK 3DS 3D STUDIO RELEASE 4 R4 FEATURES
Autodesk's 3D Studio Release 4 Feature List.
File Info for 3DSR3.TXT
Section: Autodesk 3D Studio Contributor: 76702,413 Size: 20065
Submitted: 8/9/93 Type: Text Accesses: 640
Title: New Features List for Autodesk 3D Studio R3.
Keys: NEW FEATURES LIST AUTODESK 3D STUDIO RELEASE 3
This on-line readable text file is a synopsis of most of the new features in
Autodesk
3D Studio Release 3.
(approximately 10 pages long)
File Info for 3DSNEW.TXT
Section: Autodesk 3D Studio Contributor: 76702,413 Size: 15670
Submitted: 3/18/92 Type: Text Accesses: 339
Title: A Partial list of new features in 3D Studio 2.0
Keys: 3DS STUDIO VERSION 2 NEW FEATURE LIST YOST 10608
Gary Yost's multi-message list of new features in 3D Studio version 2. Includes
a
partial listing of 3D scenes in the CD-ROM World Creating Toolkit and new
texture
maps. . .(Approximate download time at 2400 baud using CIS B: 1:00) . .(Note:
This
file replaces the file 3DS2FE.ZIP that was uploaded previously) . .(An ASCII
file;
read online, capture to a file or download with a protocol)
jonas[adesk]
>> Also, review the following files.. <<
I'll be honest, I DL'd those files earlier, and I'll be danged if I understand
half the features that were being discussed. Part of this is because I think
the files were aimed at folks who were already familiar with the product, and
part of it is that some of the terminology seems specific to the product.
Got a "little" better picture from the review in InfoWorld this week, but
would still love a little checklist of features comparing VS, Caligari, and
3DS. ANy place I could find such a thing?
Thanks,
Ewan Grantham
grantham@MR.Net or 74123,2232
Editor of RADIUS – A Magazine of Future Fiction and Fact
Ewan Grantham & Associates "Innovation in Information"
My advice is to consider other factors besides the features list. I
have worked extensivly with perhaps the most feature laden program on
PCs, Real 3d, and I gave it up instantly when I got my hands on the
more expensive 3ds.
ease of use— 3ds is incredibly deep and complex but easy ot work in.
You can get results quickly and improve those results as you learn
the details.
rock solid—3ds is very stable
plug ins and scripts— the large installed base results in lots of
folks writing for 3ds. Even very useful freeware in libs.
this forum— an ongoing education plus rapid help
I would say that if you cant afford 3ds plus some plug ins then there are
other good products to consider. My experience has been that my time and effort
(and frustration if I spent too little on an inadequate solution that i have to
live with) cost me more than the $ it costs to get the best solution. BTW I
have Real3d v.2.42 for sale.
Ed
Hi Ewan,
<< Any place I could find such a thing? >>
Hm… If you can get your hands on the Jan and Feb issues of Morphs
Outpost, you'll get a good review of why and what the open
architecture means to 3ds users. I believe the March issue of
Computer Graphics World is also focusing on 3DS this month… I don't
know where else to direct you at this time.
If you call Autodesk's main customer service number 1-800-538-6401,
you should be able to order literature and calling 1-800-964-6432
will get you dealer referral, which will help you locate a multimedia
dealer in your area.
to explain fully would try my typing patience. so i would really like you to
call me instead. in five minute of talking i can tell you the stuff you need to
know vs. 20 min. typing.
sherwood animations 818 879-1668
or you can just take my advise and get 3ds, either one , i'm just sitting here
waiting for stuff to finish rendering over the next two days, so i can answer a
few questions. actually let open the phone lines jack! ya thats it a melinda
lee 3ds talk hour on kabc talk radio! resipes for 3ds! formulas that work! talk
to the experts !
actually what should happen would be a weekly conference that featured such
people as Greg Piros, Martin Foster, and the like, and open it up to question
and answer in this forum. or to start every monday night at seven i will be in
the conference room waiting for questions!
or just dial the number i a mutant …. eeek … wisss … sappp iiii. 3ds
user. yes i admit it …. i am … a …. user…. i'M TELLING YOU DR. YOST I
NEED 3DS I…. I …. NEED … to render it makes me happy.