Because we know how expensive shipping can be,
Thursday, August 13, 2009
'MudWalker' and 'ReLight' plugins for Mudbox 2010 are now available
'MudWalker' and 'ReLight' plugins for Mudbox 2010 are now available for download
DOWNLOAD LINK
As Mudbox 2010 is out to the sbscribers, both plugins are now live for download.
MudWalker supports the following applications:
DOWNLOAD LINK
As Mudbox 2010 is out to the sbscribers, both plugins are now live for download.
MudWalker supports the following applications:
ZSpheres 2
This looks amazing......best bit comes around halfway through!
Loving the artistic freedom that pixologic are conjuring up in ZBrush 3.5:
Loving the artistic freedom that pixologic are conjuring up in ZBrush 3.5:
WALL•E Wins a Hugo Award
It’s almost like de ja vu: about a year after WALL•E premieres the film wins yet another award, a sci-fi award to be exact…Does that sound familiar to any of you? You may remember not too long ago WALL•E got a Saturn. Well recently Andrew Stanton’s second feature took home a Hugo Award presented by the World Science Fiction Society! Apparently it’s the most prestigious award in the world of sci-fi.
Snazzy: Lee Unkrich's Gift to His Followers
We all know who Lee Unkrich is; the director of Toy Story 3 remember. Just checking.
He recently made a video for his followers on Twitter, all 5,000 of them! Well you see, it was his birthday this
He recently made a video for his followers on Twitter, all 5,000 of them! Well you see, it was his birthday this
Effects Supervisor Gary Bruins Talks Up in Hollywood Presentation
You can meet a Pixarian this week, as many of us have wanted; best of all it’s free of charge!Presentation of GPU-based V-Ray solution was one of the highlights of the SIGGRAPH 09
Chaos Group made a number of significant announcements at SIGGRAPH 2009. The two new V-Ray products that are already rocking the 3D world in 2009:
V-Ray for Maya and V-Ray RT got their public presentation at one of the biggest and most exciting events in the industry. Without any doubt the most remarkable among Chaos Group announcements was full presentation of GPU-based V-Ray solution during the V-Ray User Event on August 6th. Chaos Software revealed test results showing that the new upcoming technology already features rendering speeds and quality that exceed existing GPU accelerated raytracing applications.
V-Ray for Maya and V-Ray RT got their public presentation at one of the biggest and most exciting events in the industry. Without any doubt the most remarkable among Chaos Group announcements was full presentation of GPU-based V-Ray solution during the V-Ray User Event on August 6th. Chaos Software revealed test results showing that the new upcoming technology already features rendering speeds and quality that exceed existing GPU accelerated raytracing applications.
Up Wins Teen Choice Award
As everyone knows, teens don’t always make the best decisions — especially when it comes to media awards shows.So in the flood of Twilight, Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus wins (not that there’s anything wrong with them) one has to wonder if serious contenders for major awards ceremonies could compete at this years Teen Choice Awards. Basically what I’m trying to say is, I know these awards aren’t anything to pararde about, but do vividly show what the 13-18 demographic are into currently. It seems as though the teens of America have good taste in summer comedies this year.
DigitalXModels - New Model Collections and Discount Available
New Model Collections Available - Clothing 3 and Golf Course/Pro Shop
DISCOUNT COUPON AVAILABLE
DigitalXModels.com has become a leader in providing the 3D community with realistic clothing models for the visualization industry and has continued to produce more models. This new collection focuses on Men's Dresswear and contains 25 new items. Multiple preview images for each model are available for viewing on the product detail page.
The Golf Course/Pro Shop collection is ideal for anything golf related and contains some of the best quality models on the internet. This collection has 33 models including a fully detailed golf cart, golf bags, clubs, products found in pro shops, and many other items. Details can be seen here.
Additionally, there are several new free models available for download, nearly 30 models in all.
Additionally, there are several new free models available for download, nearly 30 models in all.
DISCOUNT COUPON AVAILABLE
Rarely seen in 3d model stores are sales and discounts. DigitalXModels is offering it's first sale since the very successful "Economic Stimulus Sale" back in January. Use coupon code "SHOWMETHEMONEY" and receive 25% off your entire order. This coupon is valid through the end of August and may be used up to two times.
CryEngine 3 info and footage from SIGGRAPH 2009
Original article on Crytek's presentations page: Kaplanyan, A.: Light Propagation Volumes in CryEngine 3
News story with embedded videos and screens extracted from the paper and the slides:
http://www.incrysis.com/index.php?o...id=812&Itemid=1
Real-time Global Illumination on CryEngine 3
News story with embedded videos and screens extracted from the paper and the slides:
http://www.incrysis.com/index.php?o...id=812&Itemid=1
Real-time Global Illumination on CryEngine 3
SOE (Sony Online Entertainment) Art Portal
Hey everyone,
The SOE Art Portal is now live. There are art galleries from our various titles, as well as articles about the art behind the games. The first article is an interview with Alen Lapidis , Environment Artist on Free Realms.
The SOE Art Portal is now live. There are art galleries from our various titles, as well as articles about the art behind the games. The first article is an interview with Alen Lapidis , Environment Artist on Free Realms.
Vicon unveils boujou 5.0
Latest version of leading camera tracker features faster solves and new manual tools, including fully functional Graph Editor
Vicon, developer of motion capture and image understanding systems, for the entertainment, life science and defence industries, has today announced that it will be showcasing a pre-release version of its eagerly awaited boujou 5 at the Siggraph conference this August.
Building on its established ease of use and automation, boujou 5 is enhanced with a unique new way of solving 3D camera positioning and motion paths from image sequences. This new approach radically accelerates the solve and allows users more manual interaction within complex shots.
The upgrade includes exciting new features that many existing boujou users will have been eagerly anticipating. Including:
• New Automatic Sequential Solver. Previous versions of boujou took the entire shot into account before delivering a solve. Now, it looks at a single frame at a time, which not only enables the user to intervene, it can make the entire process a lot faster
• A fully functional Graph Editor, which lets the user manually tweak the camera data and, if necessary, resolve. boujou 5 also provides the ability to lock valid sections of solve data or sections which are known to be correct, which animators can then use to improve other areas
• The Reference Frames feature allows users to import still images taken with any camera and use them to assist in a solve
Phil Elderfield, Product Manager at Vicon said: “Customers have been asking for greater control, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with boujou 5. The new manual tracking tools will give users the ability to step in and work directly with the data. Even the trickiest shot can be solved in boujou 5.”
Douglas Reinke, CEO and president at Vicon said: “boujou has always been the weapon of choice for top matchmovers, being used on films such as Charlotte’s Web, Tropic Thunder and Angels and Demons.
“Three years of research and development have gone into creating boujou 5 and we’re confident it stands out as a complete matchmoving package.”
