CompuServe Messages

1. >>the ability in Max to have an IPAS recognise a particular hardware lock >>(thus hopefully reducing piracy) 2. >>John, your comment regarding lower plug-in prices due to hardware lock tie-in is an extremely >>interesting one! Certainly seems like a possibility, doesn't it? 1. You know, piracy means popularity. I doubt that potential loss due to piracy is included in the price of IPASes. At least it is true for Refraction Mapping, which comes with no protection at all. 2. I do expect prices for plug-ins to decrease, but not due to hardware lock tie-in, but rather due to MAX ability to lock different levels of plug-in functionality. It means no more separate "working demo" versions: user gets perfectly complete plug-in .dll and can play with it and try it, and see if he likes look and feel, but unless he pays for descrambling password, MAX wouldn't do final render, or will do it only in 320×200 or whatever (some crippling). It means, MAX box can easily accomodate a CD full of fully functional plug-ins, so all 50,000 users may try them. It means, that upgrade to Tim Forcade "3DS Plug-ins" book may include similar CD. It means more potential buyers with less spending on ads, brochures and S&H. "These Yosters are smart devils" – that what it means. Alex, Video International