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3DO Monthly FAQ posting DEC
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Subject: 3DO Monthly FAQ posting
From: krotz@MCS.COM (Scott A. Krotz)
Date: 1 Dec 1994 14:02:44 -0600
Message-ID: <3bla54$8hh@Mercury.mcs.com>
Here's the latest version of the 3DO FAQ! As always, send any corrections,
additions, comments, or good jokes to me, Scott Krotz at either krotz@mcs.com
or krotz@cig.mot.com
Scott
===============================================================================
----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list----------
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Interactive Multiplayer
Frequently Asked Questions List V3.0a
Maintained by Scott A. Krotz
e-mail: krotz@cig.mot.com
----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list----------
===============================================================================
This is the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list. It
consists of the following four sections:
SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information
SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information
SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications
SECTION 4 - System and Application Software
Each section answers specific questions about the 3DO, the 3DO company, and
3DO software and hardware.
This FAQ List was last modified on November 30th, 1994. The latest version
of this faq, along with other 3DO related materials, can be found at the
ftp site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155) in the /pub/gaming/3DO directory.
This faq can also be found at ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs
directory. Additional 3DO related materials can be found at 128.146.140.90,
including game screenshots and information from the TNT CES package.
Also, check out Michel Buffa's video games home page available via WWW at:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu:8001/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/buffa/www/videogames.html
the 3DO faq is available there in Mosaic format, along with lots of other
video game information. Special thanks to Michel Buffa for his great job of
formatting the faq and for creating and maintaining the video games page.
================SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information===============
[1.1] What is a 3DO?
A: The 3DO is, technically, a set of specifications created by the 3DO
company, which is itself a partership of seven different Companies. These
specs are the intellectual property of the 3DO Company, and are the blueprint
for making a 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Manufacturing companies license the
rights from the 3DO Company to manufacture a system based on the 3DO Company's
specifications. Software companies license the ability to develop software for
the 3DO.
The closest analogy is that of the VCR; The VCR *technology* was
created by JVC, and any company can manufacture a VCR or VCR videocassettes
as long as they pay a small royalty to JVC. The 3DO *technology* was
created by the 3DO Company, and several companies have licensed the right
to manufacture 3DO systems based on this technology. The 3DO Company
itself does not manufacture 3DO systems.
(Note: It's somewhat incorrect to state that VCR technology was created by
JVC; things are a bit more complicated than that. For the purposes of my
analogy, however, its close enough. :)
Basically, a 3DO system consists of an ARM60 32-bit RISC processor as the
general processing unit, with a graphics engine based around two custom
designed graphics and animation processors. It has 2 Megabytes of
DRAM, 1 Megabyte of VRAM, and a doublespeed CD-ROM drive for main
storage. This is a simplified description of the system; See below for
detailed specifications.
Be sure to read the newsgroup rec.games.video.3do for ongoing discussions
about 3DO software and hardware.
[1.2] What can the 3DO do?
"It will be more stimulating to the human mind than any new technology
since printing." - Trip Hawkins
A: A 3DO system can run 3DO Interactive software, Play audio CD's (including
support for CD+G), View Photo-CDs, and will eventually be able to play Video
CD's with a special add-on MPEG1 full motion video cartridge.
With its controller port up to 8 controllers can be daisy-chained on the
system at once. A keyboard, mouse, light gun, and other peripherals may
also be hooked into the system (although they are not currently available,
except for the light gun).
3DO Interactive software is a step beyond most current consumer multimedia
interactive software. With its powerful cel engine, the 3DO can display
full motion video, fully texture mapped 3-D landscapes, and other amazing
visuals, all in 24-bit color.
[1.3] Is the 3DO a Panasonic product?
A: No. The 3DO system was developed and designed by the 3DO Company, and
Panasonic has licensed the right to manufacture the system from the 3DO
company. Other companies such as Sanyo, Goldstar, and Creative Labs have
also licensed the right to manufacture 3DO compatible systems. Panasonic
was the first company to manufacture and market a 3DO player, and their
player is probably the most well known one at the moment.
[1.4] Who else is a 3DO hardware licensee?
A: Here is a list of the current 3DO hardware licensees:
Licensee Product Notes
-------- ------- -----
Panasonic Home Console FZ-1/10 is currently released(1)
Panasonic M2 Accelerator Accelerator for 3DO consoles(2)
Sanyo Home Console Currently released in Japan(3)
Samsung Home Console/w MPEG Planned release in early '95(4)
Goldstar Home Console Now available in the US(5)
Creative Labs PC Card PC card for IBM compatibles(6)
Toshiba Portable Creating a car nav system(7)
AT&T Home Console Console plans cancelled(8)
Scientific-Atlanta Set-top cablebox Interactive TV test for US West
Atari Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown
Electronic Arts Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown
American Laser Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown
NOTE: All release dates are tentative and subject to change.
