New Visualizaton software

[gordmcvicar]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and would like to introduce LightConverse, a new design and visualization platform which recently made its North American debut at LDI. There is a video which explains some of its features available at http://lightconverse.net/lc/about/ntb_dv_.avi (it is a fairly big file, about 70MB). There are also some sample renderings and a show video at http://atfull.com/lc_g.html. As this is a new product, we would appreciate any feedback or questions on it.

Thank you for your time,

Gord McVicar

[Footer]

Looks like a great piece of software. Few questions... the paperwork side does not look that well developed from the video, how well does the software output to lightwright or vectorworks? Can a WYSIWYG or vectorworks plot be imported and keep the fixtures strait without having to re-import fixtures. The rendering engine looks great, I was waiting for someone to put my video card to real work.

[icewolf08]

Well, here is a big downside to your software: Mac compatibility! (or lack thereof)

[Van]

Speaking of new visualization software...Our resident Scenic designer showed me something he picked up the other day, it's called Turbo Sketch. He's using it with SketchUp. For Scenic purposes it's great you can set up lighting sources to make your sketchup drawings then render out into a photo realistic rendering. pretty cool, pretty quick. I'll report back after I've had a chance to play with it.

[gordmcvicar]

Thank you for your comments Footer.

The software can export 3D .dxf, .x files and .3dl files. It does not export directly to lightwright, however, it does printout a list of fixtures used in the design, dmx addresses, gel #’s etc. (future releases will have a newer layout). The paperwork side will also print out detailed plots in 2D or 3D.

A 3D set design, props, full theatre, etc., can be imported via 3D .dxf, or .x files (I believe the software you mentioned exports .dxf files). There is also a full object library within the program with primitive shapes, trussing, props, actors, etc (all customizable). It does not import fixtures from other programs. The highly realistic nature of our virtual fixtures and their parameters make it impossible to interface with other types of software fixtures. But there is a full fixture library included and you can also design your own fixtures from within the program.

And you are right about your video card being put to work. Because the software is based on a 3D games engine, it is highly reliant on the video card. With a good consumer-level card, nice frame rates can be attained.

For icewolf: yes, I agree...but it will run via BootCamp (if that's any consolation)

Gord McVicar