Avalon - 3D Objects & Resources/Avalon.iso/faqs/3ds_142.faq

Text File | 1995-01-01 | 133KB | 3,098 lines

                    3D Studio Listserv FAQ version 1.4.2
                    ------------------------------------

                    changes, suggestions, and additions
                    should be mailed to [e-mail]

Disclaimer :
All copyrights and trademarks are held by their respective companies.
Products mentioned are not necessarily endorsed.  This FAQ may, and should be
freely distributed (no charges should be made or fees taken for use or
viewing of this document).

FAQ History
--- -------
  v0.5    First post to list, partially complete.
  v0.6    Spelling corrections.
  v0.7    Additions from Jim Lammers, et al.
  v1.0    Released February 1, 1995 to Listserv.
  v1.1    Released February 27, 1995 to Listserv.
  v1.3.1  Released March 13, 1995 to Listserv.
  v1.3.2  Released March 27, 1995 to avalon.
  v1.4.1  Released April 10, 1995 to avalon.
  v1.4.2  Released April 24, 1995 to avalon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dates for future releases
----- --- ------ --------

  (every other monday, unless otherwise specified)

    May  8, 1995
    May 22, 1995
    June 5, 1995
    June 19, 1995
    July 3, 1995
    July 17, 1995
    July 31, 1995
    August 14, 1995
    August 28, 1995


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                Contents


   I. FAQ info
   II. What is 3D Studio
  III. The Listserv

    1. Definitions used on the list and in the FAQ.
       A. Inverse Kinematics
       B. IPAS
       C. Field Rendering
       D. Gamma Correction
       E. Alpha Channel
       F. Aspect Ratio
       G. Radiosity

    2. List of 3DS-related books/magazines
       A. Books
          a. Inside 3D Studio Release 3
          b. 3D Studio Special Effects
          c. 3D Studio Tips & Tricks Series
          d. Fallingwater in 3D Studio

       B. Magazines
          a. Computer Graphics World
          b. Computer Artist
          c. PC Graphics and Video
          d. NewMedia
          e. Pixel Vision
          f. 3D Artist
          g. Computer Animators News
          h. Planet Studio

    3. Output Methods
       A. Single Frame Output
       B. Disk recording technology
          a. DPS PAR
*         b. Matrox animation eXpress (MAX)
*         c. FAST VideoMachine Non-Linear
*      C. Film Output
          a. Slides, 16mm, 35mm
*      D. Printed output, transparencies


    4. Educational Purchasing Information
       A. Authorized Resellers

    5. Computer Animation Schools

    6. Rendering Engine Information
*      A. Scanline renderer
       B. Z-Buffer/A-Buffer
          a. Getting Z-Buffer information

    7. IPAS
       A. IPAS Programming
          a. IPAS Development Kit (SDK)
          b. Compatible Compilers
*         c. Dialog Editor (3DE#..ZIP)
       B. Companies that make IPASs
*         a. Yost Group
          b. Pyros Pictures, Inc.
*         c. POINTER
          d. Digimation, Inc.
          e. Schreiber Instruments, Inc.
          f. Animagic
          g. Keyscript Co-Op
          h. Animetix Technologies, Inc.

+   8. 3DS sources
       A. FTP Sources
       B. Bulletin Board Systems
          a. The Rendering Plant BBS
          b. Other BBSs
       C. Web Sites

    9. Graphics Viewers/converters/utilities
       A. CShow
*      B. Graphics Workshop
       C. Display
 !     D. Qpeg
       E. Image Alchemy
*      F. to/from RIB
 !     G. to POV
*      H. to/from DEM
       I. DTA (Dave's Targa Animator)
       J. DFV (Dave's Flic Viewer)
*      K. Importing from ACAD tips
       L. GDS

   10. Using Operating Systems other than DOS
       A. Windows 3.x
       B. Windows NT
       C. OS/2

   11. Related Lists and Newsgroups
+      A. Lists
+      B. Newsgroups

   12. Other related products
       A. Liquid Speed (r3)
       B. Smacker
       C. Fractint
+      D. Vivid

+  13. Contacts/Phone Numbers at Autodesk

+  14. Listserv Users

+  15. Autodesk press releases
 !     A. 4/10/1995  Autodesk Market Share Increases 50%
 !     B. 4/10/1995  Windows NT Direction for 3DS Announced
       B. 3/1/1995   3DS SGI Renderer Avalible
       C. 11/1/1994  Cyberspace Dev. Kit Grant Program
       D. 9/20/1994  Autodesk Ships 3DStudio Release 4

+  16. 3DS Version Feature Lists
       A. Release 4

*  17. Common Problems
       A. Invalid Normal Array
       B. Randomly Exploding Meshes
       C. Listserv Piracy Discussions

   18. Tips, Trics and Miscellaneous
       A. File format information
       B. Saving the 3DS screen
 !     C. Using Corel Draw and 3DS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

---
---I.  FAQ Info
---

       This FAQ was assembled (I say assembled, rather than created,
       because I did not do this alone) by Eric Vitiello Jr.
       ([e-mail]).  The thought of having a FAQ for the 3D Studio
       Listserv has been floating around for as long as I can remember.
       I decided it was time to make one.

       This may not have everything in it (and if there is something you
       want to add, mail it to me), but I believe it is a good shot at it.
       I've attempted to cover all areas and, hopefully, it will serve its
       purpose.  I've tried to credit those who sent in information, and
       quote them as well as possible.  If you feel that you were misquoted,
       or need credit, mail me and I'll be glad to fix it.  This FAQ is here
       for you - the 3D Studio user - and I'd like to make it the best.  Also,
       if you are quoted in here and would rather not be, mail me and I can
       replace your name with another source.  I would also like comments on
       the layout and general look and feel of the FAQ.  If you know of a
       better way to lay it out (i.e., more readable), tell me.

       In the FAQ, some conventions have been used:

       -- Version Naming:

       1.1.1
       ^ ^ ^
       | | +---Number of release for the month
       | +-----Month of year/Issue number
       +-------Volume number


       -- before the title in the contents :

       * I have no information, need information to complete section.
       + I would like additional information on this item.
       ! An item which has been added or changed since the last revision.

       -- miscelaneous

       3D Studio is sometimes referred to as 3DS.

       avalon usually referrs to the Internet FTP site avalon.vislab.navy.mil

---
---II.  What is 3D Studio
---

        3D Studio is a 3D modeling, rendering and animation package from the
        makers of AutoCAD, Autodesk, Inc.  The software runs on the
        IBM/compatible platform.  The 3D Studio software allows users to
        create three-dimensional, photo-realistic images for a variety of
        purposes.

        (taken from the welcome message on the listserv)


---
---III. The Listserv
---

        The listserv itself is sponsored by Autodesk.

        To subscribe to the list, send mail to [e-mail].  In
        the BODY of the mail, put the line:

        Subscribe 3dstudio <address>

        The <address> section is optional, and should not include the <>.
        To unsubscribe from the list, mail to [e-mail], with:

        Unsubscribe 3dstudio <address>

        in the BODY.  The subject lines are not checked, and do not have to
        exist. Posting to the list is done by sending mail to
        [e-mail].


---
---1.  Definitions Used on the list and in the FAQ.
---
 --
 --A.  IK (Inverse Kinematics)
 --
       Well, a great source of info on Inverse Kinematics is...yourself.
       Especially those parts of yourself hanging from your shoulders. IK
       is the process of defining a structure; a skeleton, for example. The
       joints of the structure have various attributes and limits - so your
       elbow only rotates on one axis, about 150 degrees. Your shoulder can
       rotate in all three axes. Without IK, you can define a hierarchical
       structure, but in order to move a hand you would need to rotate
       the shoulder then the elbow, then the hand. Otherwise, the hand would
       just move away from the wrist. With IK, the limits are defined for each
       joint, as is a sort of "tense limit" at the ends of the range of each
       rotation - you can bend your wrist down easily to a point, after that
       there is some tension, then pain. Also, some joints are more easily
       moveable than others, so the IK module has a "precedence order"
       so the wrist might be more likely to rotate than your much heavier
       upper arm and shoulder. ([e-mail])


 --
 --B.  IPAS
 --


       IPAS routines are 'plug-in' routines for 3DStudio.  They come in a
       variety of flavors:

       IXP   Image Processing external process (like Stars). Accessed in
       -     Keyframer Video Post. Acts on images after rendering. These can
             be thought of as intelligent 2-D processes. They act like a paint
             program that knows what to paint, and where after the frame has
             been rendered. Glowing rockets and blinding lens flares are
             animated using IXPs.

       PXP   Modeling External program, (like Silicon Garden). This external
       -     system allows third parties to write programs that make objects
             or object modifications externally and then put the results back
             into 3DS. Try using Ripple or Wave to get the idea of the
             seamless integration.

       AXP   Animated Stand-In Object external process (like Tornado).
       -     Accessed in Modify Object Attributes. These are quite unique in
             that they allow a dummy object (like a cube) to be used for the
             animation of a more complex thing, usually a particle system.
             Tornados, rain, snow, fire and other tough-to-animate things can
             be tackled this way.

       SXP   Surface procedural routine (like Dents). Accessed in Materials
       -     editor in Texture Map or Bump Map filename. They exist because
             sometimes mapping a 2D image over a 3D object looks unacceptable
             (lots of streakiness over areas perpendicular to the mapping
             normal). SXP's are procedural textures. When invoked, the surface
             color or surface normal is created with a formula that is truly
             three-dimensional, rather than just wrapping an object with a 2D
             picture. They use the 3D coordinates and a mathematical algorithm
             to procedurally create the color or "bumpiness" of the object they
             are applied to. Often, a much more realistic image can result from
             effective use of SXPs.

       BXP   Bitmap xeternal process (like Checker). With the advent of release 3,
       -     a new IPAS type was introduced.  This type allows third parties to
             create new types of files.  The sample BXP included with release
             three allows you to create a .CHK file, creating a simple checker
             pattern.

       KXP   This is another new type of IPAS with release 3. The KXP IPAS is
       -     invoked only in the keyframer, and it allows keys to be altered
             or created. Typical applications include physics, fractal motion
             (for jittery objects) and other complex keyframing jobs. Release 4
             included a very exciting KXP called SCRIPT.KXP that allows any
             user to write their own KXP IPAS directly from within 3D Studio.

             (unknown author, additions by [e-mail])


 --
 --C.  Field Rendering
 --

       ...field rendering takes into account the fact that NTSC screens
       actually display 60 fields per second, not really 30 frames per second.
       Field rendering takes this into account, allowing you much smoother
       motion.  The human eye can differentiate up to about 48 frames per
       second, so going from 30 to 60 is a major improvement.

       Tape output and PAR output both can take advantage of this - just
       don't turn it on for computer flic playback!  ([e-mail])

         NTSC and PAL television systems both use interlaced monitors. This
       means that each frame you see on the screen consists of two fields.
       Both fields contain half of the scanlines (vertical lines that contain
       the colour information) a complete frame has. One field has the even
       and the other has the odd scanlines of a complete frame.
         The television screen shows each frame one field at a time, which
       effectively doubles the refresh rate of the screen. NTSC systems show
       60 fields (30 frames) and PAL systems show 50 fields (25 frames) per
       second.
         3D Studio takes advantage of this fact. If you turn on the field
       rendering, for each frame, 3DS first renders half of the scanlines, then
       does all pre-rendering processing again (moving objects etc) and then
       renders the other half of the scanlines, ie, the other field.
         While field rendering takes more CPU time to render, it also results
       in much smoother motion. Human eye interpolates between the fields and
       doesn't notice each field only has half of the frame information.

         If you haven't dealt with fields before or haven't fully grasped how
       they work, go to 3D Studio and load scene BIRDSHOW.3DS. Go to the
       keyframer. From rendering options dialog turn on field rendering. Set
       the image resolution to 320*200 (higher resolutions have too small
       pixels for you to see properly). Set render to screen to ON and render
       ALL frames. There's no need to render to disk. Start rendering, and
       immediately when the rendering starts, press space to see the rendering.
         Now, look how the image is rendered. At first, only half of the
       scanlines are being rendered. Then, as the first half of the scanlines
       have been rendered, look how the bird's position is different on the
       second half of the scanlines. The curtain and the pole the bird is
       standing on are exactly on the same position, and don't look `funny'
       the way the bird does.
         As 3DS continues to render the subsequent frames, notice how the
       change in the position of the bird is very small when compared to what
       it would look like if dropped every other field out.

         Because of the way FLIC's work they can't take any advantage on
       fields, so you shouldn't use fields when rendering flics. Most
       professional quality systems such as PAR (see information about this
       device elsewhere in this FAQ), however, can show fields, and you
       should render fields when using such equipment.
         For further information about fields on 3DS, look at the 3D Studio
       reference manual chapter 2, page 9 and chapter 7, page 208. Also, check
       out the manuals of any other video equipment you have on whether they
       support fields.
       ([e-mail])


 --
 --D.  Gamma Correction
 --

       This is a pretty loose explanation of what gamma does - I would
       encourage you to do a little more research into the effects of gamma
       control.  The 3DS Advanced User Guide discusses gamma, as does
       Inside 3D Studio (albeit briefly).  The gamma control settings in 3DS
       allow you to calibrate your output for the difference in nonlinear
       devices (monitors, printers, video, etc.).