(1) The Panasonic FZ-1 has been released in the US, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, the
UK, and Canada. The UK console is a PAL version. The FZ-10 is a cost reduced
version of the FZ-1 available only in Japan (currently).
(2) For more information on the M2 Accelerator, see question 1.11.
(3) Sanyo has stated the Japanese release will come before the American
release. The Japanese launch occurred on October 1st, 1994. The MSRP price
of the console in Japan is 54,800 yen, or about $550 US dollars. No dates
are currently available on the US launch, but it is rumored to possibly be
sometime in early '95.
(4) The Samsung 3DO console will include built-in MPEG decoding hardware. It
is tentatively set to be released in early '95.
(5) The Goldstar 3DO console has been released in the US and Korea at an
MSRP of $399. Goldstar plans to expand distribution of the 3DO system by
making it available through mass merchandisers and toy stores.
(6) The Creative labs 3DO blaster has been released in the US and parts of
Asia. For more information on the Creative labs PC card, see question 1.5
(7) Toshiba has announced plans to develop a portable version of the 3DO system
that can be installed in automobiles. It is believed to be a car navigation
system of some sort, and should be available in Japan in late '94.
(8) The AT&T 3DO was previously planned, and would have optionally included a
modem for networked games and communication. Their 3DO console plans have been
cancelled, along with their 3DO voicespan modem. (AT&T has decided to leave the
videogames market completely).
[1.5] What do the various 3DO systems come with?
A: Here is a break-down of what the various 3DO multiplayer systems contain.
NOTE: Any devices that attach to the AV expansion port (such as the MPEG1
FMV cartridge) are "motherboard dependent" and are not interchangeable
between players. Devices that plug into the controller port or high
speed expansion port are compatible across all 3DO players. Also,
up to eight devices can be daisy-chained on the controller port.
Panasonic (MSRP $399)
---------------------
Name: Panasonic FZ-1 R.E.A.L 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2).
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and 11 foot
cord.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: 3DO Sampler, Twisted, and Pebble Beach Golf. (PAL version
comes with Total Eclipse).
For more info call: (800)REAL-3DO.
Name: Panasonic FZ-10 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (MSRP 44,800 Yen)
Outputs: ??
Cables: ??
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2).
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Note that the FZ-10 will require its own specific version
of the MPEG1 adaptor and M2 accelerator, it will _not_ be
able to use the FZ-1 versions of these products.
Controller: one included.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: ??
Misc: This is a cost-reduced flip-top version of the FZ-1. It is currently
available only in Japan. The US release date and MSRP is not currently
known, but a January '95 release is rumored.
For more info call: ??
Goldstar (MSRP $399)
--------------------
Name: Goldstar 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2).
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and long
cord.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Shockwave, Putt Putt Joins the Parade, and a demo photo CD.
Misc: Also includes a certificate to send in with a roll of film to have
your own custom Photo CD disc made, along with a $10 off coupon for
the upcoming Shockwave mission disk.
For more info call: No Goldstar number is currently available.
Creative Labs (MSRP $399)
-------------------------
Name: Creative Labs 3DO Blaster (PC compatible ISA plug-in card)
Outputs: RGB via pass-thru connector on your VGA card, CD audio output.
Cables: Pass thru connector cable, CD audio connector cable.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2),
and one controller port.
Controller: one included (controller does not include connector for daisy
chaining other peripherals, but other 3DO controllers with the
connector can be used with the 3DO blaster to daisy chain
additional peripherals)
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Shockwave, Gridders, and a sampler CD.
Misc: The 3DO Blaster requires an IBM compatible 386-25Mhz or above, 4 MB
RAM, VGA display adaptor with standard feature connector, a soundcard
with CD audio input connector, and a Panasonic or Creative Labs double
speed CD-ROM drive. Games can be played full-screen or in a window on
your PC's monitor, in DOS or in MS Windows. The street price of the
3DO blaster should be in the $300 range. Although it has an AV
expansion port for MPEG1 and possibly the M2 accelerator, these
devices have not yet been announced by Creative Labs.
For more info call: (405)742-6622 for technical info or (800)998-5227 for
dealer referrals.
Sanyo (MSRP 54,800 Yen)
-----------------------
Name: Sanyo TRY 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2).
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Controller: one included.
Pack in CD's: ??
Misc: Currently available only in Japan. US Release date is unknown.
For more info call: No Sanyo number is currently available.
[1.6] Where can I get the lowest price for a 3DO?
