http://www.consoledatabase.com
http://www.consoledatabase.com
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----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions List----------
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Frequently Asked Questions List v5.5
Maintained by Alzarius
E-mail: alzarius@geocities.com
Website: 3DO Today
http://www.classicgaming.com/3dotoday
----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions List----------
Update Information.
There are new questions and answers! Just look for the * in the index to find
new and modified information.
===============================================================================
This is the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list. It
consists of the following four sections.
SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information
[1.1] What is a 3DO?
[1.2] What can the 3DO do?
[1.3] Is the 3DO a Panasonic product?
[1.4] Who else was a 3DO hardware licensee?
[1.5] What do the various 3DO systems come with?
[1.6] Where can I get the lowest price for a 3DO?
[1.7] What's this I hear about a "reduced-cost" 3DO chipset?
[1.8] Is each 3DO system compatible?
[1.9] Are there special PAL titles for PAL versions of the 3DO?
[1.10] Can I play Japanese 3DO titles on my non-Japanese 3DO?
[1.11] Can I play CDR backups of 3DO games on my Panasonic/Goldstar 3DO?
[1.12] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO
system?
[1.13] Will I be able to upgrade my current 3DO console to a next generation
3DO console(through the FMV expansion port perhaps) when it is
available?
[1.14] Is the 3DO just an educational system?
[1.15] Is the 3DO just a games system?
[1.16] Is the 3DO the same as CD-i?
[1.17] Which system is better, the 3DO or the PSX/Saturn/32X/Jaguar?
[1.18] Where can I download 3DO related files?
*[1.19] Is there a 3DO emulator?
SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information
[2.1] What does 3DO stand for?
[2.2] Who developed the 3DO system?
[2.3] Who is Trip Hawkins?
[2.4] Who were the seven partners that made up 3DO?
[2.5] How does the 3DO company make money?
[2.6] Why didn't 3DO release information on how many consoles have been sold?
[2.7] What about 3DO's stock?
[2.8] How do I contact the 3DO company?
SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications
[3.1] What Peripherals are coming for the 3DO?
[3.2] Is there an external storage device for the 3DO?
[3.3] Is there a modem for the 3DO?
[3.4] Was the MPEG add-on released?
[3.5] What hardware is available?
[3.6] Can the Panasonic 3DO control pad do diagonals? I sure can't get mine to!
[3.7] Can I use Sega Genesis controllers on my 3DO?
[3.8] Can I use any other system's controllers on my 3DO?
[3.9] The CD-ROM drive in my 3DO sounds a bit loud. Is it OK?
[3.10] When is it OK to eject a disc?
[3.11] I have a Goldstar 3DO and all of a sudden, the CD tray won't open. What
can I do?
[3.12] Help! My 3DO is broken! How do I get it fixed?
[3.13] What is the resolution of the 3DO system?
[3.14] Can the 3DO do real 24-bit color?
[3.15] What does it mean when 3DO product literature says that the system
can "animate 64 million pixels per second?"
[3.16] What are the detailed specs of the system?
[3.17] What are the specs of the M2 accelerator?
SECTION 4 - System and Application Software
[4.1] What about the 3DO operating system?
[4.2] How is 3DO application software developed?
[4.3] How much does the development system cost?
[4.4] How do I become a 3DO developer?
[4.5] Is 3DO software censored at all?
[4.6] But sometimes I hear a title has been "sent to 3DO for final approval."
What does this mean?
[4.7] Does 3DO software have a ratings system of some kind?
*[4.8] Who developed software for the 3DO?
[4.9] Sometimes I hear "popping" and "clicking" noises while playing Crash and
Burn and other games. Is something wrong with my 3DO?
[4.10] But I hear popping noises even on some *new* games! Is something
wrong with _my_ 3DO?
[4.11] I’ve heard rumors that "early" Panasonic 3DO consoles may not run certain
games correctly, possibly having sound problems.. is this true?
[4.12] How is the 3DO's NVRAM structured? And what can I do if I have problems
with it?
[4.13] Hey! I played The Horde, saved a game, and now all of my other non-Horde
saved games in NVRAM are gone! What happened?
[4.14] The internal memory in my 3DO is completely filled up. How do I delete
some of those saved games?
Each section answers specific questions about the 3DO, the 3DO company, and
3DO software and hardware.
This FAQ was last modified on February 10th, 1999. The current version of
this FAQ is available at http://www.classicgaming.com/3dotoday
on the 3DO Lists and Information page and also at http://www.gamefaqs.com.
Web surfers can also check out the 3DO home page, at http://www.3do.com.
Unfortunately, no information on the 3DO game system is available on the 3DO
homepage. 3DO shifted their business model towards the PC and other console
systems, and has removed all references to their namesake from their site.
Note: This is NOT the last update to this FAQ. There is always more
information to be had and future versions will be available at my site, and
also at http://www.gamefaqs.com (*THE* repository for game faqs of all kinds!)
================SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information===============
[1.1] What is a 3DO?
A: The 3DO is, technically, a set of specifications created by the 3DO
company, which is itself a partnership of seven different Companies. These
specs are the intellectual property of the 3DO Company, and are the blueprint
for making a 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Manufacturing companies license the
rights from the 3DO Company to manufacture a system based on the 3DO Company's
specifications. Software companies license the ability to develop software for
the 3DO.
The closest analogy is that of the VCR; The VCR *technology* was
created by JVC, and any company can manufacture a VCR or VCR videocassettes
as long as they pay a small royalty to JVC. The 3DO *technology* was
created by the 3DO Company, and several companies have licensed the right
to manufacture 3DO systems based on this technology. The 3DO Company
itself does not manufacture 3DO systems.
(Note: It's somewhat incorrect to state that VCR technology was created by
JVC; things are a bit more complicated than that. For the purposes of my
analogy, however, its close enough. :)
Basically, a 3DO system consists of an ARM60 32-bit RISC processor as the
general processing unit, with a graphics engine based around two custom
designed graphics and animation processors. It has 2 Megabytes of
DRAM, 1 Megabyte of VRAM, and a double speed CD-ROM drive for main
storage. This is a simplified description of the system; See below for
detailed specifications.