       Each type of output device may need a different gamma setting.  Some
       devices have built-in gamma correction (targa cards, for example).
       Since you don't want to gamma correct twice (results in poor image
       quality), you need to turn off gamma correction in either 3DS or the
       device.  If you're rendering for NTSC video output, a file gamma
       setting of 2.2 is usually appropriate (as long as no other device is
       providing correction).  Monitor settings will vary depending on the
       type and age.

       A little experimentation up front will ensure consistent output between
       devices. Without using gamma control, you may never achieve the contrast
       in your final output that you saw on your monitor.
       ([e-mail])


 --
 --E.  Alpha Channel
 --

       An alpha channel refers to an 8-bit image, typically gray scale
       which is used to determine which areas of your desired image (not
       the alpha image) are to be transparent.  For example, imagine one
       image overlaid on top of another image.  If the top image were not
       transparent, then you could not see the bottom image, even if
       the top image had completely black areas.  You can use a "third"
       image (an alpha image) to tell your graphics program (3D Studio, for
       example), which parts of the top image are transparent (with single
       pixel resolution) and what degree of transparency each pixel should
       have. Since the alpha image is an 8-bit image, you can have up to 256
       levels of transparency.  A white pixel (255,255,255) in your alpha
       image will mean that the corresponding pixel in the top image will be
       completely opaque (can't see through it).  A black pixel (0,0,0) in
       your alpha image will mean that the corresponding pixel in the top
       image will be completely transparent and you should be able to see
       what the pixel of the bottom image looks like (perfectly).  The
       shade of gray of the alpha image will then determine the degree of
       transparency of your top image.  An alpha image that fades from
       white on the top of the screen to black on the bottom will make your
       top image become gradually more transparent towards the bottom.

       ([e-mail])

 --
 --F.  Aspect Ratio
 --

       Aspect Ratio (as related to computer graphics) refers to the ratio of
       pixels in the X direction to the Y direction (also called lines of
       resolution in television terms).  By defining this in 3DStudio, it
       allows the program to create pixels which appear square, rather than
       rectangular.  To find the ratio, use the following formula:

          Pixels High
          -----------  *  1.333 = aspect ratio for NTSC  (4/3)
          Pixels Wide

       therefore, to find the aspect ratio for the DPS PAR:


          480
          ---  * 1.333 = 0.857
          752

       Here are some common rendering resolutions and thier ratios:


          320x200  : 0.8333 (Standard VGA)
          640x480  : 1.0    (SVGA)
          752x480  : 0.857  (DPS PAR)
          800x600  : 1.0    (SVGA)
          2400x1600: 0.888  (low-res 35mm print)
          3072x2048: 0.888  (Kodak PhotoCD)


       (formula and insight provided by Greg Pyros [[e-mail]])
 --
 --G. Radiosity
 --

       There are many properties of the real world that 3D Studio doesn't
       directly handle.  This is one of them.  Radiosity is a reflection
       related property of objects.  When a reflective object is placed next
       to another object, the color of the reflective object will somewhat be
       projected onto the second object, depending on how bright the
       associated lights are.  This is shown best by colored metallic objects
       in life.  This feature is not suppored in 3D Studio because of the
       huge degredation in rendering time.  It would be similar to using
       reflection maps, but even more demanding.

       You can, however simulate radiosity in 3D Studio by using omni lights.
       Place an omni light, of the same color and very low luminence, in the
       center of the object you want to work with.  This will create a
       radiance of light from the object, thereby making it appear to have
       radiosity.  Radiosity is an essential part of creating photo-realistic
       images, still renderings especially.



---
---2.  List of 3DS-related books/magazines
---
 --
 --A.  Books
 --
  -
  -a.  Inside 3D Studio Release 3
  -
       ISBN# 1-56205-075-3
       by Steven Elliot, Phillip Miller, & Gregory Pyros

       $49.95 USA / $65.95 CAN / 46.99 Net UK (inc of VAT)

       New Riders Publishing
       201 West 103rd Street
       Indianapolis, IN 46290 USA

       Includes CD-ROM with over 200 textures (created by Tim Forcade),
       Graphics Workshop (DOS), VistaPro, AAPLAY.

       This book should be a staple, and a bible used in all 3dStudio
       graphics firms.  Also very useful to freelance, or hobbiests.  It
       includes in-depth discussions and instructions on how to do many
       special effects.  Modeling techniques, high-res imaging, animation,
       frame-accurate recording, configuring 3DS, lighting, and material
       design, are just a few things you'll learn.  The lessons are very
       well-written, and easy to understand.  The appendixes will become a
       glossary for technical terms that is unequalled in any book on
       computer graphics.  It gives comprehensive definitions on output
       equipment, related software tools, how a multimedia project is
       culminated, and many other bits of useful information.  In short,
       when you buy this book, put packing tape on the spine, else it will
       end up in parts.


  -
  -b.  3D Studio Special Effects
  -
       ISBN# 1-56205-303-5
       by Jon bell, Tim Forcade, Gregory Pyros

       $49.95 USA / $65.95 CAN / 46.99 Net UK (inc of VAT)

       New Riders Publishing
       201 West 103rd Street
       Indianapolis, IN 46290 USA

       Includes CD-ROM

       This book concentrates on higher-end special effects and techniques.
       The book recommends that the user be on an intermediate or higher
       level using 3ds. Nicely done, it walks the reader through some
       interesting effects, several of which require Yost IPAS Disk #6. :-(
       The CD incudes maps/meshes/project files for the lessons along with
       over 200 meg of both still and animated maps, along with some utilities.
       All in all, this book is ok, but seems expensive for the material it
       covers. For beginners, I would spend the 50 bucks on _Inside 3D STudio_.
       This book can be bought at a discount for around 35.00US, which is more
       in line [with the included amount of material].   ([e-mail])


  -
  -c.  3D Studio Tips & Tricks Series
  -
       by Michelle Bousquet

       $24.95 each, Technical Tips $29.95

       Glass and Reflection
       ISBN# 0-8273-7014-8

       Morphing and Animation
       ISBN# 0-8273-7017-2

       Shaping and Lofting
       ISBN# 0-8273-7015-6

       Animals and People
       ISBN# 0-8273-7016-4

       Materials and Lighting
       ISBN# 0-8273-7011-3

       Technical Tips
       ISBN# 0-8273-7013-X

       Delmar Publishers
       3 Columbia Circle
       Albany, NY 12212-5015
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       800:[phone]


  -
  -d.  Fallingwater in 3d studio: A case Study and Tutorial
  -
       by Laura Sanchez and Alex Sanchez

       OnWord Press
       800-526-BOOK or 505-473-5454
       fax [phone]
       email [e-mail]
       or write to
       High Mountain Press Direct
       2530 Camino Entrada
       Santa Fe, NM 87505-8435

       388 pp in length, include 1 3.5" diskette and 8 pages of color.

       ISBN: 1-56690-051-4

       This is a unique book, in that it is not totally a 3D Studio
       tutorial guide or a 3D Studio reference. Rather, it combines a
       historical study of a famous structure (The Fallingwater house
       that Frank Lloyd Wright built for the Kaufmanns in the 1930s)
       with a discussion of applied architectural rendering with 3D Studio.

       The first chapter of the book covers the history of the house,
       complete with photographs and construction details. This is a
       fascinating story that is well told, and a breath of fresh air
       for a reader used to dry tutorials. Following that, the book
       details the approach taken to model the various elements of the house.

       The book uses the parts of the house as a basis for tutorials on
       modeling, lighting, mapping, and animating for the remainder of the
       book. The approach taken is pretty simple, so that a new user can
       follow easily. The benefit of this approach is that beginners who
       want to do architectural work with 3D Studio can easily grasp what's
       being done and how. The drawback for more experienced users is that
       there is nothing really very new going on.  One would hope that with
       an entire book essentially *dedicated* to the creation of a single mesh,
       that by the end you'd have some stunning work.  Unfortunately, that
       never really happens.  The mesh supplied on disk and the renderings
       in the 8 pages of color show off a nice, simple mesh, with moderately
       competent materials and oversaturated lighting. It might be a nice
       start for a 3D Studio novice, but it's nothing to write Gary about...

       Still, I'd give the book a good recommendation, especially for anyone
       focused on buildings, especially for beginners focused on buildings.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])


 --
 --B.  Magazines
 --
  -
  -a.  Computer Graphics World
  -
       Monthly Periodical

       PenWell Publishing Company

       Executive and Editorial Offices:
       10 Tara Boulevard, 5th Floor
       Nashua, NH 03062-2801
       [phone]; FAX:[phone]

       For subscription inquiries only:
       TEL:[phone] ext. 400
       FAX:[phone]
       TDD:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $4.95 US, $5.95 Canada, 2.50 UK

       Subscription:

       1 year  (12 issues): $38 US, $47 Canada/Mexico,
                            $73 Asia/Pacific, $55 Other International

       2 years (24 issues): $69 US, $86 Canada/Mexico,
                            $131 Asia/Pacific, $99 Other International


  -
  -b.  Computer Artist
  -
       Every-Other-Month Periodical

       PenWell Publishing Company

       Executive and Editorial Offices:
       10 Tara Boulevard, 5th Floor
       Nashua, NH 03062-2801
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Subscription Services:
       PO Box 3188, Tulsa, OK 74101
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $4.95 US, $5.95 Canada, 2.50 UK

       Subscription:

       1 year   (6 issues): $19.95 US, $29.95 Canada/Mexico,
                            $39.95 International

       2 years (12 issues): $24.95 US, $44.95 Canada/Mexico,
                            $54.95 International


  -
  -c.  PC Graphics/video
  -
       Monthly Periodical

       ADVANSTAR Communications

       201 E. Sanndpointe Avenue, Suite 600
       Santa Ana, CA 92707
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $3.95 US, $4.95 Canada

       Subscription:

       1 year (12 issues): $24.95 US, $34.95 Canada,
                           $49.95 International


  -
  -d.  NewMedia
  -
       Approximately Monthly Periodical

       Hypermedia Communications Inc.

       Customer Service:

       TEL:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $4.95 US, $5.95 Canada

       Subscription:

       FREE


  -
  -e.  Pixel Vision
  -
       Published five times per year - January, March, May, August, and October.

       Published by Pixel Vision

       154 West 57th Street not 832
       New York, NY 10019

       Subscription Services:
       Box 1138
       Madison Square Station
       New York, NY 10159

       Cover Price:
       usually around $6.95 (imported from France)

       Subscription:

       1 year (5 issues): $40 US, $55 outside US


  -
  -f.  3d Artist
  -
       Seems to be random publishing, lists estimated publishing
       dates each issue.

       Published by Columbine, Inc.

       PO Box 4787
       Santa Fe, NM 87502

       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $4.00 US, $5.55 Canada

       Subscription:

       12 issues: $29.00 US, $41 Canada/Mexico,
                  $46.00 Elsewhere.


  -
  -g.  Computer Animators News
  -
       Monthly Disk-based

       Published by Jeff Glaze

       6940 Roswell Rd.
       Atlanta GA, 30328
       [phone]

       Subscription:

       12 issues: $36 US

       CD-ROM (eighteen original issues) : $19.95 +$3 PH

  -
  -g.  Planet Studio
  -
       Bimonthly

       Published by Techmedia Publishing, a division of IDG Communications

       80 Elm Street, Box 802
       Peterborough, NH 03458

       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Cover Price:

       $  not sure - will update

       Subscription:

       12 issues: not sure - will update

       TechMedia Publishing, Inc.

       For More Information:
       Barbara Gefvert
       Editor
       [phone]

       Wendie Marro
       Marketing Director
       [phone]
       --News Release

       Planet Studio to be Launched at SIGGRAPH 94

       Newsletter for Users of Autodesk(R) Multimedia Products
       Published by an IDG Company

       Peterborough, NH (July 21, 1994) - Dale Strang, President of TechMedia
       Publishing, an IDG company, recently announced the launch of a bimonthly
       newsletter entitled Planet Studio, for Autodesk Multimedia Users.

       Planet Studio is geared toward high-end users of the entire roster of
       multimedia  products developed by Autodesk. While Planet Studio will
       focus heavily on the creative applications of 3D Studio - including
       its impressive open-architecture and networking features - the
       newsletter will also cover Autodesk's Animator Pro, Autovision,
       Cyberspace Developer Kit, Texture Universe, and ancillary products
       such as 3D Studio File Toolkit, 3D Studio Plug-In Toolkit, the
       Animation Support Libraries, Animation Player for Windows, as well
       as the many exciting and versatile third-party products "orbiting"
       around the Autodesk Multimedia "planet."
       The premiere issue of Planet Studio will display a short, lead-in format
       guaranted to pique the interest of Autodesk fans; subsequent issues
       call for a sixteen-page format replete with four-color, innovative
       text and graphical elements. The newsletter will debut at SIGGRAPH 94,
       one of the leading trade show events with a special emphasis on
       computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 94 takes place
       in Orlando from July 26-28, and the premiere issue of Planet Studio
       will be available in both the Digital Video booth (#232) and the
       Autodesk booth (#1406).

       "Customers and ISVs using Autodesk Multimedia Products will be very
       happy with the scope of Planet Studio," commented Joe Fantuzzi,
       general manager of Autodesk Multimedia. "This publication provides
       in-depth technical tips and techniques for customers, while
       enabling our ISVs a great way to get their innovations reviewed by
       our customers."

       "Autodesk's multimedia products have a tremendous following,"
       commented Barbara Gefvert, Editor of Planet Studio. "The creative
       people who use them-animators, artists, multimedia producers,
       videographers, applications developers-are crying out for
       product-specific information and inspiration. Planet Studio is
       responding with insightful articles and helpful resources specially
       geared to their needs." "The multimedia tools market is exciting,
       and one we feel particularly well equipped to serve, given the
       synergy with our publications AmigaWorld and Digital Video,"
       commented Strang. "We will be affirming our support of this dynamic
       market with the launch of Planet Studio."

