We received this chunk of PR a few days ago and thought you might like to know about it. Keep in mind that Macromedia and Intel are said to be working toward a new 3D standard for the Web, so any tool that makes it easier to create 3D for Flash, like this and Swift3D, may have some legs.

What, No Vectors?
One question about Ulead's approach is that their Flash Output Pack currently only outputs raster (bit-mapped) files. If this is so, it doesn't take advantage of the huge file size, and thereby bandwidth, savings that Flash vector files afford. Also, 3D vector output can be used interactively (spin that puppy Mavis).

Ulead has an example image (download link) on their site of a jet taking off and the word "cool" appearing. It's 150 x 60 pixels and weighs in at 12.382 Kb. Not to labor the point, but we've seen many 468 x 60 pixel (over three times bigger) animated GIF banner ads that weigh in at 12Kb or less. On the plus side these raster-based Ulead .swf images can be as photo-realistic as your 3D skills allow.

If you already use Ulead's 3D tool, COOL 3D, then the Flash Output Pack is a no brainer since it's available as a free download. So without any further ado, here's Ulead's press release...

Ulead Systems Announces New Flash Output Pack for Ulead COOL 3D 3.0

Export Options for Macromedia Flash and RealNetworks RealVideo File Formats Benefit Web Designers and Video Professionals

Torrance, CA - October 2, 2000 -
Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of image editing, video editing and Web graphics software has announced the release of the Ulead® COOL 3D? 3.0 Flash Output Pack, which enables users to output their 3D creations in the popular Macromedia® Flash? and RealNetworks® RealVideo® file formats. Available as a free download for all Ulead COOL 3D 3.0 English version users, the new Flash Output Pack addresses the changing needs of Web designers and video professionals by adding raster-based Flash (*.swf) and RealVideo (*.rm) output options.

"With the new Flash Output Pack, Ulead COOL 3D 3.0 is the perfect tool for Web designers who want to create detailed, high-quality 3D titles and animations and output them for use in Flash projects," said Danielle Liao, president of Ulead Systems. "When imported into Flash as *.swf files, the unique animations and special effects in Ulead COOL 3D 3.0 provide even more impact to Flash creations."