Be sure to read the newsgroup rec.games.video.3do for ongoing discussions
about 3DO software and hardware. Unfortunately, discussions about anything
other than "I want x game/I'm selling x game/Is the 3DO dead?" are fairly
nonexistent. BUT anyone is still welcome and encouraged to start up a
discussion on anything at all about the 3DO. Keep the group active!
[1.2] What can the 3DO do?
"It will be more stimulating to the human mind than any new technology
since printing." - Trip Hawkins
A: A 3DO system can run 3DO Interactive software, play audio CD's (including
support for CD+G), View Photo-CDs, and will eventually be able to play Video
CD's with a special add-on MPEG1 full motion video cartridge(the video
cartridge is only available for the American Goldstar and Japanese Panasonic
3DO systems).
With its controller port up to 8 controllers can be daisy-chained on the
system at once. A keyboard, mouse, light gun, and other peripherals may
also be hooked into the system (a mouse, steering wheel, light gun and a
flightstick are available, however all other proposed peripherals were
cancelled).
3DO Interactive software is a step beyond most current consumer multimedia
interactive software. With its powerful cel engine, the 3DO can display
full motion video, fully texture mapped 3-D landscapes, and other amazing
visuals, all in 24-bit color.
[1.3] Is the 3DO a Panasonic product?
A: No. The 3DO system was developed and designed by the 3DO Company, and
Panasonic licensed the right to manufacture the system from the 3DO
company. Other companies such as Sanyo, Goldstar, and Creative Labs also
licensed the right to manufacture 3DO compatible systems. Panasonic was
the first company to manufacture and market a 3DO player, and their player
is probably the most well known one.
[1.4] Who else was a 3DO hardware licensee?
A: Here is a list of the companies that were 3DO hardware licensees:
Licensee Product Notes
-------- ------- -----
Panasonic Home Console FZ-1/10 FZ-10 is more
streamlined and was also
cheaper to make(1)
Panasonic M2 Accelerator Prototype/Cancelled(2)
Sanyo Home Console Released in Japan(3)
Samsung Home Console/w MPEG Cancelled(4)
Goldstar Home Console Available in the US(5)
Creative Labs PC Card PC card for IBM compatibles(6)
Toshiba Portable Cancelled(7)
AT&T Home Console Console plans cancelled(8)
Scientific-Atlanta Set-top cable box Interactive TV test for US West
Cancelled?
Atari Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) made are unknown
Electronic Arts Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) made are unknown
Amer. Laser Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) made are unknown
(1) The Panasonic FZ-1 has been released in the US, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, the
UK, and Canada. The UK console is a PAL version. The FZ-10 is a new version
of the FZ-1 available in Japan and the US.
(2) For more information on the M2 Accelerator, see questions 1.12 and 3.15.
(3) The Sanyo 3DO console is available only in Japan.
(4) The Samsung 3DO console was set to include built-in MPEG decoding hardware.
(5) The Goldstar 3DO console was released in the US and Korea at a MSRP of
$399. Goldstar expanded distribution of the 3DO system by making it
available through mass merchandisers and toy stores.
(6) The Creative labs 3DO Blaster was released in the US and parts of Asia.
For more information on the Creative labs PC card, see question 1.5. This card
was discontinued.
(7) Toshiba was interested in developing a car navigation system based around
the 3DO architecture. Those plans have been scrapped.
(8) The AT&T 3DO was previously planned, and would have optionally included a
modem for networked games and communication. Their 3DO console plans have been
cancelled, along with their 3DO voicespan modem. (AT&T has decided to leave the
videogames market completely).
[1.5] What do the various 3DO systems come with?
A: Here is a break-down of what the various 3DO multiplayer systems contain.
NOTE: Any devices that attach to the AV expansion port (such as the MPEG1
FMV cartridge) are "motherboard dependent" and are not interchangeable
between players. Devices that plug into the controller port or high
speed expansion port are compatible across all 3DO players. Also,
up to eight devices can be daisy-chained on the controller port.
(Note: All prices have been removed from this section due to the fact that
the 3DO is no longer being manufactured and used/new prices vary greatly
with individual sellers.)
Panasonic
---------
Name: Panasonic FZ-1 R.E.A.L 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge.
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and 11 foot
cord.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Variations include Sampler Cd's and possibly others.
Misc: NOTE: It has been replaced by the FZ-10.
For more info call: (800)REAL-3DO.(No longer an active service)
Name: Panasonic FZ-10 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge.
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Note that the FZ-10 will require its own specific version
of the MPEG1 adaptor, it will _not_ be able to use the
FZ-1 versions of these products.
Controller: one included.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Gex from Crystal Dynamics.
Misc: This is a cost-reduced flip-top version of the FZ-1 with a built in
SRAM memory manager.
For more info call: (800)REAL-3DO(No longer an active service)
Goldstar
--------
Name: Goldstar 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge.
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and long
cord.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Shockwave, FIFA Soccer, and a demo photo CD.
Misc: Also included a certificate to send in with a roll of film to have
your own custom Photo CD disc made.
For more info call: No Goldstar number is currently available.
Creative Labs
-------------
Name: Creative Labs 3DO Blaster (PC compatible ISA plug-in card)
Outputs: RGB via pass-thru connector on your VGA card, CD audio output.
Cables: Pass thru connector cable, CD audio connector cable.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2),
and one controller port.
Controller: one included (controller does not include connector for daisy
chaining other peripherals, but other 3DO controllers with the
connector can be used with the 3DO blaster to daisy chain
additional peripherals)
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Pack in CD's: Shockwave, Gridders, and a sampler CD.
Misc: The 3DO Blaster requires an IBM compatible 386-25Mhz or above, 4 MB
RAM, VGA display adaptor with standard feature connector, a soundcard
with CD audio input connector, and a Panasonic CR-563 or Creative Labs
Omni-CD double speed CD-ROM drive (The Panasonic CR-562 drive probably
doesn’t work, but that is not yet verified). Games can be played full
screen or in a window on your PC's monitor under MS Windows (software
to run 3DO games under DOS may become available in the future).