       TechMedia Publishing, Inc., an International Data Group company,
       publishes two other titles, Digital Video and AmigaWorld. Digital
       Video is the leading source of news, views and tools for the video
       age. AmigaWorld is the definitive source of information for the
       entire line of Amiga computers and related products. IDG is the
       world's foremost publisher of computer-related information and the
       leading global provider of information services on information
       technology, with over 200 computer publications in 63 countries.


---
---3.  Output methods
---
         There's a lot that can be written on this subject ranging from video
       standards, tape formats, disk recording devices, etc. Honestly much
       too much to describe in this part of the FAQ file. I'll concentrate
       on broadcast level quality output of computer animations.

       When it comes to professional level broadcast video output of animations
       there are a few possible solutions. The most widely used video standard
       used for broadcast purposes is BetaCam-sp. There are other options such
       as MII (M2), 1", 3/4", and the high-end digital machines like D1 through
       D5 or the new digital BetaCam. For sake of argument let's concentrate
       on the standard analog BetaCam-Sp.

       To record a 3D Studio animation to tape each frame of the animation has
       to be recorded to tape individually, this is commonly referred to as
       single frame (SF) recording. This because a sequence of 24-bit Targa
       files in broadcast resolution simply can't be played back in realtime
       (without the use of a disk recording/disk playback device). To do this
       you will need a (broadcast) video output board (such as the Truevision
       boards or Matrox Illuminator Pro boards which are among the most common).
       This will provide the actual video output (either composite or component).
       Next you will need a single frame controller that will be the card that
       controls the VTR attached to it. There are a number of different cards
       ranging from a simple RS-422 $800 solution up to $4000 boards. You will
       need to check if a specific VTR can be controlled from a specific card.
       The actual recording process is simple and is controlled in 3D Studio
       directly. It does take some time however to SF record all frames. The
       tape passes the video heads for each frame to record (rewinding,
       recording, etc). On average a frame takes about 10 to 15 seconds to
       record.

       To do all this in-house you will need to make some investments regarding
       the video output, VTR, controller, and cables and extra's. If that might
       be too high there is a possibility to go to a single frame recording
       service. There are a number of those companies (also known as RenderFarms)
       in the world. The price for this service depends on the video standard
       and format used and the company, some will charge by the hour, and some
       will charge by frame.

       The drawback of doing it all inhouse is that you will need to render
       all frames which can take a huge amount of time. This means having to
       invest in more machines to network render, etc. There are service
       bureaus and renderfarms that will also do the rendering from 3DS for
       you at a certain price. Even when you have the equipment inhouse to do
       all this it sometimes can be a financial gain (and a time gain) to use
       such a service. We just send the project archive to the service and
       have them render and SF record it to Betacam-sp. It helps a lot,
       especially when we are pressed for time working on different projects.

       It's best to render and single frame record all animations in field mode
       since that will produce a real smooth and clean effect for motion. You
       will immediately notice the difference when a frame and field mode
       animation are played next to eachother on two screens. You have to see
       the difference to appreciate it.
       ([e-mail])


 --
 --A.  Single Frame Output
 --
 --
 --B.  Disk recording technology
 --
  -
  -a.  DPS PAR
  -

         The PAR is available in NTSC and PAL versions. However not NTSC with 0
       back setup (Japan). It's sold through different companies. I found
       Digimation the cheapest around. With a TBC-IV card and a 1.7G HD(need
       to be Micropolis or Seagate and only certain models) about $4000. The
       output quality is very reasonable for the price. I as an video
       engineer would justify it in a BetaCam level edit situation (special in
       component form). For rotoscoping I would not consider it to be used in
       BetaCam level edit situation. Due to the "JPEG" ringing on the high
       frequency components of the video signal.

       >From the PAR manual:

         What is the Personal Animation Recorder?
       The Personal Animation Recorder(or Par, for short) is a revolutionary
       tool for computer animators. Used in conjunction with your personal
       computer and animation rendering software, it eliminates the need for
       a single-frame video tape recorder and controller, while giving you
       real-time playback of full resolution animation sequences.
         PAR is actually three tools in one: an animation record/playback
       deck, a real-time video capture deck for rotoscoping, and a still store
       with stunning access speed and storage efficiency. You'll find many
       applications for it, including :

                * Computer animation
                * Camera animation
                * Time lapse video recording

                * Still frame (from camera or computer) storage

       Some of the many features of the Personal Animation Recorder are:

                * Accepts animation frames directly from rendering programs
                  such as 3D Studio
                * Copies existing images from PC disk drive
                * Compatible with 24 or 32 bit Targa files
                * Switchable filter to prevent chrominance aliasing from Targa
                  files
                * Project organizer for image and animation files
                * Real time video capture with variable frame rate, and still
                  grabs (when used with TBC-IV card, not supplied)
                * Animation editing features: joint, split, duplicate,etc
                * General Purpose Interface for triggered payback from edit
                  controller
                * Variable speed playback
                * Genlockable video outputs with variable timing
                * Video output formats: composite NTSC, S-VHS, Beta Cam or MII
                * TBC IV proc-amp controls

       Background: Why the PAR?
         For most applications, computer-generated animations have to be
       transferred to videotape in order to be useful. However, unless you
       have a supercomputer, animation rendering in real time ( at the video
       rate of 30 frames per second) is not possible. In fact, using a personal
       computer, rendering each frame of animation can take 30 minutes or more!
       Therefore, the recording of an animation calls for a videotape recorder
       (VTR) which is capable of single frame recording. Such machines are much
       more sophisticated then consumer VCRs, and typically cost upwards of
       $15,000. In addition, a device called a single frame controller is
       required to coordinate the recording process.
         Each time the computer has finished rendering a frame of the animation
       the controller tells the VTR to move the tape back and forth until it is
       precisely positioned one frame beyond the recording so far. It does this
       by reading a time code that was previously recorded onto the tape (even
       on frames with no video recorded on them yet). The new frame is recorded
       onto tape; the VTR then idles for half an hour until the next frame is
       ready. Obviously, there is a lot of wear and tear on the machine's
       transport mechanism. For example, in order to record a 3 minute
       animation, the VTR goes through more then 5,000 cycles of activating its
       solenoids, slamming all its levers, belts and cogs, and stretching the
       tape. Also the heads (which can cost thousands of dollars to replace)
       very quickly get a lot of hours on them, increasing the likelihood of
       bad frames. Because of the required 5 seconds preroll, each spot on the
       tape is going through the transport 150 times while recording. A lot of
       things can go wrong, resulting in poor technical quality, missed
       deadlines, and high blood pressure.  The solution, at least in
       principle, has long been obvious. Since the animation frames are
       rendered on a computer, why not use the computer's disk drive to store
       them? When they're all finished, just play them at normal video speed,
       and record the result with a conventional VTR. If there are any glitches
       occurred in the recording, just tape them again.  Hardware and software
       to do this is quite easy to find, if you're willing to settle for low
       resolution, limited palette graphics. But if you're looking for
       752 x 480 resolution, 16 million colors, component video and 60 fields
       per second, there's a serious problem: computer disk drives can't
       possible keep up with the data transfer speeds required.
       Also, there's the question of size: a single frame of high-quality
       animation can take 700Kbytes of memory. Multiply this by 30 frames per
       second, and you'll quickly see that a lot of disk is required for the
       animation. For example, a three minute show would need almost 4
       gigabytes! And think how long it would take to make a backup.
       ([e-mail])


       The following is a list of compatiblle hard drives, as listed in the
       PAR Manual:

       Seagate 3600a     540MB
       Seagate 3655a     540MB
       Micropolis 2205A  632MB
       Micropolis 2210A  1138MB
       Micropolis 2217A  1896MB
       Conner  CFA1275A  1275MB

       New drives are continually being supported, a current list can be
       obtained from DPS.

       DPS may be contacted at the following phone numbers:

       606-371-5533 USA
       416-754-8090 Canada
       [phone] Europe

       ([e-mail])

---
---4.  Educational Purchasing Information
---

       - You get the education discount from an Autodesk representative
         that serves your school.  I told the CAD support person the college
         I go to and the city it's located in, and they gave me the company
         name, representative to ask for, and the phone number to get hold of
         them.

       - If you are an undergrad, you can only buy up to 3DS version 2.0; if
         you are a graduate student or faculty, you can buy up to 3DS version
         3.0.  The cost of the software will be given by your representative,
         not from AutoDesk.  This explains a few of the differences in prices
         I got from the responses of people from the net (anywhere from $795
         to $895.)

       - You cannot upgrade the software (say from version 3.0 to version
         4.0) but you do get bug fix upgrades.

       - It is a full working version with manuals and disks, and includes 1
         CD-ROM disk and 1 hard key (there is a hardware lock which they have
         on all 3DS software, not just the educational ones, but retail as
         well.)

       - The software is for non-commercial use only.  If you plan to use 3DS
         for commercial use, they give a $100 coupon with the Educational
         discount that allows you to trade in the Education copy plus the
         $100 coupon to take off the full price of the retail product.

       - You do not get free technical support.  You will have to call your
         local representative and pay.  There is a 900 number.
         ([e-mail])


 --
 --A.  Authorized Resellers
 --

       To find the authorized Autodesk dealer nearest you,
       call 1-800-964-6432.


---
---5.  Computer Animation Schools
---

       For the past couple of years, I've been pursuing starting a career in
       computer animation.  My skills themselves are good, howeever, I would
       like some professional training.  I also want a degree.  So I have
       searched through the country for schools that offer a degree in
       computer animation or some related degree.  I came across a brochure
       from Walt Disney Professional Staffing (that information is at the
       bottom).

       Academy of Art College                   Pratt Institute
       540 Powell Street                        200 Willoughby Ave.
       San Francisco, CA 94108                  Brooklyn, NY 11205
       415-765-4200                             718-636-3600

       Cal Arts                                 New York School of Visual Arts
       24700 McBean Parkway                     209 E. 23rd Street
       Valencia, CA 91355                       New York, NY 10010
       805-255-1050                             212-679-7350

       Art Center College of Design             Ringling School of Art & Design
       1700 Lida St.                            1111 Twenty-Seventh St.
       Pasadena, CA 91103                       Sarasota, FL 33580
       818-584-5038                             813-351-4614 or 800-255-7695

       Kansas City Art Institute                Rhode Island School of Design
       4415 Warwick Blvd.                       Two College Street
       Kansas City, MO 64111                    Providence, RI 02930
       816-561-4852                             401-331-3511

       Columbus College of Art & Design         Sheridan College of Applied
       47 N. Washington Ave.                    Arts & Technology
       Columbus, OH 43215                       1430 Trafalgar Road
       614-224-9101                             Oakville, Ontario
                                                CANADA L682L1
                                                416-849-2814

       This was copied from an information packet provided by Walt Disney
       Professional Staffing.  You can get a copy of this brochure by
       mailing:

       Walt Disney World
       Professional Staffing
       PO Box 10090
       Lake Buena Vista
       Florida 32830


---
---6.  Rendering Engine Information
---
 --
 --A.  Scanline Renderer
 --

 --
 --B.  Z-Buffer/A-Buffer
 --

       Z-buffers (as far as 3DS R2 used them).

       When 3DS starts to render, it does a quick check to find all the objects
       that might appear on the screen. It then "renders" each object (face at
       a time) by calculating the color from the lights and materials for each
       pixel on the face. At this point, you have a pixel for your rendering.

       What to do with the pixel? Well, if you were daring, you could just
       throw it on the screen. The only problem with this is what if two
       objects are on the same pixel on the screen? This happens when you
       have one object behind another (happens a lot in 3D <g>). Well, if
       you're lucky you'll render the two objects in the right order and the
       back object will get rendered first and the front object on top of the
       back pixel. Usually this never happens because people don't create
       scenes from back to front. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can
       make the computer sort everything in Z-order before starting the render.
       In fact, there is a commonly-known algorithm called "painters" that
       sorts objects in 3D so that everything gets drawn in the right order.
       Painters is what the 3DS R2 preview flic does. You may see it drawing
       the polygons in Z-order if you watch closely. The problem with painters
       is that it is impossible to antialias, often very slow in a big scene,
       and you have to re-sort every time something moves. It also doesn't
       handle intersections well.

       A Z-buffer lets you get around the need to sort objects. A Z-buffer is
       sort of like your image buffer except instead of storing the color of
       the pixel, it stores the distance of the pixel from the camera plane.
       The distance from the camera is often referred to in camera equations
       as the "Z" distance, hence the term "Z-buffer". Every time a new pixel
       is rendered, its z-distance is compared to the Z-distance in the buffer.
       If the Z-distance is closer, then its color is put on top of the old
       color, and its closer distance is stored in the Z-buffer for comparisons
       with later objects.

       Z-buffers get a little hairy when you add transparency to the mix.
       Because there is more than one pixel being mixed together (10% blue
       glass on 20% yellow glass over a pink polka dot background, for
       example), and the z-buffer only stores the distance of the closest
       pixel, the renderer has to stop everything when it encounters a
       transparency and cast a ray from the camera through all the objects
       in the scene so it can find all the pixels that need to be mixed
       together. This extra operation is why 3DS R2 would slow down sometimes
       as much as 10x when transparency was used. Z-buffers let you antialias,
       but only by rendering fractions of a pixel and then averaging them
       together. This is why "Low", "Medium", and "High" options in R2 took
       longer than none. 3DS was rendering multiple times for each screen pixel.
       Antialiasing in this way also creates a "box" pattern which makes some
       thin edges shimmer with a rope-like pattern in an animation.

