Real-time 3D design tool, MachStudio Pro, now free (as in free, not even reg-ware)

3D Buzz - MachStudio Pro now Free

"Last week it was $4000, now it is free ;)

What is MachStudio Pro?

MachStudio Pro is stand-alone, visualization and rendering software that lets 3D artists create and manipulate lights, materials, and HDR cameras in a real-time, non-linear workflow environment to achieve film quality results..."

Studio GPU - Download MachStudio Pro Free

"See how MachStudio Pro can help you explore and refine your creative options in real-time in full cinematic quality within a true non-linear 3D environment. This is a full featured version of MachStudio Pro and has absolutely no financial obligation or commitment.

How could this be? How can StudioGPU offer such a valuable piece of software at no cost? Let us briefly explain how we can do it. We firmly believe that MachStudio Pro is a revolutionary piece of software that will completely transform the way that you work in 3D by saving you both time and money. Based on our confidence in this notion, we think we can create a viable business model from generating revenue from Support, Training and Consulting Services. Please help us change the 3D production world for the better. Take a spin on MachStudio Pro today. You won't be sorry.

MachStudio Pro system requirements

Operating System:

• Microsoft Windows 7 - 32 bit or 64 bit
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business - 32 bit or 64 bit (SP1 or higher)

Hardware Minimum Requirements:

• Intel Pentium 4 or higher, AMD Athlon 64, or AMD Opteron processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 2 GB of available disk space
• 1 GB DirectX 11 compliant video card (tested w/ ATI and NVIDIA)

..."

Studio GPU - MachStudio

"Realtime 3D graphics on your desktop

MachStudio Pro revolutionizes the 3D visualization production pipeline by placing the power of real-time graphics processing at your fingertips. Leveraging the horsepower of off-the-shelf professional graphics processing units (GPUs) and an innovative real-time rendering engine, it delivers a dynamic, feature-rich, non-linear work-space for creating superior CG images while optimizing resources and providing significant time and cost savings.

The Ultimate CG Sandbox

Designed by artists for artists and shaped by the actual demands of production, MachStudio Pro redefines the 3D workflow by eliminating the need for render farms and putting creativity and flexibility back into the hands of the people who need it. Digital artists can develop their work exactly as it will appear in the final render including complex lighting, caustics, cameras, shaders, materials, ambient occlusion, and color grading. Render times that usually take hours or days are reduced to minutes and even seconds, limiting artists only to the scope of their creativity.

The Benefits of MachStudio Pro

• Real-time rendering on your desktop — say good-bye to expensive render farms.
• Groundbreaking levels of interactivity giving the power back to the artist instead of the pipeline.
• Provides revolutionary workflow allowing manipulation of cameras, lighting, ambient occlusion, animation, and materials in real-time.
• Seamless interoperability with most leading CG software programs including Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max .
• Resolution independent, allowing renders at any resolution and format (e.g. 1080P, 720P, 16:9, 4:3, NTSC, PAL and even 2K and beyond).
• Render as final frame, or as passes for additional compositing work.
• Generate higher quality CGI results for less time and money.

..."

The sad thing is all my systems are to lame (err... lower end... I mean) to run this. I so need to get a new notebook... sigh.

Anyway... This looks like something that would be pretty fun to play with. And given the cost...