Making a TV do TV things

JimeeB

I'm in the process of building a level that is 'blowing up' and I have tvs attached to the walls that I'd like to have saying "DANGER" with a counter going down.

I saw this set of posts:
http://forums.epicgames.com/threads/835687-How-do-i-make-a-Static-Animation-for-a-tv/page2

I understand the concept, but how do I tell UDK to only put that sequence onto one part of the mesh? Would I set the images up so that they only take up the space where the screen is on the unwrap?

Vailias

The most simple way is to have the TV body as one material, and the screen as another material that you can set up the content from.

Alternatively just know where your TV screen is in texture coordinates, make sure there's some sort of mask for it, then scale and move the tv content texture as needed in the material, and mask it out with your pre-defined mask.

Ace-Angel

Either Atlas setup with masks, or as Vailias said, go with 2 materials.

I recommend two materials personally. Trying to work with masks (especially if your materials are complex for that 'realistic' look) isn't the best of ideas and will add headache only.

Xoliul

I'd think for something this dynamic you might wanna consider using a Scaleform Flash texture.

ambershee

Flash is colossally overkill. Scripted textures are much easier. If it's just a simple countdown you can also do it other simple ways through kismet.

yodude87

bink video.

you make your texture map, set the material to masked, add the .bik file to your material, plug it and the mask to a multiply node and plug it to diffuse (if the tv frame is black. that works easier).

righteousouka

http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_showvideo.php?v=56

I highly recommend this tutorial it walks you through creating a digital clock that reads the system time to display the correct time in game.

it is very strait forward and simple enough for even a beginner in unreal script and materials.


it would be pretty easy to re-purpose it to become a countdown timer.