Sanity Check - iClone Animation Pipeline Price

HeavyRay

I got caught-up in all the Reallusion iClone chatter yesterday, and started looking at the differences in the 3dXchange versions (Pro -vs- Pipeline.) I could have SWORN that the price for 'iClone Animation Pipeline' (which includes the Pipeline version) was something like $600-ish dollars, even with the Daz discount.

So when I finally got around to registering iClone3 (bought here, but never installed) from several years back, I looked at their 'member deals.' When I saw this bundle for $499, I pulled the trigger at purchased it (at Reallusion website). Today I look at the price HERE, and it's $420!!!!

Not asking for sympathy, pity, etc, but I AM wondering if anyone can confirm that yesterday's price was substantially highly, or if (sadly, I AM 'losing it'...

WendyLuvsCatz

not the pipeline version of 3dx5 that does fbx and bvh export, just a "pipeline" from Daz to iClone
still a good deal though.

HeavyRay

wendy♥catz said:

not the pipeline version of 3dx5 that does fbx and bvh export, just a "pipeline" from Daz to iClone
still a good deal though.

Wendy - I know you're the queen of iClone around here (I read all your posts yesterday when I debated purchasing this prouduct] - thanks for your input.... Still....

I took ANOTHER look at the description, and there seems to be a bit of contradiction (at least the way that _I_ read it)

Second bullet under "What's Included & Features':

"...3DXchange Pipeline: Users can publish iClone content in any interactive platform, game engine, mobile app or web player.This conversion tool along with over 1,000 embedded and online content assets. [seems to say this is the pipeline/full/all-format version]

Yet in the "Product description" blurb:
"...Convert and Adapt Content to Your Design Platform

You may choose to export content from the embedded iClone library or from the marketplace content you collected via 3DXchange. The supported file formats include FBX, BVH, and OBJ. If you use the 3DXchange5 Pipeline Trial version, then you will be able to export 15 file items...." [not sure why there's a reference to a 'trial' version, when other citation implies this is a FULL pipeline version]

Hmmmm.....

WendyLuvsCatz

by no means an iClone queen!
just a beta tester who has been playing with it for sometime and sworn to secrecy unable to share my animations openly etc.
I find it pretty cool but then I started my 3D life using iClone.

DimensionTheory

I noticed that it was $600 when first seeing it as well, the iClone Animation Pipeline (3 in 1) that is. Now it is $420 with the discounts.

0oseven

Dear Wendy, I've had iclone on my wish list for a "few years" and have 2 more days to decide if I take up this deal which looks very good.

I am however dubious about getting daz characters (with clothing) into iclone - 3d exchange video tuts make it look so easy yet I'm sure I read somewhere you have to decimate characters before getting into 3dexchange - or does this newer release do that for you?

I had Daz decimator as a freebie but now it wont load and it appears it was a demo.
I believe the latest Studio will also give you decimator but I'm suspicious it too would be a demo and expire ( though there is no warning about that )which means ultimately you'd have to spend another $100 for the plugin.

Just one other thing - purpose of buying Iclone would be for animation tools. Do you think there is any benefit over Carrara or Studio tools ? they appear to be orientated to making movies so do they make life easier? :ahhh:

I'm also led to believe that iclone rendering isn't very good albeit it is very fast. At least I haven't seen anything outstanding on youtube.
Your valuable advice and opinion would be really appreciated. I would get the demos and try out but need to get the deal if i go ahead ?

By the way, interested people should note if you buy pipeline AND some other march madness item as well, you get extra discount making it an even better deal.:)

0oseven

Oh well it appears i missed out - pipeline now up to $599 in my shopping basket.

There is another offer for Iclone 5 and 3d exchange at about $400 but no further discount.

Previously was getting pipeline at about $320

I would still be interested in your comments wendy

WendyLuvsCatz

I have had 7 undecimated Genesis animated in iClone but was pushing it
I find it easy but cannot speak for others, I find Carrara very easy too
yes it is really only for animation, not art renders.

0oseven

Thanks for that Wendy ! I'll keep on my wish list.

spaceray2005_e908957707

I have seen that today the iClone5 Facial Pipeline Power Bundle costs $399.95 saving a 43% discount and not having any further discount even if you are a platinum member or add a second march madness product.

What I have seen is that in the Reallusion store the price is exactly the same BUT it is added a bonus of other 3 additional free products that I do not know if this is included also if you buy it here in DAZ Store, see it here

ReDave

@0oseven: I know nothing about iClone, but I bought 3DArtist #51 which gave away iClone4 Pro. No idea either if you can buy just a version of 3DXchange that works with iClone4, perhaps Wendy knows the answer to that?
Edit: BTW, Decimator has never been free, you have to pay extra to purchase it. The dll is included in the DAZ Studio download but that is only as a convenience for the user, you have to insert the serial to activate it.