Shaderworks Render Studio? If you try to open the AO Editor from the Python Scripts menu, does it open? Nothing happens when I try it.

 I've found that a number of Python Script plugins that worked in Poser 7 do not work in Poser 8. Does anyone know if there are going to be updates? For example, the wonderful scripts by Shaderworks for Render Studio, Advanced Render Settings, Bubbles Generator, and Face Randomizer, etc. -- all of these don't work.  Also, Shader Spider looked like it was going to work, and then Poser 8 locked up and I had to Force Quit. Aww, for the first time in Poser 8 (Mac version). Also, the Mac Unimesh Realism Kit doesn't work. Puppet Master doesn't work either.

Some of these may no longer be necessary, due to the improvements in lighting and rendering. Also, Poser 8 has a better implementation of Universal Poses (IMHO) than did Poser 7, so Puppet Master may no longer be necessary.

Still, I'm wondering about updates.

For those who want 64-bit rendering or multiple core rendering, when I installed the Shaderworks Advanced Render Settings scripts, the render mode began taking advantage of both my cores. (I have an Intel iMac with Core Duo Extreme Processors.) This might further help people who have four or even eight cores. I don't think it went to 64-bit rendering, though. 

If this isn't the place to raise these questions, please point me to the correct thread.

 Ah, thank you very much, bagginsbill. I'm going to try this again as soon as I've a chance.

 Well, I can happily report that a character saved as a cr2 file in Poser 8 will open in Carrara 7 Pro. Similarly, a scene, a pz3 file, saved in Poser 8, will open in Carrara 7 Pro.

 I have been experimenting with Poser 8 and the Env Sphere. I've been trying to follow along and also have referred to bagginsbill's instructions posted on his free-stuff site. I'm not getting the best results.

Could someone please mention again the Env Sphere settings and where to plug the images in?

Could someone go over again the light settings (if one wants to use a light)?

Is it too much to put an image into the light, and with the Env Sphere, to put the same image into Diffuse, Highlight, and Ambient? Maybe that's my mistake. Should the image be used only once? If so, where's the best place to use it, if one is going to do lighting with the Env Sphere only?

 One more question:  If I install Poser 8 in a separate folder of its own, I assume it's all right to keep Poser 7 on the hard drive until such time as I feel I can handle Poser 8. Is this OK?

 I'm on a Mac. I'm thinking I should install Poser 8 to a separate folder and then drag in the things I want from Poser 7, such as Python Scripts. Does that sound right?

I have the Poser 7 content. So, should I just not install the "legacy" content that comes with Poser 8? Probably most or all of it is duplicated from Poser 7. Would it be better to do a full install of Poser 8 with legacy content, and then see if there's any content I want to add from Poser 7?

(I do have several separate runtimes, such as M4, etc. I have one that is within the Poser 7 folder and is named just "Runtime." Just mentioning this to clarify what I've said above.)

 Thank you much, TrekkieGrrrl, for the response. Love the things you make, btw.

 Oh, I've got a Poser 8 question. It concerns compatibility with Carrara 7 Pro. (Poser 7 has very good compatibility with Carrara 7 Pro.)

I sometimes open a Poser 7 pz3 file in Carrara 7 Pro and render it there. Does Poser 8 save in the same format?

I can also drag one of my saved (in Poser 7) character cr2 files into the Carrara scene window to open it in Carrara 7 Pro. Can I also do this with a character cr2 file made with Poser 8? Does Poser 8 also save its characters as cr2 files?

 Ah, thank you very much for the info. Now I will get Poser 8.

Quote - The other good news about Poser Pro 2010 is that the cost of upgrading will be the same whether you wait, or buy Poser 8 now.  Meaning, total amount of money for Poser 8 +  the upgrade to Poser Pro 2010 will equal the upgrade price of Poser Pro 2010 by itself.

Ooh! Is this for sure? Where is this good news mentioned? On the SmithMicro site or where?

 I thought there was supposed to be good news today for those who wanted Poser Pro 2. Is it just that there will be a Pro version in 2010? 

(Not trying to be negative. The news about Poser 8 is great.)

Quote - > Quote -  Still have my question about the new Python: will older Python scripts that I've bought still work in Poser 8 with the new Python?

It has already been mentioned that older Python scripts should work.  The new Python was implemented for backwards compatability.  AFAIK, there is no guarantee that all scripts will work though.  If not, the scriptwriter may do an update.

As to Poser Pro, the minimum discount for buying Poser 8 now will be $129.00 off the upgrade price of Poser Pro 2010 if you have Poser Pro now.  So basically, you don't lose anything if you buy Poser 8 now.  If you don't have Poser 7 or earlier and only have Poser Pro, the Poser Pro serial will work for the upgrade to Poser 8.

Thanks for answering my question about the Python scripts. I have been reading through the forum. Guess I missed that.

One more question: what if (as I do) I have Poser 7 now and buy Poser 8. Will there be any discount if I then upgrade to Poser Pro 2?

 Still have my question about the new Python: will older Python scripts that I've bought still work in Poser 8 with the new Python?

 Poser 8 comes with a new version of Python. Will the older Python scripts (I've bought a few) still work with the new Python?