Category : Printer + Display Graphics
Archive   : POV2DOC.ZIP
Filename : POVINF.DOC

Persistence of Vision Raytracer
Version 2.0
Basic Information
-------------------------------

The Persistence of Vision Raytracer creates three-dimensional,
photo-realistic images using a rendering technique called ray tracing.
It reads in a text file containing information describing the objects and
lighting in a scene and generates an image of that scene from the view
point of a camera also described in the text file. Ray tracing is not
a fast process by any means, but it produces very high quality images
with realistic reflections, shading, perspective, and other effects.

The POV-Ray package includes detailed instructions on using the
raytracer and creating scenes. Many stunning scenes are included with
POV-Ray so you can start creating images immediately when you get
the package. These scenes can be modified by the user also so they
don't have to start from scratch.

In addition to the pre-defined scenes are a large library of
predefined shapes and materials that can be used in your own scenes by
just typing the name of the shape or material.

POV-Ray is easy to use, and also includes many advanced features
like bezier patches, blobs, height-fields, bump mapping, and material
mapping.

POV-Ray can be used on IBM-PC and compatibles, Apple Macintoshes,
Commodore Amiga's, UNIX, and other computers.

Here is a list the files that you need to use POV-Ray on your
computer.

The latest versions of these files are available over CompuServe,
America Online, Internet, and several BBS's. See 'Where to find POV-Ray
files' section below for more info.

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For IBM-PC & compatibles:
-------------------------
Requires: 386 or better CPU and at least 2 meg of RAM
A math co-processor and VGA display is recommended
This version will run under DOS, OS/2 and Windows.
It will not run under Desqview.

Files required:
POVDOC.ZIP - The documentation and essential data files for POV-Ray
POVSCN.ZIP - The example scene files for POV-Ray
POVIBM.ZIP - Executable and docs for IBM-PC and compatibles

You will also need a program like PICLAB or Image Alchemy to convert
the TGA files output by POV-Ray to GIF files and a GIF viewer
program. These programs can be found from any of the sources
listed below.

Optional Files:
The source is not needed to use POV-Ray. It is provided for the
curious and adventurous

POVSRC.ZIP - The C source code for POV-Ray for most systems.
POVSCR.SEA - Macintosh source code for POV-Ray.


For Apple Macintosh:
--------------------
Requirements:
The Apple Macintosh version of POV-Ray can be found in the
archive POVMAC.SEA or POVMNF.SEA. POVMAC.SEA contains the

preferred "high-performance" executable for Macs with a floating
point coprocessor (FPU). POVMNF.SEA contains the slower more
universal executable, which will run on any 68020 or better Mac
without an FPU. The Macintosh version of POV-Ray needs a 68020
or better CPU (Mac II series, SE/30, Quadras, some Powerbooks,
etc.) It will run under Sytem 6.0.4 or newer (System 7 preferred.)
It also requires 32 bit Color Quickdraw, which is built into System
7, and is an optional init in System 6.

QuickTime 1.5 or newer is preferred but not required. If it is
installed, it will allow compression of the final PICT images.
It will also allow adding custom System 7 Thumbnail icons to the
PICT files in the Finder. Of course, a color monitor is preferred,
but not required.

Files Required:
POVDOC.SEA - The documentation and essential data files for POV-Ray
POVMAC.SEA - Regular executable and notes for Apple Macintosh
with FPU
POVMNF.SEA - Generic (No FPU) Executable and notes for any
Macintosh
POVSCN.SEA - The example scene files for POV-Ray

Optional Files:
POVSRC.SEA - The C source code for POV-Ray
(MPW 3.3 & Symantec C 6.0)

This source code is not needed to use POV-Ray. It is provided for
the curious and adventurous.

For Commodore Amiga:
--------------------
Requires: Amiga 500, 600, 1000, 1200, 2000, 3000 or 4000. Works
under AmigaDOS 1.2, 1.3, 2.xx, and 3.xx. Supports HAM6
mode as well as HAM-E and the Firecracker.

Files Required:
POVDOC.LZH - The documentation for POV-Ray.
POVSCN.LZH - The example scene files for POV-Ray.
POVAMI.LZH - Executable and docs for Commodore Amiga.

Optional Files:
The source is not needed to use POV-Ray. It is provided for the
curious and adventurous.

POVSRC.LZH - The C source code for POV-Ray.

For UNIX, VMS, & Others:
------------------
Required: A C compiler for your computer and some knowledge
of how to use it.

Optional: X Windows if you want the '+d' option to do anything.
Digital calls this 'DECWindows'.
You will need the DECWindows include files as well.
(The '+d' option lets you see a preview of a scene
as it is being traced).

