Hi Tim,

I am still currently using trial versions, but I have a question.

I know V6 (2d/3d) as been updated with a new revision of the kernel, has that been implemented into the pro/shark versions?

I have no problem at all with making purchase now of the 2d/3d version, but I do have some interest with the added surface tools in the pro/shark (Well, I am just starting to find my feet with them, as they are a little different to handle than other apps I use)


Best Regards,

- Steve

>>I know V6 (2d/3d) as been updated with a new revision of the kernel, has >>that been implemented into the pro/shark versions?

Current versions of ViaCAD Pro and Shark are on ACIS R18.

Tim

>>What is the sequence for development & updates
>>is Shark after ViaCAD or how does it work ?

They are based on the same code stream but released at different dates. We're now updating Shark and Shark FX for a V5 curtousey service pack to include the new features and bug fixes in ViaCAD.


>>Also, how does the license system work (serial, dongle ?) and what about >>two computers..additional cost etc ??

Serial number and authcode tied to your machine. You can install and use on multiple machines (desktop, laptop), but only one copy can be running at any time. The license is also cross platform regarding mac or pc. Big thing is only one copy can be running at a time. Also, this is for Shark license. I could not convince our legal guys to do the same for ViaCAD licenses.


Tim

I kind of understand that though. It's good sales sense. $99 for ViaCAD is bargain basement territory. 100 gets two licences- that's a great price for ACIS based CAD software imho.

I'll probably end up saving for Shark FX for my Macintosh and leave VC for the PC.

>> There are no plans to drop Shark. There are no plans to change the pricing >> for Shark or Shark FX. We are working on a better bridge between ViaCAD
>> and Shark. You will see more functionality going into Shark as part of some >> new licensing we did with Spatial and Lightworks

Thx Tim - thats good news for us. Care to give me an insight into the 'more functionality' you talk about pls....

Rgds,

--Paul--

Hello Tim:

Great to hear that a lot more of the features of Lightworks will be exposed in upcoming versions.

I can't encourage you enough to consider the interface as important as the features when it comes to rendering. I would also hope you are open to not building on top of the current interface but willing to explore new options.

With so many good things happening with Shark now (I think the traffic in the forum is evidence) and with rendering being one of it's key distinctions from other programs in the Punch family, it seems imperative to get it right.

In my opinion, there is already a lot of Lightworks functionality in Shark but the interface has held many back from exploring and committing to learning it. I would be happy to share numerous examples of renderings I have produced in FormZ (many modeled in Shark) that I would not dare to attempt to render in Shark (and FormZ's rendering engine is Lightworks!).

I will spend some time identifying the features I would find key to a good rendering interface and post next week.

I look forward to seeing where this all goes!

Gary

Hi Gary,

Yes, suggestions appreciated. Since they are based on LW, it would be interesting to hear how they exposed material parameters in a more easier manner. I believe they expose in terms of color, displacement, reflectance,transparenchy, and texture space as we do?

Tim