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Headus UV tool
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These pages are a copy of the official truespace forums prior to their removal somewhere around 2011.
They are retained here for archive purposes only.
Headus UV tool // Roundtable
Post by MadMouse // Sep 5, 2007, 9:22am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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OK guys, take a deep breath, check your bank balance and then watch the videos at this link:-
http://www.uvlayout.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=67
I stumbled onto a link to this from the Silo forums and have been trialing this program for the last couple of days. (Infact I just purchased it!!)
This is by far the best stand alone UV mapping software I've ever used, and has some extremely clever tools. Now I've played with it for a while I have no doubt that it will literally shave hours off my work load when UV mapping complex organic models.
The interface and controls take a little getting used to as they rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts (which I've never been a fan of) but once you've got the hang of it, its work flow is outstanding!
Currently it is very near the end of its beta stage and is being released in full at the end of the month. But if you purchase it now you get the full release for free and also save a large amount of cash on the full price. So if your interested you'll have to be quick.
Trust me... watch the videos... you will be impressed!!!!
Steve |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 5, 2007, 10:59am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Looks like it's come a long way since I linked it to the forum a few months back. Hmm.... $175 eh? Probably worth it considering the amount of time spent UV mapping. Still it's pretty harsh price from a software that "only" does UV mapping....
hmm.... lets see, Silo, ZBrush, or Headus..... :p tough choice. :D |
Post by MadMouse // Sep 5, 2007, 11:10am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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hmm.... lets see, Silo, ZBrush, or Headus..... tough choice.
No contest.... Silo V2 all the way :banana: |
Post by Steinie // Sep 5, 2007, 11:17am
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Steinie
Total Posts: 3667
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Although seeing Jack Edward's Harp entry in the Gallery and thinking he doesn't need anything else...
I agree with Silo being on the top of the list! Yes it is that good.
The price does sound high for Headus but boy does it look sweet! If you don't buy the dongle and it uses your ethernet card as a dongle and the ethernet card goes bad what happens then? |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 5, 2007, 11:29am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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:jumpy: I totally forgot that I'd submitted that! :D
I imagine that you just call them up and get it keyed to your new Ethernet card. Seems crazy to pay an extra $100 for a dongle version -- besides, I hate dongles, and I bet they don't work with Vista either. :rolleyes: |
Post by Délé // Sep 5, 2007, 1:14pm
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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I agree, Silo 2 is a great deal and well worth it. I really like the displacement brush and retopologizing tool to create organic objects. I've been getting much better looking characters with cleaner edge flow using that method.
MadMouse: Wow!!! That looks exactly like what I've been looking for! I've always struggled a LOT with UV mapping and have pretty much been at a stand still with my models due to the fact that I despise UV mapping. That program looks like a MUCH better, stress free way to UV map. I'm definitely getting it when I get the cash. Thanks for the link! :D |
Post by dave_k // Sep 6, 2007, 1:52pm
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dave_k
Total Posts: 81
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Definitely get Silo V2. A really stable tool that will run on any contempory PC and plays very well with other modeler / renderer apps.
Headus looks really tempting. It's a bit pricey IMHO and the license security issue has the potential of turning into a great pain. Personally, I detest dongles.
I'm not too sure they would be very cooperative if your ethernet card shelled out either since I read that they will charge you $100 to replace a returned malfunctioning dongle. How many of us would tolerate that policy if we were returning defective goods anywhere else?
That and a few other remarks on their site make me wonder if the concept of customer service isn't a bit lacking. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the type of support we get from Caligari. (Kissing up here.....)
At this point I'm wrestling with myself on purchasing headus. UV mapping isn't a big deal on the type of non-organic modeling I do.
I'd like to hear others' opinions on headus in case I need a reality check.
Think I'll go for the aspirin now. All this has made my typing finger sore. |
Post by xmanflash // Sep 6, 2007, 1:58pm
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xmanflash
Total Posts: 335
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Definitely get Silo V2. A really stable tool that will run on any contempory PC and plays very well with other modeler / renderer apps.
Headus looks really tempting. It's a bit pricey IMHO and the license security issue has the potential of turning into a great pain. Personally, I detest dongles.
I'm not too sure they would be very cooperative if your ethernet card shelled out either since I read that they will charge you $100 to replace a returned malfunctioning dongle. How many of us would tolerate that policy if we were returning defective goods anywhere else?
