Dimension International Ltd of Aldermaston, Berkshire has unbundled the modules of its Superscape virtual reality software, so providing users with an entry level toolkit, Superscape VRT, that costs UKP3,450: a complete, integrated system used to be UKP15,000. It is hoped that the new Superscape product, to be marketed with the assistance of two new international sales directors, will help to establish the company as a leader in virtual reality systems worldwide. As part of its promotional drive, Dimension is also on the lookout for distribution agreements with hardware vendors wishing to add value to their products with virtual reality software. Superscape VRT provides users with interactive visualisation and virtual environment creation tools. These are accessible via a graphical user interface and so need little or no programming knowledge to operate. Dimension reckons the product is ideal for training, education, entertainment, promotion, reconstruction and sales applications. It comprises a Visualiser; Shape editor and World Editor for constructing objects and their environment; DXF Converter for computer-aided design files; Superscape Command Language Virtual Object Control System with over 420 commands; Script Editor; Screen Layout Designer; and a Virtual ClipArt Library with example virtual worlds. The other unbundled products, now available as separate modules are: Superscape Networks for sharing virtual worlds, now priced UKP2,950; a software developers’ kit that costs UKP5,950; and Runtime Visualiser, a run-time licence for those wanting to use applications developed using the developer’s kit, priced at UKP650. Superscape products require an 80386-based processor with Super VGA graphics and joystick at minimum although an 80486-based system with Dimension’s ‘SpaceBall’ pointer is recommended. The products are also compatible with any graphics board based on Texas Instruments Inc’s 34020 chip.
