LightWave 3D 8.3

today announced the forthcoming release of the free 8.3 update to LightWave 3D. The company said it has optimized the software for multi-core processor systems. Following NewTek’s 64-bit beta announcement, LightWave 3D is "leading the industry again" as "the first professional 3D graphics application to provide optimization and support for multi-core technology." Multi-core processor technology provides the power of two processors on a single chip. The release will be available to registered owners of LightWave as a free download within a few days.

In addition to full support of the new generation multi-core processor systems, this release offers enhanced vector blur routines and improved integration with other production tools via updated PSD support, as well as a new gradient option for HyperVoxels™ (LightWave®’s volumetric rendering system), improved text tools for Modeler, and new features and functions in the Scene Editor and Dope Track.

LightWave 3D, version 8.3 Includes:

• Multi-core processor support
  
• PSD Import/Export revised to include a variety of new options, filters and controls, as well as enhanced processing of LightWave's internal buffers for better compatibility on export
  
• New "Text Layers" tool for creating text with a variety of controls and options
  
• Improved Vector Blur routines
  
• New "Relative Particle Age" gradient option for HyperVoxels
  
• New "Blending" surface-tension control for HyperVoxels.
  
• HyperVoxels now work in combination with fog
  
• HyperVoxels refraction now works in combination with dissolve and fog
  
• Point limit per polygon increased from 1024 to 16383.
  
• Enhanced Documentation for LightWave's Object Properties Edge Tab functions
  

by MacNN Staff