Captains-As we continue with the beta cycle- you are going to start seeing some activity around our web site and around our forum that should excite you a bit!Everyone on the PMDG Team has been "head-down" on this airplane for quite a few months, so it is no secret that most of the images currently available from our site are out-dated!During the next few days we will begin replacing some of the 2-6 month old screen captures of the cockpit. We will be updating the site AND the forum with entirely new images that reflect more recent states of our airplane, cockpit and virtual cockpit! This will include images of the Virtual Cockpit, Virtual Cabin (which you have seen!) 2D cockpit views in day/night and various other internal images that should satisfy your curiosity as to whether or not this package will be visually satisfying to you!We will also be replacing and updating most of the livery screen shots- as most of them are out-dated or do not reflect the multiple revisions that the external model has experienced during the past few months.We will also be unveiling a comprehensive "Specifications and Information" page explaining in detail exactly what this airplane simulation is capable of- and what is modeled. This page is being designed specifically with the Hard Core simmer in mind and will discuss the detail of such items as FMC capabilities, an overview of the depth of mechanical systems modeled and of course a primer on the entirely custom autopilot that we have developed for this airplane. (NOTE: I am in the process of writing this page so it may take a couple of days to prepare adequately and your patience is appreciated.)In addition to all of this information, we will shortly post on our page and in this forum a more detailed overview of our product release plan for BOEING 737: THE NEXT GENERATION. Keeping in mind that BOEING 737: THE NEXT GENERATION is not a single title to be released, but is instead comprised of a series of product phases focused on specific airframe groups within the Boeing's 737NG product line.The entire BOEING 737: THE NEXT GENERATION product title will include the following phases:A) The initial base package based around the 737-600/700. This package will include the "meat" of the airplane, it's systems and automation.:( The mid phase will be centered around the 737-800/900 and will add such technologies as TCAS, display variation, cockpit differences, additional event modeling and failures training, enhanced Inertial Navigation capability and numerous other technologies that will keep you busy and learning!C) The end phase will be centered around the BBJ/Mil Variants offered by this airframe and will include technologies that are most often found in the BBJ/MIL variants of the airplane including HUDs, extended range tanks and other concepts to be determined at a later date.(Gratuitous Screen Capture... More info below!)http://www.precisionmanuals.com/forumImages/night_climb.jpgFor those interested in purchasing this product who are also planning to upgrade to the soon-to-be-arriving FS2004, there are some things you should know!1) FS2002 VERSION COMPATIBILITY: The initial version of the 600/700 is nearly complete and is expected to release shortly. This initial release will be compatible with FS2002 ONLY, but can be made compatible with FS2004 by use of a no-cost update that will be available from PMDG shortly after the release of FS2004. (Although we participated in testing for FS2004 it is not possible to complete compatibility testing/quality assurance until the arrival of Microsoft's release version of FS2004!) This process could take a day or two- and may take as long as a few weeks to ensure it is done correctly.2) In the mean time, the FS2002 ONLY version will be made available at a slight discount since the desired portability into FS2004 will take a short amount of time to implement. Once our compatibility and QC process for FS2004 is completed, we will release the no-cost update for current BOEING 737: THE NEXT GENERATION owners. Simultaneously, we will be returning the package price to it's non-discounted level. (In other words, if you decide to wait- you'll miss out on the discount!)3) There will be no difference in the final version updated to FS2002/FS2004 compatibility or the version purchased after compatibility/QC with FS2004 is completed. You will be operating identical software whether you updated from your FS2002 edition or simply waited until the FS2002/FS2004 version was issued. The only different will be PRICE!4) All PMDG liveries will be available at no cost to the user. The liveries will NOT BE AVAILABLE from the server for **at least** 7 days (most likely longer) after the initial 600/700 release. This is being done to preserve bandwidth for those downloading the purchased product itself. In spite of the fact that the PMDG House Livery is a beautiful livery, we recognize that many of you will want to fly other liveries immediately after purchasing your airplane! As such, we will shortly be making a series of liveries available for you to download PRIOR TO PRODUCT RELEASE! So warm up your hangars!5) FS2002 Virtual Cockpit/ FS2004 Virtual Cockpit and Clickable Interface Virtual Cockpit Capability: The new FS2004 feature of clickable Virtual Cockpits will not appear in this product immediately. We do plan to implement this feature over time- and progress toward this new style of VC will be posted on our web page and within this forum. Given the recent availability of this technology we expect to take our time making sure it is done effectively and correctly within our airplane. In the mean time, you will have "normal" FS2002 style access to the virtual cockpit and cabin we provide in the airplane. We should note however, that this airplane has been designed primarily for those who desire an accurate airliner simulation using proven technologies to increase the level of operational realism. As Virtual Cockpit technology becomes more usable, we will grow this product into the VC with the same high degree of quality that we are seeking in our traditional cockpit. We will not rush forward with the new VC at the expense of the overall simulation!6) Frame Rate Concerns: We have a team of 20+ beta testers operating on a range of machines. We will be posting FPS information collected from them on our web site to allow users to "pre-determine" what type of FPS they should expect within the simulator. With an eye toward helping those with big and small machines, we have a WIDE range of options for 2D cockpit views and Virtual Cockpit/Virtual Cabin models that will allow you to enjoy a high quality simulation experience without compromising your enjoyment of the airplane.7) BETA testing: Currently our testers are entering the third week of testing. The airplane is looking very good, but still has areas that we wish to improve. We will keep you posted.It won't be much longer! :-cool

