NV4D creates models of Hughes Jupiter 3, worlds largest communications satellite.

NVision4D was hired by Talkingtree Creative in Baltimore to create models and animations for the Hughes Jupiter 3 Satellite, launched by SpaceX on July 28, 2023. The Jupiter and Jupiter 3 3D models, animations, earth and space scenes were provided by NVision4D with some special after effects created by David Telles of Talkingtree Creative.

Jupiter 3 is the worlds largest commercial communications satellite. It was really exciting to be a part of this project.

The project can be seen here and the 3d work and animations can be seen beginning at 11:04 after the launch coverage concludes.

Jupiter 3 Launch and Story (Click link to left)


Client Testimonial and patting one's self on the back.

Now and then it’s necessary to pat yourself on the back. Earlier this year I won a very difficult project and just wrapped it up successfully. It was as enjoyable as it was difficult, and my client sent the nicest testimonial. I figured it would be nice to post it.

CHC Helicopters is a worldwide corporation, and they are submitting an RFP with the Irish Coast Guard to become the primary Rescue Helicopter Services provider. They engaged me to completely explore and refit their Sikorsky helicopters in order to demonstrate the capabilities and expertise they can offer. I can only post a few images as the work is proprietary until after the contract is awarded next year but you can read my client’s Testimonial below. I really appreciated the fact that my client Denis, took the time to write this.

Testimonial:

I wanted to create a 3D VR model of two different helicopters and an aeroplane, and make wholesale and significant modifications to the standard layouts. This was a complicated brief that required continuous liaison between Rob, the Nvision4D principal, and me over several months. Despite this complexity and working remotely with a 5-hour time zone separation, I could not have been happier with Rob’s outstanding professionalism and quality of work.

Good communication is critical on a complex brief and in my experience has become wearisome with other vendors, however this project was a joy to work on as Rob’s communication was outstanding throughout. Every issue briefed was typically turned around very quickly, and to either 99% and often 100% of the precise requirements on the first go, which meant that adjustments were minimal and quick to complete.

Rob’s project management in ensuring that every detail was captured made it much easier for me as the client to track, which was essential as I had several other major projects in play. I felt that I could provide a brief and totally trust Rob to deliver on time, on budget, and still exceed my highest hopes—and he did. Rob added value with thoughtful suggestions that dramatically improved the final result. As the full benefits of what Rob could deliver emerged, I expanded the scope to include 3D scenery. Rob accepted this in his stride, and once again the results were extraordinary and totally exceeded my expectations.

Frankly, Rob is a master at 3D modelling, both technically and as an artist. I have no hesitation in recommending Rob and N4VD in the highest terms and his value-add and frictionless approach far outweighed the fees for this project. I would go further and invite any prospective client to contact me if you wish—I would be very happy to discuss it. If you have a challenging, complex 3D modelling project and nothing less than excellence will do, then Rob Holmes is the man you want on your team.

Denis Thornton, CHC Helicopter

Musings about how far 3D has come in 20-years

I’ve always been fond of a project I did back in 1997-1998. It represented the apex of what 3D Visualization could achieve. To be able to create an Architectural Interior that looked pretty darn real was exciting. It was one of the first interiors I ever did as well, as I was mainly a product visualizer when I started out in 1996.

Unfortunately, I’ve lost the project over the years and only small renders survived but I decided to see what I could do now, with all the incredible tools we have, with the same room. They are already plastered on other pages of this site…lol… But I felt they deserved an explanation as to why they even exist.

I mean, the 1998 renders do hold up on some level if you have nothing to compare them to. But upon deeper inspection you realize their limitations. There is no GI light bouncing around to fill in the scene. That was all faked with invisible lights placed around. Bump and Normal maps were not a prevalent, so materials were always flatter or shinier than in reality. Modeling was not as easy to do so objects had faceted or sharp edges. Polygon smoothing and mesh-smoothing was not as powerful as it is now. You see on the forward corner of the table that it’s really not radiused but is small straight sections. The same poly count model today would not look like that.

So, compare the good old days to the new exciting days. It’s a wonderful time to be 3D Visualizer/Artist. Our tools are only becoming more powerful, friendly and amazing. Combine what we can now do in real-time with 3ds Max and V-Ray and combine that with the emerging world of Unreal Engine everything, and the excitement just boils over…

I look forward to the next 20 years of development.

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NVision4D Partners with Talking Tree Creative to produce Virtual Conferences.

We have been working with Talking Tree Creative in Baltimore, Maryland, to produce Virtual 3D Environments for a number of uses. In this current pandemic environment, Virtual Conferences are becoming the norm as live conventions, corporate events and shows are being canceled.

Whatever the need for a Virtual Environment, we can help you develop it and deliver it in a number of formats from 3ds Max models to FBX and OBJ models and or Unreal Engine 4 environments in which you can walk around in VR.

Check out what Talking Tree Creative has been doing with these models: https://www.talkingtreecreative.com/live-webcast-studio/virtual-sets/

Here are examples of some of the models we’ve created:


GSK Madrid 2019

GSK Madrid 2019

GSK Madrid 2019

GSK Madrid 2019

Marriott Bethesda

Marriott Bethesda

Marriott Bethesda

Marriott Bethesda

Kearney Conference

Kearney Conference

Kearney Conference

Kearney Conference

Hughes Virtual Studio

Hughes Virtual Studio

Hughes Virtual Studio

Hughes Virtual Studio

Hughes Virtual Studio

Hughes Virtual Studio


NVision4D produces Video for the Department of Energy

Oak Ridge National Laboratories, under the umbrella of the Department of Energy, retained NVision4D to produce a video which highlights the concept of Modular Micro-Hydropower. The push for renewal energy sources is high on the list for many government agencies that deal with the countries electric supply.

