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This is the main Cinema 4D screen with the Lasershow Converter 4D plug-in.Click the picture to get a larger view.Cinema 4D is a
trademark of
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As
with our similar plug-in for 3D Studio MAX, Lasershow Converter 4D enables
artists who work with MAXON's Cinema 4D to convert
3D objects and scenes directly into laser outlines. The result can be as
simple as a single-frame logo, or as complex as a
complete laser show!
This page gives a general
overview of Lasershow Converter 4D. There
is another page which shows how it works.
Award-winning technology
Lasershow Converter 4D is based on the same
technology that is inside our Lasershow Converter MAX product, which received a First Place ILDA 2001 Fenning Award for
Technical Achievement.
Why use computer graphics
The
pictures at right show 3D computer graphic scenes, and then the
laser version of those scenes. (Click on the picture for a full-size
view.) Using computer graphic programs like
Cinema 4D will save you time and
help you create better shows. Here's why:
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Features such as accurate perspective and true hidden-line removal are perfectly realized. No additional work is necessary by the artist. All that is required, is that the artist 1) know Cinema 4D and 2) have a basic understanding of laser requirements, such as a low object count and relatively simple objects.
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There are thousands of pre-built objects available. For example, the dinosaur in our demo was a public domain model which was downloaded from a website. The artist did not have to create the dinosaur; only the simple landscape in which the dinosaur exists.
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It is easier to do character animation, inverse kinematics, true morphs, etc.
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You can create multimedia shows with video and laser-overlaid highlights or characters, from the same file. For example, if we wanted the dinosaur to be in laser and the background to be detailed terrain, we would first conventionally render the terrain, with the dinosaur specified as a traveling black matte. Then we would use Lasershow Converter 4D to render only the dinosaur in laser. The result is a video with a hole where the laser exactly fits.
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Many more animators know computer graphic programs like 3D Studio MAX and Cinema 4D, than know specialized laser software. Plus, there is a wide variety of books, tutorials, websites, etc. available for Cinema 4D.
Quick conversion from computer to laser
Working with lasers within
Cinema 4D is fast and natural. It
typically takes less than one second to convert a computer graphics frame into
laser graphics. Hidden line removal and object occlusion (masking)
is automatic. An entire laser animation can be quickly stored, and
then played back in realtime to check object motion.
Once laser frames are
rendered in Cinema 4D, they can be used directly in LD2000 or Showtime.
What is required
Lasershow Converter 4D requires the Pro or Basic version of Lasershow Designer 2000 and Cinema 4D release 8.2 or later. Cinema 4D can be purchased from MAXON. (Lasershow Converter 4D also works with the demo version of Cinema 4D.)
Free for LD2000 Pro and Basic users
Lasershow Converter 4D is available free for LD2000 Professional and Basic users. If you have the Intro version, you will need to upgrade to Basic or Pro in order to use Lasershow Converter 4D.
Tech Support
