TechNote (Archived)

Shockwave 3D acceleration and performance testing

Shockwave Player 3D Rendering and Hardware Information tests

The Shockwave Player has the ability to use 3D acceleration features of your video card through DirectX and OpenGL. This TechNote contains links to two Shockwave movies.

Shockwave Player 3D rendering test: Provides a benchmark where you can compare the performance of your system and the Shockwave player against other systems.
Shockwave Player hardware test: Checks the system hardware and allows you to add comments about your tests before sending details to the Shockwave 3D engineering team.

Some video cards are known to have driver problems when trying to access some acceleration features. Macromedia maintains a list of these cards and drivers that are known to be problematic and will prevent hardware acceleration. Details about video card and driver issues with Shockwave 3D content are discussed in Troubleshooting 3D rendering effects (TechNote 15297).

Before performing the tests, please read these important notes:

Though unlikely, it is possible for this test to crash or blue screen your computer. Please take a moment to close all open applications and save any unsaved work before performing this test for the first time.
If you experience a problem running the 3D Rendering test movie or want to note a successful configuration, use the submit feature of the Shockwave Player hardware info test along with details about the problems you are experiencing.
It's always a good idea to update your video driver, especially if you are experiencing problems. See the 3D System Requirements and Graphics Card Readme for more information.

Performing the Tests:

Launch the test movie by clicking the link below.

Shockwave Player 3D rendering test
After the model appears, click each of the options to the right of the model to test the different features of this movie on your machine. Try different combinations and see the effect on the content.

Use the link below to send your feedback to the Shockwave Player 3D Engineering team.

Shockwave Player hardware info test
This movie will check your system hardware configuration and record this so it can be sent to Shockwave Player 3D Engineering team. You may also add comments to send with this information.

Description of the rendering test options:

Renderer

Listed here are the available renderers that Shockwave has detected on your system. Some of these may not be shown if the hardware/drivers were not detected.

SOFTWARE
Renderer used when no hardware acceleration is available.
OPENGL
This is the only hardware rendering option on Macintosh. OpenGL is a common 3-D protocol that most video cards support when running NT or Macintosh.
DIRECTX
Option appears only on Windows. DirectX is the most commonly supported hardware protocol on Windows 95/98/ME.

Effects

Shockwave 3D has many effects. The list below is limited to those seen in the test.

OVERLAY
Allows 2D text and graphics to be overlaid in a fixed position relative to the camera and in front of 3D objects.
BACKDROP
The same as Overlay, but behind the 3D objects.
FOG
Creates the look of fog by reducing the contrast of an object as it gets further away from the camera. In this case, purple fog...

Textures

Shockwave 3D has a number of texture mapping features.

ALPHA TEXTURE
Gives multiple levels of transparency to an object.
REFLECTION MAP
Used to create metallic and chrome-like effects.
PARTICLES
Particle emitter objects that can be used to generate steam, fire or other special effects.

Model

The renderer can be set to render the model on one or two sides for the most appropriate results.

ONE SIDED
Render only front-facing polygons for better performance.
TWO SIDED
Render both front and back facing polygons. Important when using alpha texture maps.

Render Style

Rendering styles are the methods used to draw the 3D object on the screen.

POINT
Render as a set of points at each vertex of the polygons that make up the object
WIRE
Render as a wire-frame model, outlining each polygon.
FILL
Render as a solid object, with textures applied.