Specification Sheet
Features
1. New automatic sequential solver
• Previous versions of boujou used a global camera solving technique, taking the whole shot into account before delivering a result. This could be a lengthy process with certain shots
• The sequential solver solves a frame at a time so that the solve is presented to the user as it happens
• It has the ability to handle different parts of a shot in different ways
• It considers only an area of frames around those being solved so can be much faster on many shots
• The user can stop at any point and intervene to make corrections if necessary.
• It can be used to fill gaps and extend broken solves
2. Fully functional graph editor
• For manual tweaking of boujou camera data
• Gives users complete control over what they export
• Brings into boujou tools to perform a task which they currently perform in third party package (e.g. Maya)
• Saves time and money since seats of animation packages can be used more efficiently (by animators)
• Allows edited data to be passed back into boujou for solve improvement
• Provides the ability to lock valid sections of solve data or sections which are known to be correct, then use this to improve areas that are not
• Has a non destructive workflow
• Has the ability to import and edit external data (e.g. motion control data)
3. Reference Frames
• Allows users to import still images taken with any camera and use them to assist in solving
• The focal length of these can be read automatically from meta data (EXIFF Tags) if present
• Provides benefits when shots exhibit little or no parallax
• Reference Frames are a common customer request
4. All New Target Tracker
• The pattern matching tracker in boujou has been completely re-written
• It has a faster tracking algorithm
• It provides a faster workflow
• It allows target tracking by specifying a pattern on a single frame
• It allows tracking of multiple patterns simultaneously
5. New software based application management and licensing
• Provides a wider range of software management and licensing functionality for system administrators
• It allows for faster delivery of software to customer (no dongle to ship)
Key benefits
• A wider range and more difficult shots can be tracked with boujou 5
• Faster workflows and performance
Specifications
Windows: XP SP3 / Vista SP1
Intel Macintosh: 10.4 Tiger / 10.5 Leopard
Linux: Red Hat Enterprise 4.X / CentOS 4.X / Fedora Core 5, 8 & 11
All platforms 32-bit. Linux and OS X versions of boujou 5 will be available some weeks after the Windows release.
About boujou
Vicon’s match moving software, boujou (boo-zhoo), was the first fully automated camera calibration and tracking system. Using advanced adaptive algorithms developed from vision science research, the application removes previous limitations on what is achievable in visual effects production by enabling 3D professionals to derive complex camera tracks and calibration data from film and video material.
boujou has made a major contribution to high-profile television and film productions, music videos and commercials by facilitating the creation of visual effects that seamlessly combine live action and 3D. In 2002, boujou was awarded a Primetime Emmy Engineering Award.
About Vicon
Academy Award®-winning Vicon is the world’s largest supplier of precision motion tracking systems, and match moving software. It serves customers in the CG animation industry, film, visual effects, computer games, and broadcast television, as well as engineering and life science industries. Vicon operates in four offices worldwide, including its Los Angeles-based Entertainment headquarters: a 26,000 square-foot facility equipped with three performance capture stages for Vicon’s service company House of Moves as well as over 250 Vicon T-160 and F40 cameras.
Vicon, developer of motion capture and image understanding systems, for the entertainment, life science and defence industries, has today announced that it will be showcasing a pre-release version of its eagerly awaited boujou 5 at the Siggraph conference this August.
Building on its established ease of use and automation, boujou 5 is enhanced with a unique new way of solving 3D camera positioning and motion paths from image sequences. This new approach radically accelerates the solve and allows users more manual interaction within complex shots.
The upgrade includes exciting new features that many existing boujou users will have been eagerly anticipating. Including:
• New Automatic Sequential Solver. Previous versions of boujou took the entire shot into account before delivering a solve. Now, it looks at a single frame at a time, which not only enables the user to intervene, it can make the entire process a lot faster
• A fully functional Graph Editor, which lets the user manually tweak the camera data and, if necessary, resolve. boujou 5 also provides the ability to lock valid sections of solve data or sections which are known to be correct, which animators can then use to improve other areas
• The Reference Frames feature allows users to import still images taken with any camera and use them to assist in a solve
Phil Elderfield, Product Manager at Vicon said: “Customers have been asking for greater control, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with boujou 5. The new manual tracking tools will give users the ability to step in and work directly with the data. Even the trickiest shot can be solved in boujou 5.”
Douglas Reinke, CEO and president at Vicon said: “boujou has always been the weapon of choice for top matchmovers, being used on films such as Charlotte’s Web, Tropic Thunder and Angels and Demons.
“Three years of research and development have gone into creating boujou 5 and we’re confident it stands out as a complete matchmoving package.”
Specification Sheet
Features
1. New automatic sequential solver
• Previous versions of boujou used a global camera solving technique, taking the whole shot into account before delivering a result. This could be a lengthy process with certain shots
• The sequential solver solves a frame at a time so that the solve is presented to the user as it happens
• It has the ability to handle different parts of a shot in different ways
• It considers only an area of frames around those being solved so can be much faster on many shots
• The user can stop at any point and intervene to make corrections if necessary.
• It can be used to fill gaps and extend broken solves
2. Fully functional graph editor
• For manual tweaking of boujou camera data
• Gives users complete control over what they export
• Brings into boujou tools to perform a task which they currently perform in third party package (e.g. Maya)
• Saves time and money since seats of animation packages can be used more efficiently (by animators)
• Allows edited data to be passed back into boujou for solve improvement
• Provides the ability to lock valid sections of solve data or sections which are known to be correct, then use this to improve areas that are not
• Has a non destructive workflow
• Has the ability to import and edit external data (e.g. motion control data)
3. Reference Frames
• Allows users to import still images taken with any camera and use them to assist in solving
• The focal length of these can be read automatically from meta data (EXIFF Tags) if present
• Provides benefits when shots exhibit little or no parallax
• Reference Frames are a common customer request
4. All New Target Tracker
• The pattern matching tracker in boujou has been completely re-written
• It has a faster tracking algorithm
• It provides a faster workflow
• It allows target tracking by specifying a pattern on a single frame
• It allows tracking of multiple patterns simultaneously
5. New software based application management and licensing
• Provides a wider range of software management and licensing functionality for system administrators
• It allows for faster delivery of software to customer (no dongle to ship)
Key benefits
• A wider range and more difficult shots can be tracked with boujou 5
• Faster workflows and performance
Specifications
Windows: XP SP3 / Vista SP1
Intel Macintosh: 10.4 Tiger / 10.5 Leopard
Linux: Red Hat Enterprise 4.X / CentOS 4.X / Fedora Core 5, 8 & 11
All platforms 32-bit. Linux and OS X versions of boujou 5 will be available some weeks after the Windows release.
About boujou
Vicon’s match moving software, boujou (boo-zhoo), was the first fully automated camera calibration and tracking system. Using advanced adaptive algorithms developed from vision science research, the application removes previous limitations on what is achievable in visual effects production by enabling 3D professionals to derive complex camera tracks and calibration data from film and video material.
boujou has made a major contribution to high-profile television and film productions, music videos and commercials by facilitating the creation of visual effects that seamlessly combine live action and 3D. In 2002, boujou was awarded a Primetime Emmy Engineering Award.