Modular Micro-Hydropower is a concept wherein “modular” components can be preselected for a particular type of stream or river environment. These modular systems can then be constructed in 1000s of locations without damaging fragile ecosystems or creating upstream hazards to downstream communities. The power generated by the Micro-Hydropower installations is then fed into the nation’s electrical grid.

Working with the brilliant team at Oak Ridge National Laboratories was a fantastic experience. The final animation is available on the Web and is used in lectures and demonstrations.

https://smh.ornl.gov/ (scroll to the bottom of the page)

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NV4D selected to partner with agency servicing PAHO

PAHO, the Pan-American Health Organization and a sibling to the WHO, World Health Organization, has chosen Talking Tree Creative in Baltimore as its single-source vendor for digital media. NVision4D was engaged to design and build the environments that were used in this initial project with PAHO. The project was instrumental in TTC’s ability to secure them as a client.

The project was the creation of an immersive environment wherein the story of the eradication of Polio in the Americas could be told. Its rollout was at a large conference, but the project was ultimately scheduled to be available to the public at large on the Web.

We had a limited budget so we had to be creative and diligent so that we could produce an environment that was professional and compelling without having to cut out too much of the visual richness. In the end we found a balance that was satisfactory to all parties involved.

NVision4D is proud to be associated with projects like this one that represents ongoing efforts to aid humanity and foster a better world. Funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helped to make the project a reality.

Here is a link to the finished project:

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NV4D chosen by Ameba Marketing of San Diego to create Visualizations

In February 2018 NV4D was chosen by Ameba Marketing of San Diego to illustrate mobile phone and tablet cases for SkechIt.com. SkechIt designs, manufactures and sells a variety of high-end device cases. They've decided to stop using photography and instead will rely on photo-real 3d visualizations. NVision4D is the sole producer of these visualizations. 

Visit http://SkechIt.com to see the work.

 

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NV4D adds Unmanned Aerial Systems

[See the NEW "UAV / Drones" tab]

What raises NVision from 3D to 4D is the combination of three decades of terrestrial, commercial photography experience with a cutting-edge aerial photography skill-set. 

By integrating our 3D, photographic, and industrial design skills, we are able to merge aerial photography with 3D animation to create photorealistic visualizations for:

  • Buildings and Construction Sites
  • Facilities
  • Architecture
  • Roadways and Civil Engineering Structures
  • City Planning
  • Advertising/Marketing/Publicity Campaigns
  • Film and TV
  • Commercial Developments
  • Inspections
  • Documentation
  • Land Survey
  • Cruise Ship Departure Videos  
  • Waterway Management
  • Marina Development
  • Naval/Shipping Vessel Observation

And NVision4D's executions are complete with landscape, traffic-flow, pedestrians, and more. In short, we can make what currently exists only in our clients' imaginations come to life so that investors, buyers, and vendors see the vision, too.

Projects that used to require chartered aircraft or cranes can now be executed faster, in greater detail--and for far less money--with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). We fly state-of-the-art equipment and are ready to take to the skies to give you eyes. Move from talking about your dream project--or your problem project--to NVisioning it!

Contact us. 

The site has been updated with new content, mostly in the Animation section. 

3d Printing adds more 4th dimensions to NVision4D.

Some of our clients retain us for product design, we needed a way to prototype parts. We purchased and built a 3d printer and have been modifying it all year.

That learning process led to a significant exchange with a popular 3d printing forum. Because of that, last fall I was asked if I wanted to become one of the moderators (RobH2) for the site. I'm excited about interacting with other printers, users and the general public and further fine-tuning our knowledge. The forum at 3DPrintboard.com has become a trusted source for anyone entering the market or already working in it.

 






NVision4D wins AVA Digital Award - Platinum 1st Prize

We designed and produced a game for FEMA in the fall of 2013 that teaches children what they can do to help make sure their schools are safer should an earthquake strike. The client entered it and we won an award in February 2014.

Here's the trophy:

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Here are a few screen shots of the game:



The AVA Digital Awards (http://avaawards.com/) is an international competition that recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design and production of digital communication. Work ranges from digital engagement campaigns – to audio and video production – to website development – to social media interaction – to mobile marketing. AVA Digital Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP).

Fun with Website Banners

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During the creation of this site, I had originally intended to use exploded views of project content as the top banner of each page. But then I had a fun idea. I've always been a serious space geek and thought I'd throw some kudos to NASA and use strips of images from the Hubble Telescope. The banners are strips from some of the most incredible images mankind has ever obtained. They weren't obtained easily either. You just don't point a giant iPhone at the sky and get these images. ​

​In a way, it's the perfect metaphor for doing animation. Both deep space imaging and animation require imagination, perseverance, technology, insight, adaptation, flexibility and faith. Of course, Hubble images require several billion dollars more than my typical project and a few thousand more individuals but both are a blending of art and science. They stimulate the imagination and open up new pathways to what is possible. 

Here is a link to the Hubble Gallery if you are a space geek also:  http://www.hubblesite.org/gallery/

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Welcome to the new NVision4D Website.

Keeping up with and managing websites has become so much simpler. Still, all sites have positives and negatives. If you find something you like, let me know. If you see something you don't, let me know that also.​

The main goal here is to provide easy navigation to the portfolio pieces and maintain an easy way to update the site frequently. My old site was not friendly when it came to updating. This new site solves a lot of issues. ​

Look to this blog for thoughts about design and 3D. I'll also be posting tips and technical tidbits that are helpful in our industry. Check back now and then and you may find something interesting.​