A: The retail price of most 3DO systems has recently been dropped to $399, so
make sure not to buy a 3DO from somewhere that has not changed to the new
price. Mail order outlets usually have slightly lower prices than retail
stores, and may have it for less. Prices as low as $299 have been found, but
only rarely and in small quantities. Ask on rec.games.video.3do for more info
about finding the current best place to purchase a 3DO.
[1.7] What's this I hear about a "reduced-cost" 3DO chipset?
A: 3DO has re-worked their chipset to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The
new chipset has no more or less functionality or speed than the previous one,
it simply combines several chips into one to reduce the cost of making it. The
new chipset should be available in quantity now and is being used in the new
3DO consoles.
[1.8] Will each 3DO system be compatible?
A: Yes. You will be able to run all 3DO software on any manufacturers
system. However, each system can be customized to some extent by the
manufacturer to add their own special features.. for example the built-in
MPEG decoder on the Samsung console.
[1.9] Will there be special PAL titles for PAL versions of the 3DO?
A: Yes. However, NTSC versions of 3DO games will be playable on PAL 3DO
consoles, although they may look slightly "crunched" due to the differences
between PAL and NTSC aspect ratios (PAL versions of 3DO titles will look
correct on PAL 3DO systems). Unfortunately, due to minor differences between
the PAL and NTSC 3DOs, some pre-PAL NTSC 3DO titles (such as Twisted, Crash n
Burn, and Way of the Warrior) crash on PAL 3DO's. Most should run, and all
new NTSC 3DO titles will be tested to ensure PAL compatibility.
[1.10] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO
system?
A: Yes. Right now 3DO intends that you will be able to play current 3DO
software on any future 3DO compatible machine.
[1.11] Will I be able to upgrade my current 3DO console to a next generation
3DO console(through the FMV expansion port perhaps) when it is available?
A: Yes. The "M2 Accelerator" was recently announced, and will be an add-on
upgrade designed to provide current 3DO console owners with greatly increased
performance. The add-on will include a specially designed multiprocessor that
will include a custom PowerPC microprocessor, and may also include multiple
custom graphics and sound processors designed by 3DO. The PowerPC chip in the
M2 will be a derivative of the 6XX family, and was jointly designed by Motorola
and IBM with input from 3DO and Matsushita. The M2 accelerator will use the
same operating system and development tools as the current 3DO system, ensuring
compatibility with current 3DO titles. Trip Hawkins claims the M2 Accelerator
will have five times the performance of the Sony PSX, and should be available
in late 1995. Pricing information has not yet been released.
[1.12] Is the 3DO just going to be an educational system?
A: No. While educational and informational programs are going to be an
important part of the 3DO software library, there will also be lots of
games. Trip Hawkins is said to love games, and the system was designed
by game players almost certainly with games in mind.
[1.13] Is the 3DO just going to be a games system?
A: No. Childrens, educational, and reference/informational programs are
planned to be an important part of the 3DO software library.
[1.14] Is the 3DO the same as CD-i?
A: No. CD-i stands for "CD interactive" and is a system jointly developed by
Philips Electronics and Sony. The two systems *are not* compatible and are
totally unrelated. (This system also has no relation to the Sony-PSX).
[1.15] Which system is better, the 3DO or the Jaguar?
A: It isn't really known. Due to the bus design, architecture and software
philosophy of the 3DO, the two systems cannot easily be compared. Only time
and software will begin to show the different abilities of the two systems.
People in the newsgroup rec.games.video.advocacy will almost certainly be
discussing this issue. Check there for more information, but only if you are
strong in body and spirit. :) System wars are well known for their ferocity.
[1.16] Where can I ftp 3DO related files?
A: the ftp site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155) has 3DO related materials,
including the latest version of this FAQ, in the directory /pub/gaming/3DO.
New files can be submitted in the /pub/incoming directory. The administrator
of the 3DO section is Shawn Baird (bairds@ee.pdx.edu), please notify him of
any files you upload. Also, at the ftp site 128.146.140.90, various 3DO
screenshots and information from the TNT CES package can be found.
===============SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information================
[2.1] What does 3DO stand for?
A: Nothing, really. Some people have said it stands for "3 Dimensional
Objects," or "3 Dollars Only," (The current licensing fee per disc) but the
general consensus is that it means it is the next step after audio and video:
audio, video, "threedeo."
[2.2] Who developed the 3DO system?
A: Dave Needle and RJ Mical are named as co-inventors of the Machine. Needle
and Mical previously worked on the the design team of the original Amiga
computer, and on the design of the Atari Lynx handheld gaming system. The NTG
(New Technologies Group) company designed most of the 3DO technology/hardware.
[2.3] Who is Trip Hawkins?
A: Trip Hawkins is the founder and CEO of the 3DO Company. He is also the
founder of Electronic Arts, a well known software publishing company. Trip
is the driving force behind the creation and development of the 3DO.
