3-D for the rest of us: entry-level software for the Mac
Article Abstract:
An evaluation of four entry-level Mac 3-D programs reveals that all the applications create professional results despite their attractive low-end prices of $350 to $700. Users will also appreciate that the four applications are available in Power Mac native versions. Ray Dream's $349 Ray Dream Designer 3.0 is the easiest package to use of the applications reviewed, and carries the lowest price tag. It is easy to create shapes with Designer, and the application features an interesting Modeling Wizard to get started. Alias Research's $695 Alias Sketch 2.0 is more powerful than Designer, and offers a more complete features pallette. Specular International's $699 Infini-D 2.0 and Strata's Vision 4.0 both have strong modeling, rendering and animation features, making them good choices for multimedia. Vision is slightly better than Infini due to its powerful modeling options, along with its path-based animation and bigger surface library.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1995
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Windows' third dimension
Article Abstract:
Seven midrange Windows 3D packages are evaluated and compared. The programs average around $500 in price and offer modeling, rendering and animation. They vary widely in their other capabilities and user interfaces. The programs include NewTek's LightWave 3D 4.0, Martin Hash's 3-Dimensional Animation 3.15, Ray Dream Studio 4.0, Byte by Byte Corp's Soft F X 2.5, 3D Eye's TriSpectives Professional, Caligari's TruSpace2 and Visual Software's Visual Reality 2.0. The best choices for power and flexibility are Soft F X 2.5, TrueSpace2 and LightWave 3D 4.0. The best modelers are TrueSpace2 and LightWave 3D. LightWave 3D and Soft F X provide the best animation. The best overall choice is LightWave 3D, due to its variety of features, easy of use and responsiveness.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1996
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SuperCard 3.0
Article Abstract:
Allegiant Technologies' $329 SuperCard 3.0 multimedia authoring tool for the Macintosh is on a par with Director in terms of performance and in several other respects, including its Roadster browser plug-in. However, while it is better for projects needing multiple windows or that use lots of text, it is not as good for projects needing animation or cross-platform application support. The latest version features a revamped interface, the Roadster plug-in for Windows and Macintosh browsers, and new authoring features. The SuperEdit primary authoring tool of previous versions has been replaced by Project Editor, which enables users to edit projects directly. Project Editor is easier to use, but fills the screen with lots of palettes.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1997
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