CompuServe Messages

I think that we will probably end up getting a couple of machines running Alias and Parallax. There really is no good desktop compositing software- or at least nothing that can do anything real time-, that I know of. We've tried all the Amiga software that I care to, and although there is some neat stuff out there, it can't compete with high-end stuff. 3D is another matter though. We wil not scrap our desktop software. The only thing I want to scrap is the Amigas; they are too slow and not designed for professional use. That's why we need so many of them. I sincerley hope that we get a standalone version of our software that will run on the PPC. I'd say that that we will only get more Alias seats when the price of it comes down closer to what we pay for our current 3D package- which is nothing! After that, the price of SGIs to run it all will have to drop as well. That's how I see it. Your right about the big boys trying to get into out facility though. They want in in a BIG way. Their attitude towards our facility is one of quite amusement. I think though that they are truley impressed however with what we've managed to accomplish with our desktop systems however, but are quick to point out how much more productive we would be if we adopted their software and their hardware. There is quite a bit of truth to what they say, and the only thing that really keeps us from utilizing them more is price, as their stuff truely is superior to what we're using. I'd have to say that in the next 18 months or so we're going to see a convergence between the high and consumer end of 3D software. I do believe though that the high end will always get the cool stuff first, and it will then trickle on down to us. The main thing that will change will be the speed at which we get the new stuff. Turn around times are getting shorter and shorter, as it's not too hard to find IK in desktop systems anymore for example. We just recently had a Playmation demo. Good splines, spine deformation tools, skin, 3D IK, a great materials editor, good output quality- all for only $700.!!! That's a great example of a power app for the masses. Tools that only two short years ago cost a fortune! Price/performance ratios like that even start to give apps like 3DS and LightWave a run for it's money- quite a turn of events!