Although it has an AV expansion port for MPEG1, this device was not
announced by Creative Labs. Also note that only the Creative labs
version of the MPEG1 module would work with the 3DO Blaster.. other
versions will not be compatible.
For more info call: (405)742-6622 for technical info or (800)998-5227 for
dealer referrals.
Note: This card was discontinued by Creative Labs.
Sanyo
-----
Name: Sanyo TRY 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right
audio outputs.
Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables.
Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1
full motion video cartridge.
One high speed expansion port, and one controller port.
Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up)
Controller: one included.
Pack in CD's: ??
Misc: Currently available only in Japan.
For more info call: No Sanyo number is currently available.
[1.6] Where can I get the lowest price for a 3DO?
A: The price of all 3DO systems vary greatly but can be found used and possibly
even new for anywhere from $50 to over $100. Mail order outlets are still
likely to have 3DO systems(new and used) in stock. Ask on rec.games.video.3do
for more info about finding the current best place to purchase a 3DO.
An extra note: AT&T employees may want to check their local "AT&T Phone Center"
store, as you may be able to get a significant discount on a Panasonic 3DO
console there. This is, of course, subject to change, and its unknown when
and for how long this discount will be in effect (this has been discontinued.
[1.7] What's this I hear about a "reduced-cost" 3DO chipset?
A: 3DO has re-worked their chipset to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The
new chipset has no more or less functionality or speed than the previous one,
it simply combines several chips into one to reduce the cost of making it. The
new chipset is being used in the new lower-cost 3DO consoles.
[1.8] Is each 3DO system compatible?
A: Yes. You will be able to run all 3DO software on any manufacturers
system, and it will run at the same speed as other consoles.. no system
is noticeably slower or faster than any other. However, each system can
be customized to some extent by the manufacturer to add their own special
features.
Note: It has been noted that a few games seem to have a problem with the
early model Goldstar units. Cyberia, PO'ed, and The Horde lock up during
certain sections of the game. This is most likely due to the fact that early
model Goldstar units could not handle files over a certain size.
[1.9] Are there special PAL titles for PAL versions of the 3DO?
A: Yes. However, NTSC versions of 3DO games are playable on PAL 3DO consoles,
although they may look slightly "crunched" due to the differences between PAL
and NTSC aspect ratios (PAL versions of 3DO titles will look correct on PAL
3DO systems).(Added note: Crunched is somewhat incorrect. NTSC games played
on a PAL 3DO run in a letterbox format similar to that used for movies.)
Unfortunately, due to minor differences between the PAL and NTSC 3DOs, some
pre-PAL NTSC 3DO titles (such as Twisted, Crash n Burn, and Way of the
Warrior) crash on PAL 3DO's. Most should run, and all new NTSC 3DO titles
will be tested to ensure PAL compatibility.
[1.10] Can I play Japanese 3DO titles on my non-Japanese 3DO?
A: In almost all cases, yes. However, if a Japanese title requires the Kanji
character set that is in the Japanese 3DO ROMs, it will not run on a non-
Japanese 3DO unless the developer of that game has also included the Kanji
font on the CD-ROM. Fortunately, most Japanese 3DO titles include the font
on disk (as recommended by 3DO). There have been no reports of a Japanese
title not functioning on a non-Japanese 3DO console so far (other than the
Japanese demo of "Alone in the Dark.")
[1.11] Can I play CDR backups of 3DO games on my Panasonic/Goldstar 3DO?
A: Yes. Most units have no problems reading games copied to a CDR. Some
people have complained that their units will not run CDRs though. This is
likely caused by 1. Low quality CDR media, 2. Older or bargain basement CDR
recorders, 3. A bad burn, 4. Possible laser alignment issues from general wear
and tear on the 3DO itself. If you wish to backup your games to preserve the
original disk, you should 1. Use good quality CDR media, 2. Avoid disk to disk
copying(Copy the game to your hard drive first.) 3. Burn at a slower speed (4x
or 2x are recommended.
[1.12] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO
system?
A: This is almost a definite "No". The M2, as it currently stands, is in the
hands of Matsushita, and any possible release of the technology seems to be
geared towards a home entertainment center unit, much like the CD-I. The M2
has apparently been completed, and Matsushita may be in the process of test
marketing it. It is unknown whether 3DO titles will work in this new unit.
[1.13] Will I be able to upgrade my current 3DO console to a next generation
3DO console(through the FMV expansion port perhaps) when it is
available?
A: No. 3DO sold the M2 technology to Matsushita and there is no chance of an
upgrade to existing 3DO units. Matsushita officially canceled all plans to
release the M2 as a game console. The M2 is rumored to have five to seven
times the power of the Sony PSX. See question 3.15 for the officially
released specs of the M2 accelerator.
3DO had broken up the announcement of the M2 into three phases. Phase I
has already happened, with an official announcement in New York about the
official specs and capabilities of the 3DO unit. Phases II and III were
set to come about later that year, announcing the M2 manufacturers, pricing,
third party support, and official release dates. Phase II was said to be set
for September 1995. Rumors and speculation had linked 3DO with companies such
as Sega or Phillips, but none of these rumors were confirmed. It was believed
that Matsushita and Goldstar were committed to producing M2 units until
Matsushita purchased the M2 technology outright.
It was believed that the M2 was going to be released in late 1995, but
Matsushita announced that the M2 would not be released as a game console,
although there is some possibility it may still be released as a home
entertainment center unit.(Think CD-i.)
[1.14] Is the 3DO just an educational system?
A: No. While educational and informational programs are an important part
of the 3DO software library, there are also lots of games. Trip Hawkins is said
to love games, and the system was designed by game players almost certainly with
games in mind.
[1.15] Is the 3DO just a games system?
A: No. Childrens, educational, and reference/informational programs are
a part of the 3DO software library. However, most of the software available
are games with a scattering of childrens, educational, and reference
programs mixed in.
