[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Rick.

We recommend that you keep the pixel aspect of the Invigorator layer the same as the pixel aspect of the Comp. This will likely remove any inconsistent viewing angles.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Bill.

I’d suggest upgrading to the current version of ProAnimator – currently at v4.5.1. There were issues in previous versions when trying to copy the temporary render file to the final file name.

Note: If the final file name is Animation.mov, we render to Animation.mov@ and then rename it to Animation.mov once the animation is complete.

You can get the latest and greatest here:
https://zaxwerks.com/download

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

After some delving into this problem, I’ve found a problem with some of the math in this particular scenario. The spun letters caused some funky rotation values. I’ve put in a fix that will show up in the next release.

[Matt Rhodes]

The issue here is that at the end of the second Pose, everything has been rotate 360 degrees along the Y axis, so getting everything back to the default location requires some interesting flipping.

This is mathematically correct, but it’s visually misleading.

I did the following as a workaround:
– I added a single frame Pose right after the second Pose
– Since the newly-added Pose is a copy of the second Pose,
I removed the “Spin Y” Pose Action. It looks the same as
the end of the second Pose, but it doesn’t have the extra
rotations.

Now, when transitioning from the single-frame Pose to the
third (now fourth) Pose, things look correct.

I’m looking into a fix for this. Selecting the “Minimize Rotations” checkbox in the Transition between the original Pose 2 and 3 should do the trick – but there may be a bug here.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

That’s a bug. It will be fixed in the next release.

Thanks.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Brandt.

Can you send me your projects? I’d like to take a peek inside to see what’s there.

We here at Zaxwerks are big proponents of frequent saving, but also frequent saving to new file names. This can be a life saver in times when a plug-in or an app crashes.

Send files to:
matt@zaxwerks.com

Thanks.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Rich.

This is likely a bug.

Try rotating your floor 180 degrees along the X axis.
This will flip the floor to point in a direction that the Shadow Catcher can handle.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Zee.

ProAnimator supports most TrueType and Type 1 Postscript fonts – so if you install the font as one of those types, it should work.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Ken.

A faster OpenGL card will likely let you interact with your scenes faster – and show more complex scenes faster.

As for using OpenGL as a final output renderer, you’ll find that it’s fairly effective for scenes with basic materials, textures, and lights. Transparency isn’t yet supported and some of the more complex materials (wireframe) aren’t supported yet.

For those using the new ProAnimator FX (for Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Motion), you’ll see where we’re heading — much faster and more accurate GL rendering — so your card will be more effective with the next round of Zaxwerks apps and plug-ins.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.

[Matt Rhodes]

Hi Ken.

It’s unlikely that you’ll see a significant difference in render speeds with more RAM (unless you’re working with very large data sets or have a bunch of apps open at once).

Other users may have a better answer, but I’ve found that as long as I have a hundred megs or so for ProAnimator, my render times are fairly consistent.

Matt Rhodes
Zaxwerks, Inc.