eZedia World e-Newsletter

1. Sneak Peek at eZediaMX 3.0
The soon to be released eZediaMX 3.0 will have many new features and functions including three new objects. One of the new objects will be the Shape Object.

The Shape Object will allow users to draw vector graphics including elliptical, rectangular, freeform, polygonal, and linear shapes right in eZediaMX. You will also be able to re-size, change the color and even set the transparency level of the shape.

The underlying technology that has been implemented in eZediaMX 3.0 not only allows vector shapes to be created, but will also provide more control over graphics and text as well as faster save times and reduced file sizes.

Look for eZediaMX 3.0 this winter!

2. You Spin Me Round, Round: A Guide to Creating QuickTime VR
By Mike Berg
Manager, Multimedia Development
eZedia Inc.

Preview VR

QuickTime VR is Apple's award-winning photorealistic cross-platform virtual reality technology that makes it possible to explore places as if you were really there. QTVR allows the viewer to explore and examine detailed virtual worlds using a computer and mouse, not goggles, headsets or gloves.

QuickTime VR is created by mounting a camera on a tripod and taking several pictures in 360 degrees from the same location. These pictures are then "stitched" by a computer to create a single image, a 360 degree panorama.




The panorama is then wrapped into a cylinder shape. The user is then placed "inside" the cylinder, with the ability to look left, right, up and down just by dragging the mouse.

Now you can create QuickTime Virtual Reality movies yourself! The easiest way to create QTVR is by using a Canon digital camera (visit http://www.powershot.com/ for more information). Almost all of Canon's digital cameras have a mode called Stitch Assist. Using this mode, anyone can shoot a VR in a few minutes by taking several pictures in a circle from one tripod position. Once the pictures are taken, Canon's stitching program creates the VR for you. Each VR created in this way is called a Node.

If you want to create several nodes and link them together, you'll need to use a QuickTime VR software package. For more information on these types of packages, visit http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtvr/

Creating a multi-node VR allows the user to travel between the virtual spaces you have captured as VR's. This is achieved by creating hotspots on the surface of each node and linking them to other nodes.

When nodes and hotspots are created, they are given an ID number. When you add a VR with multiple hotspots and/or nodes to your eZediaMX project, you can track which node the user is in and which hotspot they have clicked on. This allows you to take the user to another frame or provide other information in the form of text, sound, graphics or movies.

To do this, link the VR to a Container Object. Double click the container and set the Type to VR Node Collector or VR Hotspot Collector . Now when the user moves around in the VR, the node and/or hotspot is displayed in the container. Use a Branch Object to evaluate the contents of the container and activate other Objects.



For an example of this, download the Mechanic's Apprentice showcase which shows a VR object of a four-stroke engine. When the user clicks specific parts of the engine, it takes them to a frame with information on that component.

You can also use a Control Object to create custom controls for a VR. If you want to create your own controls for pan and zoom, just create Control Objects and link them to the VR. Set their Actions to the appropriate VR controls, as shown.



As you can see, creating Virtual Reality movies and using them in an eZediaMX project is a breeze! So give your audience a 360 degree perspective of their new building; or send distant relatives a guided tour of your new cabin.

With eZediaMX, it's easy to show the world who you are.

3. Did you know about the eZediaMX Control Object?
This month in eZedia World we look at the Control Object and what you can do with it. Located in the eZediaMX toolbar, it is the second icon from the right.



A Control Object provides tools for allowing the user to control a Movie Object in various ways. Easily create controls for: Play Movie, Pause Movie, Stop Movie, Rewind Movie, Step Movie and Volume Controls.

Click the Control Object toolbar icon, give it a name, and set the Action pop-up to the desired action. Then just link it to a Movie Object, and you're done!

Or create your own graphical controls to give them a different feel. Just deselect Visible in the Control Object dialog box and position it over the graphic you've created.

You can also use the Control Object to make custom controls for a QuickTime VR. There are VR controls for spin left, right, up and down, and zoom in and out.

As you can see, it's easy to control movies in eZediaMX with the Control Object. Use the Control Object for:
- fading background music down for a voice over, then back up after it's complete
- allowing the user to start and stop movies on their own
- creating your own custom controls for movies and VR's

4. What's New At eZedia

eZedia Forum
eZedia is excited to offer you a new way to connect, share ideas, and discuss our eZediaMX multimedia software. Be sure to check out this discussion area for great ideas and innovations. We want you to be part of eZedia's community, so don't hesitate, join now!

Here's what you'll find:
Announcements - What's new at eZedia.
FAQs - View frequently asked questions about eZediaMX.
General Discussion - General topics about eZediaMX.
Installation - Having a hard time installing eZediaMX? Try this section to find the answer.
Project Ideas - Have a project idea you'd like to share?
Wish List - Post your suggestions and feature requests here!
Documentation - How do you like our tutorials and manuals? Give your feedback here!
Bugs - Find a bug? Check here for fixes and workarounds.

Events
eZedia is on the road again! Look for us at the following November events.

Technology + Learning Conference - Atlanta, Georgia
November 8 - 10, 2001

TIES 2001 Education Technology Conference - Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 17 - 20, 2001

Press Release
eZedia Inc. Attracts Top Business Mind to Management Team
November 5, 2001

eZedia values your privacy!
eZedia has updated its privacy policy to conform to changing legal requirements and to better protect your information. We are committed to protecting your on-line privacy when visiting our web site.

eZediaMX 3.0
And, last but not least, look for the new release of eZediaMX, version 3.0, packed with lots of exciting new features. Coming this winter!

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Look for the next issue of eZedia World on December 3, 2001.

eZedia World welcomes subscriber feedback, story ideas as well as editorial contributions to our monthly newsletter. Please e-mail us your ideas at ezediaworld@ezedia.ca.

© 2000-2001 eZedia Inc. All rights reserved. eZedia, the eZedia logo, and eZediaMX are registered trademarks or trademarks of eZedia Inc.