As a network administrator I'm asking you why you try to convert win2003 server into a workstation??? Doesn't make any sense to me... Win2000 SP4 is even more stable than w2k3. Look on this site: http://www.msfn.org/win2k3/ Pages and pages filled with instructions to convert win2k3 to some kind of workstation. You will discover that some software isn't 100% compatible with win2003. I've read many stories about manufacturers that had t release new version of their software to make it fully win2k3 compatible. I know, you're going to say that you don't have any problems, but trust me, give it time. Assuming that your copy is legal, why did you pay $1,200 (!) for win2003 server when you can have win2k/xp pro for somewhere between $250-$300... After reading this, can you understand all my confusion?

I totally agree with Wabe. But something else; my guess is that Kiwisheep has an illegal version of both Lightwave and Vue, because what would explain that he doesn't know what the price differences are. That would also explain his rather foolish comparison.

Oops, sorry, didn't read that you were talking about the Pro version. That also answers Kiwisheep's initial question; no one can't, not with the standard version of Vue, unless he wants to come up with $499...

I read "Entire scenes, including all objects, lights and atmosphere can be exported as 3DS, LWS." My question is: how???

Lynn Fredericks said, quote: "Once we ship, all the beta testers can discuss their experiences." I'm amazed when I read this!! Here we have the proof that E-onsoftware is still Beta testing after their products are released...doh! I have this bad feeling that Vue d'Esprit Pro v4.12 (or v4.24 if you just add up) will be the first stable version. My guess is that this is NOT what the professionals are waiting for. If E-onsoftware wants to be successful in the professional market, then they have to deliver more stability than what they are offering for every new released product. Just my 2 cents...

Got it! :-)

backroom, archtips? I'm looking, but I can't find it yet. Where is it hiding? Thanks!

Sirkrite, Wabe is absolutely right. And oh, you don't need to believe me, even if I'm a professional computer technician working with computers, mainframes and large networks for the last 15 years or so, after all, what do we technicians know about computers, everybody's neighbour knows more LOL

Thanks a lot!!

YL, I have to feed my family too, 5 to be exact, but the point that I was trying to make is that if someone has the money to buy a descent computer for Vue (that's a lot more expensive than $595) then he also has the money to buy Vue d'Esprit. The only difference is, that everybody makes different choices. What you save here can be spend somewhere else ;) I mean, I hear people say that they don't have money for this or that, but at the same time they buy a brand new car for $25,000 US... it's all about choices ;-) I understand Thomas that nobody needs to make a Rembrandt of course, but instead grabbing some basic ideas about art. That doesn't change the fact that even I am very interested to see how far we can go with realism in 3D, although realism shouldn't be the ultimate goal the way ibanezcollector tries to make some of us believe, at least that's my impression and sorry if I'm wrong.

What's with the 'ah?'?? Why not a reply that I can do something with Gebe? ;-)

Always great to see how others tackle their problems; you always learn something from it, since everybody uses a different approach. Well done Thomas!

The render quality of my Vue v4.12 reflects what I see in Vue d'Esprit galleries. But still, I do agree that there is something missing in final renders. I'm a heavy Photoshop user and I alway open my renders in this program to add a slight (0.3 pixels) high pass sharpening and a very slight curves adjustment. I can't say that there isn't anything fuzzy or whatever really wrong with the renders, but for some reason they always need these two slight adjustments in Photoshop. I never have this problem with Cinema 4D, so I assume that it's really Vue d'Esprit related. I do think that one needs to be more trained in professional image corrections to really notice the difference.

Mmm this subject needs a reply. I dont get Realism, seems to be a magic word lately. Im moderator on a large Photoshop board and believe it or not, Ive seen so many people trying to make lifeless realistic objects; glass balls, cell phones, calculators, cars, etc Even a coffee machine! Same story here in this thread about realism, cars, planes, suitcases and whatever. I was originally born in Holland, land of masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Karel Appel, etc. Did they go for nothing but realism? No. Did anyone ask themselves why? Theres a lot more to it than just creating realism. An image needs to have a soul or heart, maybe a reflection of an idea or emotion. People who dont understand this will never learn what art is really about. Ask yourself why certain photographs have such an impact on the viewer. Is it because of the realism? No. If someone ever achieves to render 3 perfect balls on a pool table, does that make him an artist? No. Dont get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with realism, as long as its used to make a beautiful and impressive image thats like a modern version of a painting of one of the real masters of this and previous centuries and not just a perfect render. Three perfect balls cant compete with one of the best images of Thomas Krahn or Pmermino (to name just a few good Vue artists); they know what art is all about! Btw, I also dont understand why someone who can buy a computer and Vue dEsprit, isnt able to save money for a program like Cinema 4D 8 that sells for less than $595 and save himself a lot of headaches in Vue dEsprit, because thats like using MS Paint instead of Photoshop, with all respect for Vue dEsprit which is a great program, but you have to open your eyes for its limitations. Everyone also has to ask himself when hes not a top #D artist whether its worth to spend weeks and weeks on one scene, especially if you also have something like family life. Of course, its not up to me to decide what anyone does with his spare time; Im only defending the wives and kids ;) I didnt want to offend anyone. Im only trying to defend what art should be all about and I do understand that theres nothing wrong with trying to create something realistic in Vue, but please, dont forget the real meaning of art, because it would only make me sad

Looks great Thomas; I wouldn't change one bit (I'm serious!) So there's finally a web site coming eh? good! There are many talented people here at renderosity, but your work has inspired me to make the step to Vue d'Esprit amd trust me, for such a Photoshop guru like me, that's a major thing you've achieved ha! Keep up the great work!