[davetherobotman]

Did you turn on ambient occlusion? It almost looks like you may have, but if you didn't definitely turn it on and you'll see quite a difference. I have created some very realistic views, even without using Photoview 360 and just using normal solidworks realview graphics. It could be the view angle and lighting that makes it look the way it does. You could also change the mapping size of the material appearances too, which can help show material "flaws" and textures better and give it a more realistic appearance.

I usually get real good results from Photoview 360 when you compare to its autodesk equivalent. I've tricked my boss by taking a photo of the actual product in a white booth, then rendering an image in photo view and asking him which one was the "Real" one. It's amazing how far the technology has come.