Inside TrueSpace 4 (Paperback)

by Frank Rivera (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Caligari TrueSpace has been a popular program for creating relatively simple 3-D graphics. With every update, its developers have extended its ability to create more advanced models and animations, thereby encouraging and expanding its user base. The program's relatively affordable price, early appearance on and commitment to the Windows platform, and straightforward working environment haven't hurt either.

With Inside TrueSpace 4, users get an excellent, hands-on guide to all of the basic and sophisticated tools in the newest version. First, the book gives you a tour of the new features and a primer on 3-D concepts and tools. The guide provides in-depth guidance on creating object and character models and animations and on using surfacing, texture, camera, and lighting techniques.

Any given project might use the simplest tools, such as basic primitives, or more advanced tools, such as Metaballs and NURBS. The point of the book is to get you combining TrueSpace's features creatively, to build just the sort of project that you have in mind. The authors discuss 3-D issues, good project planning, specific features, and usage tips, all while presenting step-by-step projects that really get you working. Appendices cover the issues surrounding games creation, provide formulas for surface materials, and present the various resources, such as Web sites, for finding good material and assistance. The companion CD-ROM contains files for working along with the book's projects, a limited-feature version of TrueSpace, demo versions of popular TrueSpace plug-ins, and over 300 textures. --Kathleen Caster

Product Description
Inside trueSpace 4 is the ultimate resource for professional trueSpace users. In a complete tutorial format, starts with a quick overview of the interface for inexperienced users and progresses through detailed instruction on effective modeling, material creation, and animation. It reaches to an accomplished level that provides information on creating special effects, compositing, placing cameras and lights, and using plug-ins for producing high-quality, expert animations. Undocumented techniques and a professional approach will appeal to the large installed base that is hungry for sophisticated advice. Dozens of step-by-step exercises, secret techniques from expert Frank Rivera, a thorough technical review by Caligari trueSpace Evangelist Terry Cotant, hundreds of illustrations, and the popular Inside graphics format combine to make Inside trueSpace 4 the book for every user to own.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 696 pages
• Publisher: New Riders Press (February 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562059572
• ISBN-13: 978-1562059576
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,033,059 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for game programmers too!, February 9, 2002

By	Brian (MA United States) - See all my reviews

Programmers who want to write their own game programs are often stuck developing their own graphics as well. TrueSpace4 allows you to produce complex 3D mesh objects to be loaded directly into DirectX game applications. I am by no means an artist but I was very pleasently surprised with the great job Frank Rivera does at giving the reader clear and easy to follow tutorials allowing even non-pro artists to produce fantastic results. I highly recommend this book to game programmers and computer artists alike.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book!, June 24, 2000

By	Andrew Ph.D (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

Whether a complete beginner or seasoned user this book is filled with the need to know tips and expert how to's to get the most from the superb 3D software package.

The book begins with a TS4 features overview, then proceeds gradually and efficiently into covering the basics of modelling -understanding Nurbs, character modelling, surface texturing, animating, working with advanced models and lighting, pyrotechnic effects, radiosity and finally on how to create a short film.

Also theres a valuable end section on what you need to set up an excellent and highly productive 3D studio.

All the above topics are exceptionally well covered with step by step lessons designed for the best possible learning curve. The accompanying cd has some very good shareware plugins, as well as 300 extra textures ,lesson files and inspiring imagery.

Truly destined to go down as THE TS4 BIBLE, you won't be disappointed to have added this gem to your collection.

If you're seriously thinking about adding just one book to your Truespace collection then this has to be the absolute finest offering out at the moment on the subject.

Highly recommended! Already looking forward to Author Frank Rivera's next offering.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Truespace 4 book there is, period., April 26, 1999

By A Customer

I would give it 10 stars if I could. Pros: Couldn't find ANY typing errors. Extremely well explained. 100s of tips and secrets which would of took you years or never to find out. Cons: not for beginners just going into 3d. other: BUY IT!