Torque Video Tutorials
by Thomas Oliver · 01/04/2008 (11:27 pm) · 15 comments
So its been awhile since my last blog. So I figured to kick off my new blog postings with the first concept Torque Video Tutorial (TVT).
This firs video was designed more as a proof of concept then an actual working video. But i figured there was some good information included in it for people that have just purchased TGE and have no idea where to start.
Link for the time being to the first TVT.
http://www.siteapps.net/tom/index.html
The TVT is encoded in DivX and is setup in such a way that it will stream via the DivX Webplayer. The video run time is around 36 mins and is roughly 151mb in size. I'm still playing with the video quality to size ratio as I could easly get it down to around 100mb without loseing anymore video quality. Thats not so bad for a half hour video.
I am open for feedback, ideas, comments and what you think and what you would like to see in the next TVT. The plan is to roll out a TVT once every other day (3 a week).
The TVTs will not be limited to just TGE. Theres plans for TGB, TGEA, Torque X videos also as time permits there creation.
For the time being the TVTs will be offered up for free watching and download at the upcoming TVT website as soon as time permits me to finish it. However there will come a time when the bandwidth becomes such that donations will be accepted. At that time those that donate to keep the website running will gain access to TVTs a week or two prior to them being moved to open public. Donationers will also have high influce over upcoming TVTs.
** Edit: Just to make sure there is a part in this first TVT where it talks about torque script and the ./ used in path names. The ./ is relative to the files location that the ./ path appears in. Not just the projects directory.
This firs video was designed more as a proof of concept then an actual working video. But i figured there was some good information included in it for people that have just purchased TGE and have no idea where to start.
Link for the time being to the first TVT.
http://www.siteapps.net/tom/index.html
The TVT is encoded in DivX and is setup in such a way that it will stream via the DivX Webplayer. The video run time is around 36 mins and is roughly 151mb in size. I'm still playing with the video quality to size ratio as I could easly get it down to around 100mb without loseing anymore video quality. Thats not so bad for a half hour video.
I am open for feedback, ideas, comments and what you think and what you would like to see in the next TVT. The plan is to roll out a TVT once every other day (3 a week).
The TVTs will not be limited to just TGE. Theres plans for TGB, TGEA, Torque X videos also as time permits there creation.
For the time being the TVTs will be offered up for free watching and download at the upcoming TVT website as soon as time permits me to finish it. However there will come a time when the bandwidth becomes such that donations will be accepted. At that time those that donate to keep the website running will gain access to TVTs a week or two prior to them being moved to open public. Donationers will also have high influce over upcoming TVTs.
** Edit: Just to make sure there is a part in this first TVT where it talks about torque script and the ./ used in path names. The ./ is relative to the files location that the ./ path appears in. Not just the projects directory.
#2
01/05/2008 (1:17 am)
Why not host them on stage6?
#3
01/05/2008 (6:53 am)
I guess that's what we all waiting for ... I hope you got the time to complete this FANTASTIC series .... ...............Buffering ..............63%
#4
01/05/2008 (10:06 am)
nice... but a bit slow with the buffer.. I always prefer to download and then watch locally over and over - you might want to move the file to yousendit or something... 
#5
01/05/2008 (1:19 pm)
Nice Job! I can't wait to see more. This could be a really helpful resource. Thanks Thomas.
#6
01/06/2008 (2:18 am)
I watch it ... It is REALLY promising .... can't wait for the rest of TVT 
#8
01/07/2008 (10:57 am)
Very nice. I especially liked the walk-through of the camera modes, the GUI editor, etc. Those things are really hard to explain in text, but easy to visualize in a video.
#9
I am looking at maybe moving the files over to Stage6. Theres just afew issues with that. One being that the reasion I wanted to keep them in a more concealed environment is that at some point there will be parts where source code will need be shown in the videos. By keeping them on my own host and website I can keep it regulated to people that have the required licenses to see said videos. Not looking for any legal issues to arise from the videos.
But so far I havent had to show any source code or anything that would be a breach of the agreement. Atleast not one that I have seen / read yet (I could be mistaken here).
I will tweak the buffer abit. Right now I believe its set to just afew seconds. Theres afew options where I cant set it to wait for the entire file, half of the file, ect. As far as the saving of the videos goes. Great thing about the DivX Webplayer is that it gives you the option to save DivX videos to your HD for later viewing. To do so just right click on the divx webplayer window and select "Preferences". Then click the "Download Cache" tab and check the "Enable Download Cache" check box. Then setup a size limit. To open the Download Cache Folder just click the "Open Cache Folder" button and you will see all of the videos there.
01/08/2008 (9:10 am)
Thank you all.. Sorry the next one has been abit slow coming. I blame this squarely on the extra contract work that has appeared. But never fear this week we will get another 2 TVTs.I am looking at maybe moving the files over to Stage6. Theres just afew issues with that. One being that the reasion I wanted to keep them in a more concealed environment is that at some point there will be parts where source code will need be shown in the videos. By keeping them on my own host and website I can keep it regulated to people that have the required licenses to see said videos. Not looking for any legal issues to arise from the videos.
But so far I havent had to show any source code or anything that would be a breach of the agreement. Atleast not one that I have seen / read yet (I could be mistaken here).
I will tweak the buffer abit. Right now I believe its set to just afew seconds. Theres afew options where I cant set it to wait for the entire file, half of the file, ect. As far as the saving of the videos goes. Great thing about the DivX Webplayer is that it gives you the option to save DivX videos to your HD for later viewing. To do so just right click on the divx webplayer window and select "Preferences". Then click the "Download Cache" tab and check the "Enable Download Cache" check box. Then setup a size limit. To open the Download Cache Folder just click the "Open Cache Folder" button and you will see all of the videos there.
#10
I'd love to see some examples of different effects that might not totally be covered in the documentation.
For instance, how to create snow, how to have multiple camera angles, how to create fire, different things like that.
01/09/2008 (10:06 am)
Very well doneI'd love to see some examples of different effects that might not totally be covered in the documentation.
For instance, how to create snow, how to have multiple camera angles, how to create fire, different things like that.
#11
01/09/2008 (11:53 am)
Its funny that you mention snow / rain effects. As the next one that I have plan deals with adding in the script for custom effects and then placeing them within your level. It should be finished and encoded up for tomarrow. May also touch abit on particles and particle creation. 
#12
01/10/2008 (10:00 pm)
This is a great idea, keep up the great work
#13
And also, FYI, you do a pretty good job at teaching as well.
-Pete
01/11/2008 (11:20 pm)
Tom, THANK YOU for these videos! I will be a subscriber if you choose to go that route! I really REALLY appreciate these, you have no idea.And also, FYI, you do a pretty good job at teaching as well.
-Pete
#14
01/11/2008 (11:21 pm)
I live about 15 minutes from Beaverton (Scappoose), I would love to buy you coffee some time if you're interested!
#15
01/12/2008 (6:23 am)
I may take you up on that offer some time. :D 
Torque Owner Glenn Thomas