About Vicon
Academy Award®-winning Vicon is the world’s largest supplier of precision motion tracking systems, and match moving software. It serves customers in the CG animation industry, film, visual effects, computer games, and broadcast television, as well as engineering and life science industries. Vicon operates in four offices worldwide, including its Los Angeles-based Entertainment headquarters: a 26,000 square-foot facility equipped with three performance capture stages for Vicon’s service company House of Moves as well as over 250 Vicon T-160 and F40 cameras.
The Foundry - Rolling Shutter plugin
RollingShutter is a brand new plug-in tool for After Effects and Nuke which tackles image-distortion problems often experienced by users of CMOS cameras.
http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/pkg_ove...D1-FB380B2119EF
$500 seems a bit steep but when you consider the cost of a RED I guess it's a small price to pay.
http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/pkg_ove...D1-FB380B2119EF
$500 seems a bit steep but when you consider the cost of a RED I guess it's a small price to pay.
V-Ray RT on a GPU - SIGGRAPH 2009 Demo
This demo was presented by Chaos Group on August 6, 2009 at the SIGGRAPH 2009 Chaos Group User Event. During the event the first public showing of their GPU rendering tests were presented to a packed house. This video showcases the recently released V-Ray RT using an NVIDIA GeForce 285 GPU. While this GPU version is not a shipping product yet, already this technology demo features rendering speeds and quality surpassing all of the current GPU rendering applications that we've seen to date. Several high level industry representatives in attendance commented that this demo was the highlight of SIGGRAPH 2009.
http://www.cgarchitect.com/news/SIG...GROUP-GPU.shtml
http://www.cgarchitect.com/news/SIG...GROUP-GPU.shtml
Sunday, August 9, 2009
3DCreative Magazine - August 2009 Issue - Available Now!
3DCreative Magazine - August 2009 Issue - Available Now! See 3DCreative Magazine - or click on the image below - for further information and to download the free 'Lite' version of this month's magazine:
August 2009 brings you the 48th issue of 3DCreative. Which, if I’m not mistaken (and I’ve calculated this wrong before, so bear with me while I’ll add this up…), is the mark of four whole years in production! Woo-hoo! It’s been a great four years and we’re happy to announce that we’re going for five, so stick with us for more and more (and more) 3D into 2010!
So what’s new this month? Well, you’ll notice a slight change to 3DCreative in that we’re going tutorial crazy from here on in and cutting back slightly on interviews and making of articles. We’ll still have the gallery as normal, and the quality is certainly not going south, so we hope you’ll like the changes we’re making and enjoy all the tutorials we’ll be covering now and into the future. As always, suggestions are very welcome – pop an email over to me at lynette@3dtotal.com if you’d like us to consider any topics for future issues!
New to the August issue is chapter one of a three-part series on Creating Custom Textures, by in-house 3DTotal artist, Richard Tilbury. And what’s more, we’re giving away another great selection of Total Textures for FREE in this issue to accompany the tutorial, so forward-click to p.54 to get yourselves some free textures and learn some top tips from our very own texturing artist – who, by the way, worked previously as a texture artist for a U.K. games company before joining 3DTotal, and he sure knows his stuff!
3DCreative is all about tutorials now, so catch up with Joseph Harford on p.82 as he takes our next-gen character low-poly base mesh, created in last month’s instalment, into ZBrush for the first of two-parts sculpting, before moving onto the mapping and unwrapping in chapter four of the series. James Busby (LightWave), Gavin Goulden (Maya) and John Hayes (modo) will be back with us in part four of the Next-Gen Character Creation tutorial series when Joseph hands over the high poly ZBrush sculpt for the mapping/unwrapping fun to begin!
Also in its second chapter this month we have part two of Photoshop for 3D by Richard Tilbury, who takes us through retouching final renders, and our ZBrush Manimal Creation tutorial hits part three this month with Brazilian artist, Diego Maia returning to 3DCreative to take us through the production of an Aquatic-Man, on p.38. Diego also gives us some ZBrush rendering tips, the result of which is this month’s front cover feature!
Our artist interview featuring in this month’s magazine is with Californian-based artist, Christophe Desse, who teases us with sunny beach stories (whilst we sit here under what seem to be forever gray skies), and tells us a little about his move from film and advertising into real-time projects. You’ll no doubt have seen one of Christophe’s stylized cars featured in last month’s gallery, so you can now take full advantage of our interview and delve straight into his portfolio on p.6.
Finally, our making of has been kindly contributed by Marco Aurelio Magalhaes da Silva, another talented Brazilian-based artist who talks us through his workflow when dealing with inorganic subjects, such as this beast of a car, the Mustang Shelby 67, on p.66. And before you leave us and wait patiently for next month’s issue, be sure to check out our top picks in the gallery, with images by Andrei Cristea, Stéphan Brisson, and Christian Rambow just to name a few - p.14 is the one want!
Enjoy!
Lynette - 3DTotal Content Manager - 3D Total - The cg artists home page
Don't forget we also have a 2D magazine! 2DArtist Magazine
August 2009 brings you the 48th issue of 3DCreative. Which, if I’m not mistaken (and I’ve calculated this wrong before, so bear with me while I’ll add this up…), is the mark of four whole years in production! Woo-hoo! It’s been a great four years and we’re happy to announce that we’re going for five, so stick with us for more and more (and more) 3D into 2010!
So what’s new this month? Well, you’ll notice a slight change to 3DCreative in that we’re going tutorial crazy from here on in and cutting back slightly on interviews and making of articles. We’ll still have the gallery as normal, and the quality is certainly not going south, so we hope you’ll like the changes we’re making and enjoy all the tutorials we’ll be covering now and into the future. As always, suggestions are very welcome – pop an email over to me at lynette@3dtotal.com if you’d like us to consider any topics for future issues!
New to the August issue is chapter one of a three-part series on Creating Custom Textures, by in-house 3DTotal artist, Richard Tilbury. And what’s more, we’re giving away another great selection of Total Textures for FREE in this issue to accompany the tutorial, so forward-click to p.54 to get yourselves some free textures and learn some top tips from our very own texturing artist – who, by the way, worked previously as a texture artist for a U.K. games company before joining 3DTotal, and he sure knows his stuff!
3DCreative is all about tutorials now, so catch up with Joseph Harford on p.82 as he takes our next-gen character low-poly base mesh, created in last month’s instalment, into ZBrush for the first of two-parts sculpting, before moving onto the mapping and unwrapping in chapter four of the series. James Busby (LightWave), Gavin Goulden (Maya) and John Hayes (modo) will be back with us in part four of the Next-Gen Character Creation tutorial series when Joseph hands over the high poly ZBrush sculpt for the mapping/unwrapping fun to begin!
