Move Over, SGI; NT Is Here!

Although SGI once ruled the roost in Hollywood for computer-generated imaging,the combination of fast chipsets, such as the MIPS and the Alpha, and WindowsNT's raw 32-bit power is rapidly changing the pecking order. In the last year, anumber of the world's leading 3D software packages have been ported to NT, andit has become an extremely cost-effective and powerful alternative. Exhibit A isNewTek's LightWave 3D. The program has been used on productions such as Babylon5, Space: Above and Beyond, and Unsolved Mysteries. But theHollywood resume isn't just window-dressing: It's helped LightWave to become afinely honed creative tool for professionals.

LightWave 3D
LightWave's straightforward, no-nonsense interface doesn't get in theartist's way, but ease of use doesn't hide it's real power either. Almost everyfeature in the program can be animated: Lights can brighten and change directionwhile objects morph and rotate and the camera sweeps and zooms in. Features suchas inverse kinematics and bones allow you to create complex character motionswith relative ease.

LightWave's output looks great and is very flexible. There are variableanti-aliasing options, and you can render images in resolutions ranging frompostage stamp to billboard. You can also swap lenses just like you would on areal motion picture camera and add features such as adjustable motion blur. Wantspecial effects? No problem! LightWave has a ton of effects capabilities builtinto the program, including fog, lens flares, and digital compositing. This lastfeature is particularly useful, as it lets you combine the 3D worlds you createwith the real world you can capture with your camera. Want a spaceship to landin your backyard? LightWave can give you the footage, including having your 3Dspaceship cast shadows on your real-world lawn.

LightWave's Modeler has enough object-creation tools to keep any 3D artisthappy for years (see screen A). Objects can start as 3D primitives, such asboxes, balls, or cylinders, or you can use the 2D drawing and editing functionsto make your shape and then lathe, extrude, or twist it. There are alsofunctions for drawing splines or creating text with TrueType or PostScriptfonts.

Please see sidebar "SoftImage Coming to NT".