       In 3DS R3 the z-buffer was dumped in favor of an a-buffer. An a-buffer
       stores more than the distance from the camera. It stores the percentage
       of coverage of a pixel. If a pixel is 10% transparent, then the a-buffer
       records that. If the edge of an object only covers half a pixel, then
       the a-buffer stores 50%. The a-buffer also stores every surface color
       that falls on a pixel. So if you have 5 transparent objects in front of
       each other, it stores them all in whatever order they occur. This
       eliminates the need to do the special transparency processing a
       z-buffer needs. After 3D Studio has rendered all the objects, it then
       adds the values in the a-buffer together and puts them in the image
       buffer. You can see this stage happening when 3DS dumps a band of image
       to the display. With a-buffers, antialiasing comes for free so there is
       no speed lost in getting high-quality antialiasing.

       In 3DS R4, a few developers requested access to the Z-buffer for a
       variety of reasons. In an IXP you can do effects that are sensitive
       to camera distances, rack focus blurring being one of the effects
       possible. A paint brush engine could use the z information to sense
       surface contours, to create a more realistic brush look. To facilitate
       this, 3DS R4 added a step where it computes a z-buffer from the a-buffer
       information. Some have suggested that the a-buffer information would
       have been useful, but the a-buffer is only generated a band at a time,
       because to keep a whole image as an a-buffer would eat enormous amounts
       of memory. To provide a banded a-buffer would have required changes to
       IPAS far beyond the scope of the R4 release.

       ([e-mail])


  -
  -a.  Getting Z-Buffer info
  -

       There is a freeware IPAS called SEEZ.IXP available. To make it work, you
       must alter the 3DS.SET file. There is a setting in 3DS.SET to turn on
       Z-buffer access in Video Post. Note that activating this adds a
       significant memory hit to Video Post rendering, so you'll probably want
       to de-activate it when you are done using a Z buffer IPAS for a while.

       When you put the SEEZ.IXP ipas as a process into the queue in video
       post, rendering will produce a greyscale, non-aliased image that is
       black at the farthest point in the geometry and white at the closest.

       Why is this useful? It's extremely useful as a bump map creator!

       Just model any geometry you want to use as a bump map, and render with
       SEEZ. You may want to post process the resultant image with JAG, or
       a small gaussian blur in a photo-editing program to fix the inherent
       non-aliased (jaggy) look.

       Note that this will ONLY work in Release 4, which added the IPAS "hooks"
       necessary to allow anything to get to the Z buffer.  (Jim Lammers)

       The trick with using SEEZ (of which the source code is part of the IPAS4 SDK)
       can also be used for a trick that has been described in the book '3DS
       special effects' from NRP (see this FAQ file). The grayscale images can
       be used as a depth matte that will allow you create stunning depth-of-field
       effects or underwater looks. ([e-mail])


---
---7.  IPAS
---
 --
 --A.  IPAS Programming
 --
  -
  -a.  IPAS Development Kit (SDK)
  -

       The IPAS SDK enables 3D studio users to program all the different types
       of IPAS routines possible for 3D Studio. The SDK consists of a number of
       'C' Libraries (one for each supported compiler in both standard and
       debug versions). If you are interested in programming an IPAS routine
       it would be helpful to take a look at the book '3DS special effects' from
       New Riders Publishing. There are a number of chapters in there written by
       Keith Seifert from Schreiber Instruments that include actual 'C' source
       code for the IPAS routines. This is a good place to get started into
       checking it out. Also any PD routine that includes source code would be
       handy altough there are not many of those.

       To actually program an IPAS routine you have to have at least a
       basic/intermediate understanding of the C/C++ programming language since
       that is the language to program in. It helps if you already have a lot
       of programming experience.

       In addition to the libraries the SDK contains a load of different
       examples for each routine type that will get you started showing
       how certain things are implemented. I must add that in order to get
       a good understanding of the IPAS interface and it's functions you
       need to invest some time and energy to figure a lot out yourself
       with help from the manual and the source code samples. In the
       beginning it can be quite hard to get started, believe me I know
       from first hand experience. There are a number of 'traps and
       pitfalls' as I like to call them that will easily catch you off
       guard when programming.

       The IPAS SDK offers basic functions for creating and modifying
       mesh geometry, keyframe information, limited graphics functions
       that will enable you to draw directly on the 3DS screen, support
       for loading and saving bitmaps, modifying scanlines, image processing,
       etc. Also the SDK offers a nice set of functions and structures to
       create custom dialogs that will make the IPAS routine more attractive
       and user friendly.

       There have been a number of updates in the IPAS SDK (version 2, 3, 4).
       The IPAS2 SDK is almost rendered obsolete since that allowed very
       limited operations being done so we won't even try to cover it here.
       The IPAS3 and IPAS4 SDK's are the ones that made a real improvement
       by adding the new BXP and KXP routines. My personal oppinion is to
       use the latest version that corresponds with the 3DS version number.

       It's possible to develop and IPAS routine using the IPAS4 SDK and
       have the routine being compatible with 3D Studio Release 3 as long
       as you don't use any IPAS4 specific functions. It also works the other
       way around, routines developed using IPAS3 will run fine under 3D Studio
       Release 4.

       The best new features of the IPAS4 SDK in contrast to the IPAS3 SDK are
       the improved and faster blit functions (making use of the Vibrant
       drivers), loading and saving *.3DS files directly from the routine,
       access to viewport structure information, and a lot of bug removals.

       The basic setup of the IPAS interface is like having a routine that
       will communicate with 3D Studio and actually controlling 3D Studio.
       The IPAS routine communicates with 3D Studio through an external
       process buffer that contains information that will be filled in when
       the IPAS routine requests that information from 3D Studio. That's
       the basic communication.

       Concluding from my own experience I can't say that it's hard or
       difficult to program IPAS routines, it's just a matter of getting
       used to the way it works, knowing the functions available to you,
       and investing some time in exploring. Then again this is when you
       already have a good understanding of the 'C' programming language.
       ([e-mail])


  -
  -b.  Compatible Compilers
  -

       Watcom C/C++ 9.5 patchlevel B
       Watcom C/C++ 10.0 (and 10.0a)

       Metaware High C/C++ 3.0 and 3.1 and the Phar Lap 386 SDK 2.2d or later.

       Metaware High C/C++ 3.11/3.2 and the Phar Lap 386 SDK 2.2d or later.

       That's it! Nothing less, nothing more.

       ***The above list of compilers are the only onces that are supported. As
       a matter of fact these are the only two compilers that can be used to
       develop IPAS routines. So attempting to use Zortech, Microsoft Visual,
       or Borland compilers is waysted energy and time.


       ([e-mail])


  -
  -c.  Dialog Editor (3DE#..ZIP)
  -


 --
 --B.  Companies that make IPASs
 --
  -
  -a.  Yost Group
  -

  -
  -b.  Pyros Pictures, Inc.
  -

       1201 Dove Street, Suite 550
       Newport Beach, CA 92660
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       Internet: [e-mail]
       CIS:73027,3632

       Pyros Pictures, provides a wide range of IPAS routines, including over
       35 'Action IPAS' plug-ins.  They have created drivers and IPASs for
       Autodesk, Abekas, Digital Processing Systems, Sony, and HSC's Kai's
       Power Tools.  They also are capable of creating custom IPAS routines,
       UNIX and DOS stand-alone programs, and Keyscripts.

       As yet another service, Pyros Pictures can render, or lay animation to
       tape using broadcast quality single frame dumping, or through a PAR.
       Animations can be put to laserdisk, BetaSP, VHS, or SVHS.  Music and
       special audio effects can also be added. Thier rendering network is
       comprised of ten machines, all with 64MB of RAM.


  -
  -c.  POINTER
  -

  -
  -d.  Digimation, Inc.
  -

       315 Saint Anthony Street
       Luling, LA 70070
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       800:[phone]

       Mirage:
         Creates distorion effects such as Cloaking space ships, heat
         distortion, waves, ripples, and color shifting.  Mirage comes with
         pre-defined effects and on-line help.  $295

       Bones:
         Skeletal deformation tool.  Allows you to construct spline skeletons
         for your objects.  By bending and moving the 'bones' the object bends
         and conforms in real time. $295

       LenZFX:
         Series of efffects including Flare, Starlight, Aura, and ZFocus, a
         true ddepth of field camera blur. $295

       Digimation also distribues a wide variety of other add-ons for
       3DStudio, and has a well-developed suite of 3DS training tapes.

  -
  -e.  Schreiber Instruments, Inc.
  -

       Denver, Colorado
       USA:
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       800:[phone]
       UK:
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       Canada:
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       Asia(NZ)
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Schreiber has a large catalog of IPAS routines.  Some of these include:

       Metaballs for 3dstudio, $495/$595 international

       Imagine FX, $300/$360 international


  -
  -f.  Animagic
  -

       Animagic & Animagic Development
       Doelstraat 147
       3011 AJ Rotterdam
       The Netherlands
       Phone      : [phone]

       FIDO       : 2:283/203.30
       PCGnet     : 2:580/203.30
       RenderRing : 511:8000/203.30

  -
  -g.  Keyscript Co-Op
  -

       Mark Pennel, Mark Almon, and myself (Jim Lammers) are organizing a
       scripting cooperative.  What this group is about is sharing skills
       at keyscript programming and ideas for useful keyscripts. What that
       means to 3D Studio Users is ultimately a collection of powerful, well
       written scripts for all kinds of uses!

       The approach to the group we are currently planning is:

       - Interested keyscripters let us
         know that they are available to help write some code

       - 3D Studio animators
         with ideas of what would make good keyscripts let us know their ideas

       - keyscript writers who are enthusiastic about a given idea, take it
         and run with it. Probably groups of 2 to 6, whatever works out to be
         an effective way to divide the labor. Labor division could be spread
         by Interface, main routines, and main subroutines; but clearly it's
         up to the sub-group of keyscripters to find what works well for them.

       The benfits of such a group should be exciting to everyone - we can
       avoid duplication of effort, and combine efforts to make the best
       keyscripts in the shortest time. Ultimately, there might be several
       dozen super-high quality free keyscripts for all kinds of general uses.

       Our inspiration is the Stone Soup Group and the PoVRay development team-
       both have produced extremely high quality copyrighted freeware.
       Similarly, created keyscripts would be copyrighted by thier respective
       programmers, but would be free to all. Also, the Keyscript cooperative
       would be active on Internet, Compuserve and the Rendering Plant BBS
       simultaneously.

       Typically after a team is formed, they would debate the interface, the
       logic, and what features to include for a given idea. Then the tasks
       could be broken up and team members would separately code their part.
       After debugging, the finalized script would be made available. Then the
       real fun begins, where users can take the source and enhance it,
       hopefully sending their enhancements back to the team for inclusion in
       the next "release". Or at least users might send a note that says "it
       would really be cool if..."

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])

 --
 --h.  Animetix Technologies, Inc.
 --

       226 Rue Darwin, Suite 2C
       Verdun PQ, Canada H3E 1C6
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]
       800:[phone]

       Animetix is the maker of three products which all 3DS users have craved
       at one time or another.

       Thumbview material browser:  allows you to preview a material before
       selecting it.

       Thumbview File Browser: allows previewing of meshes before loading.

       QuickTime Movie Maker : This plug-in is an IXP that lets you create
       QuickTime format files from Video Post  during the rendering process.
       The output files are 24 bit and the user can specify the amount of
       compression required, the frame rate, and can optionally output frame
       numbers.  This plug-in has been very popular with users who are
       authoring multimedia based on material from different platforms or
       who are sending animations to clients who do not have 3DS.

       ([e-mail])



---
---8.  3DS sources
---
 --
 --A.  FTP Sources
 --

       This is a plain list of FTP sources for meshes, textures and utilites
       that can be used with 3DStudio.  Unless otherwisee specified, use
       normal FTP procedure. (i.e. login:  ftp or anonymous; password: your
       email address.)


       - avalon.vislab.navy.mil
         /pub/utils/3ds
         /pub/objects/3ds

         a CD-ROM is also availible of this site from

         Syndesis
         235 South Main Street
         Jefferson, WI 53549 (USA)
         [phone]
         [phone] Fax

         this site was formerly known as avalon.chinalake.navy.mil

       - ftp.povray.org
         /pub/mirrors/avalon  (avalon mirror)

       - ftp.csn.net
         /pub/Schreiber

       - princeton.edu
         /pub/Graphics/rayshade.4.0

       - wuarchive.wustl.edu [128.252.135.4]
         /graphics/graphics
         /mirrors/msdos/graphics
         /systems/ibmpc/msdos/graphics
         /packages/architec/Textures

       - ftp.netcom.com
         /pub/munkeby

       - phoenix.oulu.fi

       - sculptor.as.arizona.edu

       - ftp.autodesk.com

       - ftp.cis.nctu.edu.tw

       - graphics.rent.com


 --
 --B.  Bulletin Board Systems
 --
  -
  -a.  The Rendering Plant BBS
  -
       The Rendering Plant BBS is one of the world's premier sources
       for 3D Studio meshes, IPAS routines, keyscripts, texture maps,
       and everything that relates to graphics, rendering, raytracing,
       fractals, fonts, and drivers.

