Thank you all VERY much for the info. This is exactly the sort of info I need to make a decision, and I'm definitely gonna visit Phoul's site for a look around.

...just to the UI. I have mostly worked with Poser 4 (only dabbled with 3) and find it to be mostly stable. The behaviors you described are completely unacceptable for a professional product/tool. They happen, but they are unacceptable. Software should work when you use it. Nope, I'm upset with a UI that disregards the standard interface conceits inherent to a UI. The file menu, for example, is hidden unless you mouse over it? WHY? There is no good reason in this instance -- it's not even saving me screen real estate. I also have SERIOUS qualms with Lightwave's insistence for sticking with a bunch of outdated AMIGA standards. On the Windows platform, UNDO = Ctrl+Z. REDO = Ctrl+Y. WHY the hell should I be forced to do u and U for functions that are standard to the OS? One of the best things about Macintosh was that it FORCED developers to adhere to the Mac OS standards before they would certify software for their OS. This made it possible to learn ALL applications faster (some reports comparing OS 7 to Win95/98 reported that Mac was up to 35% faster to learn because of its forced adherence to standards -- reported by Ziff-Davis). Now, I don't deny Bryce is a good program capable of outputting quality results (especially once I've taken the time to learn it). But that does NOT influence me to change my initial reaction: the hubris of creating a "cool interface" that negatively impacts usability should result in a strong bitch slapping of all involved. PS: Thanks for listening to my rant. My weekend has been a bit frustrating, and I don't mean to piss anyone off or start a flame war over this. I'm just TIRED of the application being a hindrance when it doesn't have to be.

Thanks for the link. I'm gonna keep my eyes open as to when these are going to be aired.

Another thang... On your sitel you should post a detailed example. Show us a Poser scene. Then show us a Bryce scene. Then show how the two were merged together. Details will REALLY sell your app. Right now I'm about to create an intro scene in Bryce. It's a standard fly by, swooping down on a castle, and I would love to match a Poser figure walking on the parapets of a tower. If you could help me do that, I'd be a fan for life.

I use Strata 3D 3.5 Plus (which is like the free version, 3.5 base). Strata is a very good program, with a decent raytracer, IK, caustics, motion paths, etc. Unfortunately, they're kinda like the bastard child of 3D. I think they're not too forthcoming with an API and SDK. And if they don't support the OBJ file in their next release, I think a bunch of us will defect to other apps. But, all in all, it's a good app.

The White Wolf comparison was so obvious because ou really nailed the look (and were SO right to be happy with it). A vampire unafraid of the sunlight? Hmmmm. A real vampire, or a ghoul or revenant? Lemme know...

Document - setup. Thanks, that is EXACTLY what I needed. I know this sounds nasty coming from a newbie... but I really, honestly, totally believe that the designers of this program should be duct taped to a frame of 2x4s on a stage and users should be allowed to walk by, single file, and be allowed to BITCH SLAP them for their sins in this UI. It is WRONG when the desire to be uber cool overpowers common sense and simple usability. ------------- Doubtless many of you will think I'm the one who should be bound and bitch slapped, but so be it. I use Poser on a regular basis, and it's not nearly as bad as this mess ya'll call Bryce.

Hey there! VERY cool looking app. If you added support for Strata 3D, I'd definitely buy it.

I saw an ad on TV that said they'll be broadcasting the THUNDERBIRDS TV show on a cable channel called "Tech TV." (I have Warner Cable in Houston, Texas.)

Very nice. I really like the way you imitated the art style typically used on White Wolf products. Perhaps a few dark shadows (no vampire pun intended) would help, since vampires should only come out at night... the lean and hungry types? Bravo.

Hmmmm. Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out. I was all hot and bothered to write that script last weekend, then I got side tracked with some new sound editing software and now I'm working on my soundtrack. But I will definitely get back to this script idea in the next week or so.

Glad to help. A very simple solution to two day's worth of griping and yelling at my computer.

Ahhh. It's under the display settings. Thank you. I found it. I knew it was simple... I guess I shouldn't have had those Bacardi Silvers with dinner!

The answer is KEYFRAMES! I had been rendering to uncompressed video and that was the problem. You can't store keyframe info in uncompressed video. I switched to Microsoft's codec and inserted keyframes every 10 frames (1/3 second) and now it works fine.

This is a very impressive set! Incredible detail and what seems like logical design. I can't wait to see it for Poser (and I'm gonna check out the Lightwave version, too). Good work, and thank you.