CGI Software : Comparison Maya and Lightwave 3D

Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is a division of Computer Science, viewed as a division that is sexy. Section of being able to produce an object with a realistic view that makes us chuckle often amazed. But more than that, CGI has transformed businesses billions of dollars for the film industry, advertising and modeling. The software developer is seriously develop supporting software for the wash dollar CGI.

Like most software, there are two things CGI software category, which is proprietary software, the price range of its sales are less than one hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some software is good enough to be sold with thousands of dollars.

Maya

This software is quite popular among makers’ visual effects films. Some films likes Ice Age, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens is a film that is done by using Maya for visual effect. In addition, the game Resistance 2, produced by Insomniac Games is one game that all the effects done with Maya.

At first, Maya was released for the IRIX operating system, and also support for the Windows operating system, Linux, and Mac OS X. Support for IRIX operating system is discontinued after the release of version 6.5.

The main feature is Maya 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. Maya provides a variety of 3D Modeling starting from the polygon, NURBS to Subdivision surface modeling. In the final version, ie version 2010, Maya has two versions, namely version Complete and Unlimited versions.

What are the benefits of the Maya?

Here are the benefits of Maya Unlimited versions:

• Maya Fluid Effects, effects used to create smoke, fire, sky, and explosions.
• Classuc Maya Cloth, which simulate the folds / cloth movement.
• Maya Fur, simulated fur or grass.
• Maya Hair, human hair and to simulate movement.
• Maya Live, Maya nCloth, Maya and nParticle.

Maya also has a scripting language called Maya Embedded Language (MEL), is a language similar to C.MEL, as well as other programming language, MEL can be typed on the script editor, and executed so that the user can have access and control more than Access user interface.

Lightwave 3D

In 1988, Allen Hastings created a rendering and animation program called Videoscape and his friend Stuart Ferguson has created a complementary 3D modeling program called Modeler. then both marketed by Aegis software. Then NewTek acquired both, and combine them into a video editing application called Video Toaster. Initially, the merger of the three applications is named “NewTek 3D Animation System for the Amiga", but later suggested the name Allen Hastings Lightwave 3D (until now).

Lightwave 3D was first released in 1990, with the Commodore Amiga computer platform. However, in the year 1994 is available in standalone applications, and can be run on Windows and Mac OS X.

Main interesting of LightWave 3D consists of two separate programs, kindly modeler and Layout. Layout contains animation and rendering system that has several options, such as ray tracing, multithreading, Global Illumination, and the output parameter. Modeler is used to make 3D modeling, which will be used in animation or rendering component.

Modeler and Layout is designed to produce a working environment for specific tasks. When both are running simultaneously, there is a third process called the Hub, which automatically synchronize. Another feature of Lightwave 3D is LightWave programmers can develop the ability to use scripting language called LScript.

Some features mainstay of this latest version of LightWave 3D is:

• Character Animation Enhancement, which includes FiberFX (used for drawing hair and fur solution), Collada, FBX, and obj I / O (for increased compatibility with other applications), Enhanced CI and Animation System (to improve the control to an animation of a character) .
• Adaptive Pixel Subdivision, which resulted in increased speed in the process of rendering.
• Advanced Camera Tools, which produces effects such as Real Lens Camera.
• Support and MudBox map from ZBrush.
• Support a full SDK that allows thirdy-parties to create nodes.
• System description of a new screen in OpenGL.
• Support dual and multicore.