http://www.tbmax.net/blog 3D visualization information and training focusing on Autodesk 3ds Max and VIZ software and related topics en-us Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:26:56 -0500 Main Page Blogware tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/KyS4KraM22I/4364969.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/10/29/4364969.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:04:51 -0400 Amazon now has Joep's and my new book Rendering with mental ray & 3ds Max in stock. Click "more" and follow the link Main Page tutorial training MentalRay DVD books 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/10/29/4364969.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/MiufEtHN9O0/4279115.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/8/5/4279115.html Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:22:00 -0400 I'm trying to collect a copy of each version of 3ds max books I've written and have only 38 and I'm sure there are quite a few more. I don't have a list, however. Main Page history books 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/8/5/4279115.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/JMzacjEUmDo/4261510.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/7/20/4261510.html Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:01:42 -0400 I was cleaning out my office (every 2 years or so) and came across this list of Autodesk Educational Training Specialists from 1993. We used to meet in the Autodesk offices on Marinship Way in Sausilito at the beginning. How many of the names do you recognize? Who remembers what AutoSurf was? Main Page history training 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/7/20/4261510.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/B8Lw0gFkixc/4246800.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/7/6/4246800.html Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:41:28 -0400 Are you struggling with mental ray in 3ds Max? Changing variables without understanding how things work usually leads to frustration and inefficiency. This new mental ray book will help clarify some of the mysteries. Main Page visualization Utilities tutorial training optimization Materials introduction efficiency 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/7/6/4246800.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/sXaB7dIAnv4/4225429.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/6/17/4225429.html Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:40:16 -0400 Stockholm is a great city from my perspective. Waterfront, nature, great people, and a good atmosphere to make a visitor comfortable. This was a 3ds Max related trip and the event was a treat, also. Main Page video travel http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/6/17/4225429.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/R78sJ5aZiFI/4224818.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/6/17/4224818.html Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:43:17 -0400 Skansen is a large collection of old Swedish architecture from small Sami huts to large farm complexes. The music is Jean Sibelius. Click more to find the link. Main Page video travel http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/6/17/4224818.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/x8V4DZh7FYA/4166938.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/4/28/4166938.html Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:18:31 -0400 3ds Max classes by Ted Boardman and Joep van der Steen Presentations by Knut Ramsted and Peter Brauner Free for Autodesk Subscription members in Sweden Main Page visualization tutorial travel training Modeling MentalRay Materials animation 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/4/28/4166938.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/7zZwmbdmL5A/4160169.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/4/21/4160169.html Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:27:00 -0400 Ted Boardman (3ds Max®) and Phil Dollan (Inventor®) provide 3 days of training and support at the US First® Robotics Competition in the Georgia Dome for Autodesk®. Here are a couple of short scenes that show the flavor of the training sessions themselves. We also have a show to present 5 of our favorites in several categories for 3ds Max® and Inventor® Main Page video USFirst Inventor 3dsMax8 3dsMax http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/4/21/4160169.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/U3TGtHijmN4/4119022.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/3/11/4119022.html Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:08:38 -0400 What's that? Is it an antique? Those are just a couple of the questions I get from passers-by who sometimes want to try it out on my driveway. It's one of the best inventions of recent years if you live in the snow areas. Main Page wovel snow removal http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/3/11/4119022.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/_2gegJH8JZA/4108376.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/3/1/4108376.html Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:38:51 -0500 End User Event 2009 in Utrecht, Holland 28-29 May 2009 The 3DStudio End User Event is a no-nonsense get together for professionals and alike in the field of 3D visualization and animation. 2 days packed with workshops and master classes with national and international expert speakers. Main Page website visualization tutorial travel training 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/3/1/4108376.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/MBTLxXYtN10/4104526.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/25/4104526.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:04:08 -0500 Here's a recent Vista message that I actually got moving a few files from one machine to another; luckily it was a lie! :) Ted Main Page http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/25/4104526.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/o3xoBaTTQM0/4104248.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/25/4104248.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:17:17 -0500 Video tutorial for a method to create "bum prints" in a rigid park bench surface easily and efficiently. This is an introduction to Soft Selection that could be useful for all sorts of other issues. Main Page visualization video tutorial training optimization Modeling efficiency download 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/25/4104248.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/mQKWHE8F2dE/4099325.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/20/4099325.html Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:41:24 -0500 A very quick video tutorial for to show a method of creating the base of an office chair. Main Page visualization video tutorial training Modeling 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2009/2/20/4099325.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/2KzM8fLefW4/3954597.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/10/30/3954597.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:52:23 -0400 The last video in a series of the recent trip to Holland and Belgium with a few twists not seen in most vacation videos. The "music" was assembled from loops in Sony Acid Music Studio which I've had for a long time but hardly ever use. Because I listen to very little music in general Main Page video travel download http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/10/30/3954597.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/2y3HhmTZGyA/3914327.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/10/4/3914327.html Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:29:53 -0400 Sally and I are not typical tourists and our trip to Ghent in September was no exception. Main Page video travel download http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/10/4/3914327.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/vqyxrobukc8/3900894.