Also in its second chapter this month we have part two of Photoshop for 3D by Richard Tilbury, who takes us through retouching final renders, and our ZBrush Manimal Creation tutorial hits part three this month with Brazilian artist, Diego Maia returning to 3DCreative to take us through the production of an Aquatic-Man, on p.38. Diego also gives us some ZBrush rendering tips, the result of which is this month’s front cover feature!
Our artist interview featuring in this month’s magazine is with Californian-based artist, Christophe Desse, who teases us with sunny beach stories (whilst we sit here under what seem to be forever gray skies), and tells us a little about his move from film and advertising into real-time projects. You’ll no doubt have seen one of Christophe’s stylized cars featured in last month’s gallery, so you can now take full advantage of our interview and delve straight into his portfolio on p.6.
Finally, our making of has been kindly contributed by Marco Aurelio Magalhaes da Silva, another talented Brazilian-based artist who talks us through his workflow when dealing with inorganic subjects, such as this beast of a car, the Mustang Shelby 67, on p.66. And before you leave us and wait patiently for next month’s issue, be sure to check out our top picks in the gallery, with images by Andrei Cristea, Stéphan Brisson, and Christian Rambow just to name a few - p.14 is the one want!
Enjoy!
Lynette - 3DTotal Content Manager - 3D Total - The cg artists home page
Don't forget we also have a 2D magazine! 2DArtist Magazine
Blender 2.5 at Siggraph 2009
The Blender Foundation, the organization behind the free and open source 3D creation suite Blender, today unveiled the result of the Blender 2.5 project, a fully customizable interface layout system, with advanced access to all tools and options Blender offers.
During an almost two year process of design, review, and artist feedback, the Blender team has implemented a new core architecture for Blender. The key changes involve a high level of configurability of the interface and the ways tools are used, and a further elaboration of the original non-overlapping and non-blocking parallel working UI system. All of the interface elements in Blender are now defined using a scriptable layout engine, with scripted access to all of the data Blender provides. Keyboard layouts for hot keys and user input can be changed on the fly, including definition of macros, and reapplying tools with adjusted settings.
Blender 2.50 also provides a upgraded animation system. Now every setting and option can be animated via function curves, higher level actions, the non-linear animation mixer, or scripting.
Blender Foundation is also preparing the third Open Movie project, “Durian”, which will explore epic action content in 4k digital cinema. Six artists and two developers will work in the studio of Blender Institute, for a period of 6–8 months. A key goal of Durian is to ensure that Blender 2.5 series is production ready.
The first of the official 2.5 versions will be released in October, during the 8th annual Blender Conference in Amsterdam. The Blender team plans to give regular updates, with the 2.5 project to be completed with the Durian film premiere in 2nd quarter 2010.
Link: www.blender.org
Download "Autodesk Maya 2010" from 10th August
Those of you in Autodesk subscription will be able to download
Maya 2010 from Monday 10th August from the Autodesk Subscription Centre.
More Details on Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray and Luxo Jr. Premium Combo Pack
Important questions have now been answered for both the Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray and the Luxo Jr. Premium Combo Pack (AKA Pixar Luxo Lamp Collection), both highly anticipated releases, both in stores November 10th!Let’s start off with the mega-delayed Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray which was originally slated for last May with A Bug’s Life. The set has been increased from a 2-Disc set to a 3-Disc. To refresh your memory, it was previously announced that Monsters will contain a brand new game Roz’s 100-Door Challenge, a Roundtable Discussion featuring Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson and a new featurette Monster’s Inc Ride and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Tokyo! Also included are all of the bonus material from the original DVD release.
Moving on we have the Luxo Jr. Premium Combo Pack featuring, you guessed it… an actual replica of Luxo Jr.! Previously only available for pre-order in the UK as the Pixar Luxo Lamp Collection, this limited edition item will be available on November 10th in the US. To differ, it’ll be packaged with Up on Blu-ray instead of the whole Pixar Blu-ray collection. Luxo Jr. himself is an actual working lamp and has a storing area at the base for Blu-rays. It comes at a steep price of $199 but I’m sure it’s worth it.
You can pre-order Monsters, Inc. on 3-Disc Blu-ray from Amazon now. US pre-orders for the Luxo Jr. Premium Combo Pack coming soon.
Up Blu-ray & DVD Out November 10th; Features & Cover Art Revealed!
Adventure is out there and coming to your home on Blu-ray and DVD November 10th, 2009!This release will come in three main variations: a 4-Disc Blu-ray (2 Blu-rays, a Digital Copy for handheld devices, and a standard DVD), a 2-Disc Special Edition DVD (can’t confirm this one) and a 1-Disc Standard DVD. The barebones 1-Disc release will only include the shorts Partly Cloudy and Dug’s Special Mission as extras. The 2-Disc would add commentary, a featurette and a digital copy. On the other hand the 4-Disc set is packed with bonus material!
In this collector’s must-have you will find all of the above plus making-of extras such as character focused Geriatric Hero, Canine Companions, Russell: Wilderness Explorer and Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin, as well as set, research and music focused Homemakers of Pixar, Balloons and Flight, Adventure is Out There (the much talked about trip to South America) and Composing for Characters. You can also find alternate scenes like Married Life and The Many Endings of Muntz included in the set. Like all others Pixar Blu-rays you’ll also be treated to Cine-Explore with Pete Docter and Bob Peterson and an exclusive Java based game called Global Guardian Badge Game. To see the detailed description of these features click on [Extended Description] at this link.
The 1-Disc release will be retailing for US SRP $19.99 and the 4 Disc Set will be selling for US SRP $34.99 through Disney. You can pre-order these releases at the links above and receive a pin set or through Amazon (which is listing a different price) among others.
There are two other major Pixar releases coming our way November 10th. Stand by for a write up on those.
Absence: What I've Missed
This past week has been crazy. Lots of fun, but crazy. It was my birthday this past Monday and I was surprised with a mega-trip to Walt Disney World. As it would be, I had no time to do anything on the internet.That’s exactly why I haven’t posted in days, I’m not ignoring you, I swear! Well anyways I’m back and I apologize for my absence (second time this month/won’t happen again) so as a token here’s some notable news I missed:
Woody’s Last Name: Here’s some surprising news coming from Lee Unkrich on Twitter, Woody has an official last name! That would be Sheriff Woody Pride. Very fitting for this iconic character. Will we be hearing this name in Toy Story 3? No, but it has been his surname since early development of the original picture! Apparently the name was used in the description for the Toy Story Toy Box Collection once. Happy Early Birthday Mr. Unkrich!
Up’s Worldwide Success: Last Friday Up opened in major territories including France, Israel, Spain and Taiwan as their number one movie! Internationally Pete Docter’s latest has collected about $71 million. Meanwhile, Up is ending it’s US run with $286 million so far. (via Box Office Mojo)
So I hope you accept my apology (with the late news) because we’ll be back with lots of news, actually really soon. The next post should be very exciting…
Awakening 3.5 Released!
