3DO/FAQ

This FAQ was originally found at Gamespy's ClassicGaming Museum, which is now gone.

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=============================================================================== --3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions List-- /////////  ////////        //////                        //      ///  //      //    //      //                                //  //       //  //        //                              ///  //       //  //  FAQ   // Interactive     //////  //       //  //  v5.3  // Multiplayer /// //       //  // 6/10/00//                            //  //       //  //        //                   //     ///  //      //    //      //                   ////////   ////////        //////                           Frequently Asked Questions List v5.3 Currently 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? 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] Ive 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.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Labyrinth/1348 on the 3DO Lists and Information page and also at http://www.gamefaqs.com The final version of this faq maintained by Scott Krotz can be found via ftp at ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs directory. Web surfers should check out the 3DO home page, at http://www.3do.com. Also, the previous version of the faq is also available at Scott A. Krotz's web page at http://www.mcs.net/~krotz/home.html. Note: This is NOT the last update to this FAQ. There is still quite a bit 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 doublespeed 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 nonexistant. 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 cablebox        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 doublespeed CD-ROM drive (The Panasonic CR-562 drive probably         doesnt 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 recoders, 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 harddrive first.) 3. Burn at a slower speed (4x or 2x are reccomended.    [1.12] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO        system? A: This is almost a definate "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 commited 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: Thats 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 two sites which offer 3DO related files. I will add new sites when I find them. 3DO Today        http://www.classicgaming.com/3dotoday 3DO Game Console http://www.ropnet.ru/orgdiag/trush/3do/  The final version of this FAQ by the original maintainer, Scott Krotz, can be  found via anonymous ftp at ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs directory. ===============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 pricetag 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 dont 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. Let me state that as of this  time, Panasonic still, however, had the Super Street Fighter 6 button  controllers for the 3DO available. This should not be taken as an indication  that they still repair 3DO units though.) [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 colour o 320x240 in 24bit or 16bit colour 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 compatability 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. There is one last company developing a game for the 3DO. At this time, the game, called Save Yourself, is being tested by 3DO. I am unsure as to the status of this game. The individual that posted the updates on this game hasn't made an update in many months. As the months roll by, it's becoming more and more unlikely that this game will see the light of day. Updates have been nonexistant for a VERY long time, and there is no way to contact the game developers. [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] Ive 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" ___________________________________________________________________________ If you're looking for video game faqs, walkthrough, cheats, codes, and a whole lot more, go vist Video Game Strategies at the site listed below! Al Amaloo - Video Game Strategies Guide at The Mining Company 3DO, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC, and other home systems... http://vgstrategies.miningco.com