[Thecynic]

I thought I had this problem solved by just placing more layers further back in Z space, but I now have 20 opaque solid layers behind the video layer. Each layer is one pixel further back in Z space. But I am still getting video to flicker through at certain angles on the reverse side!

What the heck is going on?

-David

[Thecynic]

I reposted on Creative Cow and recieved a very brief answer from Mylenium that solved my problem:
1 pixel is not enough Z-depth separation. Minimum is 3 pixels for AE’s scanline renderer to work properly.
Mylenium
[Pour Myl

[Thecynic]

Wow,
I tried experimenting with my comp to see how far back the black solid had to be from the video layer to block the video from shining through on the back side. I had to be 13 pixels back on the z axis from the video layer to properly block the video from leaking through. I’ve run into similar problems in the past when trying to place two planes ontop of one another, but I was never aware that After Effects has such a deficiency with layered layers in 3D space.
I increased my layers of black behind my screen from 8 to 13 and that cleared it up while still giving my screen a feeling of depth

thanks for the help,
David

[Thecynic]

The point of interest remains constant throughout the camera move, but this is intentional because I want the camera to focus on the TV as it spins around it.
The camera movement is fine. It is suppose to move in 3D space and view the 3D TV from behind. My problem is that the image on the front of the TV appears through the backside despite several opaque layers being placed behind the video layer.
thanks,
David

[Thecynic]

Yep, my black solid layers are 3D just like the video layer. Since the 8 layers are stacked in Z space, most of the time they look like a solid black hexahedron. It gives the impression of a flat screen TV with about an inch of thickness.
The problem is that when the camera moves at different angles behind the 3D comp, the video layer flickers through the stack of 8 solid, opaque, 3D layers.
-David

[Thecynic]

My layers are all comp size and my composition is 720×480 DV(NTSC 0.9)

My computer should be able to handle it. It’s has a dual Xeon processor. 4G of ram with with a 3G switch so that AE can use 3 gig. I’m using a Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 graphics card. I have massive storage space. I’m using After Effects 7. Everything suggests that I should be smoking with all the layers too, but unfortunately I’m not.

I should add that am not using Open GL, because I find I’m just as fast with Advanced 3D, and the render quality is better.

thanks again,
David

I’m giving illustrator a try now(with a 3 point stroke)

[Thecynic]

Thanks for your responses.

I just tried using Stroke instead of Vegas. Unfortunately, it also slowed down AE just like Vegas. I’m using it on so many layers I think it’s just too much.

The composition is designed to look like a mall and contains 4 Precomped “hallways” constructed of 12 “storefronts” each. And each storefront contains a mask with stroke applied. So that’s 48 layers with the stroke effect rendered throughout 3D space. And it’s my intention to make the “mall” two stories, which doubles the amount of layers.

I guess I’ll try using illustrator to make the various pieces, but I am weary of my wireframes disappearing because the layers are 2D in 3D space.

Any other suggestions?

David