CompuServe Messages

I've used trueSpace, but not Playmation, and can tell you that there is a big difference between trueSpace and 3DS. I own an animation shop that does mostly broadcast oriented work, and could not fit trueSpace in. It is just not powerful enough where it counts. It has some very nice modeling features, nice interface, is somewhat stable (runs under windows, so I got some GPF's when rendering big stuff), but just isn't well setup for doing larger projects. It also doesn't render to fields, which categorically eliminates it from use in my shop. It felt more like serious "hobby" software, rather than a professional broadcast package. Also, its rendered output is not as good as 3D Studio's (I had several non-animators, as well as myself, check out the results, side by side). None of the PC packages have as good output, IMHO. I've tried most animation software out there (except Topas), and don't think any of them are as complete and perfect for professional desktop 3D animation as 3DS. Some have features that I wish 3D Studio had, but they just don't add up to beat 3DS. If you are a serious animator in need of a super stable, productive, and powerful program, then 3DS is, IMHO, your best choice on the PC. If you are looking for a well priced package to explore 3D and learn modeling, animation, and rendering techniques, then I think trueSpace would be a good package. But you will outgrow it, eventually, unless Caligari does some serious upgrading to their product. John Tissavary (LUNA cie)