What is 3dvia Scenes?
3dvia Scenes is a Virtual 3d Sandbox. Don't know what that is? It means that it allows you to create your own 3d chat room like area that is completely customizable. Build your own parts for the scene called models or use other people's models for free. After your done, enjoy waling around the scene and inviting others to see and chat with, as well as embedding your scenes onto your blog or site (requires 3d App account).
How do I get started?
First, sign up for 3dvia. That way you can create your own scenes (note that you don't need an account to view scenes, but you do need an account to create them). You can then log in, mouse over the word "You" on the top bar, and click "Edit Profile", where you can then change your 3dvia Scenes Persona (the person that represents you when walking around in a Scene). Then download the Beta/Studio/3dvia Player here. This allows you to play any 3d App, and 3dvia Scenes is a type of 3d App. Mouse over "You" in the top bar, then click "Create a Scene". Change the template where you want to be, add a title, description, choose who you want to see the scene (just you? Just your contacts? Only by link? Only for you?), choose Copy settings (can somebody else make a duplicate?) and if other people can edit your scene. You can also optionally pick a thumbnail (image to represent the scene) and Geotag the scene using Bing maps. Then press "Create Scene". Press the play button and wait for the player to load. Then wait for the Context, Avatar, and Models to load as well. Now wait until you are Online (scenes are a lot like chat rooms, and you need to be online to use them). Once those are ready, you can enjoy scenes.
What are the controls?
↑ - move forwards
← and →, A and S, click and drag - turn
↓ - move backwards
W, click and drag - Look up
S, click and drag - Look down
Shift - move faster
Click on ground - walk to where you clicked
Double click on ground at same level - teleport to where you double clicked
Scroll, right click and drag - Zoom
Free camera - click where you want to focus and scroll to zoom
Mouse move and click when you have chosen to add a model - add model
Other controls can be added via Smart Objects
How do I create my Scene?
Scenes uses something called models to make a scene. You can make your own or use other people's models. Just click "Design Scene" if you haven't already, and unlock the lock if it isn't already, search for a model with the search bar, and press "GO". A list of models will show up. Once you have found a model, mouse over it and click "Add". Then mouse move to the spot you ant it and click to add it. It will take a moment to load and it will show up. Now deselect the model by clicking elsewhere and lock the scene using the lock near the bottom again. Now it will autosave and when you come back it will be there. If unlocked, you can edit models by clicking on them. Use the yellow arrows on the ground near the centre of the model to move it. Use the bent arrows around the model to rotate it, and use the blue arrow going up to move it up and down. The white dots can be clicked and dragged to resize the model. You can also use the menu on the left and click the icon with the model and other arrows around it for more advanced movements. Once you are done, make sure you deselect the model and lock the scene so it autosaves.
How do I create my own models?
You can use any 3d modeling software that exports in various formats such as:
•3dxml
•DAE
•KMZ
•3DS
•OBJ
•BLEND
•STL
•STEP
As well as a few others. You could also try 3dvia Shape, another 3dvia program, to make your own model.
What is a Smart Object?
A Smart Object is a model that has been made with a program called 3dvia Studio, another 3dvia program to make experiences. That means that it will probably have some specific behavior, such as intercativity with the user, somehow moving or changing, or appearing a certain way set by the creator. It may, for example, play music or light up when it's clicked on. It might be a car that drives away. It might be all shiny and bright. o matter how it behaves, Smart Objects always make a scene so much more interesting.
How to take a photo?
To take a photo, click on the Virtual Tour button on the right side of a Scene. You can the click the camera to take a photo. Once you have taken a few of these, press the play button in the bottom bar to play the tour.
Free camera?
For the free camera, click the magnifying glass on the right side. You can then move the camera away from the avatar to explore places the avatar couldn't reach.
How do I go fullscreen?
Go to the 3dvia Player icon in the Taskbar. Right click on it for options and choose fullscreen.
How to get an optimal 3d experience?
Switch to fullscreen and you will see a menu on the left side allowing you to choose what 3d format you want. For example, press the first icon with the two dots underneath the one wit the one dot for a Red/Blue glasses 3d experience.
I'm done! How do I Invite Friends or Embed my Scene?
Underneath the Scene screen are the Invite Friends and Embed Scene links. Click them to do it (requires 3d App account)!
Great! You are now ready to use 3dvia Scenes! See you there!
Does anybody want to add anything on?