[1.16] Is the 3DO the same as CD-i?
A: No. CD-i stands for "CD interactive" and is a system jointly developed by
Philips Electronics and Sony. The two systems *are not* compatible and are
totally unrelated. (This system also has no relation to the Sony-PSX).
[1.17] Which system is better, the 3DO or the PSX/Saturn/32X/Jaguar?
A: That’s a question which is hard to answer. The 3DO is about two years
older than the PSX and Saturn, so certainly those two systems will enjoy
some technical superiority to the 3DO. Thanks to its early release, however,
the 3DO has a large software library.
In the end it is the games that make a system... pick the system with the
games _you_ want to play.
Also, people in the newsgroup rec.games.video.advocacy will almost certainly be
discussing this issue. Check there for more information, but only if you are
strong in body and spirit. :) System wars are well known for their ferocity.
[1.18] Where can I download 3DO related files?
A: There are few sites which offer 3DO related files. I have quite a few files
on my site, listed below. I also host a large list of 3DO sites, some of
which also have 3DO related downloads.
3DO Today http://www.classicgaming.com/3dotoday
*[1.19] Is there a 3DO emulator?
A: A 3DO emulator is currently being worked on by a group of 3DO enthusiasts.
For more information, please visit http://www.freedo.org/.
===============SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information================
[2.1] What does 3DO stand for?
A: Nothing, really. Some people have said it stands for "3 Dimensional
Objects," or "3 Dollars Only," (The original licensing fee per disc) but the
general consensus is that it means it is the next step after audio and video:
audio, video, "threedeo."
[2.2] Who developed the 3DO system?
A: Dave Needle and RJ Mical are named as co-inventors of the Machine. Needle
and Mical previously worked on the the design team of the original Amiga
computer, and on the design of the Atari Lynx handheld gaming system. The NTG
(New Technologies Group) company designed most of the 3DO technology/hardware.
[2.3] Who is Trip Hawkins?
A: Trip Hawkins is the founder and CEO of the 3DO Company. He is also the
founder of Electronic Arts, a well known software publishing company. Trip
is the driving force behind the creation and development of the 3DO.
[2.4] Who were the seven partners that made up 3DO?
A: Matsushita, AT&T, Time Warner, MCA, Electronic Arts, venture capital firm
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and the New Technologies Group(NTG). NTG
was previously a separate company but has now merged into the 3DO company and
no longer exists as a separate entity.
[2.5] How does the 3DO company make money?
A: 3DO received a small royalty for each 3DO console sold. They also got a
royalty on each 3DO software disc sold. The 3DO disc royalty is currently
at $3 per disc, or up to 10% of net sales, whichever 3DO chooses. Since 3DO
did not directly manufacture the 3DO consoles or software, it had little
control over their retail pricing.
Note: An additional $1 Manufacturers Development Fund Fee was added to the per
disc royalty fee to fund 3DO advertising, and to help offset the costs of
manufacturers maintaining competitive hardware prices. (Initially the fee was
$3 but was reduced to $1).
[2.6] Why didn't 3DO release information on how many consoles have been sold?
A: Since 3DO did not manufacture the consoles, they _couldn't_ give out
statistics on how many consoles have been sold without the consent of the
manufacturer. This is the confidential information of the manufacturing
company. Ask the manufacturer for sales figures, not 3DO. A rough estimate
of between 50 and 75 thousand units were reported to have been sold in
Europe.
[2.7] What about 3DO's stock?
A: In mid-March, 1993, 3DO (NASDAQ: THDO) entered into the stock market with
an initial public offering (IPO) that values the entire company at around $300
million. 3DO had an ongoing promotion offering 3DO hardware manufacturers two
shares of 3DO common stock for each hardware system shipped at or below certain
retail prices before Sept. 30, 1994, which has now been ended. In June of 1994
3DO completed an offering of almost 3 million shares of common stock to
existing and new investors to raise $40 million in capital.
[2.8] How do I contact the 3DO company?
A: Contact 3DO's public relations department at:
The 3DO Company
600 Galveston Dr.
Redwood City, Ca 94063
(415) 261-3000
internet e-mail: info@3do.com
The 3DO club: club@3do.com
3DO Direct: (800) 336-3506 (for more info see below)
3DO now offers a "3DO Direct" toll free direct order phone line for purchasing
3DO software, hardware, and peripheral products. To order call (800)336-3506
between 9am and 5pm Pacific time. 3DO merchandise such as T-shirts, hats,
coffee mugs, and watches are also sold. 3DO Direct may still sell their PC
games, however, it is unlikely that they still sell anything related to the
3DO console system.
============SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications=============
[3.1] What Peripherals are coming for the 3DO?
A: There are no further plans to release peripherals for the 3DO by any
company.
[3.2] Is there an external storage device for the 3DO?
A: Yes and no. No, there was never an external storage system available to
the public. However, there is a prototype of the 3DO memory card expansion
device that apparently is fully functional. How many of these prototypes
are available remains to be seen. I have discovered that the memory card
unit was released in Japan and sold for around 100 dollars. I am unsure how
many units were sold, or for that fact, if this information is 100 percent
accurate.
[3.3] Is there a modem for the 3DO?
A: No. AT&T was planning on releasing an add-on modem peripheral for 3DO
consoles, but decided to drop those plans (and the plans for the Genesis
version of the voice-span modem).
[3.4] Was the MPEG add-on released?
A: Apparently, the Panasonic MPEG add on was released through 3DO Direct on a
very limited basis with a price tag of 249 dollars. It is unknown how many of
these were sold, or how many were produced. It was also released in Japan.
An MPEG adaptor is available for the Goldstar 3DO with a pack-in video CD of
"Total Recall."
[3.5] What hardware is available?
A: Here's a condensed list of 3DO hardware and peripherals and their
manufacturer.
Product Manufacturer Predicted Rls.
