Just spotted the announcement on the e-on software home page - Vue 7 is upon us.

Yes, but did they finish it first!? ;)

Adam

Not likely lol :)

Jon

Heh. I bought Vue6i on September 29. Their cutoff date for the late buyer discount is October 1. I guess I should have been psychic.

Not that I'd necessarily buy right away anyway, but those clouds do demand some attention...

Hmm no external renderer this time around.

Jon

This is a surprise - it looks quite impressive :)

Only Vue 7 Infinite and xstream so far.

Too bad I already reserved my immediate budget for a cross platform upgrade of zbrush from PC to Mac. Maybe in January....

Well I have looked through the new features, some are impressive, but will wait a bit, its not really a must get now scenario for me at the moment. Just bought a quad core and don't really have the money for the upgrade right now, but if I did, would wait, give it a couple of months for the bug testing and fixing and then I might be getting myself a copy :) 

Not too sure about the maintenance pack options, I mean priority support if you have a maintenance pack, that means anyone without it could be waiting longer than normal, and its not exactly the fastest support in the world as it is. Hmm

Jon

If anyone is looking for the comparison graph, here it is, shame it doesn't show the difference between infinite and complete :-

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/chart.php

And here is that comparison lol :-

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_complete/compare.php

Man, no Python scripting in Complete :(

Well from the comparision chart, it would have to be infinite for me, too many little features will be lost that you use nearly every day in Infinite.

Jon

Any idea what standard & premium maintenance is?  Never heard of that before....and OMG the price for those :blink:

Thank god I'm on an upgrade path PHEW!!!!

I'd just like to see a comparison chart that shows me what infinite 7 gives me over infinite 6. $400 is a BIG upgrade cost, and for that amount, there should be some amazing features added...

Thanks for those charts Jon - very handy.

Gareee if you look at the second chart Jon posted and click the compare Vue 6 Infinite button it pretty much gives you that.

dlk30341,

Here is a link to the maintenance options and what they are mate :-

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/support/?page=AdvancedSupportOptions.phh#Maintenance

Jon

Maintenance options are typically for small businesses and companies, and they are priced accordingly. This is part of e-on getting more traction in large studios I suppose.

Holy crapola - I just found the page & read - yowza! 

I'd say Agiel - those prices are mind boggling IMO.

Remember that's all aimed at Companies - I've worked with 3d party software that the clients pay significantly more than that for similar maintenance offerings.  Its something some clients want - or expect - to be offered alongside most software they buy (other than standard desktop tools).

Right Impish - Those prices just amazed me as I've never seen anything like it before that's all.

If I read correctly I like the part where Vue will now create an error log & auto ticket to support....I did read that right didn't I???  Still haven't had enough coffee.

Vue7 Complete has no Phyton! So I stay with Vue7 Infinite. Update $395 isn't bad :)

Mazak

And here is the official press release (to not start another thread and dilute the subject):

November 4, 2008 Press Release

E-on Software Ships Vue 7 xStream And Vue 7 Infinite!

MAJOR ENHANCEMENTS IN 3D ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROFESSIONALS

November 4, 2008. Beaverton, Oregon: e-on software, maker of Vue, the leading solution for natural
3D environments announced the immediate availability of its Vue 7 line of products for
Professionals: Vue 7 xStream and Vue 7 Infinite.
Vue 7 xStream and Vue 7 Infinite are the newest versions of the company's flagship solutions for
the creation of natural 3D environments. Specifically designed for graphics professionals, Vue 7
xStream and Vue 7 Infinite combine a multitude of cutting edge features that easily integrate into
existing production pipelines. Both Vue 7 xStream and Vue 7 Infinite are available immediately.

Vue 7 xStream - The Integrated Solution:
Vue 7 xStream, e-on's flagship solution, represents a totally new paradigm in terms of integration
and workflow. All Vue tools are now fully integrated in the host application, providing direct
access to the most advanced 3D environment creation technologies.
Among many advanced innovations, Vue 7 xStream users can now create complete natural 3D
environments directly inside their application, using standard application tools and manipulators.
Digital content creators working with Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya, Softimage XSI, Maxon Cinema 4D or
Newtek LightWave will greatly benefit from Vue 7 xStream's unprecedented 3D "Digital Nature"
creation power.

Vue 7 Infinite - The Standalone Solution:
Vue 7 Infinite offers an all-round combination of unequaled scenery creation power, advanced
rendering and full-featured animation tools in a stand-alone package. Vue 7 Infinite is the ideal
tool for multimedia and entertainment professionals, architects and graphics designers.

