Animation Master is a complete 3D modeling, animation and rendering package. Everything demonstrated in the presentation-every feature, modeling and animation-was done entirely from the software. It is a spline-based program, which means it smoothly joins together separate frames, and that is really the difference between Animation Master and other similar programs (e.g., Alias). The learning curve on most similar software packages is somewhere around 90 days, but Hash, Inc. says it will only take you about 5 minutes to master this program.

Animation Master uses a mathematical curve between control points (x-y axis), to allow the user to create a shape. The software is fast and flexible and easily manipulates your model, making everything perfectly smooth. The program allows you to input numbers in the x-y axis for changes in movement, or you can just grab a point and move it to where you want. You can also use decals, which allow you to use image maps and stack as many different ones as you want.

Using a skeleton image, Hash showed the audience how to just grab a bone, move it around anywhere in the skeleton, and create a couple of really simple key frames-called key frame animation-making a beginning and an end of your animated feature. The software will create the in-between motions, so, for example, it can make the skeleton walk. As an animator, you add the subtle animations: the bobbing of the head, the flexing of the chest; whatever you want to add at this point. You simply animate it. All the features to do all the steps are included in the program. The program will render about three or four frames a second with a 500MHz PC.

Hash also demonstrated particular aspects of his program. Using pose sliders, which allow you to prebuild a shape, Hash demonstrated how to build a muscle, then he reused the shapes to make facial expressions. He began by making the character he was building say "Ooh," then he made its eyebrow go up and then he had the character show a little teeth in anger. The animation software will fill in the in-between motions, going from the "ooh" look to the anger look, all in a matter of frames.

In addition to making your characters do all sorts of motions, you can cover them with fur; some software packages call it hair, and it might look like hair, but it isn't really. Hash said his company will add hair next year or so. You can also dress your character, and when the character walks, the clothing flows, for an interesting and realistic effect.

Hash's company has lots of experience with computer animation, having done effects for video games such as Duke Nukem, Rampage; all the Medusa games; and TV commercials, including dozens for amusement parks.

The program will work on any Pentium processor or PowerMac. Hash recommends having a computer with above 133MHz and 64MB RAM. Upgrades to the program are $99 a year, which the company treats as a kind of subscription service. All the upgrades are on the Web page for a year. Animation Master 2000 will be available on January 1 for $299. If you bought Animation Master 99, which is $199, its upgrade is $99, so it's the same price as AM2000. However, the company is offering a special for SPCUG members- $100 off AM2000. SPCUG members should feel lucky because we are the first users group Hash, Inc. has offered this special price to; the company usually offers this deep discount at trade shows only.

Animation Master
Hash, Inc.
2800 East Evergreen Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Tel: 360-750-0042, Fax: 360-750-0451

E*TRADE Securities could not only send a PC your way for $75, but it could also help the SPCUG scholarship fund. I have already guaranteed two of E*TRADE's marketing and customer service managers that we would mention the scholarship donation in Sacra Blue, so how can they say no?

E*TRADE, one of the largest of the online securities firms, has a great deal that is not mentioned on the Web site, but it is available to you. By opening a $1000 money-market account, you can get either a 400MHz Intel Celeron desktop computer with a 4.3 GB hard drive (without the monitor) for a $75 shipping fee, or get $400 off the positively reviewed WinBook laptops.

To order the computer, do not use the E*TRADE application provided at December's meeting. Instead, apply online. First, order your computer from MyFavoritePC, click on the link to E*TRADE, fill out the online account application, print it and mail the hardcopy form with your $1000 check which will open your account. To confirm SPCUG's connection with E*TRADE, and to give E*TRADE a method of tracking response, please write the following on the application near your address: Sacramento PC Users Group TSSPC99. And please ask anyone that you pass the Web address to that they do the same. Favorable feedback from anyone referred from SPCUG might make E*TRADE freer with the bucks!

This computer promotion will continue through January in its present form, and it is a tough one to say no to. In the 1960s, banks seduced you with free toasters-in the 90s, you get a PC. But don't you yearn for the past? Your toaster almost never crashed.

Any questions? I got my PC in eighteen days and the $400 was credited to my new E*TRADE account before the VISA bill arrived. A friend received her PC four days after placing her order on December 15. Note that when you order your computer, the $400 MSN rebate has nothing to do with the $400 reimbursement from E*TRADE.

So why is there no E*TRADE write-up? This was one of E*TRADE's first attempts at this type of presentation to a large group, and they had less than two days' warning to set up the presentation to fill one of our last minute cancellations. Then complications hit- delays in confirming that the presentation met necessary compliance with the NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) restrictions and E*TRADE's legal parameters, unfortunate and unplanned emergency leave by my only Bay Area marketing contact, email problems, Christmas, Y2K, and El Niño. E*TRADE offers sincere apologies.