       The focus of the board is to not only act as a well-organized file
       library and information resource for animators, but also to actively
       create/convert/enhance new files for the collection. Dozens of new
       meshes and textures are posted every month, as well as all the latest
       shareware related to graphics. It is a primary hub for the keyscript
       co-operative, a group of keyscript programmers who collaborate on new
       scripts and subroutines for the good of all 3D Studio users.

       Future plans include adding more lines, adding more files, adding
       PCGNet mail, and eventually becoming reachable through the internet.

       Sysop Jim Lammers can be reached outside the BBS via Internet
       ([e-mail]) and Compuserve (73261,66).

       First-time callers are given full access with the exception of download
       privledges on the majority of the file areas. File areas accessible to
       all callers include images, animations, and the new-user area (which
       contains the BBS' current file list and several utilities). Callers may
       upgrade instantly while on-line with a credit card. Credit Card
       subscription works for callers from any country in the world (our user
       list is very multi-national). Callers may also subscribe by check,
       through the mail.

       As of 2-15-95, we are a two node system, running on two machines
       networked together. The two phone numbers are 816-525-5614 and
       816-525-8362. The 5614 number is 28.8 capable. We have 1 GB of hard
       drive space, and a CD-ROM on-line.  We will soon burn our own CD for
       this slot; it will consist of hundreds of renderings and animations
       accessable to all callers.

       Cost of subscription is now $48/year. This flat rate is for 60 min/day
       with unlimited downloads.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])


  -
  -b.  Other BBSs
  -

       The Graphics Alternative                510-524-2165
       Chaos BBS                               314-874-2930
       Pandora's Box                           510-938-0195
       Hi-Lux                                  415-864-2434
       You Can Call me Ray                     708-358-8721

       None cover 3DS at the high level of the Rendering Plant BBS. However,
       some of these are free (that is, no subscription charge), and most
       carry graphics-related utilities that may be of some interest to
       the 3DS user.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])

 --
 --C.  Web Sites
 --

       http://www.auburn.edu/~irwinta
        (maintained by Tim A. Irwin, includes
        an 'interactive version of the FAQ.)

       http://homepage.eznet.net/~frac/3ds.html
        (also includes the FAQ)

       http://skynet.oir.ucf.edu:80/~suzan/companim/companm2.shtml
        Computer Animation Index (includes 3dStudio pages, and online FAQ)

       http://www.cm.cf.ac.uk/Ray.Tracing/

       http://mambo.ucsc.edu/psl/sgiftp.html

       http://ftp.std.com/homepages/stevec/NTA/intro.html


---
---9.  Graphics Viewers/converters/utilities
---
 --
 --A.  CShow
 --
       CShow stands for CompuShow, a DOS based image viewer. The utility is
       designed to do one thing - put images on the screen as fast as
       possible. To this end, it's an invaluable utility in registered or
       nonregistered form. It is easy to set up for the graphics card of
       the machine it is installed in (even allowing the user to peek at
       the copyright area of the graphic card BIOS if necessary to determine
       the flavor of graphics card!). Once it knows the type of graphics card,
       it can automatically configure itself for every format (including
       truecolor) that the card is capable of. From then on, viewing is
       accomplished by simply typing CSHOW at the DOS prompt.

       A list of all files in the current directory is shown. Hitting the
       spacebar when an image file is highlighted will cause the program to
       (near-) instantaneously display it at optimal resolution and color
       depth. Hitting the return key brings up an information screen about
       the file, and lists options for displaying the image from this screen.

       Cshow supports most variants of most common image formats including
       TIFF, GIF, PCX, Targa, BMP, JPG and many others. It comes in two
       flavors: CSHOW 2000 and CSHOW regular (currently at version 8.77). The
       CSHOW 2000 version is designed in a pseudo-windows style that is
       perhaps more user friendly, but this author prefers the old version.
        Registering the software costs $25, and enables many additional
       functions, such as printing of the images. The publisher of Cshow is
       Canyon State Systems.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])

 --
 --B.  Graphics Workshop
 --

 --
 --C.  Display
 --

       Display, written by Jih-Shin Ho is one of the most complete and
       comprehensive graphics packages I have found.  As the DOC file says:

       This program lets you READ, WRITE and DISPLAY images/movies with
       different formats. It lets you do some special effects (rotation,
       dithering, [and about 15 others]...) on images as well.
       Features:
       Includes simple file management system.
       Supports 'slide show', 'batch conversion', 'contact sheet making',
           'image preview'.
       There is NO LIMIT on image size.
       This program supports 8, 15, 16, 24 bits display.
       Supports movie files (DL, FLI/FLC, RAW, MPEG, AVI, GL, IFF/ANIM).
       Supports FLC making.
       Supports mouse.

       The official site is NCTUCCCA.edu.tw:/PC/graphics/disp.
       The IP address is 140.111.1.10 or 192.83.166.10

       It supports the following formats:

       Read: GIF(.gif), Japan MAG(.mag), Japan PIC(.jpc), Sun Raster(.ras),
       Jpeg in Jfif(.jpg), XBM(.xbm), Utah RLE(.rle), PBM(.pbm), PGM(.pgm),
       PPM(.ppm), PM(.pm), PCX(.pcx), Japan MKI(.mki), Tiff(.tif),
       Targa(.tga), XPM(.xpm), Mac Paint(.mac), GEM/IMG(.img),
       IFF/ILBM/PBM(.iff,.lbm), Windows BMP(.bmp), QRT ray tracing(.qrt),
       Mac PICT(.pct), VIS(.vis), PDS(.pds), VIKING(.vik), VICAR(.vic),
       FITS(.fit), Usenix FACE(.fac), IRIS(.sgi), YUV(.yuv), RAW RGB(.rgb),
       PCPAINT/Pictor(.pic,.clp), RAW GREY(.gry), Photo-CD(.pcd),
       VORT output(.pix), WordPerfect Graphics(.wpg), Windows ICON(.ico).
       DL(.dl), FLI(.fli), FLC(.flc), RAW(.raw, produced by DMPEG),
       MPEG(.mpg), AVI(.avi), GL(.gl), IFF/ANIM(.anm).
        the extensions in () are standard extensions.
       Write: GIF, Sun Raster, Jpeg, XBM, PBM, PGM, PPM, PM, Tiff, Targa,
       XPM, Mac Paint, Ascii, Laser Jet, IFF/ILBM, Windows BMP,
       Mac PICT, VIS, FITS, FACE, PCX, GEM/IMG, IRIS, YUV, RAW RGB,
       Postscript, RAW GREY, Wordperfect Graphics., Windows ICON.
        Preview: GIF, Jpeg, Windows BMP, PBM, PGM, PPM, Targa, PCX, MacPaint,
       Photo-CD.
        Registration is nearly free.  The author only requests a postcard
        from where you live.

 --
 --D.  Qpeg
 --

       QPEG/386 is an extremely fast DOS based JPEG viewer, featuring near
       real-time greyscale previews, and fast full screen color image viewing
       (it works even faster with a hi/truecolor card). In addition to JPEG
       images, QPEG also supports the following file formats (taken from the
       manual):

       * GIF:
          + interlaced and non-interlaced
          + GIF87a and GIF89a (87a subset only)
          + displays the first image of a multi-image GIF
       * Targa (TGA):
          + truecolor (15, 16, 24 and 32 bit), greyscaled, or with palette
          + uncompressed or rle compressed (run length encoded)
          + supports all video modes (16, 256, 32K, 64K, 16M)
       * PCX:
          + 1 and 4 bit with standard palette
          + 8 bit with extended palette
          + 24 bit truecolor
       * BMP (Windows)
          + 1 bit monochrome with palette, uncompressed
          + 4 and 8 bit with palette, uncompressed or RLE4/8 compressed
          + 24 bit truecolor, uncompressed
       * BMP (OS/2)
          + 1, 4 and 8 bit with palette, uncompressed
          + 24 bit truecolor, uncompressed
          + also supports the new multi image format (BA-BMP)

       Other features include: an easy to use GUI, the ability to pan around an
       image that's larger than your current display resolution with either the
       keyboard or mouse, and QPEG's support for a wide range of VGA and SVGA
       cards (and even if your card isn't directly supported, QPEG will still
       work with virtually all cards that are VESA compliant).

       ([e-mail])

 --
 --E.  Image Alchemy
 --

       Well, in case anyone is unfamiliar with the the excellent program IMAGE
       ALCHEMY, I will attempt to enlighten.

       IMAGE ALCHEMY, which I shall refer to as simply ALCHEMY, is a shareware
       dos-based command line graphics conversion program. It is written by the
       folks at Handmade Software, which is a company that has been around for a
       while and really know their stuff.

       ALCHEMY can convert between a diverse number of graphics formats, each
       with several varients available. Their goal is to support every graphic
       format, and they claim they will attempt to add any formats that are
       suggested to them if the demmand is great enough.

       One of the strengths of alchemy is that it does not rely on extension
       mapping to determine a file's format. It can identify unkown images and
       does so automatically. It will also do batch conversions via wild cards.
       So you can convert 100's of images with a single command line.

       In addition to converting between formats, alchemy will allow you to view
       images in up to 16 million colors, assuming your hardware is capable. It
       can scale, change the color depth, perform histogram stretching
       (spiffing), find common palettes, false palettes, negate, flip, adjust
       gamma, dither, and even print to HP compatible printer.

       To get an idea of what it can do, take a look at some command line
       switches. Remember that each format has many sub-options.

       OUTPUT FORMATS:

       Targa, Vivid IMG, Cubicomp, PCPaint/Pictor, JPEG, Autologic, HSI JPEG,
       Img Software Set, ADEX, Jovian VI, HSI Raw, Binary (BIF), PBM/PGM/PPM,
       RIX, XBM, Stork, HP RTL, CALS, HSI Palette, AVHRR, Dr. Halo CUT,
       Multi-Image Palette, Sun Raster, QDV, Calcomp, Scodl, PostScript,
       Lumena CEL, Spot Image, Erdas Image, Macintosh PICT, TIFF, FOP,
       Alpha BMP, VITec, First Publisher, ER Mapper Raster, MacPaint, GIF,
       MTV, QRT Raw, Gem VDI Image, SGI Image, Utah RLE, GOES, Sun Icon,
       Puzzle, Hitachi Raster Format, OS/2 BMP, Windows BMP, HP-48sx, PCX,
       WPG, IFF/ILBM, HP PCL, XWD, IBM Picture Maker, PDS, XPM,

       Color Output Options:

       -b:  convert image to black and white {140}
       -8:  write out a paletted file (up to 8 bits per pixel) {152}
       -15: write out a true colour file (15 bits per pixel) {158}
       -16: write out a true colour file (16 bits per pixel) {159}
       -24: write out a true colour file (24 bits per pixel) {160}
       -32: write out a true colour file (32 bits per pixel) {161}
       -c[0..256]:  create an image with specified palette size {141}
       -C[filename]:  use undercolour removal file {162}
       -d[type]:  dither output image using specified algorithm {143}
       -E:  optimize output image quality for display on EGA display {145}
       -f[filename]:  read palette from file {149}
       -F[filename]:  use false colour palette from file {146}
       -G[iop][gamma]:  specify gamma of input image, output image,
       -S[type]:  spiff image {156}
       -u:  use uniform palette {163}
       -z:  change palette selection, sorting, and swapping {154}

       ([e-mail])

 --
 --F.  to/from RIB
 --

 --
 --G.  to POV (3DS2POV)
 --

       3DS2POV is a freeware utility that reads a 3D Studio .3DS file and
       outputs scene files compatible with various freeware/shareware
       raytracers (POV-Ray v.1 and v.2, Vivid, Polyray, and a raw triangle
       format). The program handles cameras, lights, and mesh objects. Basic
       material properties such as colour, reflection, and transparency are
       converted however image maps and bump maps must be converted manually.
       Proper convertion of UV mapping coordinates is being worked on for a
       later release.

       Hardware requirements:

       The 3ds2pov.exe executable requires a minimum of a 386 or a 486 with a
       math co-processor. At least 2MB RAM is recommended. It's compatible with
       most 386 memory managers and DPMI servers.

       ([e-mail])


 --
 --H.  to/from DEM
 --

 --
 --I.  DTA (Dave's Targa Animator)
 --

       Written by David K. Mason

       DTA is a command-line utility for creating Autodesk Animator .FLI
       and .FLC animation files from:

       o .TGA files as created by the POV-Ray and POLYRAY ray-tracers.
       o .IMG files as created by the Vivid ray-tracer.
       o .PCX files.
       o .DIB or .BMP files
       o .GIF files.
       o Other .FLI or .FLC files.
       o VistaPro .VAN animation files
       o Presidio .ANI animation files

       DTA can also perform a wide range of post-processing functions
       on image files including:

       o Create a single optimal 256-color palette from a series of
         truecolor pictures, and then creating an Autodesk Animator .FLI
         file out of them.
       o Save the palette as a .MAP (PICLAB, FRACTINT) or .COL
         (Autodesk Animator) palete file.
       o Convert pictures to a bunch of different still image formats.
       o Read in a palette file in either .COL or .MAP format
         and animating a bunch of pictures using that palette.
       o Arbitrary rotation.
       o Scaling.
       o Multi-layer compositing.
       o Averaging images together for a variety of effects, including
         simulated motion blur and red/blue 3D.
       o And more.

       (taken from DTA.DOC)

 --
 --J.  DFV (Dave's Flic Viewer)
 --

       Written by David K. Mason

       DFV plays is a DOS-based flic-viewer which can display .FLI, .FLC,
       .FLX, .FLH, and .FLT animation files.  (and also .GIF and .TGA
       still images.)

