LightWave v9.6 numerous benefits to artists include:

• FiberFX Cloning - Provides the ability to place multiple instances of hair on an object.
• Layout Snapping - Allows the quick connection of one item to another, saving time and additional steps.
• Drag and Drop - Allows an icon of an object or scene to be opened by dropping the icon into Modeler or Layout.
• New and Improved Export Buffers - Enables multi-pass pipeline users to output more buffers (layers) in high dynamic range, rather than be limited to 8 bpc (bits per channel), for greater flexibility.
• Multi-threaded Pixel Filters - Provides faster rendering of projects that integrate pixel filters.
• Depth Buffer Normalizing - Allows 3D scene elements exported into film or video footage to automatically blend properly, even if moving relative to one another.
• Ray Cutoff - Enables artists to decide at what point to cease ray bounces when rendering a scene with numerous reflections, refractions and transparency, significantly shortening render time.
• Open to other render engines - Other rendering engines conforming to the LightWave v9.6 SDK can be used directly from within the LightWave interface.
• Three New Nodes:
• Car Paint: Greatly eases the creation of complex polished surfaces
• Flake: A simple procedural texture based upon the flakes often seen in car paint
• Curve: Allows the creation of complex gradients

NewTek LightWave 3D combines a state-of-the-art renderer with intuitive and powerful modeling and animation tools. Known for its fast workflow and ease of use, LightWave integrates well with other popular production tools for 3D and compositing, with support for a wide range of formats. Tools that may cost extra in other professional 3D applications are built into LightWave 3D, including unlimited render nodes, hard- and soft-body dynamics, hair, fur, cloth simulation and more. LightWave is enjoyed worldwide as a complete 3D production solution for visual effects in television, film, broadcast graphics, games, visualization, print and web.

More Information at www.newtek.com