Powerful, Realistic, Productive, Dependable
Vue 7 is the prefect fit for any production house and digital content creator needing to add
professional digital environments to their production pipeline.
A selection of the new features available in Vue 7 xStream and Infinite include:

• Direct access and interaction with single Vue assets inside of compatible applications (xStream)
• Extended compatibility with Mental Ray - integrated and satellites (xStream)
• EcoSystem 3 technology: dynamic population, EcoSystem painting from any angle
• Spectral 2 cloud technology: highly realistic volumetric 3D clouds and cloud layers
• New Radiosity engine optimized for Indoor and infinite scenery
• Water Editor: convincing water animation from still lakes to stormy ocean waves
• Global Illumination rendering up to 4 times faster
• Improved SolidGrowth 4 plant technology with high definition species for your "hero" plants
• Collada file format import
• Over 160 editable SolidGrowth plant species, with almost 100 species previously only available
  from Cornucopia3D.com and 20 brand new species.
• Numerous other productivity and feature enhancements.

A 4 minute video showing some of the new features of Vue 7 is available on the product pages
(http://www.e-onsoftware.com/xstream and http://www.e-onsoftware.com/infinite).

Pricing and Availability
Standard Retail Price:
Vue 7 xStream will retail for $1,495, with upgrades from Vue 6 xStream available for $595. Until
February 2, 2009, a special introductory pricing is available on this product, with the full
version retailing at $1,195 and upgrades from Vue 6 xStream at $395.  Annual subscriptions for
Educational licenses of Vue 7 xStream are available for $149/year/seat.
Vue 7 Infinite retails for $895, with upgrades from Vue 6 Infinite available for $395. Annual
subscriptions for Educational licenses of Vue 7 Infinite are available for $99/seat/year.
Site licensing discounts are available for both products, contact e-on software for further details
and pricing information.

Special Offers:
Customers who purchased Vue 6 xStream or Vue 6 Infinite after October 1, 2008 are eligible for a
Late Buyers special discount on their upgrade.
Temporarily, users of Vue 6 Esprit and Vue 6 Pro Studio will be able to Sidegrade to either Vue 7
xStream or Vue 7 Infinite.
All special offers and time limited upgrades will end on February 2, 2009.

Availability:
Vue 7 xStream is available in English for Windows XP32/64 and Vista 32/64, and on Mac OSX 10.4+ as
a 32 bit application (Universal Binary). Vue 7 xStream is compatible with the following renderers:
Mental Ray for 3ds Max, Maya and XSI (integrated and MR satellites), Maya Software, Cinema 4D
Software and LightWave Software. Other renderers are under consideration.
Vue 7 Infinite is available in English for Windows 2000/XP/Vista for 32 and 64 bits OS, and for Mac
OSX 10.4+ platforms (Universal Binary) as a 32 bit application.

About e-on software
E-on software is the leading developer of high quality solutions for the creation, animation,
rendering and integration of natural 3D environments. With products specifically targeted for the
different market segments, e-on software provides solutions adapted to every project and budget. E-
on software products are used worldwide by the film, television, architecture, game, science,
education and entertainment industries.
E-on software was founded on the premise that powerful graphics tools should never get in the way
of the designer's creativity. By investing significant resources into research and development, e-
on software is able to deliver cutting-edge technologies that significantly improve usability and
workflow.
E-on software is based in Beaverton, Oregon with a European office in Paris, France.
Visit their website at http://www.e-onsoftware.com.

Press Contacts
press@e-onsoftware.com
971-327-6008 (US)
+33 1 43 14 28 15 (Europe)

Mazak - I take it you meant Python.

According to the comparison chart Complete does have python but it can run 3rd party python scripts you can't create new ones.  It says the EcoSystem instance modification features are knocked out and there is no Python console.  If I'm reading that right it means you'd be able to use SkinVue, VueTools or any of my rather noddy by comparison scripts.  Oh and the completely reworked from the ground up VueDynamics I've had in the works for months hopefully too - guess I now know what I should be trying to finish this weekend ;-)

Anyone know exactly what the difference is between these 2 options (other than price of course)

Vue 7 Infinite – Boxed – Vue 6 Infinite Upgrade  US$435 364 £281 US$435
Vue 7 Infinite – DVD Box – Vue 6 Infinite Upgrade  US$395 330 £255 US$395

I guess one comes with a printed manual, reference card and other goodies, while the other is simply a DVD.

I wonder what the companion CD is that costs £31 ! 

Jon

Thanks Agiel.  I thought that might be the case.  I'll pay the extra for the manual.  I do look at it occasionally....

Jon, the convenience set I got for 6Inf was the box and the manual.  I didn't get them because I bought the download version. 

Ah righto Gill, well if I get Vue 7 will use the PDF, makes for quicker searching anyway :) 

Jon

"Powerful, Realistic, Productive, Dependable" - I'll await the Guinea Pigs to find out if that is true or not... odds are against it :/

Adam

impish, Yes (Python) you are correct.

Vue7 complete:

Python scripting NO
Run third party Python scripts YES
Python console for direct input of Python commands NO
Python functions to add, modify and remove EcoSystem instances NO
Create custom render effects using user-defined python callbacks NO

I download atm Vue7 Infinite.

Mazak

Am downloading Vue XStream right now. I must say, that is quite a reasonable upgrade price for XStream. 

