Hello!

Just got an email that the Vue8 pre-release version is now available for download for those of us that have a maintenance plan. I am downloading right now. Here is the main info from the message:

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Vue 8 Infinite, a major upgrade to one of your products under maintenance, will soon be shipping. As part of your maintenance contract, you will receive this new product at no charge. If you like, you may even download a pre-release version of this product today by following the instructions in this e-mail.

New features available in this upgrade include:

• 3D Terrain Sculpting: Allows users to freely sculpt terrain features such as overhangs and caves directly into Vue standard and procedural terrains.
• Localized Infinite and Procedural Terrain Sculpting: Combine the best of both worlds with the ability to locally sculpt features on the infinitely detailed procedural terrains. Now, users have the ability to fine tune or completely rework localized areas on procedural terrains providing even greater artistic control and creativity.
• Scene Context Sculpting: Allows users to sculpt terrain features in the context of scene elements. Sculpt rocks and reliefs around vegetation and architectural buildings.
• New Stratified Terrain Fractals which allow the creation of richly detailed stratified, terrain features.
• New Directional Displacement Engine for textures to create more detailed and life-like surface features with greatly increased performance.
• 3rd Generation Spectral Atmospheric Technology which dramatically improves the quality and realism of clouds, god rays, and atmospheric shadows.
• Direct Re-Posing of Rigged Meshes: Rigged and pre-animated mesh objects can now be re-posed directly inside Vue. Currently supported formats: 3DSMax, Collada, and Vue Pre-animated Meshes.
• New Shader-based OpenGL preview engine for improved real-time performance and previewing accuracy.
• All the new features introduced in Vue 7.5: camera mapping, planetary rendering, cross-shadowing and cloud masks, spherical cloud maps, animated EcoSystem populations, and more.

More details on the new features as well as the complete description pages will be disclosed at the time of release.

======================================================

Ciao
TD

Hi TD,

If you are taking requests, at the top of my list is:

Will you please check and make sure they have fixed the EcoSystem population problem in version 8  and report back to us - see this post in a few threads down:

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2784246 (Vue 7.51 Infinite - Build 46408 update)

Now that I've returned from eating my Thanksgiving* turkey I'm downloading it. The new features look exciting.

*I'm Canadian, eh.

OK, just for you I have tried out the eco-system population. I am not sure if this is considered a bug or a feature by e-on. For me this was never an issue as I always work my way up from the base layer and then populate, but I can see that this is annoying if you use a different path.
If I understand correctly, the problem is that the instances in the layer vanish, not the complete layer. Correct? If that is the case then nothing has changed in that respect, adding an ecosystem to the second layer still eliminates the instances in the first layer eco. Sorry.

I had a few minutes to try out the new reposing and it is very nice so far. Fast and responsive. I have imported a character from DAZ studio via Collada and it comes in with bones and all. You can select the bones and pose. It is very quick and fluent. No comparison to the old poser coupled way. Drawback seems to be that it doesn't know about conforming clothing, but it is quite easy to pose the clothing to follow the figure. As this is primarily for re-posing and smaller adjustments it is really quite nice.

I also gave the new terrain editor a quick spin. Lots of new stuff to learn but very nice. Overhangs, arches and holes and caves should be easy now.

Above is a quick render with a sculpted terrain and a V4 figure that was imported via Collada from DAZ Studio and completely "posed" in Vue8 in about30 seconds.

Ciao
TD

Unfortunately part 2 of the download keeps timing out on me. I'll have to try later.

Have fun those that are successful in getting it to download now :)

It has separate bump and displacement channels! And it looks like the displacement can be guided by a normal map. Woo hoo.

The manual says it imports Poser 8 scenes too, but I haven't tried it.

