Ashlar-Vellum has released a free, 2-week Beta Test-Drive version of Neon, its versatile 3D publishing tool. Neon enables the publication of any engineering-grade 3D file in the most popular Web and print publishing formats, including Macromedia Shockwave 3D, Viewpoint VET, Apple QuickTime, Adobe Illustrator, VRML, and more. The software, which allows manipulation and rendering of 2D and 3D images, is capable of producing fly-by animations, walk-throughs, QuickTime Object VR and QuickTime Panoramic VR animations. For those with dial-up connections not interested in downloading a 50+ MB demo, a CD version is available for US$5. Evaluation periods can be extended through the end of 2001 if desired. Neon sells for $495 and is compatible with Mac OS 8.6 and later.