------- ------------ --------------
3DO Blaster PC Card Creative Technology Available
Control Pad Logitech for 3DO Available
Control Pad Panasonic Available
Control Pad Goldstar Available
Control Pad Interact Available
Control Pad Performance Available
FlightStick Pro CH Products Available
FZ-JJ1XP 6 button stick Panasonic Available
Game Gun American Laser Games Available
Logitech Cordless Contr. Logitech ?
Mouse Panasonic Available
Nakitek Wireless Contr. Nakitek Available
Six button control pad Panasonic for Capcom Available
SNES controller adaptor JPF Import Available
Steering Wheel HAS Available
Wireless controllers Docs Available
[3.6] Can the Panasonic 3DO control pad do diagonals? I sure can't get mine to!
A: Diagonal control was a problem with earlier versions of the Panasonic 3DO
control pad. Current versions from Panasonic have been corrected. Diagonals
can be done on earlier Panasonic 3DO directional pads, but it takes excessive
force. There is a simple solution, however, that allows diagonal movement to
be done easily. David Liu (davidliu@husc8.harvard.edu) says:
"One merely needs to partially unscrew the six screws which hold the
controller in place. Unscrewing only the three screws on the right side of
the bottom face of the controller three turns each restores much of the
control; loosening the remaining screws slightly can be used to tune the
sensitivity of the controller. The origin of the problem may be that the
rubber contact pad and the plastic control disk are pressed too tightly in
the factory-produced controllers, causing a slight warping of the rubber pad.
Loosening the two halves of the controller, however, remedies this problem."
Many thanks to David Liu for this quick and simple fix! Remember, although
this is a simple procedure, neither David nor I can bear any responsibility for
damage done to your controllers while attempting this fix.
There is also a slightly trickier and more involved method developed by Casey
Grimm that might be a better fix. It involves taking apart the control pad and
cutting a small part of the thumb pad. Check the web sites listed at the top
of the faq for more information about this fix.
When buying Panasonic brand controllers for your 3DO, make sure to get one with
red on the box. Those controllers are the version that have been diagonally
"fixed."
[3.7] Can I use Sega Genesis controllers on my 3DO?
A: NO! And attempting to use a Genesis controller could damage the controller
and/or your 3DO!! You _can_, however, use extension cords for Genesis
controllers on your 3DO controllers to increase the length of the cable.
[3.8] Can I use any other system's controllers on my 3DO?
A: Yes. There are 2 Super Nintendo controller adapters available for the 3DO.
These will allow you to use Super Nintendo controllers on your 3DO. They may
also allow you to use other Super Nintendo accessories, such as the light gun.
This has yet to be confirmed, but it may be possible.
[3.9] The CD-ROM drive in my 3DO sounds a bit loud. Is it OK?
A: In all probability, yes. CD-ROM drives are louder than, say, PC hard
drives, and the loudness varies with each manufacturer. Many new 3DO owners
notice the noise from the CD-ROM drive at first, but then later get used to it.
In almost all cases, nothing is wrong with the drive.
[3.10] When is it OK to eject a disc?
A: CD-ROM drives use a laser to read the data, so nothing ever physically
touches the CD-ROM.. and also, CD-ROMs are read only. You can't damage a disk
or your console no matter when you hit eject. Some games, however, might store
critical NVRAM savegame data at specific points in the game. Be sure you're at
a safe place in the game before you eject so that you don’t lose your place in
games that save your position or level.
[3.11] I have a Goldstar 3DO and all of a sudden, the CD tray won't open. What
can I do?
A: On the Goldstar 3DO units, there is a thin ribbon cable from the main board
to the loading tray. This cable is not held in very securely and can work its
way loose from the motion of the drawer opening and closing, resulting in the
problem indicated. To repair, open your unit (This voids all warranties, which
probably doesn't make a bit of difference now!) and locate the cable. It will
probably still be partially inserted. You will have to remove a large piece of
metal shielding and you may also need to unscrew the board the cable is attached
to if you want easier access to the cable. The cable is held in on both ends by
a small clip which needs to be pulled out and bent(angled) up. These clips do
not disconnect from the base. Do not break them! Reinsert the cable into its
connector by holding it firmly in place while you push the holding clip back in.
Use care as this cable is fragile. This may or may not solve your problem. If
it does not, there may be more extensive problems that are no so easily fixed.
[3.12] Help! My 3DO is broken! How do I get it fixed?
A: Check the warranty information that came with your 3DO, it should contain
a list of authorized service centers or customer service phone numbers. For
Panasonic 3DOs call (800) 545-2672 to locate an authorized Panasonic service
center, for Goldstar 3DOs call (800) 222-6457 (Push menu code for HiMedia) to
receive information on servicing your console.(Note: I have not verified
whether these two companies still offer repair services for the 3DO. Unless
you have some sort of extended warranty that is still current(Were extended
warranties available?), your best bet would be to try the above numbers and
ask the phone reps if they still repair 3DOs.
[3.13] What is the resolution of the 3DO system?
A: The resolution displayed on screen is 640x480. However, the 3DO has an
internal resolution of 320x240 or 320x480, with each pixel being either 24-bits
or 16-bits. The 16-bit mode is almost always used for animations, while the
24-bit mode is used mostly for still pictures. There are no other resolutions
available. The internal resolution is interpolated into an anti-aliased
640x480 pixel display. The interpolation can be turned on and off via
software.
[3.14] Can the 3DO do real 24-bit color?
A: The 3DO can do 16 bit graphics with CLUTs(Color Look Up Tables) drawn from
24 bits, or it can do true 24 bit graphics.
[3.15] What does it mean when 3DO product literature says that the system
can "animate 64 million pixels per second?"
A: The system is capable of animating up to 64 million 16-bit on-screen
pixels per second. This is really 16 million internal 16-bit pixels
that are then interpolated as they are displayed on the screen to 640 by
480 pixel resolution, quadrupling the number of pixels displayed on screen.
[3.16] What are the detailed specs of the system?