Off to bed now a happy camper^H^H^H^H^H^Hkitty.

piccy shows pulling out terrain, and pushing in, 3D, not just up and down, also shows scene itself if you want so at long bloody last I can sculpt terrains to FIT the exact scene

also, hey! neat, the terrian brush resizes with the [ and ] bracket keys, like Photoshop! damn, I wish PaintShopPro would use that same bloody convention too bangs head

oh well, one advantage of having a new puppy = early rise! ;)
hm, been working on a scene in 7.5 for a few weeks, will see how it goes in 8 pre release as it's a right big 'un.

hm, go back to sleep, or Vue...drums fingers on keyboard :p

What a nice surprise at this morning. I got the update e-mail too :)

Mazak

Yep yep!

So far so good; lots of scenes to try....well, actually recreate, as the shifting of the CG stuff off the main box to the CG box is hardly complete...

No cows or nodes as of yet, so can't test the new rendergarden just yet... :(

Aside from that, the build seems stable, and renderspeeds seem a bit faster... 

Seems like e-on's sites taking a battering so if you want to read the press release I've posted it on the Vue News Blog.

Quote - Hi Mari-Anne!

OK, just for you I have tried out the eco-system population. I am not sure if this is considered a bug or a feature by e-on. For me this was never an issue as I always work my way up from the base layer and then populate, but I can see that this is annoying if you use a different path.
If I understand correctly, the problem is that the instances in the layer vanish, not the complete layer. Correct? If that is the case then nothing has changed in that respect, adding an ecosystem to the second layer still eliminates the instances in the first layer eco. Sorry.

Yikes, TD! I'm disappointed the "bug" is still there, but honored you checked it out "just for me."  Sounds like there are enough other goodies to make up for the inconvenience of the quirky EcoSystem handling, though.

Thanks a bunch!

With these overpriced incremental upgrades, It is now wiser to upgrade every 3 to 5 versions, so as to get the most bang for the buck.  It's the most cost effective choice out there for wise spenders.

Anyone know the prices yet, can't see anything on the site!

Quote - Anyone know the prices yet, can't see anything on the site!

I found this at the bottom of impish's Vue News Blog:

The final pricelist for all upgrade and sidegrade options will be disclosed at the time of release

Ok thanks, I will want Infinite but I don't have or want a maintenance package so I was wondering how much they will stiff those of us that don't have that.
I'd be upgrading from 7.4 Infinite.

Ooooo Vue 8 or VRay standalone.  I hate having to make choices!

 well I tried to get 7.5 and the free 30 day maintenance but for some reason they say they are checking my credit card. I f you guys had no problems I presume maybe my card is problematic for some reason.  Or did you all have delays?
Love esther

New credit cards can cause a hold up when buying from another country.

I'm curious what the upgrade price to V8I is from V7.4I and V7.5I since V7.5I cost $300+ from V7.4I.  Probably $50 difference. :)  I'm more interested in planet making and V8I seems to just have the same planet features that V7.5I has.

 my credit card is reasonably new - I hope that is the problem and that it is sorted soon.

CobraEye
all depends, remember, you may not get an upgrade form a WAY earlier version with any software, usually you only get allowed to upgrade from maybe 1 or 2 steps before or it's on a lsiding increase of cost. I went from CS2 photoshop to CS4 and that was a good upgrade, finally photoshop was actually enjoyable to use, omg why has it taken Adobe that long ot get a decent UI!!

also, you have to think if the upgrade adds things of worth to YOU, and that is up to the individual, not you or I.
V8 versus version 6 is a huge increase, render times are hell of a lot quicker, plus other stuff.

I'm not happy about the bloody prices, ugh. But, oh well, that's life nowadays :/ As I've said before I'd rather the # of versions was cut, and prices dropped by about 1/3rd.

Go have a look at Dax Phandi's gallery on Deviant art and get back to us, HONESTLY, on whether Vue can create good scenes, or not  ;)
http://nukeation.deviantart.com/gallery/

Quote - I'm curious what the upgrade price to V8I is from V7.4I and V7.5I since V7.5I cost $300+ from V7.4I.  Probably $50 difference. :)  I'm more interested in planet making and V8I seems to just have the same planet features that V7.5I has.

in the newsletter there was a "upgrade now" link right below the offer about 30 days maintenance for vue 7.5.
I got the impression from that you'd get the 30days even in upgrading from 7.4 to 7.5 which would be nice if you get vue8 within that 30d maintenance plan.

