I got the scene to render at 1024x768 finally. I'm not really sure why I can't do the same at 1600x1200. Perhaps the bucket is moving, but an hour per line is not acceptable to me. And yes, I have had Vue slammed so bad that it took 20 plus hours for a 1.6 poly scene with no HDRI/GI/Radiosity...so it's all relative. I really want to give HDRI a try, but I'm afraid to unless I buy 512 more DDR 400...perhaps the IRS will help in a couple months. One thing is clear between both programs; at least I can tell there is progress in Vue even if it's slammed. Poser just sits there (with the progress meter) and a non-moving bucket for eternity with no indication with % to go, % done, etc. I tend to agree that Poser 5 has some problems even with the updates, and to which effect varies greatly on what's in your scene and the render settings. I have tried most of your suggestions, but I would like minimum renders to be at 1600x1200 in the future. Time will tell on this issue, and I don't have much of it right now. =)