I've been playing around some more to try and figure this thing out (trying to reproduce it on cue). 1.) When I boot up the three computers cold, start the application cold, and render, it works fine (so far). 2.) No checkers will appear for a while until I fuss around tweaking whatever I'm working on. Eventually, the system gets to some point where the checkers start appearing. So far, the consistent trigger point is using the "depth of field" option. I don't think the DOF option is solely responsible, I think it simply opens up a memory leak in the code and then I'm doomed! 3.) Trying to render without the raytraced depth of fied on is WAAAAAY painful. Turning on the raytraced depth of field is still painful but cool results. Checkers appear after trying to fuss with this new feature. 4.) I can't get the checkers to disappear unless I completely reboot the computers. I can close carrara on all the machines, restart the application, and CHECKERS! Rebooting the computer from the ground is the only way to return. 5.) Other fun things start happening when fussing with the depth of field option. I change settings in the render room, switch to the assembly room (do nothing), switch back to the render room and all my changes are gone. This is only one example of the interface acting really weird. On a completely separate note (divorced from DOF), I've also had the interface completely stop reacting to me for no real reason. Can't reproduce it. All options turn grey, can't click on anything, etc.. Very weird. I've completely uninstalled C3 and I'm thinking of getting it back out of the box until we get a patch. This is par for the course though. C2 and C3 were just like this and C1 was super bad. We had to get a whole new vendor to get that dude patched. -Kix

i think the patch will be released soon,so its good that my copy is still on the way.anyway, i want carrara.:)

I'm banking on a Daz Carrara 5.0! That would be sweet...

Daz? Get out of here.

Shonner, I can predict that Carrara 5 will be better than Carrara 4

Eovia has been good about putting out a patch in a reasonable amount of time. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a patch appear within a couple of weeks. The application isn't crippled. I'm using it pretty much like I always have without too much trouble. Just stay away from the depth of field option. My last comment in my original thread wasn't a shot at Eovia, it was actually a shot at Metacreations for dropping Carrara. Eovia has saved my LIFE! I really do think they've done a pretty great job of keeping the code alive and moving. The forum has had a lot of discussion whether this version was worth a full release or not. I think the animation improvements coupled with the nodal rendering stuff is a HUGE set of improvements. After having the pro version in my hands for a week now, I'm pleased to have version 4 and it was easily worth it. I feel so fervent about it that I'm going to buy another computer this week. -Kix

Could you please send me your file at charles@eovia.com ? I would like to take a look at it and see if i can reproduce your issue. If anyone has other problemes with Carrara 4, please email support@eovia.com so that we know about them and can get them fixed in the patch. Thanks Charles

Word!! :)

I did send the resulting render and an email to support@eovia.com several days ago. I'll happily send you the source file when I get home tonight with a thorough and complete compilation of my experience. -Kix