Sent inquiry to sales about this. lets see if it's so.

This is from the newsletter:

As of today, all purchases of Vue 7.5 Infinite or xStream will include 30 days of complimentary maintenance. Among other benefits (see below), this means that you will receive the upgrade to Vue 8 at no charge!

So, if you buy Vue 7.5 today, yes you will get Vue 8 for free.

that is nice if indeed ALL purchases include the upgrades also.
not just purchase of full 7.5 (non upgrade that is)

ok, it's confirmed from eon too:
"This offer includes upgrades from Vue 7 Infinite. And you will get the free upgrade to Vue 8

Best regards.
xxxx xxxxxx"

I think I'll go for it

Is it cheaper to upgrade to 7.5 or 8 right now?  :)

You can't upgrade to 8 unless you have the maintenance package already is how I understand it.
I could upgrade to 7.5 for £190 which sounds like a good deal if I then get Vue 8 Infinite free, but I'm suspicious with the 30 day thing. Surely for that to work they'd need to release 8 in the next 30 days wouldn't they...or am I misunderstanding how the maintenance thing works!!
Someone enlighten me.

Sorry, but over the years I've learnt not to trust software companies promises!
Before I stump up £190 that I can't really afford I need to know for sure I'm getting Vue 8 Infinite and not some cut down version of it or some get out clause that we all missed.

They have said that Vue 8 is being released first week of November, so it would be in the next 30 days :)

HTH

Jon

Oh right, missed that, I only saw "November" which could have meant the end!
Thanks, I'll have to think on whether I can afford the £230 now, yea it went up with VAT added! [LOL].

Xmas prezzie from the SO? ;)

Well, I just became several  £££s + VAT lighter. 

According to the e-on newsletter that I got yesterday, it says that you can upgrade/sidegrade from Vue 6:

Upgrades from Vue 6: If you are a user of Vue 6, you can upgrade directly to the corresponding Vue 8 product! (for instance, upgrade from Vue 6 Esprit to Vue 8 Esprit, or from Vue 6 Pro Studio to Vue 8 Studio, etc...). You can also sidegrade from Vue 6 Pro Studio directly to Vue 8 Complete. If you are still using Vue 6 Infinite you can either upgrade to Vue 8 Infinite, or choose the cost effective Vue 8 Complete alternative.

These upgrade options will not be time limited.

So, I assume you can upgrade up to version 6, I don't know how they'll be in pricing.  I'm also waiting to see what's in store with the Esprit to Complete versions as well as the Pioneer like version 7.  I still didn't get Esprit and wanting to get it.

Also, haven't you noticed they'll stop making boxed versions, just the DVD jewel cases, I guess.

Real interesting...

Quote - Well, I just became several  £££s + VAT lighter. 

Yeah me too...except € instead of £. Thank god it's pay day tomorrow ;)

A few days ago I extended my maintenance plan. Plus the 30 days it will expire on November 04, 2010. I think that isn't that bad for a year subscription of $295. I receive all updates early and get Vue 8.5 maybe Vue 9.  I will stay with maintenance plan, in my opinion a good deal.

Mazak

Well I hope I've done the right thing this morning. I've gone for the 7.5 upgrade, still downloading the extras at the minute. We'll see what happens once I have everything. I really hope it works the way e-on said, yea I'm still wary! [LOL].

Quote - Well I hope I've done the right thing this morning. I've gone for the 7.5 upgrade, still downloading the extras at the minute. We'll see what happens once I have everything. I really hope it works the way e-on said, yea I'm still wary! [LOL].

Now you're scaring me   :scared:

Hi Gill, I have just downloaded the extras and the installer, I'm now running the installer which takes time as we know.
My account so far isn't showing a 30 day maintenance plan and isn't showing a link to get Vue 8 pre release or Beta, whatever they're calling it, I'll wait a bit longer to see if it gets added later today.

