So I looked at the IMSI page selling TFP17:
- What's new and different? I saw nothing new except seems to hint at 2D drawings? No comparison chart? Nothing listed as "new" features.
- Upgrade price?
- saving TFP16 as .dxf to open in TFP17...how much is lost? what works/converted for full use?
- is TFP17 a "daughter" of Envisioneer still? if so, does TFP17 have the same render problems as new Envisioneer...Allan posted several images of poor renders in Envisioneer.
Doug.S
Hi Doug,
TFP V17 is a completely different product, very different interface and way of doing things and hebce the split in the forum. It has no connection whatever with Envisioneer - a little bit like the swap from Floorplan 3D V11 to TurboFloorPlan V12 - the programs have no cconnection whatever, except for DXF, which I have not tried yet. I suspect Punch users will find it familiar.
The poor Envisioneer renders you mention are extremes, it is capable of excellent renders but has an totally new rendering engine to get used to with its own peculiarities, as does TFP V17 now of course. I must admit I like the sun setting dialog in V17 - makes it easy to see what you are going to get. Exterior views render very quickly.
As with all software comparisons, some things are better and others worse. The best option is to download the trial and see whether it does what you want.
Allan.
So it also sounds like TFP is now a dead dog program ..... no newer versions/updates/bug fixes/gone out of business?
Also looks like the $99 price same as a version of Punch...and less capability than TFP16...no photorealistic render?
see/compare here:
http://www.punchsoftware.com/c-34-which-pc-version-is-right-for-me.aspx?osa_placement=tower_left&osa_ad=compare
TFP17 seems to = Punch Premium, not Pro.
No custom windows? No animation? max. of 3 floors? No reflections? .skp import?
I'm not jumping on board right away. trial test certainly a min.
Punch may be a better/more direct purchase? especially for the better version.
Will need some user reviews/comments; maybe find a Punch forum too?
Hmmmm.
TFP has always been a repackage product so not overly surprised that we have another vendor given the length of time since v16 was released.
Have just downloaded the TFP17 trial...all 1.7gb of it. It is definitely a re-badged version of Punch.
Firstly, it will only install on your C: drive so check you have room.
Secondly, the import function is greyed out!!!!. Have emailed IMSI to check if that is a trial 'feature'. If it is then IMSI will probably have lost a customer.
Tim
Are renders only "basic" (raytrace) or is there an advanced (radiosity) capability? Reflections in renders?
And can windows and doors be customized at least as much as in TFP16?
3 floors max?
Is .skp even listed (even if greyed out) as importable?
H Doug,
It has 5 quality levels of render, all very quick. When you render it the 3D view goes gradually dark then lightens with shadows applied. That is how it appears to me, as if the shadows are added to the 3D view. The render is quite good but it is a matter of opinion how realistic it is. I have no doubt it will satisfy many users, most of who are just wanting to get an idea how their new home may look but it will not satisfy the more discriminating users. There does not appear to be any 'bounced' light inside. Sunlight is thrown onto the floor through windows but does not bounce to the walls and ceiling. The lights themselves illuminate with just a glow around them applied at the end of the render. I have not seen any reflections yet but I have not specifically tested this.
Windows and doors cannot be customised anywhere near as much as V16, as far as I can see. Sizes and types with panes but they just go straight through the wall as if suspended in a frame the thickness of the wall and with an architrave on both sides.
I have not found a way to have more than 3 floors.
SKP, 3DS DXF/DWG imports are possible (not greyed out for me) but I did not have much success with the ones I tried. A 3DS bank of 4 chairs only imported the legs, which were huge and on the roof and two attempts at different SKP files did not import anything. Need to test these more. There must be some settings somewhere I have not found yet.
It does not look as though things are selectable in 3D - the view appears to be just for walkthroughs and rendering.
Allan
Hi Allan, you mentioned that the new TPF 17 has no connection with Envisioneer and is a completely new program, do you know if it was developed by IMSI (makers of TC) or based on some other program. Does it work the same way as TPF 16 or do we have to learn a new program. If the latter I will be sticking with TFP 16 or upgrading to Envisioneer.
Bob
Hi Bob,
No it is not developed by IMSI or Cadsoft but based on Punch. Error messages come up as Punch.
The learning curve is very small so will suit new users who just want to visualize a new home but your capabilities and needs will be beyond what it can do I suspect.
Allan
Quote from: timf on July 19, 2013, 11:58:10 PM
Secondly, the import function is greyed out!!!!. Have emailed IMSI to check if that is a trial 'feature'. If it is then IMSI will probably have lost a customer.
If you are in Quick Start Mode, the options Import , Export, Print, etc are disabled: just click the Continue button and go to the hub of the program. All the features will be available in the main program
Patricia
Thanks Patricia. That enabled the import. Pity the imports were a woeful failure.
Quote from: timf on July 21, 2013, 05:15:15 AM
Pity the imports were a woeful failure.
What do you mean? what are you trying to import?
Patricia
Thanks Allan, I note that it is an American program and would suspect that it would not have Aussie content as did TFP 16.
Hi Bob,
TFP because of its Cadsoft parentage had a big Australian following and hence input from Australian sources. In fact I think the very original version of the program originated in Australia before being developed further in Canada.
Punch is USA based so I would imagine it will be a while before it had any Aussie content.
Allan
Allan, there must have been a falling out with envisioneer for IMSI to abandon cadsoft and adopt punch.
But... how we can upgrade to V17?
I dont see any option into my personal account or IMSI store.
Ah.. hello all!!
Hi Mocky,
Strictly speaking V 17 is not an upgrade - it is a completely different program. It will not open your existing projects. To continue developing an existing project you would have to export the plan as a DXF and then trace the walls again in V17.
Allan
Contact sales support directly for upgrade pricing info.
by email
[email protected] or by telephone at 1.800.833.8082 or 1.415.483.8000 Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm Pacific Time for assistance.
Ha!
I did. Gave me a price, no other info (after requesting more). Request info on how to buy, especially as had an account. Got re-directed to regional sales email contact.
Contacted them, nope not currently selling that.
RIP TPF, just use v16. It's bye bye IMSI, and buy something else direct from Punch or other product. Shame, TPF was quite usable.
The reality is that TurboFloorPlan is an OEM product, and always has been. Unfortunately we were no longer able to continue the product from the same manufacturer. thus the differences between 16 and 17.