That and a few other remarks on their site make me wonder if the concept of customer service isn't a bit lacking. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the type of support we get from Caligari. (Kissing up here.....)
At this point I'm wrestling with myself on purchasing headus. UV mapping isn't a big deal on the type of non-organic modeling I do.
I'd like to hear others' opinions on headus in case I need a reality check.
Think I'll go for the aspirin now. All this has made my typing finger sore.
Interesting - Last time I tried the beta/alpha the Headus UV mapper was pretty difficult to use..
They have been around for ages though - I had my head scanned by them with a wrap around scanner about 10 years ago in Sydney - the only one of its kind at the time so they certainly have buckets of experience.. Thanks for the Headus up :-)
Update: Yes it looks really good! |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 6, 2007, 2:37pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Of course if you're loaded with money, there's this professional UV tool:
http://www.polygonal-design.fr/e_unfold/index.php
;) |
Post by Délé // Sep 6, 2007, 4:05pm
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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I'm not too sure they would be very cooperative if your ethernet card shelled out either since I read that they will charge you $100 to replace a returned malfunctioning dongle. How many of us would tolerate that policy if we were returning defective goods anywhere else?
That and a few other remarks on their site make me wonder if the concept of customer service isn't a bit lacking. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the type of support we get from Caligari. (Kissing up here.....)
Yeah, there are a couple of comments that make me wonder a bit too. I'm not a fan of those kind of software protection systems either. It looks like an awesome program, but I am a little hesitant about the customer service end as well.
I'm definitely getting it though. I just can't pass a tool like that up. I've watched most of the videos and I'm certain it will get me past a major road block that's been in my way for a couple of years. Not sure how useful it would be for someone that doesn't make organic models. Now that I've found a good work flow for making organic models though, I think this is the last missing piece of the puzzle for me. I just hope that I don't run into any customer service issues. |
Post by Steinie // Sep 12, 2007, 1:35am
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Steinie
Total Posts: 3667
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Below is an email response about a few concerns I have:
Hello Robert,
> 1) If the license is locked to the ethernet card and the card goes
> defective? How do you handle the license then?
If it happens within the first 12 months then we'll generate a new
license, for free, for the replacement card. After that first year
you'll need to subscribe to the support program ($50 per year) for
further free license transfers.
> 2) If we buy beta and release is after 12months then what? Do you still
> update to Gold?
All pre-release buyers will be upgraded to Professional licenses when
the eventual release happens. Actually thats going to be this weekend,
so you wont have to wait long!
bye for now,
Phil |
Post by rj0 // Sep 13, 2007, 4:36pm
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rj0
Total Posts: 167
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OK guys, take a deep breath, check your bank balance and then watch the videos at this link:-
http://www.uvlayout.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=67
I stumbled onto a link to this from the Silo forums and have been trialing this program for the last couple of days. (Infact I just purchased it!!)
This is by far the best stand alone UV mapping software I've ever used, and has some extremely clever tools. Now I've played with it for a while I have no doubt that it will literally shave hours off my work load when UV mapping complex organic models.
The interface and controls take a little getting used to as they rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts (which I've never been a fan of) but once you've got the hang of it, its work flow is outstanding!
Currently it is very near the end of its beta stage and is being released in full at the end of the month. But if you purchase it now you get the full release for free and also save a large amount of cash on the full price. So if your interested you'll have to be quick.
Trust me... watch the videos... you will be impressed!!!!
Steve
Steve,
Most interesting! The videos certainly make UV unwrapping/mapping appear neatly quick and painless. I know you haven't played with it very long yet, but how have you found the experience on your own meshes so far?
It seems like a lot of UV programs are adding LSCM and relax tools, so are you finding that it is the workflow of the program (e.g. from the videos, I certainly like the visualization aspect of the interface) that is so much better/easier, the speed of operation (e.g. the flattening/relaxing), or particular features? Any pros and cons that you've noticed so far compared to other UV programs/tools you've used?
rj |
Post by MadMouse // Sep 13, 2007, 9:58pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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The videos certainly make UV unwrapping/mapping appear neatly quick and painless That pretty much says it all. In the past I've used Uv mapper Pro and Ultimate 3D unwrapper and compared to Headus these two have a very amateur feel. Headus is fast and effective, the tools work extremely well and are very well thought out. My only complaint would be that it relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts and I've never been a fan of working that way as I can never remember which one does what (but I'm getting there.)