Files required:
POVDOC.ZIP or POVDOC.TAR - The documentation for and essential data
files POV-Ray
POVSCN.ZIP or POVSCN.TAR - The example scene files for POV-Ray
POVSRC.ZIP or POVSRC.TAR - The C source code for POV-Ray

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In the POVDOC archive is the file POVRAY.DOC which contains details
on installing and using POV-Ray. Specific instructions for
using POV-Ray with your computer are included with the executable.
This file also houses the essential "include" files containing predefed
colors, shapes, and textures.

** POV-Ray is copyrighted freeware written by the POV-Team.
** It may be freely distributed subject to the restrictions
** defined in POVLEGAL.DOC found in the POVDOC archive.
** POV-Ray is NOT public domain software.

POV-Ray is based on DKBTrace 2.12 by David K. Buck and Aaron A. Collins.

The POV-Team is a collection of volunteer programmers, designers,
animators and artists meeting via electronic mail on Compuserve's
GRAPHDEV forum, sections 8 (POV Sources), and 9 (POV Images).
(GRAPHDEV is also the home of the very popular Fractint and its authors the
Stone Soup Group.)

The POV-Team's goal is to create freely distributable, high
quality rendering and animation software written in C that can be

easily ported to many different computers.

If you have any questions about POV-Ray, please contact

Chris Young
[POV-Team Coordinator]

CIS: 76702,1655
Internet: 76702,1655 @compuserve.com


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Where to find the POV-Ray files
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Graphics Developer Forum on CompuServe
--------------------------------------
POV-Ray headquarters are on CompuServe GRAPHDEV forum
Raytracing sections. We meet there to share info and
graphics and discuss raytracing, fractals and other kinds of
computer art. GRAPHDEV is also the home of the Stone Soup
Group, developers of Fractint, a popular IBM-PC fractal
program. Everyone is welcome to join in on the action on CIS
GRAPHDEV. Hope to see you there! You can get information on
joining CompuServe by calling (800)848-8990. CompuServe
access is also available in Japan, Europe and many other
countries.


PC Graphics area on America On-Line
-----------------------------------
There's an area now on America On-Line dedicated to POV-Ray
support and information. You can find it in the PC Graphics
section of AOL. Jump keyword "PCGRAPHICS". This area
includes the Apple Macintosh executables also. It is best if
messages are left in the "Company Support" section. Currently,
Bill Pulver (BPulver) is our representative there.


Internet
--------
The POV-Ray files are also available over Internet by
anonymous FTP from alfred.ccs.carleton.ca (134.117.1.1).


You Can Call Me Ray BBS in Chicago
----------------------------------
There is a ray-trace specific BBS in the (708) Area Code
(Chicago suburbia, United States) for all you Traceaholics
out there. The phone number of this BBS is (708)
358-5611. Bill Minus is the sysop and Aaron Collins is
co-sysop of that board, and it's filled with interesting
stuff.


The Graphics Alternative (TGA) BBS in El Cerrito, CA.
---------------------------------------------
For those on the West coast, you may want to find the
POV-Ray files on The Graphics Alternative BBS. It's a great
graphics BBS run by Adam Shiffman. TGA is high quality, active and
progressive BBS system which offers both quality messaging and
files to its 1300+ users.

510-524-2780 (PM14400FXSA v.32bis 14.4k, Public)
510-524-2165 (USR DS v.32bis/HST 14.4k, Subscribers)

PCGNet
------
TGA BBS serves as the central hub for a large network of
graphics-oriented BBS systems around the world. Following is a
concise listing of active PCGNet nodes at the time of this
writing. The POV-Team can neither vouch for the currency of this
information, nor verify that any of these boards may carry
POV-Ray.

AZCAD BBS Melbourne, Australia +61-3-481-6873
CAD Connection Montesson, France +33-1-3053-4110
CAD/Engineering Services Gallatin, TN 615-451-2872
Convergence Spline BBS Richmond, B.C., Canada 604-275-3462
The Drawing Board BBS Anchorage, Alaska 907-349-5412
Granite BBS St. Cloud, Minnesota 612-654-8194
The Graphics Alternative El Cerrito, CA 510-524-2780
The Graphics Connection Wellington, New Zealand +64-4-473-0981
Joe's CODE BBS West Bloomfield, MI 313-855-0894
PC-AUG BBS Phoenix, AZ 602-952-0638
Raytech BBS Sutherland, Scotland +44-86288-340
Route 66 Solutions Albuquerque, NM 505-294-4543
SAUG BBS Bellevue, WA 206-644-7115
TERN Solution BBS Nepean, Ontario Canada 613-228-0539
The University BBS Shrewsbury Twp, NJ 908-544-8193
Xaqute BBS Studio City, CA 818-980-2685
Zillius BBS! St. Paul, France +33-9332-0505