Agree, pam, the upgrade path to 7xSt is reasonable, think e-on made an effort for those 6xSt users who had so many issues with it.

A little humour I've knocked together quickly for anyone waiting for Vue 7 to download...

Leaning on a (Virtual) Lamppost

 I am REALLY, REALLY, REALLY looking forward to seeing Vue 7 work inside MAYA.This is going to be very good!

Ok, so whats the "conveniance pack" for 7 Infinite ? Is that the "extras" CD from days gone by ?

And whats all of this maintenance stuff there speaking of ? the long lost customer support ?

We think its the manual and box mate.

And yeah the maintenance pack is the support, but now we normal users don't get priority of reporting problems :(

Jon

It's very cool and thoughtful of all you guys to hold off. Helps the rest of us download without blowing up the servers. 

Mazak

Quote - Vue7 complete:
Python scripting NO
Run third party Python scripts YES

Now that's interesting.
Implies that Complete can only use PYCs (compiled Python scripts).
Guess we'll find out when they release it.

Not holding off myself just trying to get all of this new lingo out of the way first :D

-Paul

Mazak

 Paul, you'll have a lot of scope for new atmospheres. This thing is magnificent! 

The upgrade from Vue 6 Infinite is $395 to Vue 7 Infinite and $99 to Vue 7 Complete. It's an awesome product but because I've been having so much stability issues with it I'm not gonna upgrade.

Most interesting new features seem to be:

• Ecosystems 3, the ability to do unlimited ecosystems and to paint them on any surface
• More realistic spectral clouds
• New plant system and more plants included
• Faster radiosity rendering
• New water editor, allowing easier creation of stormy water and such

Here's a presentation video they made for it:

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_infinite/v7i_video_layout.php

Video results are cool, but I'd always MUCH arther see videos like Modo's of tools in action. I want to see how the eco painter system is better then what V6I has, and how working with the new tools differs from what i currently have available.

Having more plants is great, but I need to see how working whththe new plant and water editor looks, and again how it improves upon what I already have.

How come I haven't had a mail shot saying it's out???
Don't they bother or what??
You would think they'd tell their customer base when the new version hits rather than have it filter down on forums like this!!
Ah well, best go and check it out then!!

Anyone know if they've simplified the upgrade process, it's normally long winded and stuff doesn't work from previous version etc. etc.!!!

Quote - The upgrade from Vue 6 Infinite is $395 to Vue 7 Infinite and $99 to Vue 7 Complete. It's an awesome product but because I've been having so much stability issues with it I'm not gonna upgrade.

Most interesting new features seem to be:

• Ecosystems 3, the ability to do unlimited ecosystems and to paint them on any surface
• More realistic spectral clouds
• New plant system and more plants included
• Faster radiosity rendering
• New water editor, allowing easier creation of stormy water and such

Here's a presentation video they made for it:

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_infinite/v7i_video_layout.php

How do you know how much the upgrade for 6 infinite to 7 complete is? I havent seen anything that says the upgrade pricing for that yet.

Cheers
Jon

Quote - Video results are cool, but I'd always MUCH arther see videos like Modo's of tools in action. I want to see how the eco painter system is better then what V6I has, and how working with the new tools differs from what i currently have available.

Having more plants is great, but I need to see how working whththe new plant and water editor looks, and again how it improves upon what I already have.

Clearly someone who gets it needs to do a screencast showing the new tools in action :P

Attached Link: http://www.e-onsoftware.com/about/newsletter/

I got today a newsletter :tt1:

This one: http://www.e-onsoftware.com/about/newsletter/

Mazak

*I got today a newsletter

*Ya boo, didn't get mine yet!!!

The download process is easier, and the installation process is easy. E-On has been listening to you guys: that old business about "Can I have your serial number for Version 6, ...now can I have your serial number for Version 5, ...now can I have your serial number for Version 4, ...now can I have your serial number for Version 3?" is completely gone. Just wants the serial number or installation code for the last version. 

From the newsletter:

Point-Five Releases

In the course of the coming year, we will be releasing Vue 7.5. This paid-for ".5" release will introduce new features and technologies. These new features and technologies are undisclosed at this point.

Service Packs (former software updates) will remain free of charge for everyone.

:blink:

Well someone must be watching this forum, just like magic my newsletter arrives after me saying it hasn't yet!!! 

£330 upgrade price for boxed with UK VAT included,  a bit less for the download so I'll prolly go for that, got a new 0% CC coming in the next few days so it can go on that and spread the cost over 12 months!!

Pam, are you downloading xStream for Maya?
First impressions?

And a question for all Americans here:
What's the most important thing for you today?
01- voting for your 44th president
02- the release of Vue7

Ahh, 3d junkies like us may answer 02, it's okay, we understand, lol!

How are the old Vue files opening in Vue 7 Infinite? Any problems? Can you migrate and use your purchased products from Vue 6?

I feel like Charlie Brown contemplating the football Lucy is holding.