What's new in Awakening 3.5?
* Terrain
Terrain system supports collision detection, also supports height map, altitude adjust, etc.
* Video Texture
You can load video to texture to produce animated image.
* 'Exclusive VB' option for mesh
This feature use more video memory but can speed up rendering, especially for massive vertices objects.
* More options of Portal
New options let Water Rendering more convenient.
* Sound supports video files
Can load video file as sound source.
* Save to tri file
Can save mobile to .tri file
* Text editor assigning
Can assign text editor for 'Edit User Script File', etc.
* Improved Command Script API
New classes and enhanced functions:
SaveScene()
VectorToYawPitch()
terrain
texturelist (changed)
scene (changed)
movable (changed)
* New & Improved plugins
1. Terragen Terrain Files Importer: Can import .ter files as terrain.
2. OBJ Files Importer: Have repaired the vertex normal error and support polygon now.
3. Collada DAE Files Importer: Can import skinning animation from .dae files.
4. tri & ani exporter for 3dsmax9, 3dsmax2009
Download (34,813K)
http://www.AwingSoft.com
* Terrain
Terrain system supports collision detection, also supports height map, altitude adjust, etc.
* Video Texture
You can load video to texture to produce animated image.
* 'Exclusive VB' option for mesh
This feature use more video memory but can speed up rendering, especially for massive vertices objects.
* More options of Portal
New options let Water Rendering more convenient.
* Sound supports video files
Can load video file as sound source.
* Save to tri file
Can save mobile to .tri file
* Text editor assigning
Can assign text editor for 'Edit User Script File', etc.
* Improved Command Script API
New classes and enhanced functions:
SaveScene()
VectorToYawPitch()
terrain
texturelist (changed)
scene (changed)
movable (changed)
* New & Improved plugins
1. Terragen Terrain Files Importer: Can import .ter files as terrain.
2. OBJ Files Importer: Have repaired the vertex normal error and support polygon now.
3. Collada DAE Files Importer: Can import skinning animation from .dae files.
4. tri & ani exporter for 3dsmax9, 3dsmax2009
Download (34,813K)
http://www.AwingSoft.com
DigitalXModels - New Model Collections and Discount Available
New Model Collections Available - Clothing 3 and Golf Course/Pro Shop
DISCOUNT COUPON AVAILABLE
DigitalXModels.com has become a leader in providing the 3D community with realistic clothing models for the visualization industry and has continued to produce more models. This new collection focuses on Men's Dresswear and contains 25 new items. Multiple preview images for each model are available for viewing on the product detail page.
The Golf Course/Pro Shop collection is ideal for anything golf related and contains some of the best quality models on the internet. This collection has 33 models including a fully detailed golf cart, golf bags, clubs, products found in pro shops, and many other items. Details can be seen here.
Additionally, there are several new free models available for download, nearly 30 models in all.
Additionally, there are several new free models available for download, nearly 30 models in all.
DISCOUNT COUPON AVAILABLE
Rarely seen in 3d model stores are sales and discounts. DigitalXModels is offering it's first sale since the very successful "Economic Stimulus Sale" back in January. Use coupon code "SHOWMETHEMONEY" and receive 25% off your entire order. This coupon is valid through the end of August and may be used up to two times.
Friday, August 7, 2009
NEW 3DTotal eBook Release: Hair & Face Painting
Nykolai Aleksander and Anne Pogoda take us through easy-to-follow tutorials on how to paint face and hair - and as well as giving expert tuition, Nykolai Aleksander has also supplied some brushes that she used which accompanies this eBook. More information at 3D Total - The cg artists home page - or click on the image below:
Video interview with Karin Fong of Imaginary Forces
Art director Karin Fong is one of the founding members of Imaginary Forces. I talked to her backstage after the Flux/Watch the Titles event in L.A. to discuss title sequence and motion design. Thought you all might like this.
Fong talks about her recent Main Title and the making of “machine vision” for Terminator Salvation and her animated title sequence for The Pink Panther 2. The interview is 5,5 mins.
watchthetitles.com/articles/00145-Karin_Fong_interview
Terminator Salvation title sequence:
watchthetitles.com/articles/00135-Terminator_Salvation
3D-Coat DVD Training - Voxel Sculpting Characters is on sale now!!
y 3D-Coat DVD training is now on sale through www.kurvstudios.com !!
Here is the direct URL:
http://www.kurvstudios.com/3D-coat/voxel_sculpting.php
Price: $44.95
Length: 20+ Hours!
Delivery: Shipping OR Download
The Official DVD Blurb:
=================
Voxel sculpting is only the coolest thing implemented to 3D since NURBS. Voxel sculpting allows you to sculpt any details, unlimited topological flow with out any constraints. That's right, unlimited artistic control of your objects, creatures, characters or what ever you're sculpting. No other package gives you this kind of limitless control and freedom. 3D Coat truly unleashes your artistic ability and this DVD will help you understand 3D Coats powerful Voxel's.
Javis will blow your mind with this 20+ hour training video on 3D Coat's voxels. Sculpting this character will not only be fun and educational but it will show you voxels in a whole new light.
=================
Due to high demand we were able to make this DVD a Download product as well, so thanks to those who asked for it.
Also please no off topic chatter. Thanks!
Here is the direct URL:
http://www.kurvstudios.com/3D-coat/voxel_sculpting.php
Price: $44.95
Length: 20+ Hours!
Delivery: Shipping OR Download
The Official DVD Blurb:
=================
Voxel sculpting is only the coolest thing implemented to 3D since NURBS. Voxel sculpting allows you to sculpt any details, unlimited topological flow with out any constraints. That's right, unlimited artistic control of your objects, creatures, characters or what ever you're sculpting. No other package gives you this kind of limitless control and freedom. 3D Coat truly unleashes your artistic ability and this DVD will help you understand 3D Coats powerful Voxel's.
Javis will blow your mind with this 20+ hour training video on 3D Coat's voxels. Sculpting this character will not only be fun and educational but it will show you voxels in a whole new light.
=================
Due to high demand we were able to make this DVD a Download product as well, so thanks to those who asked for it.
Also please no off topic chatter. Thanks!
Lovely Bones Trailer
It is up and I'm looking forward to its release (some nice looking visuals for the heaven scenes)
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/thelovelybones/
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/thelovelybones/
It’s Here! Digital-Tutors New Online Learning Library
Hi everyone,
The Digital-Tutors Team is proud to announce our New Online Learning Library and Full-Featured Educational Platform!
We combined our award-winning training with an easy-to-navigate system so that artists everywhere have access to our entire video library of over 7,000 in-depth training lessons and 50 all-new courses for Maya, Houdini, 3ds Max, Mudbox, Softimage, and ZBrush as well as the addition of training for Fusion, MotionBuilder, Toxik, Pixel Bender, and Stitcher.
