Workstations and OpenGL Acceleration
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Meta Motion specializes in providing motion capture solutions that are optimized for workstations running Windows XP Professional. The hardware and software we sell can be integrated with Linux, Macintosh, Irix and Unix systems as well, although support for these platforms varies from product to product.

For realtime rendering in Autodesk MotionBuilder, the more powerful the workstation, the better. Workstation 'power' is a combination of several factors: CPU, FSB (Front Side Bus) speed, OpenGL display card, and RAM.

CPU - MotionBuilder is fully multi-threaded, so dual core/dual CPU systems, as fast as possible are recommended.

OpenGL display card - MotionBuilder users generally can get good results with graphics cards based on the latest GeForce and Quadro chipsets. Quadro cards are usually recommended for graphics applications since there is just one manufacturer of these cards, allowing certification with various 3D programs for workstation performance. Since the GeForce cards are made by many different manufacturers it is a good idea to test the card you are considering using before committing to that card for your 3D purposes.

RAM - 512 Meg works well for most situations, though 1 to 2 Gig RAM configurations are increasingly beneficial, especially when doing live performances.

Laptops - Laptops with good OpenGL acceleration are available from Dell, Alienware, Toshiba and many other manufacturers. Generally a laptop with good gaming performance will be a good choice for 3D, though you should test your application upon the laptop you are considering before purchase if possible. Also be sure to check manufacturer's and newsgroup / user recommendations.

OpenGL and the need for acceleration
There is a definite advantage to using software and hardware that offers real-time rendered display of motion capture on actual 3D characters. This helps the actors and directors get immediate feedback on the actors motion and resulting capture.

Autodesk MotionBuilder allows keyframe animators to see their results immediately, without rendering, thanks to its realtime animation abilities.

OpenGL acceleration is essential to working with MotionBuilder, and extremely beneficial for modeling and animating in 3d animation programs such as 3d Studio MAX, Maya, Lightwave and Softimage XSI.