ZBrush Forum Reviews of Instructional DVD's?

[AngelJ]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and to ZBrush 2 in general. Thought I'd might purchase a instructional DVD to help me increase my learning curve down time. The Gnomonworkshop seems to have a few that seem rather interesting. However, after reading the description of some of their products I noticed the DVD's had system requirements for Windows xp and 2000 listed only for compatible Windows based operating sys. Unforutnately, I'm still using Windows 98SE :confused: and been working with the ZBrush 2 demo program to learn some of the essentials of the program before also purchasing that as well. Does it really matter what operating system you use to utilize the instructionals of the Gnomonworkshop or any other DVD for that matter? I was under the impression that having the right drivers, the appropiate dvd software players you should be good to go.

Attempted to contact Gnomonworkshop through email and phone but alas have yet to get any response from them, maybe they just don't like buying customers.. ehehe :lol: . Appreciate some knowledgable responses, many thanks!!

AngelJ

[1stbrother]

pretty sure these are just recommended. with the right player/etc. i don't think the version of windows you're using matters.

[billrobertson42]

They require quicktime. So you'll need to check that.
They require adobe acrobat reader, shouldn't be a problem there.
They require macromedia flash, shouldn't be a problem either.

They also require the ensharpen codec to play the movies in quicktime. that might be a problem for you. Of the top of my head I'm not sure where that comes from, but you ought to be able to google for it and check.

I'm not sure what else they require.

[AngelJ]

Many thanks billrobertson42 and 1stbrother, always nice to get some reassurance. I'll look into that ensharpen codec thingie. Hopefully it won't be a problem. :D

AngelJ

[joostbouwer]

I've got two of them right here. They have a shockwave interface but if you don't want to use it you could just go through the directories and you will find the video's. Head sculpting and texturing (which is mostly zbrush and a little bit of maya) uses avi files wich should work with mediaplayer v 10. So it shouldn't be a problem...

Good luck,

Joost

[AngelJ]

Joostbouwer, many thanks!! I put in the order for one of them and looking forward to it. Hopefully they are as good as they do seem to be. Whats your thoughts on those instructionals you have? Maybe I should just make another thread inquiring about Zbrush forums thoughts on instructionals they have purchased.. hmm :idea: . Yeah think that is exactly what I'll do.

AngelJ

[joostbouwer]

Hi AngelJ,

I have two gnomon DVD's overhere and I like them alot. Since I'm used to traditional 3D packages I was kind of confused by some methods ZBrush incorporates. The DVD's did explain a lot to me. I must confess that I never viewed any of this DVD's totally but only the parts i'm interested in.
Head sculpting and texturing is almost completely about zbrush and gives you a clear insight view, but is very long too...
Once you've mastered the basics a think it's better and cheaper to stay with the posts here on the forum and video's provided by pixologic.

Joost

[joostbouwer]

check the other thread:D

[Ismail W]

The Zack Petroc dvd is excellent!!!!! and the meats Mier dvd (z-brush pipeline set) is also great. Kurv Studios has free tutorials on their site. As for the ensharpen codec, there's a link directly on the dvd's when you play them on your computer. THey (new Gnomon dvd's)won't play properly until the codecs are installed, and as mentioned before, they have links to where you can obtain the codecs on the dvd's. :)

Give Aaron Sims's a go-go aswell, I've only seen one so ic an only comment on one. :) EXCELLENT :)

[AngelJ]

Ismail W, Hey thanks for the info., I'll have to check those out. Its always nice to find some inside info on things you plan on purchasing. I found the ensharpen codec online and downloaded it already.. I think I should be good to go once I get the DVD. However, if I'm not then its definitely great to know they have a link to sites to hook folks up with it.

Joostbouwer, Ahh I see what you mean, well hopefully one or two good solid DVD's might help me get off the ground faster then I'll be happy. I've definitely been searching the forums and pixologic home page for things.

You guys are great, many thanks once again. ;)

AngelJ

[pixelsoul]

The Kurv studios Dvd is really good.. it covers so many things... Also from Gnomon the dvd Human Anatomy and the Dvd from Aaron Sims are very nice specially because of all the great alpha's :D

[bicc39]

'Would like to give a plug to my favorite "Head Sculpting and Texturing"
by Alex Alvarez.
Have all and would like this to say this is exceptional.
You will read in the description that Maya is involved.
That is true but only in the last lesson. So if you do not have Maya
it is not money wasted.
Would also like to point out the Mr. Alvarez is the founder of the
Gnomon School and is a teacher by profession
This translates into a professional product, coupled with the Gnomon
quality.
Best of luck.
By the way the Gnomon site lists links to all the software you will need.
Best of luck, no matter what the choice.

[q0heleth]

DigitalTutors.com also has Zbrush video tutorials. They are ok, they go over lots of tools and such, but the examples they use at times arent too good and are too simple. Its only good to learn how to use the tools better.

I watched the sample vids of the Kurv Studio tutorials, and I enjoyed that much more as I got to see how someone creates an piece that is much more professional.