Compatability for proffesional applications even amongst rival ones seems to be recognised as a must, not an add on.
I tend to use Vue as the inbetween package a lot, and I end up shelving applications that dont click with others.
What are other users opinions on this, is there a common most 3d format, and if not should there be?

I find that .3ds is very common, and works well with Vue and others. Also, .obj is fairly common, especially when dealing with Poser, but there are problems with it and Vue. I agree, there should be a few standard formats, instead of one for every program (or in some cases, three or four). But it will never happen - there's just too much competition. -Zak

Yeah, it seems the "no, ours is better" argument/grudge between software manufacturers causes more headaches for those studios using multiple apps because of each one's particular strengths. I use XSI (Foundation) and C4D for modelling, and bring it/them into Vue5Inf for layout and render because it's just simpler and I'm comfortable with the lighting tools (though I may start doing all my renders in C4D soon). Many studios have some version of production pipeline that goes something like (just an example) model and texture in app#1 (because it's fantastic for that), then import into app#2 for rigging (better/quicker tools for that), then finally bring into app#3 for animation and render (because this one has the best mocap tools around, and the best rendering plug-ins around!). And under normal circumstances the 3 apps don't play nice with each other. Yeah, it'd be nice if they sat down, realizing this, and came up with a standardized coding they could all share for both models and UV coordinates. -Lew

Hmm, the old level playing field dream, if they all can talk to each other then the best speaker should win out?
Or does this simply mean where stuck in the tower of babel?

Well, it seems that I'm not the only one.... I've commented on this elsewhere... meantime, FYI... I'm compiling a compatibility crossfile list, and have already got some one hundred, twenty-three formats, in/out, and that's only on seven pieces of software... Ahh, well. Fun 'n games... hopefully, it'll all shake out in the end. Lou.

Just a note, Format compatability isn't always "ours is better." There are also Patents and Copyrights to consider even when writing software. One cannot use another's patented code without permission. You only see abundant import/export options when fees are paid and deals are made. Sad fact for us users. The other side is "format by committee", .jpg, etc. Long waits and special interests.

Dvisuals: yes - twoo, vewy twoo.

Attached Link: http://www.lemkesoft.com

Hadn't heard of it, but sadly it won't work for me (looks great, though) - all XP workstations here, and it's a Mac only app.

Mac only? Noooooooo! Is there a PC version?

Sorry guys! For some reason I thought that it was a cross- platform app. It should be!

Yes. Yes it should. Oh well, there's always other ways...

Ah - a Windows colution - but unfortunately it's no cheap thrill! www.okino.com

Hmm, that's pretty cool - except for the $$$ involved. The best things in life aren't free...