Help with translation (houdini apprentice to terragen2)

[TheBadger]

Hello

Will you guys who work in 3d, please try to explain to me if this version of houdini: "apprentice version" $99.00
http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=589&Itemid=221
has everything the full version does? That is, are any of the capabilities reduced from a full License type?

The price point here is what I need to finish my portfolio. My main interest is in compatibility (import & export) with TG2 and others, and the apprentice versions ability to render and do animations.

I think that the only difference is that I wont be able to work at 2k, up to 1920-1080 only, and I cant use the software to make money. But other than that it looks like the same software as the $6000 full version. But I really don't understand anything yet.

Unless you guys tell me differently, and I do take everything you guys tell me very seriously, I will buy this software.
My only other consideration is tutorials and a forum like we have for terragen2.

Please let me know what you think!!!

[rcallicotte]

I agree it looks the same by the list in the link you gave.  You might ask customer service at SideFX.

It's non-commercial, of course and is limited to a certain size render output, but you know that.

[TheBadger]

Thanks calico, I just want to be sure of what I think I'm seeing.

I looked for tutorials for this software and found a good amount of stuff from the developer for free, and more tuts from 3rd parties. So I think between that and forums I should be able to make good progress on the basics.

If anyone reading this has used houdini, and you want to make a statement about the software please do! I plan on going at this full boar and I just want to be sure. I know some of you have talked to me about it already. Thanks for that.
I'll buy the software by friday at the latest.

[rcallicotte]

I didn't really talk about my experience with it.  But, I found Houdini very stable and even fun to play with - the interface is very available: friendly. I didn't use it very much and only to try it out. 

The user base is very helpful, too.

[rcallicotte]

And if you're looking for comparisons, here is a pretty good overview of a lot of the 3D packages - http://www.squidoo.com/3DAnimationsoftware

[TheBadger]

Thanks calico.

I went ahead and bought the software, time came to finally grow a pair and make a choice.
the $99 licence is good for 365days .

The UI, I was very happy to see, is clean and organized and inviting. See for your selves...

[rcallicotte]

Good luck.  I think Houdini is awesome.  The cool thing is that there are so many similarities between 3D modeling and animation packages that if you fully give yourself to Houdini and learn everything your heart desires in it, it will be even easier to learn another package - that is, if you don't stay with Houdini.  You might find its your only true package. 

Give it time, though.  Don't know your experiences yet, but it takes time to learn some stuff so you feel at home with it.