Photoworks -- when they will better integrate it?

[phonix]

Has anyone noticed that the integration of Photoworks into Solidworks is not quite there?

It has that 'forced in' feel. The have two sets of materials, one for Solidworks and one for Photoworks. This is the largest problem. Then they have those checkboxes 'use photoworks materials in solidworks and see solidworks materials in photoworks.'

Then they have about four different wants to start a render. And then if you do a draft render you need go into the options tab and turn down anti aliasing and indirect lighting and then go into the lighting tab and turn down shadow quality. And then for a high quality render you have to go back to these multiple menus to put them on higher quality. All of these quality-related properties should be on one floating menu. And they should have a way to preset high quality and low settings and save them so you can bounce back and forth.

Anyone else notice this?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

In answer to your thread title question;
When enough PhotoWorks users request it via an Enhancement Request.
Have you submitted an ER to SolidWorks for your suggestions?

I don't have the PhotoWorks package so cannot comment regarding it's integration.

 

[Theophilus]

The interface for PhotoWorks (and Animator and probably any other add-in with relatively low user rates) has always been the worst thing about this otherwise very capable rendering engine. 2007 just had an interface overhaul, and if I were learning PhotoWorks again, this definitely would have helped me.

Submit an Enhancement Request, as CorBlimeyLimey suggested. They seem to be taking note that PhotoWorks needs some enhancements, so some good ideas like that might be considered and added in. (I agree with your points above entirely!)



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[rockguy]

Definately submit the enhancements. SolidWorks can't (won't) fix what they don't know is broken.

I agree the interface could be better and I think it has gotten better in 2007

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

http://www.axiscadsolutions.com

http://www.robrodriguez.com

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/

President:

http://www.nvtswug.com

SW 2007 SP 2.0

 

[oharag]

rockguy, SW knows things are broken. It's always up to the user to submit a ER. Why can't the VARs do this on behave of the users? I've heard from many VARS that their voice or input is not weighted as highly as users. Heck, I have work to do. Sure I want SW to improve, but again, why can't I have my VAR speak on my behalf? That's what they are getting paid for!

Just a rant. Thanks.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Like most other organisations/companies the squeakiest wheel gets the grease. Most of the SW changes are driven by customer requests. The more requests SW receives, the higher priority the request is given. Multiple requests from one individual for the same thing doesn't count.

You should not rely on other people to do the squeaking for you. Your VAR speaks on your behalf when reporting bugs.

Stop ranting ... start ER'ing.

 

[SBaugh]

Your VAR can put it in as well, but their voice is looked at as a user and not a VAR. So there is not a lot of pull but a from a users standpoint I think they have more pull then your VAR. Because the user is the one out in the field doing it day in and out, unlike a VAR. So if you want something done, you have to do it yourself... chances of it getting misunderstood or written incorrectly is the chance you take. I do everything on my own. I don't leave it up to some person to do it for me... 90% of time it gets screwed up or miscommunicated.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[rockguy]

SW uses the information from the VAR channel to primarily identify bugs and weight their importance. It's been my experience they find enhancement requests to the software from the users which is why you can log an enhancement request at the SW website but not a bug. A bug you submit to your VAR.

You sumbit a bug to your VAR so they can verify it is truely a bug and then pass it to SW. You could say the bug information you give your VAR is being filtered. SW wants this so their tech people are dealing with "real" problems and not issues that are caused by something other than a SW bug (ex, system set up, graphics card, etc).

You submit an enhacement request directly to SW because they don't want this information filtered.

I didn't set up the system I just know how it works. Wether you like it or not is irrelevant. If you want things to change you have to work within the system.

You could submit an enhancement request asking that the system be changed .......Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

http://www.axiscadsolutions.com

http://www.robrodriguez.com

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/

President:

http://www.nvtswug.com

SW 2007 SP 2.0

 

[SBaugh]

Also do you not think VAR's have work to do too? I am so busy with calls from Customers like you that I stayed stressed out and so busy that some days I would rather work through lunch so I can keep up with the phone calls and emails that come in all day long. 85% of users that have "how to" questions, versus bugs.

So stop complaining about VAR's and follow CBL's suggestion... start placing in some ER's and handle it yourself... you do have more weight then we do and we have as much works as you do, so your not the only one with work, its just different types.

Best regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376