I went for the boxed version simply because I like a book I can look at for reference rather than switching screens, so I'll have to wait until mine arrives in the post.  I'll keep checking my account also.

I'm guessing it won't show until I actually run it and register it for the first time, but if it doesn't show after that I'm gonna get angry!!

keep us posted will you.

I just recieved my downloadlinks and serial for 7.5 but have to wait till I get home to download/install it.

Sure will.

Well, there's something odd going on with PayPal - I just chec ked my order status and it's got "Waiting for PayPal validation"

I bought an item from Cornucopia late last night (after the Vue 7.5 purchase) but I can't download that yet either, and received this email message from Corn

"This message is to inform you that your payment for transaction Nr 9101447852 in is currently pending for PayPal approvement. As soon as the transaction is approved by PayPal, your Cornucopia3D account will be credited with the amount of the transaction, and your PayPal account charged accordingly. We are sorry that PayPal was not able to process your transaction immediately.

We will send you a notification as soon as the transaction is approved by PayPal and the funds are placed on your Cornucopia3D account.
This is an automatic message - please do not respond to this message."

However, annoyingly, both the Vue and the C3D purchase monies have been deducted from my PP a/c and the transactions are marked "Completed" so I don't know what's going on there.   

I have the same message for my CC, funny thing is though they have already allowed my downloads so that is a bit weird, but hey that's e-on [LOL].

yeah I did buy from e-on with paypal too last night and just got the links/serial about half an hour ago. I did make a support ticket about it this morning though, but closed it after getting the links few hours later.

But yeah there's something with paypal..they're lagging behind again.

Right, I've installed and activated my Vue 7.5 and the 30 day maintenance plan is now showing in my account, so stage 1 looking good! [LOL].
Now I have to go find where I can Vue 8 from.

What are you guys doing with previous version, when I put 8 on, I'll have 6, 7, 7.5 and 8 installed on my computer, not really necessary is it???
Or will e-on send a destruct message to 8 if I don't have the others! [LOL]
Just a joke you sensitive e-onites............

I keep older versions on for product making but I think it's time to stop using 5.  I'm sure most would have upgraded to higher versions by now.  I'll leave 6 and 7 on though

Yea I dumped 4 and 5 a while back, still not sure what to do with these. Six still has some uses because some atmo packs I have work different in 7 than 6 for some reason.

Just a heads up - if you order the upgrade to 7.5, yes you will get 8 for free, and the 30 day maintenance plan but you won't have access to the Vue 8 pre-release.  You will get your download when the full version is released the first week of November.

Aha, right, Ok, thanks for that info Peggy....saved me a rant!!  [LOL].

Just had a confirmation email from e-on to say my box has been shipped

Is the free 30 days Maintenance Plan automatically activated as soon I registried Vue 7.5 or is there still something to do for me ? Do I get another reg number to fill or are there some links I missed?

As soon as I registered it I had an e-mail saying that......well here's a cut and paste of what it said..

Thank you for your recent purchase of Vue 7.5 Infinite.

We are happy to inform you that we have automatically added to your account a complimentary 30 day maintenance plan!

During these 30 days of maintenance, you benefit from:

• Free upgrades, including free upgrades to all .5 and full versions released during the term of your maintenance plan,
• Unlimited, priority web-based technical support,
• Access to EEF releases (Expedited Engineering Fix),

You may like to consider upgrading to a full one year maintenance plan, since, on top of additional benefits, you will save $100 on the standard yearly fee if you purchase a maintenance plan before the expiration of your 30 day plan.

Upgrade to Standard Maintenance and save $100! *
*Being under maintenance guarantees free upgrades to all versions released during the subscription period. There's no reason to wait: whether you purchase a maintenance plan now or after expiration of your complimentary 30 days, the one year term will start running on October 15, 2009.

Get your maintenance for $295 only! (instead of $395.00) *
*Thank you for using our products.
Best regards from the e-on software team.