NUGRAF Rendering System 4.1.2

CADalyst, August, 2004

Okino Computer Graphics

www.okino.com

Price: $495

The NuGraf Rendering System is a complete design solution. A speedy and capable renderer, it comes with top-quality converters and optimization tools for a broad range of graphic file formats. It handles all forms of geometry, including NURBS and meshes. These characteristics are complemented by a well-designed interface and the ability to process and render huge files quickly and with minimal memory. An extensive Help system is available for when you do have questions.

The NuGraf Rendering System is solid and reliable. Okino is well-known for its conversion capabilities, which are truly outstanding. New since we reviewed the system last year is a free IRIT Modeler exporter module from Technion University, a free Leveller height field exporter by Daylon Graphics, and certification for Autodesk Inventor v8 compliance. PolyTrans and NuGraf v4.1 customers can now download the Houdini Geo import converter and a new MilkShape-3D import converter that bridges the gap between the most popular 3D gaming file formats.

At the source level, there are really no differences between PolyTrans and NuGraf. At the functional level, NuGraf is the full-blown application and PolyTrans is a simpler version. PolyTrans doesn't include the full ray-tracing functionality or advanced rendering features such as lens flares, perspective match, and ray tracing. It also doesn't offer interactive texture projections, polygon level picking, material assignments, or horizontal toolbars. PolyTrans plug-ins are available for Maya, 3ds max, XSI, and Macromedia Director.

The current release of the NuGraf Rendering System supports 18 major CAD formats in addition to formats from animation packages such as Lightwave, Softimage, 3ds max, Maya, and others. A listing of all its major new features and new 3D/2D file formats is online at www.okino.com/version_comparisons.htm.> Okino focuses on the quality and accuracy of its translation capabilities. After some sixteen years dedicated to creating a seamless and cost-effective bridge to move CAD assemblies from the CAD world into animation and visual simulation, Okino has definite ideas of what does and does not constitute a quality product. This eye for detail and quality is reflected in its products.

You can download demos of PolyTrans and NuGraf for Windows. There's also an optional download of the Okino Plug-Ins Super Installer to install native import and export converters in 3ds max, Maya, Softimage-XSI, and Macromedia Director (import). A command-line demo of PolyTrans is available for Silicon Graphics IRIX (UNIX).

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