Our new library comes complete with an exclusive educational platform that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers valuable features and exclusive benefits to providing students, professionals, educators, and hobbyists with a unique, customized learning experience.
New Features and Benefits
-20 new courses added each month
-Unlimited personalized Playlists
-Create reminders with Tags and Notes
-Create, save, and loop any section of a lesson with our exclusive CLIPS Technology
-Find what you need in seconds with our Search Smarter Tool
-Anytime, anywhere access
Sign-up for a FREE Trial Pass: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/register.php
Tour the Library and Platform: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/index.php
View Membership Plans: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/pricing.php
If you have any questions or comments or would simply like more information about becoming a Digital-Tutors member, please feel free to contact us at customerservice@digitaltutors.com.
Thank you for your continued support!
The Digital-Tutors Team
The Digital-Tutors Team is proud to announce our New Online Learning Library and Full-Featured Educational Platform!
We combined our award-winning training with an easy-to-navigate system so that artists everywhere have access to our entire video library of over 7,000 in-depth training lessons and 50 all-new courses for Maya, Houdini, 3ds Max, Mudbox, Softimage, and ZBrush as well as the addition of training for Fusion, MotionBuilder, Toxik, Pixel Bender, and Stitcher.
Our new library comes complete with an exclusive educational platform that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers valuable features and exclusive benefits to providing students, professionals, educators, and hobbyists with a unique, customized learning experience.
New Features and Benefits
-20 new courses added each month
-Unlimited personalized Playlists
-Create reminders with Tags and Notes
-Create, save, and loop any section of a lesson with our exclusive CLIPS Technology
-Find what you need in seconds with our Search Smarter Tool
-Anytime, anywhere access
Sign-up for a FREE Trial Pass: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/register.php
Tour the Library and Platform: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/index.php
View Membership Plans: http://www.digitaltutors.com/09/pricing.php
If you have any questions or comments or would simply like more information about becoming a Digital-Tutors member, please feel free to contact us at customerservice@digitaltutors.com.
Thank you for your continued support!
The Digital-Tutors Team
New Wonderstruck Studios Gathering at Siggraph
The folks from the new Wonderstruck Studios (Detroit, Michigan) will be gathered at the world famous Pat O'Brien's in the French Quarter- on Wednesday, Aug 5th, between 5pm- 7pm, to meet with talented animators, FX artists, teachers, technologists, suppliers and film makers- to network and learn about this exciting new project!
Wonderstruck is a Feature film studio, with an emphasis on animation and visual effects projects. They are also opening Wonderstruck Institute, to provide the highest quality industry training. Over 400 jobs are expected to be created by Wonderstruck, as they ramp up. They are also looking to meet prospects who would like to teach.
Come and meet Mary Anderson, Executive Director of Production Technology, who will be there to talk about the progress and goals- and to build relationships with promising talent here at Siggraph. Several folks from Michigan's film and digital arts industry will also be there. Look for us in the "Patio Bar" area. If you're a talented animator, filmmaker, instructor or technologist- we want to meet you! Come stop by to learn more about the Wonderstruck Institute, the animation studio and Michigan's exploding film industry!
This is an informal gathering and everyone is welcome to join us. You are responsible for your own beverages (Cash Bar).
For more info about Wonderstruck, visit www.wonderstruckstudios.com
Wonderstruck is a Feature film studio, with an emphasis on animation and visual effects projects. They are also opening Wonderstruck Institute, to provide the highest quality industry training. Over 400 jobs are expected to be created by Wonderstruck, as they ramp up. They are also looking to meet prospects who would like to teach.
Come and meet Mary Anderson, Executive Director of Production Technology, who will be there to talk about the progress and goals- and to build relationships with promising talent here at Siggraph. Several folks from Michigan's film and digital arts industry will also be there. Look for us in the "Patio Bar" area. If you're a talented animator, filmmaker, instructor or technologist- we want to meet you! Come stop by to learn more about the Wonderstruck Institute, the animation studio and Michigan's exploding film industry!
This is an informal gathering and everyone is welcome to join us. You are responsible for your own beverages (Cash Bar).
For more info about Wonderstruck, visit www.wonderstruckstudios.com
Quest3D Awards 2009
Quest3D Awards 2009 is calling for entry!
The rule: Enter the best project you made with Quest3D and youcan win a Quest3D Award!
Format: Entries must be provided in a presentable form. For example: a movie, executable or website. A working executable will have an advantage over stills or only a non-interactive movie. Your entry will be rated based on skills and originality. All valuable entries will get a spot in Quest3D promotion material such as brochures, movies, websites and events.
Deadline: October 9th 2009
Prize:
- 1st prize: € 2000 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
- 2nd prize:€ 1000 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
- 3rd prize: € 500 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
Check for further information at: http://conference.quest3d.com/awards
The rule: Enter the best project you made with Quest3D and youcan win a Quest3D Award!
Format: Entries must be provided in a presentable form. For example: a movie, executable or website. A working executable will have an advantage over stills or only a non-interactive movie. Your entry will be rated based on skills and originality. All valuable entries will get a spot in Quest3D promotion material such as brochures, movies, websites and events.
Deadline: October 9th 2009
Prize:
- 1st prize: € 2000 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
- 2nd prize:€ 1000 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
- 3rd prize: € 500 and a copy of Quest3D Power edition
Check for further information at: http://conference.quest3d.com/awards
Quest3D Conference 2009
Quest3D is going to organize their 4th annual conference.
When: 23rd October 2009
Where: Hogeschool Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
Time: 09.00 -18.00
Official website: http://conference.quest3d.com/
Book your agenda and see you there!
When: 23rd October 2009
Where: Hogeschool Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
Time: 09.00 -18.00
Official website: http://conference.quest3d.com/
Book your agenda and see you there!
Blender 2.5 Release Date
From the Blender Institute Press Release:
The Blender Foundation issued a press release at SIGGRAPH yesterday with information on Blender 2.5 and its relation to Durian. For the first time ever, an expected release date was included! New Release offers a new interface with full customization and a completely revamped animation system
New Orleans, August 03 — Siggraph 2009 – The Blender Foundation, the organization behind the free and open source 3D creation suite Blender, today unveiled the result of the Blender 2.5 project, a fully customizable interface layout system, with advanced access to all tools and options Blender offers.
During an almost two year process of design, review, and artist feedback, the Blender team has implemented a new core architecture for Blender. The key changes involve a high level of configurability of the interface and the ways tools are used, and a further elaboration of the original non-overlapping and non-blocking parallel working UI system. All of the interface elements in Blender are now defined using a scriptable layout engine, with scripted access to all of the data Blender provides. Keyboard layouts for hot keys and user input can be changed on the fly, including definition of macros, and reapplying tools with adjusted settings. Blender 2.50 also provides a upgraded animation system. Now every setting and option can be animated via function curves, higher level actions, the non-linear animation mixer, or scripting.