Exellent!!!! :D I really can't wait...I'm not gonna sleep for a week when i start flying them! :)

Sounds like an excellent plan. Cant' wait for the grand unveiling..Regards,jack noulletkgsp

I can feel her comming now :7Will the paint kits also be released bofore the main package?

http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/12616.jpg

Good news.I can't wait anymore! :DI have two computers with flight simulator, so is it possible to install the product on both computers or does this product use product activation?Regards,Floris Hartog

Robert - sounds fantastic...cant wait!Do you think you could give some idea on the time frame between the release of Phase A and Phase C?...im just curious how long the wait will be for the BBJ version after the initial phase A releaseThanks!Dave

Floris-our product will feature an activation code which is unique per machine, so you'd need to buy two licenses to run on two computers.Cheers,

Lefteris,Do you have a suggestion what I could do if I move to a newer (faster) machine in a few months ? One way may be when I de-install the S/W could give me a code that I return to you as proof of de-installation in order to get a new code for the new machine. What are your thoughts about that issue ?Regards,Siggy

Hey Rob, Do you know how much it will be for all three packages. I mean will it be in the two or three digit range? Also will there be a special deal if you buy all three at once or is the only deal going to be if you buy before the release of ACOF?Regards,Peter Hillen

Peter-We have not yet finalized pricing for the 600/700, so we haven't even started to consider the following phases. One thing I m fairly certain about is that they will be reasonably priced for the breadth of the product....Phase B and Phase C will certainly cost quite a bit less than the 600/700, which is the base for the entire package!

Dave-We aren't exactly sure. This project has been extremely intense- and we are going to have the duplicate tasks of beginning work on the 800/900 while simultaneously exploring the capabilities offered by FS2004 for the 600/700....So I would imagine you will see some time between them...Not years- but enough time for us to make the changes that need to be made (and of course- take some time to rediscover our families and friends!)

>>>our product will feature an activation code which is unique per machine, so you'd need to buy two licenses to run on two computers<<

Eric-The instructions for such an event will be provided to you at the time you purchase the product.The security system that we are using will be relatively unobtrusive- but may inconvenience those who wish to use the product illegally, outside of the license agreement and those who occasionally make system changes.It will be apparent to us which is which- and we have developed a system for handling such eventualities.

do you mean if I upgrade my Machine I will have to purchase this twice Thanks Brian

But If I have to I think she is worth it This is one Nice piece of work Thanks Brian