A: The heart of the system is two graphics and animation processors which
are capable of rendering up to 64 million texture mapped pixels per second
(interpolated). For sound a custom DSP is used to generate multiple stereo
voices and various effects including reverberation, doppler shift, 3Dsound,
and surround sound. The Graphics animation processors and the DSP are custom
designed by NTG, now a part of the 3DO Company.
The block diagram shown below is taken from an article on the 3DO system in the
Dec. 93 issue of Popular Science Magazine.
Graphics Graphics
--------- animation animation
| 3DO | processor processor
| block | |32|____________|32|
|diagram| |________ ________|
M --------- |32|
o _____|__|_____
n __ Video _______ 1MB ______| |____ 2MB
i __ processor_______ VRAM __32__| |_32_ DRAM
t | |
o | |
r | DMA |____ Expansion __ CDROM
| controller |_32_ Port Control __ Drive
| |
A | |___ Control __ Control pad
u__ D/A __ Digital ______| |_8_ Port __ Flightstick
d__ Converter __ Signal __16__|____________| Game gun
i Processor |32|
o ______________________| |
| ______ _________ |
|32| |32| |32|
Optional Video 32-bit RISC _____ Math Co- ___ ROM &
Video --> Video Decomp Processor _____ Processor ___ SRAM
Input Port/plug
Specs:
-32-bit 12.5Mhz RISC CPU (ARM60) made by Advanced RISC Machines
(Roughly equivalent to a 25Mhz 68030)
-640x480 pixel resolution at 16.7 million colors
-Two Accelerated Video Co-Processors with the following features:
+ 25Mhz clock rate.
+ Capable of producing 9-16 million REAL pixels per second (36-64 Mpix/sec
interpolated), distorted, scaled, rotated and texture mapped.
+ Able to map a rectangular bitmap onto any arbitrary 4-point polygon.
+ Texturemap source bitmaps can be 1,2,4,6,8, or 16 bits per pixel and are
RLE compressed for a maximum combination of both high resolution and small
storage space.
+ Supports transparency, translucency, and color-shading effects.
-Custom 16-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with the following features:
+ specifically designed for mixing, manipulating, and synthesizing CD
quality sound.
+ Can decompress sound 2:1 or 4:1 on the fly saving memory and bus
bandwidth.
+ 25Mhz clock rate.
+ Pipelined CISC architecture.
+ 16-bit register size.
+ 17 separate 16-bit DMA channels to and from system memory.
+ On chip instruction SRAM and register memory.
+ 20-bit internal processing.
+ Special filtering capable of creating effects such as 3D sound.
-Separate BUS for video refresh updates (VRAM is dual ported)
-Super Fast BUS Speed (50 Megabytes per second)
-Math Co-Processor custom designed by NTG for accelerating fixed-point matrix
operations. (Note: This is *not* the ARM FPA)
-CD-ROM Drive with the following features:
+ 320ms access time
+ Doublespeed 300kbps Data Transfer
+ 32kbyte ram buffer
-2 megabytes of DRAM
-1 megabyte of VRAM (also capable of holding/executing code and data)
-1 megabyte of ROM
-36 Separate DMA Channels for fast data processing and efficient bus usage
-2 expansion ports:
+ 1 High-speed 68 pin x 1 AV I/O port (for FMV cartridge)
+ 1 High-speed 30 pin x 1 I/O expansion port
-1 Control port, capable of daisy chaining together up to 8 peripherals
-Multitasking 32-bit Operating System
-16-bit Stereo Sound
-44.1KHz Sound Sampling Rate
-Fully Supports Dolby(tm) Surround Sound
-32kb battery backed up SRAM
-Upgradeable
[3.17] What are the specs of the M2 accelerator?
A: Here are the OFFICIAL specs on the M2 as given by 3DO at the New York
Rollout!
CPU : o PowerPC 602 @ 66Mhz
- 64 kbits total Instruction/Data caches (32k/32k)
- built in MMU
- SPECint92 of 40
- Single precision FPU (133 Mflops)
- Price approx. $30US in volume.
Co-Processing: o Graphics ASIC
o 10 custom co-processors for graphics/audio
Graphics: o Over 1,000,000 polygons/sec peak throughput
o 700,000 polygons/sec sustained throughput with effects
(including texture mapping, light sourcing, and MIP mapping)
o 100 million pixels/second throughput
o Destination-based texture mapping
o RLE compression/decompression
o Light sourcing
o Linear, bi-linear, tri-linear, and point sampled filtering
o MIP mapping
o Pixel-level gouraud shading and Alpha channel pixel
averaging/anti-aliasing
o 3-D perspective correction
o Hardware Z-Buffering
o MPEG-1 video decompression
Resolution: o 640x480 in 24bit or 16bit color
o 320x240 in 24bit or 16bit color
Memory: o 4 Megabytes memory (SDRAM/NVRAM) on base system
o 64-bit bus
o 528Mb/second bus bandwidth
o Cache coherent memory system
o 2 Megabytes ROM
Sound: o DSP running at 66mhz, with 2k cache
o 32 Channels with hardware decompression and interpolation
o MPEG audio decompression
o 3-D CD-quality sound
Options: o PCMCIA slot
The following information is RUMOR and SPECULATION.
Release(rumor):o New Console including M2 technology - TBA
3DO marketing reps claim developers believe the M2 to be at least 7 times
the Sony Playstation in overall performance and 2-4 times the Nintendo 64
in overall performance. More conservative estimates place the M2 at 2-3
times the Sony Playstation's performance.
==================SECTION 4 - System and Application Software==================
[4.1] What about the 3DO operating system?
A: The 3DO OS is a fully-featured 32-bit multitasking operating system written
specifically for the 3DO by NTG. Developers *must* use the OS for a variety of
reasons, the main one being to maintain compatibility with all 3DO consoles and
future next generation 3DO consoles. The OS is loaded from an application's CD
when the system starts up, and is not in the consoles ROM. Contrary to rumors,
there is no way to completely bypass the OS and "hack" directly on the
hardware.
The 3DO OS consists of two parts:
1) A multitasking kernel with drivers for peripherals, a complete file system,
and support for physical storage.
