Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 2, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At Siggraph, Quest 3D presented the new version 3.5 of its software of the same name. Quest 3D 3.5 allows, for example, HDR images to be used as textures. This makes a significantly more dynamic and realistic image possible. Depending on whether very bright or dark objects are currently in the image, the aperture of the virtual camera opens or closes, and depending on the aperture opening, Quest 3D adjusts the bright or dark areas of the image accordingly, so that detail is still visible in both the shadows and highlights in all extreme situations.
A newly integrated Water Shader enables an extremely realistic representation of water surfaces. With the help of the improved shader language HLSL (High Level Shader Language), it is also possible to improve the already integrated shaders even further. In addition, the new version now supports alpha channels in all channels.
With the new version of the exporter for 3ds Max, .cgr files can now be generated directly – the detour via .x files is eliminated. The files exported in this way contain the models, materials and animations. The user can join the animations together in the Quest3D Motion Editor and, in the new version, also blend and mix them.
Last but not least, there is also a new ActiveX plug-in for the Windows platform in which the actual 3D engine has been separated out. This makes it easier for the Quest3D plug-in to use multiple processors.
The new version is available now and costs between 999 euros (Creative Edition) and 9,999 euros (VR Edition). An exact feature list can be found on the manufacturer’s website (see link below).
Further Links:
- Quest 3D
