XML, QTLists with VR
(also posted to QuickTime-VR mailing list)
LiveStage Pro gurus - can you help me out a little here?
I am loading an XML file (from the same directory as the movie) into the QTList of a movie using SetListFromURL. As a simple case to test things out, I am then setting a string to a value from the QTList and then putting that string into a text field.
If I test it in LSP or export it, it works just fine as expected. HOWEVER, if I then drag a QTVR onto the project in LSP, creating a VR track, the behavior changes. It still works when you test it in LSP, but fails when you export it and try it in QuickTime. I am doing all of my XML and QTList stuff at the track level as you are supposed to.
I did try putting the VR in as a child movie of a MIAM track. Then the XML/QTList/Text track behavior works as it should in QuickTime again. However, the performance of the VR goes to heck. Just horrible (whether embedded OR linked as a child movie.) The VR object movie is very large (35 or so MB) which I assume is why it won't work smoothly as a MIAM.
Anyone know any workarounds?? I am at wits end.
Thanks,
John
Re: XML, QTLists with VR
Hi Patrick,
I thought I had already tried that tack once, but I went back and added "ThisMovie." to everything just to be sure. Same result, sadly. Works fine without VR in the project, doesn't when VR is in the project.
Here is a the test project file without a VR in it: http://4pi-vr.com/xml_testing.zip
Try it out and export it. It is something adapted from Matthew Peterson's book. Then drag any old VR into it that you might have sitting around. See how it breaks when exported to QuickTime.
If you don't have a VR about, you can get one at http://4pi-vr.com/walkaround_small.zip.
If you can see anything that jumps out at you, let me know!
John Riley
Re: XML, QTLists with VR
Hi John:
If I add your _object vr_ movie to the Peterson example, and preview, it works fine. If I export it to QT, then open it in QT, it doesn't work. I tried various layering of tracks, and also various controllers (QTVR, Movie, etc), to no avail.
Have you tried using a regular QTVR (ie, not an object)?
Have you created a project from scratch (maybe start with the VR track, then add to it) to replicate this?
I'd start with the LCD of interactivity, and build it up, previewing and exporting as you go through testing. Regrettably, many times I've found that starting from scratch can fix LSP problems.
At any rate, this would help you isolate the issue -- especially since, in my experience, many of Matthew Peterson's examples from his book are variously broken by QT versions which came out after his book. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking.
Neat room/object vr though! I'm curious what you used to shoot it with... and where it is. :)
Cheers,
Patrick Cheatham
--
CheathamLane | spinControl:VR
Berkeley, California
VR Photography
Web, Flash & QuickTime Development
Re: XML, QTLists with VR
Hi Patrick,
I did start out with my own project and ended up using the one from the book for testing. I probably didn't try everything with it that I did with the one from the book, but maybe I should start again from scratch to see what happens. Sometimes it seems like voodoo with QT.
I did try it with both objects and panos. Same result 8-(
I wish I could claim to have shot the photos! Jook actually is the photographer and I am working with him on this project for the Brooklyn Museum. I have been working on the interactivity end and various things like drawing hotspots, etc. The object is The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. It's pretty famous (and monstrously huge - a triangle 48 feet on a side!) and about to go on permanent display there.
Thanks for looking at it. I am going to remove the VR file now, since I worry that it shouldn't be available for general download (work for hire and all that.)
John Riley
Re: XML, QTLists with VR
Oh, very cool -- Hope you and Jook keep us posted to the project, and to your luck with the QT interactivity.
You should maybe make sure that the domain doesn't allow for listing of directory contents, too -- 4pi-vr.com shows a list of the files there...
Cheers,
Patrick Cheatham
--
CheathamLane | spinControl:VR
Berkeley, California
VR Photography
Web, Flash & QuickTime Development
Re: XML, QTLists with VR
Hi John:
One thing that has tripped me up is targeting -- Try using "ThisMovie.YourTrack.Etc" to target things, and use it consistently through your code.
Without seeing your code or project it's hard to say -- What version of QT are you using?
Patrick Cheatham
--
CheathamLane | spinControl:VR
Berkeley, California
VR Photography
Web, Flash & QuickTime Development