VR Browsers

A Web3D or VR Browser is a piece of software that lets you view and navigate around a 3D scene over the Web, for example a VRML file. These browsers can either be stand-alone programs or, more typically, they are plugins for common Web browsers such as Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer. A number of companies produce Web3D products. 

• Blaxxun Contact Blaxxun Interactive (**we will use this one)

• Cortona from ParallelGraphics

• Cosmo Player from Platinum Technologies

• Fraunhofer Institute CASUS Presenter homepage 

• Graz University VRWave homepage 

• Java3D X3D Browser 

• OpenVRML browser

• OpenWorlds Horizon Browsers

• Shout3d from Eyematic 

• Sony Community Place Homepage 

• Superscape Viscape Suport 

• UpperCut Software WorldProbe homepage

• Quicktime Player - views QTVR files(** we will use this one)

Browser Settings

You must have Java & Java Script enabled to download and use the Web3D browser plug-ins covered in this workshop. Your browser should also be set to reload pages on "every visit" to properly access web-based communications we will be using. If you are not certain of your browser settings, go to the Step-by-Step Guide to Browser Settings  for instructions.  

Blaxxun Contact VRML Browser Plug-in Installation Tips

Blaxxun Contact (Free Download) The most versatile VRML browser plug-in - accommodating the widest variety of VRML products.

1. Be sure your Internet browser settings are set properly before downloading! (If you are not certain, go to the Step-by-Step Guide to Browser Settings  for instructions.)

2. Go to the Blaxxun Contact Download Page

3. If your computer is running XP, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME or Windows 2000 click the link for automatic download.

4. The download will be initiated . Since you are granting permission for the downloaded program to automatically install software on your machine, you may receive a SECURITY WARNING that this is a high risk request when the download begins. It is... unless you are absolutely sure of the integrity of the source of the software you are downloading.  

5. After the download is completed the installation program will launch automatically. Follow on screen instructions to complete the installation. 

6. When the installation is completed, restart your computer.

7. Test drive  your new VRML plug-in by visiting some of the VRML sites listed on the Virtual Reality Resource Sampler page.

Apple QuickTime Browser Plug-in Installation Tips

Apple QuickTime QTVR is a virtual reality system from Apple Computer that facilitates the mapping of digital photographic images into 3D VR spaces. Allows the construction of photo realistic virtual reality models of real world objects. Another common application is the mapping of digital images into 360 degree panoramic views that can manipulated by the viewer.