       It should be able to handle any 320x200 .FLI you throw at it.
       If you've got a VESA-compliant SVGA or are running a VESA driver,
       then DFV will be able to display .FLC files with dimensions up to
       and including 1024x768 (in 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768 mode).

       If you don't have SVGA, DFV should still be able to display
       .FLC files up to 640x480 by displaying in a 320x480 mode and
       throwing away half the pixels.

       If you've got a VESA 1.2 hicolor SVGA, or a hicolor SVGA with
       a VESA 1.2 driver, then DFV can also handle .FLX and .FLH files
       up to 800x600 (in 640x480 or 800x600 mode).

       DFV can handle .FLT files up to 640x480, only if you've got
       a VESA 1.2 truecolor SVGA, or truecolor SVGA with a VESA 1.2
       driver.

       (taken from DFV.DOC)

       DFV is required to play any hi/truecolor flics created with DTA.


 --
 --K.  Importing from ACAD tips
 --

 --
 --L.  GDS
 --

       GDS stands for Graphics Display System. This shareware utility is a
       capable image display program, but there is one reason why it is
       indispensible for animators: It can create catalog pages of images
       with outstanding quality. The user simply selects the images and the
       resolution, then initiates a catalog page calculation. The program
       then prompts the user for the screen layout, with an interactive
       instant update to how the final scene will look. It prints the
       filename, and if space allows, it prints the extension and the
       resolution of the image. It only creates 256 color catalog pages,
       but it automatically combines the pallettes of all the selected
       images for a best pallette when it makes the catalog page. This
       optimization results in excellent color fidelity (and thumbnail image
       clarity) when the catalog page image is created. It's amazing how many
       images can be packed effectively onto a single screen with this
       program. At a 1024x768 resolution, 300 images per screen can be
       displayed with the full filename intact, and up to 1,280 images are
       allowed! Clearly, it's excellent for cataloging textures or putting
       up all the frames in an animation.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])

---
---10.  Using Operating Systems other than DOS
---
 --
 --A.  Windows 3.x
 --

       You have to add the following to your system.ini file

       device=c:\3ds4\pharlap.386

       in the [386Enh] section.  Then it should work. I believe..  Slow
       though. Unless you have lots of memory onboard.
       ([e-mail])

 --
 --B.  Windows NT
 --

       Because of incompatibilities between Windows NT, and the memory
       management that 3DStudio uses (DPMI 1.0), it is not possible to run
       3dstudio as a task under Windows NT.  It will however, run as a full
       DOS session.  This will require you to reboot NT when done using
       3DStudio, however.

 --
 --C.  OS/2
 --

       Use the following settings for 3Dstudio under OS/2 2.1 and Warp.

       COM_DIRECT_ACCESS              Off
       COM_HOLD                       Off
       COM_RECEIVE_BUFFER_FLUSH       NONE
       COM_SELECT                     ALL
       DOS_BACKGROUND_EXECUTION       On
       DOS_BREAK                      On
       DOS_FCBS_KEEP                  0
       DOS_FILES                      30
       DOS_HIGH                       On
       DOS_UMB                        Off
       DPMI_DOS_API                   ENABLED
       DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT              512
       DPMI_NETWORK_BUFF_SIZE         8
       EMS_FRAME_LOCATION             NONE
       EMS_HIGH_OS_MAP_REGION         0
       EMS_LOW_OS_MAP_REGION          0
       EMS_MEMORY_LIMIT               0
       HW_NOSOUND                     Off
       HW_ROM_TO_RAM                  Off
       HW_TIMER                       Off
       IDLE_SECONDS                   0
       IDLE_SENSITIVITY               100
       INT_DURING_IO                  On
       KBD_ALTHOME_BYPASS             Off
       KBD_BUFFER_EXTEND              On
       KBD_CTRL_BYPASS                NONE
       KBD_RATE_LOCK                  Off
       MOUSE_EXCLUSIVE_ACCESS         Off
       SESSION_PRIORITY               32
       VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP         On
       VIDEO_FASTPASTE                Off
       VIDEO_MODE_RESTRICTION         NONE
       VIDEO_ONDEMAND_MEMORY          On
       VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION        Off
       VIDEO_ROM_EMULATION            On
       VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION      Off
       VIDEO_WINDOW_REFRESH           1
       XMS_HANDLES                    32
       XMS_MEMORY_LIMIT               16384
       XMS_MINIMUM_HMA                0

       Someone has also reccomended that you add /BGEXEC to the
       DEVICE=../VSVGA.SYS line in your config.sys.  This should allow 3DS to
       run in the bacground while as a full screen DOS application.  There,
       so far, has been no way found to run 3DS in a window.



---
---11.  Related Lists and Newsgroups
---
 --
 --A.  Lists
 --

       I've witheld the address to post messages to in the hopes that it
       could possibly cut down on the new subscribers sending mail to the
       list saying 'subscribe me...'  The 3DStudio list seems to have
       floods of this mail.


       - Adobe Photoshop

         send subscribe email to: [e-mail]
         include in the text body:
            subscribe photshop first_name last_name

       - Fractal Design Painter 3.0

         send subscribe email to: [e-mail]
         include in the text body:
            subscribe painter-list


 --
 --B.  Newsgroups
 --
       comp.graphics.packages.3dstudio

       comp.graphics.packages.alias

       comp.graphics.packages.lightwave

       comp.graphics.animation

       alt.3d (SIRDS, true 3d imaging)



---
---12.  Other related products
---
 --
 --A.  Liquid Speed
 --
       Liquid Speed is a software screen-redraw enhancement utility for
       3D Studio release 3 or 4. It works by virtue of carefully
       re-written drivers that optimally draw to the screen. It affords
       some acceleration with non-Vibrant (i.e. RCPADI/RDPADI) drivers,
       but is fastest by far when used with a Vibrant screen driver mode. It
       usually doubles 3D Editor redraw speeds, and gives a 1.5x improvement
       in the keyframer. Note that the product is a productivity enhancement
       in that it allows quick feedback during modeling and scene design.
       It has *no effect* on rendering speed.

       It is locked with a hardware key. List price is $295.

       Vibrant Graphics, Inc.
       12741 Research Blvd.
       Suite 102
       Austin, TX 78759

       Phone: [phone]
       Fax: [phone]
       BBS: 512-918-3411

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])


 --
 --B.  Smacker
 --
       RAD Software, Inc.
       307 West 200 South, Suitee 1003
       Salt lake City, UT 84101
       TEL:[phone]
       FAX:[phone]

       Smacker is a compressor for video and animation in the Autodesk FLIC
       file format.  It will compress most files to 1/4 to 1/12 of thier
       original size.  Smacker compressed files can be played back "as-is" at
       up to 30 frames per second, or faster, without hardware assistance or
       a separate decompression step.  Smacker also includes SmackScript, a
       scripting language that allows you to creeate interactive flics.
       SmackScript has over 150 commands that supports keyboards, mice, file
       I/O, animations, bitmaps, numeric variables, string vvariables,
       branching, conditions, and more.  $295.
       (from Autodesk MM Partners catalog)


 --
 --C.  Fractint
 --

       Fractint is a freeware fractal exploration program. There are two
       versions, one for DOS and one for windows. Currently both are at
       version 18.2, and with that many revisions one may guess that the
       program is quite evolved - and it is! The program supports virtually
       all video drivers, dozens of fractal types, and millions of rendering
       variations. The program is a source of entertainment and scientific
       inquiry unto itself.

       Cool 3DS uses for fractint:

       Fractal texture maps. Image viewing. Animated maps. Organic bump and
       texture maps. Red/Blue 3D stereograms or images. Fractal terrain bump
       maps. DXF output from generated images OR imported images (a poor man's
       DISPLACE.PXP!) uses image information to displace vertices in an output
       DXF or RAW (use RAW23DS utility to convert directly to 3DS format) file
       of user-selectable face density (don't forget 3D Studio's 64000
       face/object limit!).

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])


 --
 --D.  Vivid
 --

       Vivid in a nutshell:

       High powered raytracer. Shareware. 386 version available with
       registration.  Used with the 3DS2POV utility, you can raytrace 3DS
       scenes, although you must edit the materials in Vivid's language.
       Includes true penumbral light sources, fisheye lens rendering, lights
       with true inverse-square falloff, perfect refraction and reflection
       from transparent and reflective objects, true depth-of-field rendering
       (from cameras with settable focal lengths) and more.

       (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])


---
---13.  Contacts/Phone Numbers at Autodesk
---
        Autodesk, Inc.
        111 MkInnis Parkway
        San Rafael, CA 94903

        Main
        [phone]

        Hotline              Phone Registration     FAX Back Service
        [phone]        [phone]          [phone]

        Customer Service     Multimedia Group       Retail Department
        [phone]        [phone]          [phone]

        Authorization Codes  Certification          Retail Upgrades
        [phone]        (800)995-EXAM          [phone]

        Anti-Piracy Hotline  Fed. Government Grp.
        [phone]        (800)332-GOVT




---
---14.  Listserv Users
---

         This is a list of come users on the 3DStudio Listserv.  If you'd like
        you name and information addeed to the list, feel free to email the
        author with the appropriate information. The names and information in
        this list are presented in alphabetical order.


        Abraham K. Lewis, BSOE
        Program Engineer
        AUTEC Project
        > [e-mail]


        Ann Mosconi
        Government Software Programmer and System Operator
         Electronic Bulletin Board
        President of M-Vision Productions, specializing
         in animation, video production, and multi media
        Performer of ethnic music and dance:  director
         of Rebel Nomads (Bulgarian and Macedonian music),
        Member of Viva la Alegria (Hispanic music and
         dance), collector of musical instruments, sometime
         MIDI composer, portrait artist.
        > [e-mail]


        Suzan Ponte
        3Diva Animation and Graphix
        Orlando, FL
        > [e-mail]
        > http://skynet.oir.ucf.edu:80/~suzan/index.shtml


        Greg Pyros
        Professional Animator
        Pyros Pictures
        1201 Dove Street Suite 550
         Newport Beach, CA  92660
        TEL:[phone]
        FAX:[phone]
        > [e-mail]
        CIS:73027,3632
        Network TV, feature films,  CD-ROMs, corporate miscelaneous
        awards: Autodesk Images Awards - first place
                CADalyst Caddies - 1st, 2dn, and 3rd
                A/E/C Systems show awards - Certificate of Excellence
        Co-author of "Inside 3D Studio" and "3D Studio Special Effects"


        Vjeko Sabljak
        Animator
        The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc.
        TEL:[phone]


        Eric Vitiello Jr.
        Freelance Animator
        FAQ Maintainer
        Louisville, KY
        > [e-mail]



---
---15.  Autodesk press releases
---

        Press Contact:
        Garth Chouteau, Autodesk, Inc.
        415-491-8853

 --
 --A.  4/10/1995 - Autodesk Market Share Increases 50%
 --

       Autodesk 3D Studio(R) Market Share Grows 50 Percent
       Leading Professional 3D Animation Software Attracts Customers and
       Industry Awards


       LAS VEGAS, Nevada--April 10, 1995--At NAB '95, Autodesk, Inc., today
       announced that the new 1994 edition of The Roncarelli Report on
       Computer Animation, indicates that among all professional 3D animation
       solutions, the market share of 3D Studio(R) software grew from 31
       percent to 48 percent, making it the market leader for the second
       consecutive year.  In addition, 3D Studio has recently received
       several top awards from publications including Computer Graphics
       World, AV Video, CADalyst, NewMedia and InfoWorld magazines.

       Robi Roncarelli, publisher of The Roncarelli Report on Computer
       Animation, measured the market penetration of professional animation
       hardware and software tools available on the PC, Macintosh and Silicon
       Graphics platforms.  "3D Studio has steadily gained market share on
       the PC, from about 50 percent two years ago to 75 percent today,
       making it far and away the most popular choice for professional
       animation on Intel-based personal computers," Roncarelli said.  "Even
       more impressive, 3D Studio now commands 48 percent of the entire
       professional 3D animation market, when software for all three
       professional hardware platforms is considered.  Of the more than
       100,000 professional 3D animation seats installed worldwide, close to
       half are 3D Studio systems."

       "3D Studio has a history of winning both editors' and readers' choice
       awards since its introduction in 1990, and this latest round of honors
       is the most gratifying yet," said Bob Bennett, senior product manager
       for Autodesk's 3D Studio software.  "Most significant is the fact that
       these latest awards come from a range of publications spanning the
       videography, graphics/ animation, design automation, multimedia, and
       general computer trade markets.  3D Studio is obviously a well-rounded
       product if it can appeal to so many professionals in such diverse
       markets," Bennett said.

