Can DAZ operate Stand Alone and Can the current version DAZ Studio open Poser models?
Consumer573
Posts: 282
A long time ago I had both DAZ and Poser on my old computer. When I built the new one I did not encumber it with DAZ. Bondware seems committed to going forward with a relatively new model implemented by Smith Micro in their last revision, a model that has Poser software periodically call home or it will die (a Kill Switch). I am thinking of coming back and loading DAZ and making it my primary 3D figure software. I'm tired of dealing with the frustration of waiting for a message " your poser has de-activated you have X number of days to reactivate."
Can anybody please tell me:
(1) Can DAZ software operate standalone? (Physically firewalled graphics machine, No internet connection); Do the newer version have a Poser-like Kill switch?
(2) Can DAZ open Poser models (if so, difficulty?). I have some rather large ones with multiple characters, mostly V4 but some going back to P5 Jesse, I think the character was.
Thank you.
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Comments
1) Yes Once installed with the serial number DAZ Studio can operate standalone. An internet connection is only required to download new models you don't previously have installed. However, it is my understanding that Renderosity (Bondware) has provided an upgrade to the latest Poser version that does away with requirement to "phone home".
2) DAZ Studio can open most of the older poser models but some of the newer ones (like Le Femme) don't work properly in DAZ Studio. Also some Poser models may have materials that are specific to Poser and won't work in D/S and Poser lights don't work in D?S
time to start fresh I think. The newer genesis figures are leaps bound better than V4 or any poser model IMO. With a couple of converters you can still use all your V4 clothing and hair also.
Yes. The only exception is if you want to install your content with Connect (install system built directly in DS): Connect has an offline install mode, but you'll need to connect the machine to the internet at least once to generate your Connect key so that the offline install can work.
There might be plugins which require online activation, but I can't think of any right now.
No.
Yes, with a few caveats:
Thank you very much for the clear answers, guy (gals). Especially Leanna for the details in loading of Poser files. I think I'm pretty much good except for the material systems (ugh!) and maybe weight mapping. I last used the P5 Poser figures (Jesse/James?) although I do own the others, so P9 shouldn't be a problem. Most of my figures are V3, SP3, V4,S4, and Aiko, (all Daz creations) maybe with a few monsters thrown in. Poser dynamic hair IMHO never really worked well so I didn't use it. I'm not sure how much I have of PMD injection; that could be a problem. And Easy Pose tentacles and rope figures (Does Easy Pose work in Daz?). My guess is if I loaded a scene with Easy Pose I might not be able to alter the frames going forward, but frame to frame statically might be okay.
There's a thread in the Bondware Poser forum, which I started (asking whether 11.2 still had the Smith Micro Kill swicth that was put in at the previous revision, starting with Game Developer - the one I was using), because I was having trouble with Poser periodically and inconveniently needing re-activation, and the activation process in theory being swift IF everything in the transfer process went ok, but in practice being rather painful. I'm not going to put a link, but suffice it to say that most of the thread had pretty informative and thoughtful responses (some pro, most con), except a fight got started at the end by a couple of the writers.
One good thing came out of it for me, though, namely a clear answer as to whether Bondware was keeping the Kill switch policy, to which the answer is yes: they've made their decision, it is what it is and it won't be changing, even for 11.3. My personal opinion is that Smith Micro instituting that was the final nail in the downfall of the wide spread acceptance of Poser software, even though it can also be easily argued that lack of innovation by SM was also a major cause. I'm glad that Daz has found a way to prosper and I hope that Daz doesn't change tacks. Of course, I wish Poser well also as both add to the 3D character and artist community.
Again, Thanks guys/gals!
I think, you'd find as much value, and quite likely more in spending some time looking for freebies related to G8 and G3; there is a lot out there and often of surprising quality.
With regards to phone home, the only proviso there is any DRM products, these are termed Daz Connect (Daz Encrypted Connect or similar - I forget exactly what); fortuneately there haven't been any released for a year or more, but the functionality still exists in Studio. You may see references to Daz Connect as you browse the site.
It is also reasonably straightforward, if possibly time-consuming, to transfer V4 to G8, Daz's most recent Genesis figure. Both morphs and textures require plugins/products that cost, but are considered worth it by many.
As an example, this is G8F; a morph transferred from G3 (Mia); textures from V4 (Paloma); Freebie dress and Leggings (G8 iirc); the hair is dforce for G8.
Pretty neat that all that can be done!
I think first pass will be to get my initial poser files working and get daz to recognize my library tree. In the past I've preferred to maually install files so I know where they are and what is going on. It takes longer, but when there is a problem I have a better feel for things to diagnose a problem. Besides, if my machine is offline I tranSfer manually anyway.
Right now my Poser Game Developer is still working, but if/when it comes up with an upgrade or die ultimatum, I think i'm out. I'm just getting a first feel on what it will take to keep my (now rather extensive? expensive?) library of 3D models useful. It is a HUGE relief that DAZ studio will keep on working, like the EverReady Bunny, when my Poser Game Developer eventually decides to self terminate.
Encrypted Daz Connect files don't phone home. You need to have a valid Connect key on your system so that the files can be decrypted, but that requires connecting once only.
I'm sad to hear that the new owners have decided to leave that type of activation in Poser. It's a reason some left Poser previously. I hope you can make the switch easily, if not, there are plenty here that can help you, and a lot are former Poser users (myself included).
Laurie
If you add your Poser Runtimes as Poser content directories in DS preferences then it should appear in the "poser formats" section of the "content library" tab (not the "Smart Content" tab, that requires metadata).
Not quite true, if something goes wrong and it did; I saw posts to that effect, and it was not the items themselves, but Studio. There is also the case that Enryption is used generally, but when used as it was, it was a DRM system; a difference worth pointing out.
... But as it is moot for the time-being, 'shrug'; I only brought it up as it does exist within Studio, and the OP had a concern.