Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1993 13:15:14 -0500 (CDT) From: VIVISTAR@ACM.ORG Subject: qd3d-20-press-release.txt Qd3d/3dPane 2.0 and SmartPane 1.0 Ship! 6 July 1993, Scottsdale Arizona -- ViviStar Consulting announced its release of the Qd3d/3dPane 2.0 source code library. Qd3d/3dPane provides three dimensional graphics for the C++ Macintosh developer. "ViviStar considers three dimensional graphics an enabling technology," said Jonathan Hess, Product Manager at ViviStar. "We're enthused by recent interest in visualization and virtual reality. It is this enthusiasm that will drive advances in 3d applications and 3d hardware. Users find 3d graphics a natural medium for conveying the ever increasing complexities of their work. Not just for fancy business bar charts but for applications such as visualizing complex information hierarchies, biomechanics, entertainment, geological research, simulation, and the list goes on. Now, with Qd3d/3dPane version 2.0, the Macintosh developer has a much stronger foundation to build such applications." Qd3d: Qd3d drawing features include: point marking, line drawing, polygon framing, polygon filling, and a polyhedra meta-primitive. Rendering options include smooth Gouraud shading, color blended lines, z-buffering for hidden surface removal, culling, depth cueing, parallel and perspective projections, and performance enhancing "OnlyQD" and "Wireframe" modes. New features to version 2.0 include stereo projections that dramatically increase depth perception, performance enhancements that increase rendering speeds by 15% to 500%, parameter block access for meta-primitives, full clipping, support for animation and model interaction, and a "triad mouse" that maps 2d mouse movement to 3d. 3dPane: The 3dPane library integrates Qd3d with the Think Class Library (TCL) and includes a view orientation controller. SmartPane: Today also marks the debut of SmartPane 1.0. SmartPane adds TCL support for offscreen image buffering and dithering, image conversion to clipboard and PICT files, flicker free animation, and QuickTime and PICS movie recording. SmartPane may be used in 2d applications or in conjunction with Qd3d/3dPane. Requirements: Qd3d works with popular C++ compilers and the ThinkC 6.0 compiler. SmartPane & 3dPane require TCL version 1.1.3. Recommended target system: a Macintosh with floating point coprocessor running either System 7.0 or System 6.0.7 with color 32 bit QuickDraw. Depending on use, large amounts of RAM are needed for buffered images. Pricing: Retail pricing: Qd3d/3dPane $128, SmartPane $64, Qd3d/3dPane/SmartPane bundle $192. Product may be obtained directly from ViviStar Consulting. Demonstration programs, movies, and product information are available on AppleLink, CompuServe, the internet, and direct from ViviStar. ViviStar Consulting 7015 E Aster Dr; Scottsdale Az 85254; (602)483 3123 AppleLink: ViviStar CompuServe: 73067,542 Internet: ViviStar@ACM.org ViviStar Consulting provides contract Macintosh programming specializing in 3d graphics, user interfaces with high levels of direct manipulation, and software engineering tools. Copyright 1993 ViviStar Consulting. Qd3d, 3dPane, and SmartPane are trademarks of ViviStar Consulting. Other brands and products are trademarks of their respective holders.