HTH
Steve |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 13, 2007, 10:13pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Looks like I'm followin' 'da mouse. Bought a license as well. ;)
Downloaded all the vids, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I think today is the last day to get it half price. So if you guys are thinking about it, it's probably time to make your move. :D |
Post by MadMouse // Sep 13, 2007, 11:38pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Nice one Jack:banana:
I dont think you'll regret it. What type of licence did you go for? |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 14, 2007, 4:03am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Ether. I don't really need it to be portable. So figured I'd save the money. ;)
-Jack. |
Post by Délé // Sep 14, 2007, 4:28am
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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I've been playing with the 7 day trial a bit myself. I think it's very easy and fast once you get the shortcuts down. I do think the program overall could be laid out a bit better though (like a normal file menu). It did take me a little while to figure out how to just load a scene. I'm not a big fan of the floating windows either. That aside though, the tools do work really well once you find your way around. I actually found myself enjoying UV mapping. That is saying a LOT!
I was really hoping to buy it today to get the discount but just couldn't quite muster up the cash in time. I'm definitely going to still buy it though. I guess I'll have to pay the full price next Wednesday. :( It's still worth it IMO, but it would have been nice to get the pre-release pricing. |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 14, 2007, 8:19am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Hmm... for a while there I remember a certain other app with a non-standard (non-existant) file menu.... :p |
Post by Délé // Sep 15, 2007, 4:29am
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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Wow. I'm not sure if I'm going to get it now. :( He totally changed the pricing that he said he was going to do. Before on the website, it said that it would be $250 for an ether license and $350 for a dongle version. I was going to buy the ether for $250. Now he has 3 options up there.
$100 Student (non commercial)
$200 Hobbyist (not all the tools)
$350-$390 (All the tools including symmetry and advanced SDS)
I'm not going to purchase the Hobbyist version because it doesn't have the symmetry and advanced SDS. $175 was a good deal...$250 was a fair price....$350-$390 is getting steep. :( |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 15, 2007, 5:55am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Bummer... I'm glad I made the move when I did, even though I couldn't really afford it. $350... is a fair bit more than I'd be willing to pay... a least any time soon... |
Post by Steinie // Sep 15, 2007, 6:23am
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Steinie
Total Posts: 3667
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Ok I itemized the missing stuff in RED. What I DO like is the software is not tied to a ether or dongle. That is worth a lot to me!
Mouse or Jack, is the missing features really needed for the kind of stuff I do? Is the Software worth the price with the missing features?
Hobbyist - US$200
* For the part time artist on a budget
* Most tools, including Basic Packing,
Optimized Flattening, Stacking
* Software updated every 6 months
* No Dongles nor Ether IDs required
* Windows installation only
The Hobbyist version is missing some of the more advanced features available in the Professional version of UVLayout, namely the Symmetry Find tool, packing boxes, advanced SUBD surface handling, and mixed scale UVs.
Purchase includes:
* 1 permanent Hobbyist license, allowing one identified individual to use UVLayout indefinitely. You may install UVLayout on any number of computers necessary to support that individual, so long as it is used only by the individual.
* 1yr access to 6 monthly software updates
* 1yr email support |
Post by MadMouse // Sep 15, 2007, 7:07am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Well its hard to say for certain if you'd miss these tools or not. But I know for certain I'd really miss the find symmetry tool which allows you to map only one side of the model and everything is copied over to the other side.
The packing boxes would only be a problem to you if you like to have organised UV maps with all the teeth in one corner of the map for example. Without this tool the 'UV shells' for multiple small items like teeth or toe/fingernails will be spread around the UV map for the best fit but not necessarily for ease of texturing.
If mixed scale UV's refers to what I think it does then this allows you to have sections of a map that either need to be larger or smaller for either adding greater detail or stitching into awkward areas, with a smooth increase/decrease in mapping from one area to the other.
Advance SubD surface handling is the only one that I can say with any amount of certainty that wont be missed. I've not really played with this myself but I don't anticipate the need.
HTH Bob
Steve |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 15, 2007, 7:30am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Symmetry can be accomplish by cutting your model up, deleting the symetrical halves, mirroring, then re-welding. That could be a bit of a chore with 7.51 since I don't think it has a group weld tool on model side? Maybe boolean with preserve edges on?