Blender Foundation is also preparing the third Open Movie project, "Durian", which will explore epic action content in 4k digital cinema. Six artists and two developers will work in the studio of Blender Institute, for a period of 6-8 months. A key goal of Durian is to ensure that Blender 2.5 series is production ready.
The first of the official 2.5 versions will be released in October, during the 8th annual Blender Conference in Amsterdam. The Blender team plans to give regular updates, with the 2.5 project to be completed with the Durian film premiere in 2nd quarter 2010.
The Blender Foundation issued a press release at SIGGRAPH yesterday with information on Blender 2.5 and its relation to Durian. For the first time ever, an expected release date was included! New Release offers a new interface with full customization and a completely revamped animation system
New Orleans, August 03 — Siggraph 2009 – The Blender Foundation, the organization behind the free and open source 3D creation suite Blender, today unveiled the result of the Blender 2.5 project, a fully customizable interface layout system, with advanced access to all tools and options Blender offers.
During an almost two year process of design, review, and artist feedback, the Blender team has implemented a new core architecture for Blender. The key changes involve a high level of configurability of the interface and the ways tools are used, and a further elaboration of the original non-overlapping and non-blocking parallel working UI system. All of the interface elements in Blender are now defined using a scriptable layout engine, with scripted access to all of the data Blender provides. Keyboard layouts for hot keys and user input can be changed on the fly, including definition of macros, and reapplying tools with adjusted settings. Blender 2.50 also provides a upgraded animation system. Now every setting and option can be animated via function curves, higher level actions, the non-linear animation mixer, or scripting.
Blender Foundation is also preparing the third Open Movie project, "Durian", which will explore epic action content in 4k digital cinema. Six artists and two developers will work in the studio of Blender Institute, for a period of 6-8 months. A key goal of Durian is to ensure that Blender 2.5 series is production ready.
The first of the official 2.5 versions will be released in October, during the 8th annual Blender Conference in Amsterdam. The Blender team plans to give regular updates, with the 2.5 project to be completed with the Durian film premiere in 2nd quarter 2010.
3D Printing now in stainless steel
Stainless Steel Moebius Strip courtesy Shapeways
You can stop pounding on that anvil now; steel fabrication has moved onto the web. Shapeways, a company that made its name offering custom 3-D printing in plastic and resin, will now print your designs in stainless steel. All you have to do is upload your brilliant CAD design (or pick from a range of stock items). Shapeways will print it out in cold, shiny steel, and mail it to you.
As with any 3-D printing, the object is built up in layers. In this case, powdered steel is laid down, alternating with a binding material, in thin layers until the whole piece appears. Then your finished model is heated, cured and, according to Shapeways, "infused with bronze."
Steel printing from Shapeways is limited to models that pass specific size and detail guidelines. The printing leaves some lines and visible layers in the object, they say, so be prepared: your finished piece probably won't look as smooth and perfect as other bits of metal you own. Shapeways' cost chart quotes $10 per square centimeter for steel printing, which could add up to a hefty price for larger items. That said, being able to make your own metal objects without big equipment or the threat of horrible burns is pretty cool at any price.
for images:Shapeways
Spheron launches world's first professional HDR video camera
Revolutionary new camera is capable of capturing HDR files on set at 30 frames per second, in full HD resolution
HDRI pioneer SpheronVR has launched the world‘s first professional camera capable of recording live footage as a series of HDR files.
One of the few truly innovative products on show at Siggraph 2009, the SpheroCam HDRV is capable of outputting footage as a series of EXR files, capturing a range of 20 f-stops.
The files can be captured at 30 frames per second, at full 1,920×1,080 HD resolution.
The camera is capable of recording five hours of continuous footage, amounting to a massive 24 Terabytes of data. The data is stored in a dedicated unit attached to the camera.
SpheronVR has already sold the first model to the UK‘s University of Warwick, where it will be used in reserach on HDR compression algorithms. No commercial pricing for the system has been announced.
Being able to capture a continuous series of HDR files on set rather than a single reference image should open up completely new possibilities for VFX work.
It will be interesting to see which of SpheronVR‘s customers, which include leading UK studios The Mill and Glassworks, makes use of the new system first.
HDRI pioneer SpheronVR has launched the world‘s first professional camera capable of recording live footage as a series of HDR files.
One of the few truly innovative products on show at Siggraph 2009, the SpheroCam HDRV is capable of outputting footage as a series of EXR files, capturing a range of 20 f-stops.
The files can be captured at 30 frames per second, at full 1,920×1,080 HD resolution.
The camera is capable of recording five hours of continuous footage, amounting to a massive 24 Terabytes of data. The data is stored in a dedicated unit attached to the camera.
SpheronVR has already sold the first model to the UK‘s University of Warwick, where it will be used in reserach on HDR compression algorithms. No commercial pricing for the system has been announced.
Being able to capture a continuous series of HDR files on set rather than a single reference image should open up completely new possibilities for VFX work.
It will be interesting to see which of SpheronVR‘s customers, which include leading UK studios The Mill and Glassworks, makes use of the new system first.
OC3 Entertainment launches new facial animation system
Games industry specialists target animation and VFX market with new standalone tools for automated facial animation
Games industry specialist OC3 Entertainment has released a standalone version of its FaceFX software, previously used on over 100 major games.
The package takes audio and text files of dialogue and converts them automatically into facial animation, coping with both morph and bone-based rigs.
The system is even capable of using audio files to drive hand or body motion, as evidenced by the brief demo we saw at Siggraph.
OC3 tells us that it is keen to expand outside its games user base and is actively targeting animation professionals. More details below.
PRESS RELEASE
OC3 Entertainment Releases FaceFX Studio Standalone
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. Jul 30, 2009: OC3 Entertainment announces the release of FaceFX Studio Standalone, a new version of a facial animation program used in the development of over 100 triple-A video game titles. Previously, the FaceFX solution was licensed on a per-game-title basis, limiting the adoption of the technology to top tier game developers. Starting at SIGGRAPH 2009, FaceFX will also be available on a per-seat basis to any 3D animation professional requiring superior facial animation technology.
FaceFX (www.facefx.com) is a solution for synchronizing facial movements to an audio file. The software generates curves for lip synchronization, head rotations, eyebrow raises, and other speech gestures using audio and the accompanying text transcription. Animations can be modified and then imported into 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, and MotionBuilder via custom plugins. FaceFX can be used with bones- and morph-based characters and is compatible with any conceivable character setup.
“Over the past seven years, OC3 Entertainment has developed technology in coordination with the needs of the world’s most respected game developers,” says Doug Perkowski, CEO of OC3 Entertainment. “We are thrilled that FaceFX Studio Standalone will make that technology accessible to more users.” FaceFX Studio Standalone will be sold on a per-seat basis for US $1,995.
