In this workshop, I will give a brief description of Quicktime VR, Shockwave, and Java and the pros and cons of each. You'll then have the opportunity to explore each technology individually. Please feel free to ask me (Hilary) any questions you may have.
Most people have seen at least a few 'quicktime movies' on the web. A normal QT movie can play on a browser (such as Netscape or Explorer) allowing the audience to view a digitized video clip. QTVR (Quicktime Virtual Reality) differs in that there is more interaction required from the audience. In a typical 'QTVR movie', the user is able to drag either 3 Dimensional objects or entire environments around using the mouse, thus enabling them to randomly access different views. QTVR can also be clicked upon, allowing the user to access further information or another Quicktime movie.
Pros: QTVR is a lot of fun, visually descriptive and a relatively seamless technology.
Cons: An average QTVR file is fairly large and can take a long time to download - especially for modem users. It also requires a 'plug in'/'extension' (a file that is added to your browser or system folder) which can be, at times, frustrating for the user to obtain and/or to install.
Shockwave is a very versatile browser plug-in. It can be used to display animations using vector data (objects are described as vectors and curves, etc. - similar to 'Postscript'), to play files created in Macromedia's Director, and to handle audio. Shockwave, then, can run entire applications through a browser. (This is impressive). For instance, a person surfing the net (with the appropriate plug-ins) could play a video game, enter text, and hear audio.
Pros: Shockwave enables the browser to play entire applications via the WWW, animations can be transmitted as vector data, has audio support.
Cons: Creating Shockwave files is usually not an especially easy process. It requires a plug-in and a relatively high-end machine to run. Files can take a long time to download.
Java is a programming language. (For those interested, JavaScript is not a subset of Java, although both Java and JavaScript can work in conjunction. JavaScript typically manipulates the browser where Java manipulates the content within the browser). Java differs from other programming languages, in that it attempts to be platform independent. In other words, code written in Java can be interpreted by PC's, Mac's, etc. (although this is not always the case).
Pros: Unlike Shockwave, Java is currently 'built into' Netscape III and above, so there are no plug-ins required. Java is extremely flexible - a full programming language.
Cons: Java requires an in-depth knowledge of programming - it can be time consuming and have very low yield. Java files are often very large and can take a long time to download and process.
¥ Examples of QTVR can be found here:
http://www.honda.com (select a car model and look under the menu)
http://quicktime.apple.com/mars/
http://members.aol.com/space7/exper.html
¥ Some Shockwave files can be seen here:
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave
¥ Java online can be found at this address:
http://www.sun.com (A good implementation of a Java-Based Site)
http://www.gamelan.com (lots of Java sites)