Second Life

Things about SL

Dolphin Viewer 3.2.3 (22899) Released Review

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A new version of the Dolphin Viewer 3 (DV3) is out. This release includes code from the Lab’s Shining branch and version 3.2.6. The fixes from the Shining branch should correct OpenGL compatibility problems for those with newer graphics cards.

Shadows in Dolphin Viewer 3

The compatibility issues have been around since mid 2011 and became a serious problem for those using nVidia 460 cards. See: nVidia Driver GTX 460 Problems. As more people updated to new 400 and 500 series cards we saw more problems. I think since the 3.2.3 versions we have been seeing fewer problems. But, there is supposedly more of the shining fixes in 3.2.6 than any of the previous versions. Whatever the case, I’m not having problems with my GTX560.

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#SL Viewer Performance

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Inara Prey recently wrote an article on Comparative Viewer Frame Rate performance. It is a handy reference. It took lots of effort to collect those numbers, which is why I seldom do rigorous tests.

Somewhat surprisingly it is the Linden Lab’s 3.2.5 viewer that is the fastest in the comparisons. I use the Development viewer 3.2.6, which is a little faster for me than 3.2.5.

The Lab’s viewers have not updated over the holidays. We may see some updates today or tomorrow. I suspect the Lindens are just getting back from the holidays and getting back into things. Also, it is a new year. People are fresh from a break and we may see some things change as they look at things with fresh eyes. Time will tell.

The main viewer is now 3.2.4. The beta version is 3.2.5. And the development viewer is 3.2.6.

The 3.2.6 is said to be the release with most of the Shining branch’s OpenGL fixes and changes for compatibility. I’ve been using a 3.2.6 version since December 12th (246465) with four updates; 246560, 246813, 246889, and now 246959. Of that series the 246959 version is the fastest, but not by much on my system.

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Milkshake Viewer

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The Milkshake Viewer definitely started out as a personal viewer shared with a few friends. Thanks to Facebook’s confusing security controls news of a new fun viewer leaked to the world. Now the complexion of Milkshake is changing. It seems to be becoming more open and out there. A support policy, instructions for using the AO, and more information are appearing in the Milkshake part of Codeplex site.

While using the features of a repository service to provide a wiki and forum is unusual, it works for other development projects. It’s just out of the norm for what we see in SL related projects… or has been.

Cinder’s support policy is simple. You are pretty much on your own. There is no way Cinder can develop the viewer and provide support. So, Cinder has made it clear use of the discussion and issue tracking sections of Codeplex are the support channels.

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#SL Exodus Viewer News and Changes

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The Exodus viewer has some quick fixes added and version Beta 7 (12-01-03b) has been released. The version numbering in the blog and in the viewer is a little different. One uses 12-01-03b and the other 12.01.03.1… and they are Beta 5, 6, and 7… which is a little confusing.

The alpha textures render problem is fixed. My HUD’s are now usable and the tree outside my house looks right through the window.

The Animation Overrider (AO) has a bug and may crash the viewer when the note card loads. That may be from the LL bug that has a fix now in testing in the release channels. All three release channels are running the same server maintenance pack and one of the fixes is about a problem with note cards.

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Niran Funk Lifting

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…this situation is funny… I can empathize with Niran clearly remembering my bouts of depression and periods of grieving. So, it’s not like I’m unsympathetic. But, seeing human nature in play in others makes it easier to see the silly and humorous aspects that make us human. I wish him all the best. …is he staring at her… ummm… chest, that a good word.

Today Niran is more into things and has obviously taken the time to take a serious look at the Exodus viewer and compare it to his viewer. He has posted a new article explaining what he found and how he perceives the match up. See: Exodus vs Nirans.

Exodus vs Nirans

Niran sees his viewer as providing a better render of Second Life. He could be biased. He has a comparison set of pictures. I have a small version of the images above. Please don’t try to use them for making a comparison. Visit Nirans blog and take a look at them. Once there click on one to bring them up in full size. Take a close look at them and see what you think. Niran didn’t say which image is from which viewer. That makes it interesting figuring out which is which.

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Niran Viewer Dies of Broken Heart

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OK… ok… that is a bit of hype. It seems Niran is suffering from a lost lover. Been there and done that. Dealing with grief is a downer. On top of that the Exodus Viewer Team has just released a viewer with a load of new graphics features. See: Exodus Viewer Beta 6 (12-01-02) Released Review.

The result of these two events has left Niran a bit down. So, chase him down in world and shoot him… no… no… not really. I couldn’t resist. But, a thank you note and a bit of sympathy may brighten his day. Find NiranV Dean. He has done a nice job of providing a neat viewer with awesome shadows.

You can read his announcement here. Obviously he is a bit depressed and down. So, the viewer may be discontinued, go private, come back later, or just continue. It just depends on how long it takes Niran to recover.