MetaStream 3-D File Format Specification Released by Intel and MetaCreations

Strategic Insights -

Intel Corporation and MetaCreations Corporation announced the immediate availability of a specification for scaling and streaming 3-D content on the Web, the MetaStream(TM) 3-D file format designed for the Intel(R) Architecture. This open specification will enable Web application developers to obtain the benefits of the MetaStream format, speeding the proliferation of compelling, photorealistic, MetaStream 3-D content on the web. The companies intend to jointly continue to develop the capabilities of the MetaStream 3-D file format and companion tools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MetaStream 3-D file format is designed for the Intel(R) Architecture and provides serverless streaming and automatically scalable playback.
  • The specification is open to developers, enabling them to create high-quality, photorealistic 3-D content for the web.
  • Web developers can now author content once, and users will be able to view the highest-possible quality, 3-D content, regardless of their system's processing power.
  • The MetaStream format enables scalable playback, allowing users to experience 3-D content from the moment downloading commences.
  • The format also supports progressive streaming, enabling users to experience 3-D content similar to streaming audio or video files.
  • The MetaStream viewer plug-in is available for free download from the MetaStream Web site, and minimum system requirements for MetaStream compatibility are a Pentium processor-based system, a 28.8 modem, and a Netscape Communicator(R) 4.0 or Internet Explorer(R) 4.0 browser.
  • MetaStream will be shipped by Microsoft as a component of Windows 98 and 2000.
  • A free MetaStream exporter for 3-D Studio MAX is available as a free download from the MetaCreations Web site.

Statistics:

  • 50+ countries: Availability of MetaCreations’ products.
  • 1 year: Expected time of market availability of Metflash 3-D camera by Kodak and Minolta.
  • 100%: Scalability of the MetaStream format, enabling content to automatically maximize performance and resolution according to available processing power.

Sources:

  • MetaStream 3-D File Format Specification (Intel and MetaCreations Corporation)
  • Intel Corporation press release (April 15, 1999)
  • MetaCreations Corporation website (http://www.metacreations.com/press)
  • MetaStream 3-D Viewer plug-in (MetaStream Web site http://www.metastream.com)