First, let’s look at what all of the different software titles have in common.
True-to-Life Renderings
All 3D pre-visualization applications allow the user to create realistic set and lighting design renderings using reflection, transparency, lighting, shadow and smoke. Using these 3D modeling and rendering techniques, beams from lighting fixtures simulate true-to-life lighting conditions in real time on the computer screen.
Each of these pre-visualization applications also provide similar tools for viewing a virtual 3D world, including animated smoke with adjustable density and evenness and ISO camera views for easy manipulation of objects in 3D view. Libraries of 3D objects are included as well and can be easily dragged and dropped into the 3D virtual space.
The price range for these applications varies greatly. While some programs are a one-price-fits-all solution, most of these applications charge per number of DMX universes needed.
For example, prices for ESP Vision range from $750 per universe (512 DMX channels) up to $6,750 for an unlimited number of DMX universes. ESP Vision and WYSIWYG software also include a one-year subscription at no extra charge that lets users take advantage of upgrades made available in that time. Renewal subscriptions are slightly less expensive once the initial software purchase is made. Most of these companies also offer educational discounts as well, making the product more accessible to educational facilities and students.
ArtNet or DMX over Ethernet functionality is available in all of these applications. This means that if your lighting console can output DMX over Ethernet, then you should not need any additional hardware devices like Sand Network Systems’ SandBoxes, USB boxes or other proprietary boxes to connect from the console to the computer. Note that when using ArtNet or other Ethernet protocols, some minimal networking knowledge will be needed to adjust the IP address of your computer to within the range of the lighting console (or vice versa).
Some pre-visualization applications offer direct connectivity to consoles with specific drivers.
Functionality for Streaming Video is available in some of these applications, including ESP Vision, WYSIWYG, Capture and LightConverse.
AVI, MOV and/or SWF movies can be generated in these applications as well making an animated loop comprised from scenes showing multiple camera angles. This helps demonstrate to the client the looks and feel that you are trying to convey with your design.
Key Differences
Now, let’s look at some of their differences.
In ESP Vision, the user can create a scene either from within the application and then add 3D objects, or he can use a 3D Modeling application (VectorWorks 2008 or greater, 3D Studio Max 2008 or greater, Autodesk Viz 2007 or greater) to create a custom model with the lighting plot, staging, and other elements using 3D symbols provided by ESP Vision. Once the 3D model file has been created, it is then converted into an ESP Scene file, which can then be opened up from within the ESP Vision application.
grandMA 3D, which is available as a free software application, on the other hand, is designed to work exclusively with the grandMA consoles. The user does not need to pre-build a scene; instead, once fixtures have been patched into the console, the information is uploaded to the 3D Pre-Viz program via the console networking functionality, and then additional objects can be added to the scene from within the application.
WYSIWYG is a full package of software for lighting designers. Not only does it provide the 3D visualization feature, the user creates the entire environment from within the WYSIWYG application, including lighting plot and paperwork, scenic elements, architectural elements, etc. WYSIWYG also includes an LED Wizard and other tools for working with LED products. WYSIWYG can also accurately simulate shadows, footprints, and lighting beam hot spots.
With Martin ShowDesigner/MSD, the entire scene is created in the MSD application and can be exported as a DXF file for use with CAD applications. MSD offers photometric calculations with a software light meter tool that calculates light level on the surface of an object. It also features a converter tool for importing IES profiles into MSD and can generate 3D Camera animations using an intuitive time-line control.
LightConverse, like MSD, lets users create the virtual scene as part of the application. Realistic representations of moving lights allow for very accurate simulation of all of the parameters for a fixture, including CMY, Gobo, Prism, Zoom and Focus and so on. Pyro and special effects can be controlled via DMX within the application as well. Lasers, water screens and fountains can also be simulated in the application.
Photorealistic renderings are done in real time, and the software allows DMX controlled moving objects to be moved to multiple positions and rotated in a single cue including truss and drapes and screens. There are now 32 independent video streams with nine live inputs available for streaming video in addition to nine live previews from Hippotizer mediaservers.
The plot and paperwork can be generated from within the application as well. LightConverse’s Unlimited version has one price and includes 96 universes of DMX control. Also, software updates are available free of charge, and there are no yearly subscriptions or renewal fees.
Multiple Options
As you can see, there are a multitude of 3D pre-visualization software options available to lighting designers and programmers. They all can produce realistic renderings of your stage environment, have a lot of features for customizing that environment and come in a wide range of prices.
Be sure to check out the websites of these programs and download the free demo shows. It’s well worth the time it takes to compare these products to find the one most suited to your needs. It might even take longer to compare all the pre-viz options than it takes to pre-program your show!
Pre-Viz Options/Companies/Websites
- ESP Vision (Zzyzx Inc.)/www.espvision.com
- WYSIWYG (CAST Group)/www.cast-soft.com
- LightConverse (LightConverse Ltd.)/www.lightconverse.net
- Martin ShowDesigner/MSD (Martin Professional)/www.martin.com
- Capture Polar (Capture Visualization)/www.capturesweden.com
- grandMA 3D (MA Lighting)/www.malighting.com