I have to admit that symmetry was one of the selling points for me since it's a huge time saver.
-Jack. |
Post by rj0 // Sep 15, 2007, 7:38am
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rj0
Total Posts: 167
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That pretty much says it all. In the past I've used Uv mapper Pro and Ultimate 3D unwrapper and compared to Headus these two have a very amateur feel. Headus is fast and effective, the tools work extremely well and are very well thought out. My only complaint would be that it relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts and I've never been a fan of working that way as I can never remember which one does what (but I'm getting there.)
HTH
Steve
I downloaded the trial version. I agree on the keyboard shortcuts complaint:( (and the speed and ease with which the program works:)). What would be nice would be to have a hideable tool palette with those commands on them (with their keyboard equivalents showing) for new (and less regular) users.
It certainly does a nice (and quick) job on well laid out (quads) organic models. Still experimenting on inorganic and triangulated/irregularly modeled objects (and the program's other options and tools). Definitely a neat (and helpful) program!
Yes, I went for it (Steve, thanks again for the headus-up:D). I went with the ethernet-locked version, and the 'temporary' license option. I wasn't really prepared to choose between a permanent and temporary (6 month?) duration license, other than the note that the temporary license can be transfered twice a year for free (I'm hoping I made the right choice there.:confused: ).
It's almost downright fun. Thanks again!
rj |
Post by RAYMAN // Sep 15, 2007, 8:05am
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RAYMAN
Total Posts: 1496
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Yes, I went for it (Steve, thanks again for the headus-up:D). I went with the ethernet-locked version, and the 'temporary' license option. I wasn't really prepared to choose between a permanent and temporary (6 month?) duration license, other than the note that the temporary license can be transfered twice a year for free (I'm hoping I made the right choice there.:confused: ).
rj
I hopped on that train when it was just leaving the station .. just on time.
I was sort of caught on one foot too ....
I opted for the permanent license ....sort of on the safe side ... permanent
is permanent.If i get a new computer I´ll just have to swap the ether...
If I got it right one can update any time for a Pro dongle version ...its
just over 100 quid for the update.
Peter |
Post by MadMouse // Sep 15, 2007, 8:10am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Hell.... I wish I was on comission :D |
Post by rj0 // Sep 15, 2007, 8:23am
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rj0
Total Posts: 167
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I hopped on that train when it was just leaving the station .. just on time.
I was sort of caught on one foot too ....
I opted for the permanent license ....sort of on the safe side ... permanent
is permanent.If i get a new computer I´ll just have to swap the ether...
If I got it right one can update any time for a Pro dongle version ...its
just over 100 quid for the update.
Peter
Peter,
Yes, the dongle upgrade option sounds really useful. At this point, I'm traveling a lot, and the dongle would be preferable, but I thought I'd just put the license on the laptop for now (and save the $100 expense for later). As the ether can't be transfered from a laptop, the temporary license seemed to make a little more sense for me. In any case, it sounds like they've provided the options to make living with this kind of licensing somewhat less painful than a lot of other companies.
rj |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 15, 2007, 1:05pm
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Tech support seems really good as well. I screwed up with the initial online license generation and the forum account creation too, so... lol anyways both of the guys wrote me back personally and got my situation resolved within 1 day. They seem to be rather personable fellows. :)
I'm glad Madmouse and I weren't the only ones to be able to get in on the pre-release pricing. I'd forgotten about this app and hadn't realized how much it had improved until Madmouse posted the link and I saw the new vids.
This app is an awesome companion to TS.
Gotta say that entry into 3D with TS isn't exactly cheap anymore though.... TS $500, VRay $300, Headus $350.... Then there's still Silo and ZBrush... lol |
Post by Délé // Sep 17, 2007, 4:35am
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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Well, I was thinking that the $350 was for the ether license and the $390 was the dongle. I emailed them and found out that those prices are just for the dongle license. The difference is the shipping cost. So they do still have the ether version for $250, they're just not advertising it because they want to push the dongle seeing as there would be fewer potential problems with that.
Here's the link to purchase the ether license in case anyone else is looking to buy it:
http://www.uvlayout.com/pro-ether |
Post by Jack Edwards // Sep 17, 2007, 4:49am
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Jack Edwards
Total Posts: 4062
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Ah good news! $250 is a much more reasonable price. :)
It'd be nice if they could find a less expensive dongle provider... Ah well. |
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