        Industry Awards
       3D Studio has recently received outstanding recognition from the
       following publications:

        Computer Graphics World:  In their first annual Editors' Choice
       Awards, the staff of this leading graphics monthly awarded 3D Studio
       Release 4 first place in the "modeling/ animation software" category
       among all products introduced in 1994. (Computer Graphics World, 2/95)

        AV Video:  In recognition of technological innovation in support of
       the creative producer, 3D Studio Release 4 received this top
       videography magazine's 1995 Platinum Award for "computer graphics
       software."  (AV Video, 3/95)

        CADalyst:  This leading computer-aided design (CAD) publication
       polled its readers to determine their top choices for new products in
       1994, and 3D Studio was selected in the software category.  (CADalyst,
       12/94)

        InfoWorld:  InfoWorld's Test Center is famous for its investigative
       approach and critical hands-on reviews.  The publication, an
       authoritative weekly newspaper for the computer industry, recently
       reviewed 3D Studio Release 4 and gave the software its new Hot Pick
       Award for "technology that is unusually valuable or revolutionary
       compared to competitors."  (InfoWorld, 2/20/95)

        NewMedia:  This leading publication serving digital media
       developers and producers has awarded 3D Studio Releases 3 and 4 its
       "Awesome" rating, the magazine's highest, two years running.
       Describing the product's open architecture and wide array of
       third-party plug-ins, reviewer David Biedny heralded 3D Studio as "the
       Photoshop of 3D."  (NewMedia, 5/95)

        Multimedia World:  A finalist in Multimedia World's 1995 Readers'
       Choice Awards, 3D Studio finished a close second in the balloting to
       another Autodesk animation product, Animator Pro(R).  (Multimedia
       World, 3/95)

       Autodesk's Multimedia Market Group develops and delivers affordable
       digital media products for professionals such as film and video
       producers, video/computer game developers, architects, engineers, and
       designers.  The leader in PC-based multimedia tools, Autodesk provides
       a full range of products for the application development process, from
       2D and 3D creation to assembly and delivery.

       # # #

       Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Animator Pro, and 3D Studio are
       registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.  CompuServe is a registered
       trademark of H & R Block.  All other brand names, product names, or
       trademarks belong to their respective holders.

 --
 --B.  4/10/1995 - Windows NT Direction for 3DS Announced
 --

       Autodesk Announces Windows NT(TM) Direction for 3D Studio(R)
       Leading Professional 3D Animation Software to Move to Next Generation
       Operating System


       LAS VEGAS, Nevada--April 10, 1995--Autodesk, Inc. today announced its
       intention to deliver the next generation of its award-winning 3D
       Studio(R) software for the Microsoft 32-bit Windows NT(TM) operating
       system.  The most popular solution for professional 3D modeling,
       rendering and animation, 3D Studio has previously been available for
       MS-DOS, with a 3D Studio rendering engine also available for Silicon
       Graphics workstations.  After carefully evaluating all the current and
       upcoming operating system alternatives, Autodesk has identified
       Windows NT as the most effective for meeting the future needs of 3D
       graphics professionals across all market segments.

       Although Autodesk did not specify the future product's pricing and
       availability, the company did identify several key technology
       advantages that it expects will establish Windows NT as the operating
       system of choice for professional 3D graphics and animation
       production.  These advantages include support for hardware
       acceleration of the 3D graphics pipeline, preemptive multi-tasking and
       multithreading, and symmetric multiprocessing.  In addition, Windows
       NT will be "CPU-independent," effectively supporting multiple hardware
       architectures including Intel- and RISC-based chip sets.  Autodesk
       expects this separation of operating system from CPU to significantly
       broaden the market for 3D Studio and other professional graphics
       software.

       "As the predominant market and technology leader among 3D graphics and
       animation applications, 3D Studio is the one to beat going forward,"
       said Bill Caffery, vice president and director of the Advanced
       Technology Groups at the market research firm Gartner Group, Stamford,
       Connecticut.  "If Autodesk can maintain the openness and extensibility
       of 3D Studio, it should retain its leadership position on the most
       graphics-savvy operating system to date, Windows NT."
       Robi Roncarelli, author of The Roncarelli Report on Computer
       Animation, views Autodesk's decision to develop a Windows NT version
       of 3D Studio as a sign that the new operating system has reached
       "technological maturity."  "Over the past 18 months, while would-be
       competitors offered Windows(TM) 3.1-based solutions, Autodesk
       continued to focus on squeezing every drop of performance out of
       MS-DOS, and it paid off," Roncarelli said.  "3D Studio managed to
       increase its market share among PC competitors from 63 percent to 75
       percent, and its share across all professional platforms -- PC,
       Macintosh, and Silicon Graphics -- from 31 percent to 48 percent.  I
       expect 3D Studio to drive sales of Windows NT in the professional
       graphics and animation markets."

       Bob Bennett, senior product manager for Autodesk's 3D Studio software,
       expects both the features in Windows NT and the next generation of 3D
       Studio to further lend themselves to third-party development and
       support.  "Unlike the extended DOS environment, which requires rather
       obscure technology and tools, Windows NT is a true 32-bit environment
       supported by mainstream tools and code.  This makes the creation,
       modification, and support of third-party plug-ins significantly
       easier," Bennett said.  "This standard set of widely available
       development tools, coupled with the large address space and rich
       interprocess communication environment of the Windows NT operating
       system, will accelerate the creation of sophisticated plug-ins for the
       next generation of 3D Studio."

       Autodesk's Multimedia Market Group develops and delivers affordable
       digital media products for professionals such as film and video
       producers, video/computer game developers, architects, engineers, and
       designers.  The leader in PC-based multimedia tools, the Group
       provides a full range of products for the application development
       process, from 2D and 3D creation to assembly and delivery.

       Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design
       (CAD) automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company.
       The company develops, markets, and supports a family of design
       automation and professional multimedia software and component
       technologies for use on personal computers and workstations.  A global
       company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk markets products in 115
       countries and 18 languages.  Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq
       National Market under the symbol ACAD.  For more information on
       Autodesk, please call 415-507-5000 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe(R).

       # # #

       Autodesk, the Autodesk logo and 3D Studio are registered trademarks of
       Autodesk, Inc.  MS-DOS is a registered trademark, and Windows and
       Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.  Silicon Graphics
       is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.  CompuServe is a
       registered trademark of H & R Block.  All other brand names, product
       names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.


 --
 --C.  3/1/1995 - 3DS SGI Renderer Released
 --

       Autodesk's 3D Studio(R) Renderer Available for Silicon Graphics
       Multiplatform Solution for Professional 3D Graphics and Animation
       Production


       SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--March 1, 1995--Autodesk, Inc. today announced the
       immediate availability of  the 3D Studio(R) Renderer for Silicon
       Graphics Workstations.  Running on the Silicon Graphics systems based
       on the MIPS(R) 4000(R) and higher, the new 3D Studio Renderer for
       Silicon Graphics systems can be used either as a node on a mixed
       PC-and-Silicon Graphics network or as a stand-alone solution.  3D
       Studio, the leading professional animation software across all
       professional platforms, has previously been accessible only via
       Intel-based PCs.

       Robi Roncarelli, author of the Roncarelli Report on Computer
       Animation, believes that the development of the 3D Studio Renderer for
       Silicon Graphics will benefit both Autodesk and Silicon Graphics.
       "I've been tracking the phenomenal success of 3D Studio on the PC
       since its introduction in 1990.  This bridge into the high-performance
       workstation arena should further entrench the product as the number
       one professional animation software by really opening up the high end
       of the market such as film studios and post-production facilities,"
       said Roncarelli.  "Conversely, this new renderer will let Silicon
       Graphics accounts expand their services and add seats via the PC and
       3D Studio, at a very affordable price tag."

       "In the professional graphics and animation arena, customers' top goal
       is to use the 'best-of-breed' products in each phase of the production
       process, regardless of hardware platform," said Joe Fantuzzi, vice
       president of Autodesk's Multimedia Market Group.  "The 3D Studio
       Renderer for Silicon Graphics will let our current and prospective
       customers in film, TV and video game production combine the
       extensibility and flexibility, of 3D Studio running on a PC with the
       cost-effective processing power of Silicon Graphics workstations."

       Already one of the fastest production renderers, 3D Studio is even
       faster on Silicon Graphics workstations.  Initial tests indicate that
       a Silicon Graphics system based on the MIPS(R) 4400(TM) processor
       running at 150MHZ can render at double the speed of a Pentium(R)
       90-equipped PC.  Further, the open toolkit for the 3D Studio Renderer
       for Silicon Graphics is expected to ship in March 1995 to facilitate
       the creation of the 3rd-party plug-in effects that are enabled at
       rendering time, such as image processing, particle systems and
       procedural modeling.

       As with the complete PC version of 3D Studio, the 3D Studio Renderer
       for Silicon Graphics computes renderings in Super Truecolor 64-bit mode
       for maximum image quality.  The underlying technology is a highly
       optimized scan-line rendering engine with full support for alpha
       channels and the ability to render to either fields or frames.  True
       analytical antialiasing is performed by the renderer, as are additional
       features such as motion blur and ray-traced shadows.  A wide variety of
       common raster formats can be created at any user-specified resolution
       (including film) from the 3D Studio Renderer for Silicon Graphics.

       When the 3D Studio Renderer for Silicon Graphics is used as a node on
       a multiplatform network, initiation of the rendering job is controlled
       by a PC running the full version of 3D Studio.  A data screen on the
       Silicon Graphics workstation enables users to monitor the progress of
       each frame as it is being rendered.  In stand-alone mode, the 3D
       Studio Renderer for Silicon Graphics can simply be given 3D Studio
       models to render on a command-line basis.

       System Requirements
       The 3D Studio Renderer for Silicon Graphics runs across the company's
       full line of binary-compatible systems, including the Indy(TM),
       Indigo2(TM) and Onyx(TM) workstations through the CHALLENGE(TM)
       network resource servers running IRIX 5.2 or later, with 32MB of RAM
       and 20MB free of hard disk space.  A CD-ROM drive is required to
       install the Silicon Graphics Renderer.  A copy of 3D Studio Release 4
       for is also required, to access and direct the 3D Studio Renderer for
       Silicon Graphics.  Autodesk 3D Studio Release 4 software runs on
       IBM(R) or Compaq(R) 486/Pentium-based computers or 100-percent
       compatibles equipped with MS-DOS(R) 3.3 or later, 8MB of RAM, a hard
       disk, Super VGA device and Microsoft(R) or SummaSketch(R)-compatible
       pointing device.

       Pricing and Availability
       The 3D Studio Renderer for Silicon Graphics is available immediately
       and can be purchased through Authorized Autodesk Multimedia Dealers,
       some of whom are also Value Added Dealers of Silicon Graphics
       products.   A single site license permitting the use of the software
       on an unlimited number of Silicon Graphics workstations carries a
       suggested list price of US$4,995; a single-node version may be
       purchased for US$1,495.

       Price and availability may vary by country.  For more information,
       call Autodesk at 800-879-4233 or enter GO ASOFT on CompuServe(R).
       Outside the United States, fax inquiries to 415-491-8311 or your local
       Autodesk office.

       Autodesk's Multimedia Market Group develops and delivers affordable
       digital media products for professionals such as film and video
       producers, video/computer game developers, architects, engineers and
       designers.  The leader in PC-based multimedia tools, the Group
       provides a full range of products for the application development
       process, from 2D and 3D creation to assembly and delivery.

       Silicon Graphics, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of high-performance
       visual computing systems.  The company delivers interactive
       three-dimensional graphics, digital media and multiprocessing
       supercomputing technologies to technical, scientific and creative
       professionals.  Its subsidiary, MIPS Technologies, Inc., designs and
       licenses the industry's leading RISC processor technology for the
       computer systems and embedded control markets.  Silicon Graphics has
       offices worldwide and headquarters in Mountain View, California.

       Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design (CAD)
       automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company.  The
       company develops, markets, and supports a family of design automation
       and professional multimedia software and component technologies for use
       on personal computers and workstations.  A global company since its
       founding in 1982, Autodesk markets products in 115 countries and 18
       languages.  Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market
       under the symbol ACAD.  For more information on Autodesk, please call
       415-507-5000 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe(R).

       # # #


       Autodesk, the Autodesk logo and 3D Studio are registered trademarks of
       Autodesk, Inc.  Silicon Graphics is a registered trademark, and Indy,
       Indigo2, Onyx and CHALLENGE are trademarks of Silicon Graphics.  MIPS
       and R4000 are registered trademarks, and R4400 is a trademark, of MIPS
       Technologies, Inc.  Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel
       Corporation.  CompuServe is a registered trademark of H & R Block.  All
       other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their
       respective holders.



 --
 --D.  11/1/1994 - Cyberspace Dev. Kit Grant Program
 --

       Autodesk Establishes Cyberspace University Grant Program
       Will Donate More Than US$100,000 in Software for the Development
       of Virtual Worlds

       SAUSALITO, Calif.--November 1, 1994--Autodesk, Inc. today announced
       the Cyberspace Developer Kit (CDK) Release 2 University Grant
       Program, which will make Autodesk's virtual reality development
       software available to as many as 50 colleges and universities at no
       charge.  Intended to promote the development of virtual reality
       applications in the classroom and the adoption of advanced 3D design
       and programming concepts into curricula and research, the Grant
       Program is available to accredited colleges and universities in the
       United States and Canada only.

       "The CDK Grant Program is an ideal way for Autodesk to become more
       involved in that part of the university research community dedicated
       to the development and application of interactive 3D graphics
       technology," said Joe Fantuzzi, general manager of Autodesk's
       Multimedia Division.  "Autodesk is committed to virtual reality as a
       practical extension of 3D visualization technology, and the
       opportunity to form technical partnerships and explore new
       application areas with educators and their students more than
       justifies the cost of this program."

       Application Process
       The program will be administered jointly by Autodesk's Multimedia
       Division and Autodesk's Education Marketing Department, which will
       accept applications from representatives of qualified institutions
       between now and February 15, 1995.  Applicants are required to provide
       a detailed description of how the software grant will be utilized,
       state how students and university departments will be involved,
       describe the applicability of CDK Release 2 to curriculum development,
       expected project results and project timeframe.

