By GWilson (Gbw6700) (24.30.98.97) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 03:09 am:

I have come to a point where our production pipeline needs an overhaul. Right now, we are completely dependent on Lightwave as our 3D solution. However, Lightwave hasn't seen an update for quite some time, and I have heard nary a whisper about any upcoming versions. Does anyone have any information about what is in LW's future? I have heard about the split between Newtek and the newly formed Luxology, but who is now developing Lightwave?

We are already considering other solutions, such as Maya or Cinema 4d on OS X, or Softimage on XP, if Lightwave proves not to be a forward-looking soluton. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

By Alan Kott (Fallen) (64.163.110.105) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 03:19 am:

Let the thread begin......

By Fee ... (Phunky_Fee) (217.204.66.43) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 04:54 am:

you're probably better off going with other options if what you're looking for is a long-term solution.
LW's approach seems to be patch here, plug-in there... but no real majour developments. And if they do come out with a majour release, it will take about 6-10 months to become stable / production proven.

I'd say go with XSI if money's no object. Although Maya might be a good choice too, easier to find trained people in Maya.


just my 2 cents...

By Dillon N Thomas (Dillon) (63.13.224.53) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 12:22 pm:

LightWave's future appears to be bright. There are rumors, and there are rumors of rumors of what is going on in development.

Regardless of the rumors, if you look at the history of LightWave's development cycles, it becomes apparent that LW undergoes a major rewrite every few years - this has happened twice in LightWave's history. We're almost due for another major revision.

The weakest point of LW is its workflow, to which there are workarounds. The strongest point of LW is the final result: the renderer. It has one of the best damn renderers on the planet.

Maya's renderer SUCKS. Max's renderer is okay.

Based on this information, I personally would stay with LightWave, because of the renderer. The other tools that need better development within LW are maturing fast.

Good luck with your decision!

Dillon