[DaveMorton]

I know that there are several folks here who've tried DS4, and have had various opinions about it's functionality and features. Personally, I love the new version, and will be using it a lot more... once I can get all of my older content to integrate smoothly with it.

Unfortunately, since I have over 8GB of content (and that's a small amount, compared to other folks!), consisting of over 25,000 files in nearly 10,000 directories, and given the complexity of creating the new MetaData files that are needed to make them work in DS4's new interface, I've decided to at least attempt to automate the process of creating these MetaData files. To that end, I'm writing a small app in VB.net that will scan my content directories for various product files, and using info within these files, create the necessary XML files to categorize them, determining compatibility, categories, asset types, etc.; all the needed info to make my content "play nicely" with DS4.

Now, granted, you can still locate and use your old stuff in the DS3 style "Content Library Tab", but why have a new feature that you can't make full use of? I'm making some good progress, but have encountered some challenges. I've put out a "call for help" on the Daz3D site, and I'll see if that nets any positive responses. I'm hoping that this app will greatly reduce the effort needed to migrate my older content over to DS4. I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

[Freddy]

I would be glad to hear of any progress.  I noted on the Daz site that someone was attempting something similar, maybe it was you, not sure if you use the same name all over the place.  I am a man of many names, I'm MrMorph over there.

I don't have huge amounts of stuff like some people, but I would certainly like to link up all my runtimes to the new system. I still haven't got quite to the bottom of it, I can't work out how to get textures to show up apart from using the 'right-click'->show other files this affects...

Good luck

[DaveMorton]

I thought that avatar looked familiar! Over there, I'm DaveMorton, and my avatar is one of Morti in a different pose and outfit. And yes, that's probably me that you read about. I only posted a couple of hours ago over there, so I haven't heard back yet from anyone there.

[Freddy]

Doh ! What a wally I am - I blanked the name and just read the post, it was you lol.  I should have noticed the avatar too.   

[DaveMorton]

Now there's a term I haven't heard in a while. I don't think of you as a "Wally". Other, more colorful, words come to mind.

[Freddy]

Hahaha, well I think I am so used to seeing you as GeekCaveCreations every day it didn't register at the time.  I've been mostly skimming through things today as I have  been out in the garden whilst it wasn't too hot. Well that's my excuse and I am sticking to it ! See you tomorrow, heading off into the sunset now..

 

[DaveMorton]

Take care, Freddy. Give the family my warmest (or maybe my coolest, if the weather's still too warm) regards.

[Bragi]

since I have over 8GB of content (and that's a small amount, compared to other folks!), consisting of over 25,000 files in nearly 10,000 directories

Wow, serious collector!

I only downloaded a couple of things and I already found it hard.

[DaveMorton]

Consider the fact, though, that I'm nowhere near as "content happy" as others who use DS (I've read posts from others who number the disk space taken up by their content in the HUNDREDS of GB of data. I'm really a light-weight in the content department.

Unfortunately, I haven't had any offers of assistance yet, which is a shame, as there's no way I can complete the project on my own. I'm going to give it a while longer, though, before I make any decisions about whether to continue on my own or not.

[Freddy]

Don't give up too soon, I have a feeling there will be a lot of people interested in something like this.

[DaveMorton]

I think that one main problem with a lack of responses is that the post is buried within a discussion of the migration issues people are having with DS4 (which is only one of many such threads). While the post is somewhat related to the issue, it's not really "off topic", but it may not be getting the desired level of exposure. I really need to break down and post a new thread on the subject, and see if it generates some interest that way.

[Freddy]

Yeah that might be a good idea now you mention it, go for it