       Upon grant approval, participants will be issued full development
       copies of the CDK Release 2.  They are required to provide Autodesk
       with samples of curriculum materials and CDK-based environments, as
       well as a written report of project results and an evaluation of the
       CDK Release 2 software.  For more information, or to obtain a grant
       application form, call 800-879-4233.

       Program Product Support
       An on-line technical support system providing direct access to
       Autodesk cyberspace engineers has been established to address
       programming issues that arise at University Grant Program sites.
       This will also enable Autodesk representatives to obtain feedback from
       students and faculty at any of the grant sites.

       Cyberspace Developer Kit Release 2
       The Cyberspace Developer Kit Release 2, a major upgrade of Autodesk's
       award-winning toolset for 3D visualization and simulation, begins
       shipping November 29, 1994.  A comprehensive set of C++ class
       libraries, the CDK Release 2 software boasts support for Windows (TM)
       3.1 with 32-bit extensions and Windows NT(R) texture-mapping
       capabilities, rendering-solution independence and tighter integration
       with 3D Studio(R) plus support for sound cards and a host of new input
       and output devices.  In addition, the CDK Release 2 includes HOOPS(R)
       4.0, the 3D graphics system for building advanced visualization
       applications from Ithaca Software, Autodesk's Component Technology
       Business Division.

       Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design
       (CAD) automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company
       in the world.  The company develops, markets, and supports a family
       of design automation and professional multimedia software and
       component technologies for use on personal computers and workstations.
       A global company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk markets
       products in 115 countries and 18 languages.  Autodesk shares are
       traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACAD.  For more
       information on Autodesk, please call 415-332-2344 or type GO ADESK on
       CompuServe(R).

 --
 --E. 9/20/1994  Autodesk Ships 3DStudio Release 4
 --

      #1 3D Animation Tool Adds Inverse Kinematics, Other Plug-In Benefits

      SAUSALITO, Calif.--October 20, 1994--Autodesk, Inc. today announced the
      immediate availability of 3D Studio(R) Release 4, a major upgrade of the
      world's most popular professional 3D animation software.  The advent of
      true 3D inverse kinematics provides 3D Studio customers with
      sophisticated new controls for creating both character and mechanical
      animations.

      Utilizing the open architecture of 3D Studio, several other powerful new
      features have been included in Release 4 as plug-ins.  These include a
      keyframe scripting language, a fast preview renderer, a match
      perspective tool, encapsulated PostScript output and a newly added image
      browser.  A patch modeler plug-in once planned for Release 4 is not
      included, due to usability concerns expressed by beta testers.  In
      addition, performance tuning of the 3DStudio executable file itself has
      yielded order-of-magnitude speed gains in operations such as copying and
      scaling geometry in large scenes.

      "We've been working with 3D Studio since Release 1, using it primarily
      for film previsualization and title sequences," said Frank Foster, vice
      president of previsualization at Sony Pictures Imageworks.  "With
      Release 3, we were able to provide our clients, TriStar Pictures and
      Columbia Pictures, with additional services such as on-screen CGI and
      special effects for such movies as My Life and the upcoming Johnny
      Mnemonic.  3D Studio Release 4 will enable us to generate film-quality
      special effects faster than ever before."

      Pricing and Availability
      Autodesk 3D Studio Release 4 software is available now at a suggested
      list price of US$2,995 (US domestic only) through Authorized Autodesk
      Multimedia Dealers.  Customers who purchased 3D Studio Release 3
      between July 25, 1994 and today can receive a free upgrade to Release 4
      through their Dealer.  Educational pricing is available for accredited
      institutions.

      Current Autodesk 3D Studio (Release 1, 2 or 3) owners can upgrade to
      Release 4 through their Dealer as follows:
      -   From Release 3 to Release 4: US$295
      -   From Release 2 to Release 4: US$695
      -   From Release 1 to Release 4: US$795




---
---16.  3DS Version Feature Lists
---
 --
 --A.  Release 4
 --

       3D Studio Release 4 -- Preliminary Feature Set -- 7/25/94

       Inverse Kinematics KXP Plug-in

       -    Manipulate a chain of linked objects with true 3D inverse
            kinematics functionality in real-time.
       -    Both sliding and revolving joints can be specified
       -    Uses full 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) kinematics, for position
            and roll, pitch and yaw.
       -    Any DOF can be limited to a range. For example: -10.0 to
            10.0 for position or -45deg to 45deg for rotation.
       -    Eases can be specified for each DOF so objects can slow down
            towards their constraint point
       -    Precedences can be set for each DOF to provide an order for
            all the DOFs in the chain. The DOF with the highest
            precedence is used first in the attempt to solve the optimal
            end-effector kinematic solution.
       -    Each DOF has its own 'damping' factor. This attenuates the
            motion of the DOF so that other DOFs with lower precedence
            can contribute to the solution.
       -    Establish keyframes dynamically while moving the kinematic
            chain in real-time
       -    Copy joint parameters from one hierarchy to another
       -    The IK solution can be affected by global parameters such as
            maximum iteration and threshold
       -    Joint constraints can be interactively set while viewing and
            manipulating the entire rendered hierarchy in real-time.
       -    Supports "end effector association" for precise mechanical
            motions, with absolute or relative association
       -    Allows automatic object tracking so your objects can be
            constrained to "look at" other objects
       -    Adjustable frame-per-second playback speed for precise
            motion tests
       -    Eliminates unnecessary track complexity through keyframe
            reduction technology
       -    Stores all the IK joint constraint data within the .3DS or
            .PRJ file
       -    Key reduction and inverse kinematics computation can be
            controlled by the user.
       -    View objects in skeletal, box, wireframe mesh or gouraud-
            shaded form, with or without their axis tripods displayed
       -    Complete viewport controls for viewing, panning, rotating,
            changing viewports, plus fast keyboard equivalents


       Keyframe Scripting Language KXP Plug-In

       -    Compose command scripts using BASIC-like interpreter
       -    More than 80 functions are included.
       -    Extends the built in text editor of 3D Studio with new drop-
            down menus and icons
       -    Functions for collision detection are built-in. 4. Any
            combination of the 6 possible DOFs can be 'turned on' thus
            allowing the joint to move in correspondence with that DOF.
       -    Sample scripts demonstrate:  elementary physics, collision
            detection, and macro robotics
       -    A sample morph target manager (with lip sync assistant)
            application is included
       -    Three buffers included -- two for scripts and a third for
            console input
       -    Scripts can be embedded into individual objects. For
            example, multiple scripts which control the behavior of an
            object or hierarchy can be formally attached to the
            geometry, which can then be merged into any scene intact.
       -    Unlimited numeric and string variables are supported.
       -    Numerical arrays can be up to three dimensions. String
            arrays can be up to two dimensions.
       -    Supports user-definable data structures (much like "C").
            Structures can contain any data type (including arrays) and
            the structures themselves can be arrayed.
       -    Numerous commands for controlling structure flow (e.g.
            Input, For/Next)
       -    Ascii and binary disk i/o is supported for file manipulation
            under script control.
       -    Automatic dialog box creation using 3D Studio dialog box UI.
       -    Supports canned, high-level UI dialogs (ie, a generic INPUT
            dialog, file selector, object selector, material selector,
            color selector, etc.)
       -    A lower-level function library for supporting any type of
            custom interfaces created with the 3DE.EXE resource editor
            freeware (available on Compuserve)
       -    Ability to move, rotate, position, hide or morph objects,
            set eases, continuity, tension, looping, etc.
       -    Complete control over all types of keyframes for all types
            of entities
       -    Collections of heavily documented, portable subroutines
            ready to be pasted into your own scripts are also included.


       Fast Preview Rendering KXP and PXP Plug-Ins

       -    Works in both the Editor and Keyframer, for modeling or
            animation previews
       -    Supports wireframe, flat, and Gouraud shading (with Phong
            highlights)
       -    Establish new camera position interactively while viewing
            the rendered scene.
       -    Can quickly create full-color preview flics in the
            keyframer.
       -    Near real-time performance (dependant upon dataset size and
            system cpu type)
       -    VTR style controls allow you to view animation conveniently


       EPS Postscript Output Plug-in

       -    Outputs an EPS file as a raster result
       -    Can include TIFF image for preview
       -    User controls over dimensions and units
       -    Works transparently by just specifying .EPS output extension


       Perspective Matcher

       -    Lets you easily set up 3DS cameras for rendering models over
            scanned photographs with matching camera perspective
       -    Easy-to-use interface lets you graphically position
            perspective lines over digitized photographs

       Speed optimizations and Vibrant Support

       -    100x speedup in the 3D Editor when copying, arraying,
            moving, deleting, hiding and unhiding large numbers of
            objects.  It's now practical to work with over 1000 active
            objects in the system at once, even on a 486/33.
       -    A new "null" display mode can be used to 3DS to run as a
            background process under Windows with all display cards.
       -    Dozens of new display drivers are included.


       INSTALL additions

       -    Separate options for installing all of 3D Studio, support
            files and sample files separately - ideal for network
            installations.
       -    New sample files for above plug-ins. New CD-ROM version
            available so the program can be installed automatically off
            the CD


       New Configuration options

       -    Switch to set the Keyframer into Field mode instead of Frame
            mode (to visualize each field of an animation)
       -    Ability to set IPAS routines and network project files to
            read-only status for Lantastic networks to enhance
            performance
       -    Text Editor command options for compatibility with commonly-
            used Windows editor cut/paste commands.


       IPAS enhancements

       -    The Renderer's Z-buffer is now available for IXP's to use
            for depth-of-field and other distance-based image-processing
            effects.
       -    Z-buffer information can be exported as a bitmap file.
       -    All viewport info, such as resolution, dimensions, and type
            can be acquired by the plug-in to emulate 3DS viewports
            exactly.
       -    Plug-ins can automatically do a Hold or Fetch operations to
            automatically backup and restore the entire 3DS scene.
       -    Surface material attributes can be read and modified by
            PXP's
       -    Plug-ins can load and save .3DS files
       -    PXP's can initialize the Keyframer and perform KXP
            functions.
       -    Atmosphere parameters can now be IPAS-controlled for
            animated fog, layered fog, and distance cueing effects.
       -    Plug-ins can write custom status to the 3DS prompt window.
       -    New drop-down menus can be defined in the Text Editor.
       -    Plug-ins can define their own mouse cursors.
       -    Plug-ins can determine if 3DS is in network Master or Slave
            mode.
       -    Plug-ins have complete access now to the 3DS file system,
            allowing more flexible subdirectory control.
       -    Bit-blit operations inside of plug-in UI's are up to 20x
            faster, allowing real-time scrolling and manipulation of
            large bitmaps in IPAS dialogs for image processing apps.
       -    PXP's can now get and set information for AXP's to use at
            render-time.
       -    KXP's can traverse the scene hierarchy in more-flexible
            ways.
       -    KXP's can interpolate keyframes fractionally now, instead of
            using integer-based frame-numbering.



---
---17.  Common Problems
---

   Sections A, B, and C contributed by (Jim Lammers [[e-mail]])

 --
 --A.  Invalid Normal Array
 --

       Q: I keep getting a message "invalid normal array" during rendering.
          What does this mean?

       A: This message indicates that 3D Studio's EXE file has somehow been
          modified.  Check the hard drive for errors, check your complete
          system for viruses, and then re-install from the original disks.
          If the problem persists, contact your dealer for new diskettes.

 --
 --B.  Randomly Exploding Meshes
 --

       Q: Every so often, for no apparent reason my mesh seems to "explode".
          That is, the vertices fly off everywhere making my mesh look like
          a rat's nest. What's going on?

       A: This problem is due to the fact that 3D Studio's EXE file has
          somehow been modified. Check the hard drive for errors, check your
          complete system for viruses, and then re-install from the original
          disks. If the problem persists, contact your dealer for new
          diskettes.


 --
 --C.  Listserv Piracy Discussions
 --

       Q: Whenever I try to initiate a discussion on piracy with the members
          of the 3D Studio [listserv/]newsgroup, I either get no response, or
          nasty messages. Why don't they want to talk about this important
          issue?

       A: Perhaps piracy with respect to 3D Studio itself *is* a 3D Studio
          issue, but we are not interested in re-opening this tedious,
          emotional, and ultimately tiresome subject.  Please post your
          messages that relate in any way to piracy to the alt.piracy forum.
          And we will all thank you kindly!


---
---18.  Tips, Tricks and Miscellaneous
---
 --
 --A.  File format information
 --
       FLIC:
       found on avalon, /pub/format_specs/Autodesk_fli_and_flc_format.txt

       .3DS, .PRJ, etc.:
       This information can be ordered from Autodesk for around $250. Contact
       your Autodesk Dealer for information.

 --
 --B.  Saving the 3DS Screen
 --

       3D Studio has an undocumented feature which allows you to save a
       snapshot of the screen as a Targa (TGA) file.  To do so, follow these
       instructions:

       1) in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, add the line SET SCREENGRAB=YES

       2) reboot your computer.

       3) in 3D Studio, press CTRL+PRTSC (the control key, and Print Screen
          key at the same time.)  after a pause, you will be presented with a
          dialog box asking for a filename.  3D Studio will save the screen
          (at whatever resollution it is set at) as a Targa File (of the same
          resolution).

 --
 --C. Using Corel Draw and 3DS
 --

      1) Export from Corel with Illustrator 88 format.

      2) Enter 3DS.

      3) Enter shaper and import AI file.

      4) Select all.

      5) Modify/vertex/weld with selected ON.

      ([e-mail])

----------------------------end of 3DStudio FAQ------------------------------