February 12, 2002 - Monaco

For Immediate Release -
Category : Software / Interactive 3D Applications /e-marketing/ e-training/ theme parks

Z-A Use Virtools™ Technology for Immersive 3D Experiences with the SAScube*

At Imagina 2002, ZA and Virtools™ present for the first time an immersive 3D application in the SAScube, a virtual reality solution comprised of multiple screens based around a PC cluster and Virtools™ Dev 2.0 interactive 3D development platform.

Z-A uses Virtools Dev 2.0 to create powerful interactive applications in the SAScube, a room composed of a floor screen and three wall screens that immerse viewers in a vivid 3D experience. The first SAScube project was shown at Imagina to demonstrate the amazing potential that lies in integrating the SAScube with Virtools development solutions.

Wearing stereoscopic shutter glasses and piloting a joystick integrated with a 3D tracker, users immerse themselves in the SAScube and stereoscopic 3D scenes projected on the four surrounding screens. Interacting with a virtual world has never been more immersive. Thanks to the hand-held wand's 3D tracker, users can seize objects, throw them against walls and observe their physical interactions as they bounce, fall into a pool and float back to the surface.

"Combining Virtools™ technology with our cluster-based immersive solutions has allowed us to create a rich interactive application in record time," explains David Nahon, R&D Technical Director of Z-A. "We can think of numerous potential applications for this powerful development combination. It makes the production process so much easier than before. The areas that stand to benefit from the SAScube include e-learning, event-based marketing campaigns, theme parks, museum installations and more..."

"With Z-A's know-how and experience with interactive installations, teamed up with the power of Virtools Dev, a whole new world of possibilities open up for virtual reality, thanks in part to Dev 2.0's computing power divided over a cluster of several PC," adds Bertrand Duplat, president of Virtools

* The SAScube is the first interactive 3D room powered by a PC cluster, developed by BARCO, CLARTE, l'IRISA and Z-A with the support of PRIAMM.

About Virtools™ Dev 2.0

Virtools' revolutionary technology allows users to create interactive applications by graphically assembling "behaviors" in Dev 2.0's intuitive interface. Flexible and easy-to-use, Virtools' reusable "behavior building blocks" accelerate the production cycle and reduce production costs, maximising return on investment. Developers can use the "behavior library" or program their own behaviors in C++ with Virtools' Software Development Kit (SDK).

About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools S.A. is the leading provider of 3D interactive media authoring tools - Virtools' mission is to enhance clients' business performance. Using advanced real-time 3D content development tools and proven production processes, Virtools is a market leader in delivering high quality, efficient, cost-effective business solutions for e-learning, e-marketing and game markets, for the web or CD-ROM. Costs and timeframes are kept under control through a scalable set of software and server-based solutions that reduce the risks associated with developing interactive 3D applications.

More information at: www.virtools.com

About Z-A

Founded in 1987, Z-A is one of the premiere French companies in the area of new media technology. After producing Quarxs, the first 3D computer-graphics program, Z-A specialized in spectacular creative interactivity including virtual reality, site installations, networks and intelligent interfaces

More information : www.z-a.net

Press contacts

Karine Guilbert
Virtools SA
93 rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 71 46 86
Email: guilbert@virtools.com