Welcome to Virtual Immersion

Virtual Immersion In VRML 2.0 has been online since mid 1998. It is one of the original Pacoima Ranch classic subsites and all VRML files have been rewritten and recoded as needed for currently popular VRML browsers and plugins. Most areas represent the original learning curve in writing in 3D formats, simple objects (invariably textured), then grouping them into larger Master Scenes. The introduction of 3D chat using the larger worlds was begun in 2000 with great success. Our dozens of 3D chatrooms host thousands of conferences a month, allowing people from all over the world to meet "face to face". Synthetic voice (typed text to spoken speech) and avatars (VRML robots) enhances the chat experience.

The above panel requires a VRML 2.0 Browser or plugin. If you can't see the above VRML 2.0 scene you need the browser plugin. We highly recommend Blaxxun. It outperforms all other plugins, and is the industry standard for VRML chat. 'Nix and similar OS have had great success using it in the WinE environment, Konqueror (Linux KDE) users can borrow it via Netscape. Other plugins are available, but the only other one we recommend (at all - and only guardedly to the max) is ParallelGraphics Cortona. For best results, use the Blaxxun software. Mac users may use either ParallelGraphics Cortona or Computer Associates CosmoPlayer. CosmoPlayer for Windows is not recommended. Mac users will get superior results via Cortona. For VRML chat, Blaxxun is required.

While there are a plethora of VRML resources for Windows and 'Nix (including our own VRML Resources featuring hundreds of models, authoring tips and free VRML authorware), there is a dearth of Mac resources. MacWeb3D is a virtual reality resource just for Mac users.

Most worlds have been set so you won't need to alter your headlight settings, but should a scene look overly dark or light, try turning headlight on or off. For best results, use the Expert panel with prefer OpenGL selected. This is how the scenes have been optimized - it allows 'Nix to see the scenes correctly without adversely impacting Windows and Mac users. If you goof the panel settings, leftclick the VRML scene, then hit and hold F9 for a few seconds to reset the panel setting. I turn collision off occasionally so that I don't get stuck in a tree or against the side of something, but leave it on for the most part so that I don't fall through the floors. In the above opening .wrl screen, the background is of a sunset, there are two dinosaurs, a palm tree, green text that says IN VRML 2.0 and pink text that says VIRTUAL IMMERSION. The dinosaurs are highly textured.

The most common VRML browser problems are that backgrounds and graphics are not turned on, or that an improper setting in the headlight, collision, full color, gouraud, hardware, specular shinethrough, dither, or rendering panels (usually default or Open GL) of your preferred VRML 2.0 browser has been checked. All panels have been thoroughly tested for VRML 2.0 error-free status. Older versions of Netscape or Internet Explorer may also need to have Java manually turned on (VRML 2.0 browsers use the Java compiler to speed up scene movement and graphic texturing). A moment of experimenting now, will make the panels that follow look great. The above panel is the only time I'll be using a background .jpg. I don't care for them as .jpg backgrounds are interpreted by some browsers as a single flat screen that you can walk around.

Every scene has been ruthlessly tested using Netscape 4.7 and 6 (including Mozilla 0.9 and 1), Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6, Opera 6, and Konqueror Linux KDE (with appropriate VRML 2.0 browser plugin including Blaxxun Contact, ParallelGraphics Cortona and CA CosmoPlayer) so that all elements display accurately, fast and with that browser's best lighting. Master Scenes should only be viewed by large (32M and up), fast (K5166/Pentium 233 and up) machines using a 28.8 and up modem. 3D hardware is not necessary. And now for the basic choices:

Scamper among the dinosaurs in Dirt Land.

Take a relaxing VRML 2.0 stroll through the hillocks of Grass Land.

Hot weather got you bugged, visit the penguin colony in Snow Land.

Grab that box of broken crackers and feed the birds in Sky Land.

There's also an over-the-top fantasy world of dragons and castles, Mythic. Guardian dragons on patrol to save the last human enclave from the depradations of hordes of wild dragons.

A Virtual Immersion tribute to the Daria gang, featuring a VRML recreation of the Lane House. From an idea suggested by the folks over at Lawndale Commons.

Virtual Reality Chat is here. Click the previous words to see the exciting choices. Each of the Master Scenes (and large worlds) here at Virtual Immersion and all of Pacoima Ranch is now available as a fullon 3D immersive chat environement, complete with avatars and synthetic voice (text to speech) support. The use of the Virtual Reality Chat requires that Blaxxun be installed.

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For navigation ease, you can use the Mini Navigator above, or these navigation tools: in Virtual Reality , as a JavaScript PopUp for Netscape, Internet Explorer 4.x or Opera, as a Java Console for Internet Explorer and as a WebTV Quick Navigator ...

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