CompuServe Messages

Judy, >> The rendering time is much much faster than the equivalent image in 3DS. << I don't think so, unless you're talking about the really high end SGI's which the game companies can't afford, anyway. I wasn't particularly impressed with the speed of Softimage on a high-end Indy compared to 3d Studio on a 486-66 when I used both last year. Also, you get about 5 Pentium / 3d Studio seats to 1 Indy with Alias. Try customizing your Indy for a reasonable cost – you'll find peripherals extra expensive. >> ALso I have heard companies claim that their artists can build images quicker in Alias and one that are more life like << The only thing I can see which might make any difference is the modelling tools that Alias offers, but they only come into their own when doing certain types of models. Some of the new IPAS routines (skin, bones etc) come close to the functionality of NURBS modellers, IMHO. Also, another problem is that Alias does not encourage 3rd party developers so you won't get interesting "plug-in" applications offered to cover ones that Alias decided not to include.