NewTek announced the availability of the latest version of LightWave 3D version 9.0. The new version is the first in a series of revisions and restructurings of the LightWave 3D core with the addition of completely new features, such as a node-based material editor, optically correct cameras, adaptive pixel subdivision, Catmull-Clark surface subdivision, blurring of subsurfaces and ostensible improvements in rendering speed.
The most notable changes for v9 are the addition of a node-based material system that adds shading models to the LightWave, such as Oren-Nayar, anisotropics and subsurface blurring; the ostensible improvement of rendering speed for today's demanding scenes, and the improvement of surface subdivision for modeler and sketching, including adaptive pixel subdivision.
LightWave now has the most comprehensive set of tools for real camera lenses; the above addition will really enhance the ability to couple the artistic visual effects of the 3D elements to the live footage.
Among the many modifications that contribute to improved workflow in the product in design are the improved performance of OpenGL and the additional support for Features of the OpenGL hardware, built on top of the initial implementation of version 8.5. It provides, for many scenes, a more detailed preview of the final image or animation in real time, without the need to create test renders .
The GUI graphical user interface has been improved to allow for more flexible user configurability from the past. Users can tailor the view to meet their needs and preferences to provide the best workflow for their LightWave.
