WireFusion Professional 5.0

Overview

WireFusion Professional is a professional authoring package to create Web3D presentations that do not require plug-ins to run. Objects are pre-programmed or can be coded in Java language. Flash is also supported and can be used to include 3D objects within a Flash movie. There are also add ons to work with zooming features, MPEG video files and MP3 sound files.

2D objects and 3D objects can be created using logic to develop workable objects used for presentations. The 3D models can be created in X3D and VRML formats which makes them usable in other software as well. Animations can be saved in Macromedia Flash SWF file formats. Javascript can also be used for communication outside of the application.

With 3D features, shadows can be created to match the light source and objects being depicted. Anti-aliasing is included with 32-bit color depth and clarity with the image quality. UV texture mapping is also possible to create interesting background. Shading is possible in several styles including Flat, Wireframe, Contour, Constant, Phong, Gouraud, and Reflection.

Objects can be animated and “walked” through a landscape. There is both an Examine mode and a Walk mode to walk objects through their movements and check for collision detection issues between background or other objects. Texture opacity can be included and alpha channel to facilitate opacity between textures and objects with adjustments for how they interact.

Installation

There are try out versions of WireFusion Professional. The software is available for Windows, Mac, and Solaris.

The install process went normally with no surprises. The software was clean of malware, spyware, toolbars and other unwanted extras.

WireFusion Professional requires Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7.

Interface

The screen that appears when first running the application advised that the software is on a 30 day trial. It is possible to select which version that the user wishes to trial. Published presentations will have a text note that the presentation was created with the trial version of WireFusion Professional.

A Welcome window appears with six graphics for Open demo project, Introduction videos, Manuals and Tutorials, User forum, Reference Help, and Support Center.

The menu system is extensive with WireFusion Professional. There is a row of tiny toolbar icons as well.

The left sidebar has the Folders and Properties. On the right sidebar is the Library of Objects. The center has a Script Area and the Stage where the presentation can be previewed.

The interface is very clean and simply laid out considering the number of features includes in this premium package.

Pros

• Create 2D and 3D presentations
• Use 3D models in VRML and X3D formats
• Visual tools for object creation
• Create Macromedia Flash SWF animation files
• Supports Mpeg video format and MP3 audio files
• Both Java language and Javascript can be supported for scripting and external communication
• 3D Shading can be included with different styles like Flat, Constant, Contour, Gouraud, Phong, Reflection and Wireframe
• Examine or Walk mode with detection for collision of objects
• 256 different levels of transparency. Transparent surfaces can overlap
• 32-bit color depth
• Real-time shadows when objects move around
• Texture opacity
• Encrypt presentations

Cons

• None.

Conclusion

WireFusion Professional is an excellent package to create 2D and 3D animated presentations using a range of included objects. Create Flash, MPEG and MP3 audio renditions that can be created and shared with others.