kaydara motionbuilder

[Pensart]

Kaydara motionbuilder
is it any good?

[Pensart]

the PE version that is?

[ToonShady]

Isn't the PE version the same as the regular version. I think you are only bound by the terms of use contract (no corporate/studio usage). This package looks like a good substitute for Layout and Messiah. There're videos done by 3dbuzz on the site that shows you how MB works. And if you do a search through their forum with the keyword Lightwave, you will find info on how to request for a demo/evaluation copy. I requested mine and wait to see if this is a viable solution. My fingers crossed. :cool:

[Pensart]

thanks for the reply toonshader, i already ordered it. i'll keep u posted.

[Visnarel]

I've been using motionbuilder for a couple of months now, it is hands down the best bi-ped animation tool ever created.... :)

[Tom Wood]

Visnarel -

Could you expand on that a little? I'm looking closely at Messiah because of its close relationship with Lightwave. Seems like it might run smoother. But Motion Builder is very attractive as well.

Thanks,

TW

[ToolmakerSteve]

But read the first line under Program Restrictions at
http://www.kaydarastore.com/site/Products.asp?ProdStock=002&SID=9G83LCL19R

"This product contains a ONE-YEAR license, meaning it will expire after one year starting from the date you activate your license."

Ouch - after a year, its toast :(

(Talking about the $100 PE version)

[Tom Wood]

According to this thread at CGTalk, they are offering a $100 upgrade to a permanent license later this year.

http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46299

I'm just curious, functionality-wise, why you would choose MB over Messiah, or vice versa.

TW

[ToonShady]

I find the VTM does a great job convincing me to fork out my money, eventhough there are still some issues remains in question. Plus the extra $100 dollar for the permanent license is still cheaper than Messiah 1.57(plugin version).

I find MB borrows it's workflow and interface from the Maya, XSI, etc alot. I have been working with XSI side by side with LW for awhile now, and I can only wish, for a long time, that LW's animation tools would get anywhere like XSI or Maya without their rediculous highend pricing mentality. So far the feel of MB and it's price just seems like a good solution for me.

To get down to the specifics, I like MB because:

. Sensable looking, customizable and functional interface.

. A nice biped rig that works right out of the box, and has both fk and ik system, effector pinning, a synotic view ala XSI.

. The transform gizmos works like Maya, functionally and visually.

. Multiple undos.

. Layer animation. Like Keytrak.

. Optimize for realtime playback.

. The view navigation system works just like what a good animation package ought to be.

[ToolmakerSteve]

Tom Wood- "...$100 upgrade to a permanent license later this year"

THAT is good to hear! Thank you for pointing that out.


Regarding functionality, I'm looking at their videos to see what it can do:
http://www.kaydara.com/support/documentation/kb/index.php?filename=video