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/9/25/3900894.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:31:45 -0400 Utrecht, Holland is another city I've visited lately; here's the video Main Page video travel online http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/9/25/3900894.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/yRgFzqlz-fE/3891728.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/9/19/3891728.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:17:04 -0400 Here's a video I captured on a recent trip to Rotterdam. While there are plenty of things in Rotterdam that make good postcards; the Erasmus bridge, the "cube" houses, or the TV tower, I tend toward the more mundane aspects of daily life. Main Page video travel online download http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/9/19/3891728.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/rYTN1LB2zBw/3850794.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/8/22/3850794.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:44:27 -0400 Here's a little diversion video from my Siggraph trip. Main Page video travel download http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/8/22/3850794.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/kREM1gYqH2Y/3818607.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/7/31/3818607.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:25:19 -0400 New fundamental training materials available at Retrieve.com. A video class with Ted Boardman with supporting text is now online. The training is aimed at users of 3ds max and VIZ 2008 and 2009, plus Design 2009 Main Page website VIZ visualization video tutorial training optimization online Modeling Materials introduction http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/7/31/3818607.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/-yIcSsA6Ves/3810001.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/7/25/3810001.html Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:26:27 -0400 Because of the change in 3ds max 2009 and Design 2009 I've done new video tutorials for creating mapped parking stripes. Note: Part02 is a 56mb download! Main Page visualization video tutorial training ParkingStripes MentalRay Materials efficiency download http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/7/25/3810001.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/KnFg72tHmkk/3749592.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/6/17/3749592.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:06:31 -0400 Animate a tank tread map with Wire Parameters on an object animated with Path Constraint Main Page video tutorial training Materials expressions download animation http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/6/17/3749592.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/3SyAC_lfquY/3652063.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/4/21/3652063.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:47:38 -0400 The US First Robotics Competition 2008 Main Page visualization travel training speech animation 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/4/21/3652063.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/PDXWZNjyteE/3636156.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/4/13/3636156.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:09:01 -0400 This animation is the closest you'll ever see me come to trying to dance. Thanks to Pete for pushing me out there. :) Main Page video animation http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/4/13/3636156.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/Owmvl_mpg0M/3601360.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/3/25/3601360.html Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:25:28 -0400 A new animation user group being formed in Boston by Neoscape Main Page website visualization animation 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2008/3/25/3601360.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/hQsydAIqUdQ/3423471.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/12/21/3423471.html Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:39:11 -0500 After a lot of travel in the last months I'm back in my office and am posting a quick video to answer a specific question on the Area forum, but one that comes up often. Hopefully it will help make some things easier for you in the future. Good luck and have fun Ted Main Page tutorial training Modeling 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/12/21/3423471.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/KOpJSzL8x98/3365994.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/20/3365994.html Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:47:53 -0500 Let's have a look at the origins of Alpha Channel in images in order to use it more effectively in the Material Editor and in compositing maps and images. Later tutorials will make use of alpha information in a more practical application. As a side note; my blog site has be down a bit lately as well as my email address tedb@tbmax.com . If you need to contact me use tbdesign1@earthlink.net if you don't hear a reply from me. Thanks Ted Main Page VIZ visualization video tutorial Materials introduction download 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/20/3365994.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/JZvBb8jE978/3339680.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/7/3339680.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:28:28 -0500 Ray traced reflections can be computationally expensive and too intense in your scenes, but this video tutorial will explain how to make them more convincing as well as more efficient. Main Page VIZ video tutorial training reflection optimization Materials efficiency download attenuation 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/7/3339680.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/NCwBMlUoMl8/3329245.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/2/3329245.html Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:36:23 -0400 Here's another quick deviation from the Material Editor to answer a question on the Autodesk Area forum recently. This is an exercise that I used to do in some classes to illustrate parametric modeling and it is one that I might resurrect again. Pay more attention to the procedures than what is actually being created and you may find the techniques useful for other situations. Main Page VIZ video tutorial training optimization Modeling efficiency download 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/2/3329245.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/YVUnNH0Jgxc/3327069.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/1/3327069.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:40:03 -0400 Bump mapping is an illusion created at render time that allows you to simulate geometry. This is an important factor in keeping your modeling efficient while the viewer is convinced of more complex geometry. Lighting is a key factor in bump mapping. White pixels in a map cause the illusion of raised areas, black has no effect, and gray is some level in between. Color maps work, but it's difficult to judge the effect visually. Main Page VIZ visualization tutorial training Materials introduction efficiency download 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/11/1/3327069.html tbdesign http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TedBoardmansVisualizationBlog/~3/wQDHqWaOwv8/3301038.html http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/10/19/3301038.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:54:45 -0400 A previous blog entry led you to Autodesk's Area website for a tutorial on applying flexible road striping (different from Parking Stripes) to lofted objects. The link seems to have been broken in the recently updated Area, so I'm posting the zipped video tutorial for your access. Main Page VIZ visualization tutorial training Modeling Materials download 3dsMax8 http://www.tbmax.net/blog/_archives/2007/10/19/3301038.html