The following basic types of graphics can be processed by the 3DO
hardware:
3DO images are pieces of 16-bit static artwork that fit the TV screen
(320 x 240 for NTSC, 384 x 288 for PAL). Images are usually used as the
background. In contrast to cels, images can't be moved or scaled, and
can't use special effects. For more information, see What are images and cels? and Working with images.
3DO cels can start out at any size, since the 3DO hardware can scale
cels. Cels can have a resolution between 1 bit per pixel and 16 bits per
pixel. You can create irregularly shaped cels, that is, cels that aren't
rectangular but have the shape of the object they represent, by making
parts of the cel transparent. A variety of effects are available,
including:
Translucency for ghost effects or to create stained glass windows.
Enhanced luminance per color to enhance a flashing red light or per
region to create a radiant creature.
Reduced luminance to create a shadow or smoke effects.
3DO animations (ANIMs) consist of several 3DO cels. If you understand
how to use cels, you also understand how to prepare animations.
Fonts can be created with a special tool, the 3DO FontWriter.
You can generate anti-aliased fonts from any font loaded on your
Macintosh. While conversion is automatic, you can edit individual fonts if
needed. For more information, see the
3DO FontWriter User's Guide.
Video is currently submitted in a software-compressed form.
Synchronized video and audio are rendered by a special programmer tool,
the 3DO DataStreamer. Hardware-compressed video will be available in the
near future for 3DO Stations and 3DO players that have a special MPEG
card. For more information, see the
3DO Video Processing Guide.