New Plug-in Provides Real-Time Creation, Editing of HDRI Maps in LightWave
February 25, 2014

New Plug-in Provides Real-Time Creation, Editing of HDRI Maps in LightWave

BURBANK, CA – The latest software developer to create new enhancements that complement the features of NewTek LightWave 3D software is HDR Light Studio with its HDR Light Studio Live Connection. The software offers real-time lighting sessions for the creation of HDRI maps with instant feedback in the LightWave Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR).

HDR Light Studio includes tools for helping artists deliver stunning final results. From the LightWave 3D viewport, including VPR mode, artists can position lights directly in a shot for instant visual feedback. The point and click lighting approach is designed save time and streamline rendering workflow.

"It’s exciting to see HDR Light Studio go to market with its new Live Connection plug-in for LightWave – the first designed to directly support LightWave’s VPR,” said Rob Powers, president, LightWave 3D Group. “By offering an interactive, real-time lighting tool that takes advantage of the power of the VPR in LightWave, artists are free to easily explore different image-based lighting scenarios. Image based lighting was a first in LightWave; it creates very realistic and subtle lighting of a scene. HDR Light Studio’s ability to tap into the VPR to extend image-based editing makes it an essential tool for any LightWave artist.”

HDR Light Studio Live Connection features include:

  • Nondestructive, interactive HDRI map creation and editing
  • Live Connection between HDR Light Studio and LightWave 3D
  • LightPaint for point and click light positioning and selection in views, including the VPR
  • Controllable procedural light sources and library of HDR lights, including HDR captures of studio light sources
  • Layered lighting system with blend modes

Other features in HDR Light Studio Live Connection include the ability to enhance existing HDRI maps via localized adjustments to color, exposure and saturation; augment existing HDRI maps with additional light sources; and store and manage preset HDR Light Studio environment designs in LightWave 3D.  

The HDR Light Studio Live Connection plugin for LightWave 3D is included in the HDR Light Studio 4 – Complete edition and is compatible with LightWave 3D versions 10 or higher for Windows or Mac.The HDR Light Studio 4 – Complete edition is priced $500. LightWave 11.6 is priced at $1,495 but is currently available for a promotional price of $995.