2) Several software "folios" that provide a link between application software
and the 3DO hardware, and are designed to allow software compatibility as new
versions of the hardware are developed. The following six subsystems make up
the entire "Portfolio" of 3DO OS system calls:
The Decompression Folio
- supports software and hardware decompression of audio and video data.
The Math Folio
- performs many of the high level calculations.
The Graphics Folio
- provides access to the 3DO's cel and display subsystems for doing graphics
effects and animation. The effects include warping, transparency, lighting
effects, anti-aliasing, and texture mapping.
The 3-D Folio
- system code for creating 3-D effects and doing complex calculations.
The Audio Folio
- supports the creation and manipulation of sound effects and music. This
includes proprietary algorithms called "3D audio imaging" that create the
illusion of sound coming not only from the left and right, but front and
back (when wearing headphones). These algorithms can also produce Doppler
effects and reverberations.
The File System Folio
- manages the file system. The Opera file system is used, developed by 3DO
especially for use on CD-ROM drives. One of its features is that it can
store multiple copies of the same file to reduce seek times (the closest
copy to the read head is always used) and to provide redundancy in case of
scratches or other problems with the CD-ROM Disc.
[4.2] How is 3DO application software developed?
A: 3DO Software is developed on high-end Macintosh computers via an easy to
use toolkit and development station created by the 3DO Company. The
development station consists of a special 3DO that has several debugging
features and is interfaced to the Macintosh computer. The toolkit contains
emulation software and programming and authoring tools that include a source
level debugger, compiler, linker, assembler, various libraries, custom
plug-in's, 2D animation and imaging software, 3D modeling software, and video
and file translation tools as well as Macromedia's Director, MacroModel, and
Three-D (the macromedia s/w and extractor are sold separately). Software
licensees can get a vast "content library" from the 3DO partners: 190 CDs
carrying 111 gigabytes of music, sound effects, photos, film clips, clip art,
and text references, all available to knit into their work. (This was also
sold separately - $995 for vol 1 and $495 for vol 2)
[4.3] How much does the development system cost?
A: The Development environment costs about $9500 and comes with the special
3DO that interfaces with a Mac Quadra via an optical link cable, along with
the Software tools and documentation. An optional development environment
comes with a development card (which has the same functionality as the full
development 3DO system except for no CD drive) instead of the special 3DO,
and costs about $6000. (The development card is a nubus card for Macintosh
computers). A PC programming environment is coming soon from Cross Products.
[4.4] How do I become a 3DO developer?
A: For information on becoming a 3DO developer, call the 3DO New Developer
INFO Line at (415)261-3202.(It is unlikely that you can still obtain a
developer's kit from 3DO.) Apparently, 3DO still obtains the rights and
technology to the original 3DO architecture so there is a possibility that
if you were, for some reason, adamant about becoming a developer, 3DO might
still have, or could put together a kit for you.
[4.5] Is 3DO software censored at all?
A: No.
[4.6] But sometimes I hear a title has been "sent to 3DO for final approval."
What does this mean?
A: When a developer finishes a 3DO software title, it is sent to the 3DO
company for compatibility testing and encryption. No judgment of the
content is made, and no censorship is done. 3DO makes sure the title
will run on all 3DO consoles, and then encrypts the title so that it will
run on consumer 3DOs. (Developer 3DOs are specially modified 3DOs that
can run non-encrypted 3DO titles. A consumer 3DO console will _not_ run a
non-encrypted title.) An encrypted master CD is then sent back to the
developer for use in manufacturing.
[4.7] Does 3DO software have a ratings system of some kind?
A: Yes, at the current time 3DO has an optional rating system that is
administered by the software publisher. The publisher determines what
audience is suitable for their title, and then places the appropriate rating
on it. The ratings are as follows:
A green circle with an "E" in it: Everyone, suitable for all ages.
A yellow diamond with a "12" in it: Games suitable for persons 12 and up.
A yellow diamond with a "17" in it: Games suitable for persons 17 and up.
A red octagon with "AO" in it: Adults Only.
[4.8] Who developed software for the 3DO?
A: Reportedly nearly 700 companies were licensed 3DO developers, with more than
550 third-party development systems installed and 200 software companies
worldwide actively developing titles. Some of the more well known companies
that developed for the 3DO are Electronic Arts, Origin, Virgin Games, Dynamix,
Konami, Capcom, Interplay, Crystal Dynamics, Psygnosis, and Microprose.
Save Yourself, a game being developed a few years ago has been canceled. The
game was copied to cd and is apparently playable on test or development
stations. It was then sold to a 3DO collector. It is unknown whether copies of
this unreleased title will ever be made available to the general public.
[4.9] Sometimes I hear "popping" and "clicking" noises while playing Crash and
Burn and other games. Is something wrong with my 3DO?
A: In all probability, nothing is wrong with your 3DO. There was a bug in
the 3DO OS's audio library that caused a clicking sound sometimes when audio
samples were played. This can be heard in earlier games like "Crash & Burn"
and "Total Eclipse." The bug has been fixed and should only be present in
early 3DO games. However, incorrectly sampled sounds and playback problems
can also cause audio "pops" which are sometimes heard even in games without
the OS bug. Popping noises can also be caused by certain audio setups (see
the next question).
[4.10] But I hear popping noises even on some *new* games! Is something
wrong with _my_ 3DO?
A: Again, in all probability nothing is wrong with your 3DO. However, there
could be problems with your audio setup that is causing the popping. Since
the audio-outputs and the headphone outputs have essentially the same
signal, If you are hearing popping noises from your stereo or TV but you
_don't_ hear popping noises through headphones connected to your controller
you may have an "overdriving" problem. Dave Platt of 3DO explains:
"As I recall, the left/right audio-output jacks of 3DO consoles produce a 'CD
standard' output signal, which is 2 volts peak-to-peak. Most CD players gene-
rate this voltage. I've never been sure just why the industry settled on 2
volts P-P for CD, since all of the other 'line level' audio signals in consu-
mer electronics use a lower signal level of 1 volt P-P.
