LightWave (or, more properly, LightWave 3D) is a computer graphics program for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. Although the program originated on the Commodore Amiga, it has since been ported to support Mac OS X, Windows, and the render engine has also been ported to Linux platforms. It was once licensed by and is now entirely developed by NewTek.
Lightwave has long been known for its excellent rendering abilities and unusual user interface (for example, icons are not used; instead functions are all given descriptive titles). Like many other 3D packages Lightwave is composed of two parts, an object modelling environment where 3d models or meshes are created and an animation environment where models are arranged and animated for render. Unlike most other packages these two parts are stand-alone programmes. There is also a separate rendering application which can be run on multiple machines.
LightWave is a multi-threaded application and can use as much as eight processors in the same machine at the same time when rendering an image.
Programmers can expand LightWave's capabilities using an included SDK and also a special scripting language called L-script. This SDK is based in the powerful C language and almost anything can be done, from a custom shader to a different scene format exporter. LightWave itself includes dozens of free plug-ins and many more can be obtained from different developers around the globe.
Lightwave gained additional fame as the program used to create special effects for the Babylon 5 and seaQuest DSV science fiction television series; the program was also utilized in the production of the recent X-Men and Star Wars movies.
Lightwave was once part of the Video Toaster suite. Current versions of Video Toaster include a simplified version of Lightwave.
In 2001, a rift developed between NewTek management and a group headed by Vice President of 3D Development Brad Peebler, which included original developers Alan Hasting and Stuart Ferguson. For the second time in its history, NewTek faced a major walkout by core programmers and executives at the company. After months of public confusion, the group did split from the company and formed a new company called Luxology.
Now in its eighth version (as of June 2004), its market ranges from hobbyists (because of its low price point) to high-end deployment in video games, television and cinema.
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