NewTek Releases LightWave 3D 8.5
NewTek Inc. announced the release of the fifth free update and the 64-bit port for Emmy award-winning LightWave 3D. Version 8.5 offers hardware support of OpenGL 2.0, the new Multishift tool with editable history, Photoshop-style texture blending modes, improved dynamics and easier integration of third-party file formats.
The 64-bit port of LightWave 3D for Windows XP Pro x64 OS, is also being made available as part of the release of the version 8.5 update. LightWave's 64-bit version leverages the increased memory available with 64-bit systems plus the power of the new processors and faster RAM access to provide digital artists with a streamlined workflow that allows them greater flexibility and creative freedom. LightWave version 8.5 update is now available free to registered owners of LightWave [8].
"We're very pleased to bring our LightWave users a new level of display capabilities in OpenGL, and a quantum leap in content creation capability with 64-bit performance," said Jay Roth, president of NewTeks 3D graphics division. "Accurate realtime display of many of the aspects of the final image without having to render will save a great deal of production time. With LightWave 64-bit and the new 64-bit dual-core platforms, content creators can complete their work in less time, or do more complex work than could previously have been done within a given time and budget. The 8.5 release is another milestone in major performance enhancements as our development team moves LightWave forward, demonstrating our commitment to rapid and innovative development."
"We're pleased that NewTek has used powerful development tools from Intel and participation in the Intel Early Access Program to optimize LightWave's performance for a wide variety of Intel processors," added Melissa Laird, general manager of Intel's Developer Relations division. "LightWave users can take maximum advantage of the enhanced performance offered by powerful new Intel processors, including the latest multi-core technologies."
LightWave 3D, version 8.5 includes:* New OpenGL Hardware shader option using the hardware renderer in OpenGL video cards to display many of the render functions in realtime. Lights, light falloffs, blending images on surfaces and per-pixel lighting will all be available in realtime, with an option to turn this feature on and off.* New Photoshop-style texture blending modes* New Parts-to-Surfaces tool allows for easier integration of 3D objects created in other applications.* New Multishift allows the user to do multiple bevels and extrusions in a single edit with a history profile that can be saved and applied to other meshes.* Dynamics now launch a control window that allows you to switch to other applications while calculating dynamics in LightWave.* Particle dynamics have been improved for accuracy, including interaction with collision planes. A new algorithm also allows large dynamic scenes to load up to 10x faster.* 78 new configurable keyboard shortcut options.
LightWave [8] is currently available for Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS X, for a suggested retail price of $795. Registered owners of LightWave [7] or earlier may upgrade to version [8] for $395. The LightWave v8.5 update is available to registered owners of LightWave [8] by free download. LightWave 64 is available to registered LightWave [8] owners at no charge other than the cost of materials and shipping for the required LightWave v8.5 installer CD, $29.95 plus shipping and handling. In addition to the regular retail price offerings, the following special purchase options are available for a limited time:
LightWave Full seats:* LightWave [8] full seat, PDF manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $795* LightWave [8] full seat, printed manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $895
For registered owners of LightWave [7.5] or earlier:* LightWave [8] upgrade, PDF manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $395* LightWave [8] upgrade, printed manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $495
For Registered owners of LightWave [8]:* LightWave 3D v9.0 upgrade with PDF manual and Vue 5 Infinite: $395* LightWave 3D v9.0 with printed manual and Vue 5 Infinite: $495
Those purchasing any LightWave [8] full or upgrade product offering after Aug. 1, qualify for a free upgrade to LightWave 3D version 9.0 upon its release. To locate a NewTek Authorized Reseller link to www.newtek.com/dealers.
With headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, NewTek (www.newtek.com) is a leading provider of full-featured video editing, live production, presentation, animation and visual effects tools including LightWave 3D, winner of the 2003 Primetime Emmy Engineering Award, TriCaster and VT[4]. Recent television and film projects using NewTek production tools include SERENITY, FANTASTIC FOUR, THE ADVENTURES OF SHARK BOY AND LAVA GIRL IN 3-D, SIN CITY, THE AVIATOR, ALIENS OF THE DEEP, I, ROBOT, SPIDER-MAN 2, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, STARGATE SG-1, STARGATE ATLANTIS, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. Recent game titles include RIDGE RACERS, FULL SPECTRUM WARRIOR, BURNOUT 3, DOOM III, UNREAL TOURNAMENT and AGE OF MYTHOLOGY.