I've heard a number of reports over the years that some stereo systems
(rack, integrated, and A/V amplifier) don't seem to be compatible with a
2-volt P-P input signal. They don't have enough headroom in their line
stages to handle this voltage, and if you feed them a signal of this
sort their line stages will 'clip' (literally 'clipping off' the most
positive and most negative portions of the waveform). This is _bad_
design on the part of these stereos - it's not hard to design and build
a line stage which will handle 5 volts peak-to-peak with ease. It's
especially annoying because the clipping usually occurs in the stage
_before_ the volume control, and so you can't eliminate it by turning
down the volume." - Dave Platt
Clipping will cause distortion and popping, and can cause damage to the
tweeters in your speakers over time. Dave Platt has two suggestions to
find out if the problem is in your 3DO or in your stereo:
[1] Take your 3DO console to a friend's house, and try it out with a
different make and model of stereo. Better yet, try this with
several friends' stereos. If the popping and distortion appear in
all locations, then your 3DO system may very well be defective. If
it occurs _only_ with your own stereo, then I think it likely that
your stereo simply can't handle the output voltage of the 3DO
console.
[2] Try building an 'attenuator cable'. This would simply be a cable
with standard 'RCA' plug at each end, like the ones you're already
using. At one end of the cable, connect the center wire in the
cable to the center pin of the RCA plug through a 10 kOhm resistor
(rather than directly, as is usually done). Connect a 3.3 kOhm
resistor between the center pin and outer (earth, ground) connector
on that same RCA plug. Connect the 3DO system to the stereo using
this cable (unmodified plug at the 3DO end, resistor-modified plug
at the stereo end). You can make two of these cables (to get
stereo) or just use one for a test (and get only one channel).
This cable will 'pad down' the output voltage of the 3DO by 75%,
reducing it to about 1/2 volt peak-to-peak. If this approach fixes
the problem, then it's a sure sign that your stereo can't handle a
standard 2-volt signal. Build a second attenuator cable (if you haven't
already), use 'em, and play in good health." - Dave Platt
Many thanks to Dave Platt for his information and suggestions.
[4.11] I’ve heard rumors that "early" Panasonic 3DO consoles may not run certain
games correctly, possibly having sound problems.. is this true?
A: No. This rumor popped up but has never been proven. It dealt with "flat
black speckled topped 3DO's" versus "glossy black speckled topped 3DO's," one
of which was a newer version of the Panasonic 3DO. Many people, including me,
have very early 3DO's (bought within the first two weeks of release) and have
encountered no problems.
Note: It has been reported that Goldstar units have some sort of problem with
a few games. Please refer to section 1.8 for further information on this
problem.
[4.12] How is the 3DO's NVRAM structured? And what can I do if I have problems
with it?
A: The 3DO's non-volatile static ram is structured like a file system. It
cannot be written to directly by an application, OS calls _must_ be used
to read, write, create, or delete files in the NVRAM. Any program, however,
can read, modify, or delete any other programs files if it wishes too. 3DO
strongly suggests developers not write software that deletes other programs
files without the permission of the user.
If you have problems with your NVRAM, such as problems saving or loading files
from it, you should use the memory manager software supplied with your
system to correct the problem. For those who do not have the 3DO memory
manager software, you can get it by purchasing the 3DO Interactive Sampler #2
or greater. Some games also have a built in memory management feature.
[4.13] Hey! I played The Horde, saved a game, and now all of my other non-Horde
saved games in NVRAM are gone! What happened?
A: The first version of The Horde deleted all other non-horde saved games in
NVRAM when you saved a game. Amazingly, this was not a bug.. the game was
designed to do this to give players the maximum amount of ram for Horde saved
games! Crystal Dynamics is aware that this is a problem for most people and
will allow you to exchange your NVRAM devouring copy of the horde, should
you happen to get one, for the latest one (with less of an appetite). To do
so, follow these directions from Crystal Dynamics:
UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box . Please _mail_ your
Horde (3DO) CD along with the 3"x5" index card or piece of
paper with your name and full street address to:
Crystal Dynamics
P.O. Box 7046
San Francisco, CA 94120-9324
The new version will only allow you to save four games, and will allow you
to delete NVRAM files when it is full. For more information about the new
version, call the Crystal Dynamics Customer Service line at (415)473-3434.
(Note: I will check to see if Crystal Dynamics still offers this service and
will report the results in a future update.)
[4.14] The internal memory in my 3DO is completely filled up. How do I delete
some of those saved games?
A: You need a disk that has memory manger software on it. Many games have their
own memory manager and you can use them to clean your memory out. If you
don't have any of these games, you should look for the 3DO demo disks released
by 3DO. 3DO specifically placed memory manager software on them because of this
issue. The Game Guru is also a memory manager and does it even better. It allows
you to compress many of your save game files to make room if you just >can't<
delete those high scores and last level saves you've been storing.
===============================================================================
This has been the 3DO Frequently asked questions list. It was previously
maintained by Scott A. Krotz, krotz@mcs.com and is currently maintained by
Alzarius, alzarius@geocities.com. Although I attempt to keep the FAQ as
accurate as possible, some information may be incorrect. I have no affiliation
with the 3DO Company other than being a satisfied customer and the information
in this FAQ should not be taken as an official statement from the 3DO Company.
Special thanks to everyone out there who had helped Scott A. Krotz create and
maintain this faq, including the friendly folks at 3DO. The information and
help provided by everyone has been a great assistance in making this list as
complete and correct as possible. Without Scott, this FAQ wouldn't be here for
me to update.
Send all corrections, comments, and ideas for additions to me, Alzarius at
alzarius@geocities.com.
Disclaimer
"This document cannot be reproduced in any way other than electronically,
in its unaltered, original form, including this disclaimer. This document
is not to be used for profitable/promotional purposes (this includes being
sold, added on, or 'given away' as a bonus, free or not). It is for
private and personal use only. (c) 1998 Daniel Terlecki"
___________________________________________________________________________
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