[2.4] Who are the seven partners that make up 3DO?
A: Matsushita, AT&T, Time Warner, MCA, Electronic Arts, venture capital firm
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and the New Technologies Group(NTG). NTG
was previously a separate company but has now merged into the 3DO company and
no longer exists as a separate entity.
[2.5] How does the 3DO company make money?
A: 3DO gets a small royalty for each 3DO console sold (which they are not
currently collecting). They also get a royalty on each 3DO software disc
sold. The 3DO disc royalty is currently at $3 per disc, or up to 10% of net
sales, whichever 3DO chooses. Since 3DO does not directly manufacture the 3DO
consoles or software, it has little control over their retail pricing.
Note: An additional $3 has recently been added to the per disc royalty fee to
fund 3DO advertising, and to help offset the costs of manufacturers maintaining
competitive hardware prices.
[2.6] Why doesn't 3DO release information on how many consoles have been sold?
A: Since 3DO does not manufacture the consoles, they _cannot_ give out
statistics on how many consoles have been sold without the consent of the
manufacturer. This is the confidential information of the manufacturing
company. Ask the manufacturer for sales figures, not 3DO.
[2.7] What about 3DO's stock?
A: In mid-March, 1993, 3DO (NASDAQ: THDO) entered into the stock market with
an initial public offering (IPO) that values the entire company at around $300
million. 3DO had an ongoing promotion offering 3DO hardware manufacturers two
shares of 3DO common stock for each hardware system shipped at or below certain
retail prices before Sept. 30, 1994, which has now been ended. In June 3DO
completed an offering of almost 3 million shares of common stock to existing
and new investors to raise $40 million in capital.
[2.8] How do I contact the 3DO company?
A: Contact 3DO's public relations department at:
The 3DO Company
600 Galveston Dr.
Redwood City, Ca 94063
(415) 261-3000
internet e-mail: info@3do.com
The 3DO club: club@3do.com
3DO Direct: (800) 336-3506 (for more info see below)
3DO now offers a "3DO Direct" toll free direct order phone line for purchasing
3DO software, hardware, and peripheral products. To order call (800)336-3506
between 9am and 5pm Pacific time. 3DO merchandise such as T-shirts, hats,
coffee mugs, and watches are also sold.
============SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications=============
[3.1] What Peripherals are coming for the 3DO?
A: Peripherals have been announced by Logitech and CH Products. Alps Electric,
Inc. has also signed on to create 3DO peripherals but has not announced any
products as of yet. Logitech is going to produce a mouse for the 3DO, and CH
Products an analog joystick. No release dates have been made public for either
product. A keyboard peripheral is also expected.
[3.2] Is there an external storage device coming for the 3DO?
A: Yes, a PCMCIA SRAM card reader is being readied for release for the 3DO.
This peripheral will expand the 3DO's NVRAM by allowing users to store games
to standard PCMCIA SRAM cards. The memory cards and card reader will be
manufactured by TDK and is tentatively set to be released in the first quarter
of 1995.
[3.3] Is there going to be a modem for the 3DO?
A: Possibly. AT&T was planning on releasing an add-on modem peripheral for
3DO consoles, but has recently decided to drop those plans (and the plans for
the Genesis version of the voice-span modem). It is, however, possible that
another company will manufacture a 3DO modem.
[3.4] When will the MPEG add-on be released?
A: The MPEG video adaptor for the Panasonic FZ-1 3DO console is currently
scheduled to be released in the fall for a price of around $249. Panasonic
has held up the release of the unit because of the lack of CD-Video movies.
The Samsung 3DO console will come with built in MPEG decoding and is scheduled
to be released in late '94 or early '95. An MPEG adaptor will be available for
the Goldstar and Sanyo 3DO consoles, but no release or pricing information for
them is currently available.
[3.5] What hardware is coming, and when?
A: Here's a condensed list of 3DO hardware and peripherals, their manufacturer,
and predicted release date.
Product Manufacturer Predicted Rls.
------- ------------ --------------
3DO PC Card Creative Technology Available
3DO PC Card SCSI(rumored) Creative Technology unknown
Extra controller Panasonic Available
FlightStick Pro CH Products Early Fall
Game Gun American Laser Games Available
Mouse Logitech unknown
SRAM Card and Reader TDK 1st Q '95
VoiceSpan Modem AT&T Cancelled
[3.6] Can the Panasonic 3DO control pad do diagonals? I sure can't get mine to!
A: Diagonal control was a problem with earlier versions of the Panasonic 3DO
control pad. Later versions from Panasonic have been corrected. Diagonals can
be done on earlier Panasonic 3DO directional pads, but it takes excessive force.
There is a simple solution, however, that allows diagonal