Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual

Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual is a multimedia application software program published by Simon and Schuster Interactive in 1994. Based on the then-recently ended TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, it allows users to explore a computer-generated simulation of the spacecraft USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, the principal setting of the series. The software uses Apple Computer's QuickTime VR, a technology which enables users to view every side of 3D rendered objects,[1] and includes a virtual tour given by Jonathan Frakes (in his role as William Riker from the TV series). The Interactive Technical Manual was billed as the first CD-ROM title built with QuickTime VR.[2]

History

The software was created by Keith Halper, Mike Okuda, Rick Sternbach, John Knoll; Eric Zarakov and the Apple Advanced Technology Group; Peter Mackey and the Imergy Software Development Team.[3] Technical writers, set designers, and film production crews from the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series assisted in the production.[1] Halper said at the time that QuickTime VR enabled the team to "create immersive experiences" impossible otherwise.[4]

The CD-ROM was one of three finalists for PC Magazine's 12th Annual Awards for Technical Excellence, as it was the first implementation of Apple's QuickTime VR technology.[3][5] It was a commercial hit, with global sales in excess of 400,000 units by 1996.[6]

A port of the program was announced for the Apple Bandai Pippin and was one of the console's most high-profile titles,[7] but was ultimately never released.

References
  1. "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...". Electronic Gaming Monthly (61). EGM Media, LLC. August 1994. p. 167.
  2. Duncan, Geoff (July 17, 1995). "QuickTime VR is Actually Real". Tidbits (286). Archived from the original on April 10, 1997.
  3. Staff (December 19, 1995). "Finalist: Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on December 7, 2000.
  4. Elia, Eric (April 1995). "QuickTime VR Gets Surrounded". NewMedia. Archived from the original on July 13, 1997.
  5. Michael J. Miller (December 19, 1995). "Finalist: Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual (awards listing)". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on January 19, 2001. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  6. https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/19960715/SUB/607150727/interactive-meltdown-publishers-retreating-from-digital-books
  7. "Pippin: The Apple of Bandai's Eye". GamePro. IDG (70): 16. May 1995.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual (CD-ROM) on IMDb


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