About OC3 Entertainment
OC3 Entertainment is a private company dedicated to powering games, television, and the internet with realistic talking characters.
FaceFX is a registered trademark of OC3 Entertainment. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
OC3 Entertainment, Inc.
Doug Perkowski, CEO
(919) 767–0626
info@oc3ent.com
Games industry specialist OC3 Entertainment has released a standalone version of its FaceFX software, previously used on over 100 major games.
The package takes audio and text files of dialogue and converts them automatically into facial animation, coping with both morph and bone-based rigs.
The system is even capable of using audio files to drive hand or body motion, as evidenced by the brief demo we saw at Siggraph.
OC3 tells us that it is keen to expand outside its games user base and is actively targeting animation professionals. More details below.
PRESS RELEASE
OC3 Entertainment Releases FaceFX Studio Standalone
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. Jul 30, 2009: OC3 Entertainment announces the release of FaceFX Studio Standalone, a new version of a facial animation program used in the development of over 100 triple-A video game titles. Previously, the FaceFX solution was licensed on a per-game-title basis, limiting the adoption of the technology to top tier game developers. Starting at SIGGRAPH 2009, FaceFX will also be available on a per-seat basis to any 3D animation professional requiring superior facial animation technology.
FaceFX (www.facefx.com) is a solution for synchronizing facial movements to an audio file. The software generates curves for lip synchronization, head rotations, eyebrow raises, and other speech gestures using audio and the accompanying text transcription. Animations can be modified and then imported into 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, and MotionBuilder via custom plugins. FaceFX can be used with bones- and morph-based characters and is compatible with any conceivable character setup.
“Over the past seven years, OC3 Entertainment has developed technology in coordination with the needs of the world’s most respected game developers,” says Doug Perkowski, CEO of OC3 Entertainment. “We are thrilled that FaceFX Studio Standalone will make that technology accessible to more users.” FaceFX Studio Standalone will be sold on a per-seat basis for US $1,995.
About OC3 Entertainment
OC3 Entertainment is a private company dedicated to powering games, television, and the internet with realistic talking characters.
FaceFX is a registered trademark of OC3 Entertainment. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
OC3 Entertainment, Inc.
Doug Perkowski, CEO
(919) 767–0626
info@oc3ent.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Connection Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010
The Connection Extension for Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010 design visualization software offers a range of new and enhanced connectivity features exclusively to Autodesk® Subscription program customers............
more at:http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=13402511
more at:http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=13402511
The Pixel Farm Launch PFPipe at Siggraph 2009
The Pixel Farm announced today the first showing of its latest software technology – PFPipe, a workflow enhancement tool. Designed to greatly improve workflow efficiency by integrating PFTrack and the data it generates into 3rd party applications, PFPipe follows The Pixel Farm’s philosophy of finding simple solutions to workaday production problems. This workflow enhancement creates a consistency of data throughout the production pipeline saving time, reducing the risk of human error and beefing up workflow efficiency.
PFPipe is a C API for reading PFTrack projects and obtaining the data contained therein, this will allow people to establish direct integration of PFTrack data into 3rd party applications and in-house pipelines and technologies. The first release of PFPipe will provide access to both PFTrack’s camera data and renowned distortion models, as well as providing all project links to footage and clips used in the project file itself.
PFPipe is a C API for reading PFTrack projects and obtaining the data contained therein, this will allow people to establish direct integration of PFTrack data into 3rd party applications and in-house pipelines and technologies. The first release of PFPipe will provide access to both PFTrack’s camera data and renowned distortion models, as well as providing all project links to footage and clips used in the project file itself.
To provide a working example of how PFPipe could provide useful tools, developers at The Pixel Farm have ported PFBarrel, PFCameraImport and PFDataCombiner to a plug-in set for shake 4.1. The API includes sample C code for applications and a PFTrack project to enable developers and TD’s to quickly develop tools based on this new and unique technology.
Michael Lancaster, Product Director, The Pixel Farm comments: “As with all of our products our aim is to create tools that make production easier and more cost-effective. PFPipe was developed after spending time with our customers, seeing their workflows and thus creating a tool that they needed.”
3D modelling and printing contest from Shapeways and AutoDesSys
AutoDesSys has teamed up with Shapeways to offer a 3D Modeling and Printing Contest that starts the first day of Siggraph and runs for a month – August 4 to September 4, 2009.
AutoDesSys has a passion for 3D modeling! Shapeways is passionate about creating!
Together they are inviting designers from all industries to build their dream home or any object in it with bonzai3d.
Contestants who do not own bonzai3d, can download the free trial version from http://www.bonzai3d.com. All models submitted for judging must be created with bonzai3d and uploaded to Shapeways’ site at http://www.shapeways.com. Winners for the following prizes will be announced September 30, 2009.
1st Prize: $300 3D print of your model + form•Z RenderZone Plus -Prize valued at $1,800
2nd Prize: $200 3D print of your model + bonzai3d – Prize valued at $700
3rd Prize: $100 3D print of your model + bonzai3d T-shirt – Priceless!
Additional information may be found at http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_3dcontest.html
AutoDesSys is dedicated to producing the most advanced tools for all those engaged in the articulation of 3D forms. It researches and provides the latest technology in the 3D industry and develops cross platform products that support 2D, 3D, photorealistic rendering, and animation.
Shapeways is a 3D printing and production service that harnesses the power of a global network of 3D production service partners to ensure cost-efficient, reliable manufacturing and order fulfillment of 3D designs starting with custom 3D printing.
Nvidia Quadro Plex solutions unveiled at Siggraph
NVIDIA today unveiled new
breakthrough Quadro Plex solutions targeted at scalable visualization professionals who interact with 3D models and analyze large volumes of data. These cost-effective visual computing platforms are designed to power a wide range of ultra-high resolution and multi-channel collaboration environments − ranging from interpretation desktops to visualization walls to network operations centers.
breakthrough Quadro Plex solutions targeted at scalable visualization professionals who interact with 3D models and analyze large volumes of data. These cost-effective visual computing platforms are designed to power a wide range of ultra-high resolution and multi-channel collaboration environments − ranging from interpretation desktops to visualization walls to network operations centers.
Quadro Plex-based solutions enable professionals in fields such as energy exploration, architectural design, medical research and consumer packaged goods to seamlessly run any software application across multiple ultra-high resolution displays or projectors, facilitating accurate and timely decision making.
“The massive leap in GPU computing power of our Quadro Plex solutions is enabling customers to interact with their data in ways that previously were not possible,” said Jeff Brown, general manager, Professional Solutions, NVIDIA. “With the introduction of our turnkey scalable visualization solutions, NVIDIA is taking what used to be a complex issue for customers, and delivering plug-and-play simplicity at one tenth the cost.”
These flexible solutions are built on the award-winning NVIDIA Quadro Plex visual computing system, featuring two Quadro FX 5800 GPUs and 8 GB of memory. By connecting two Quadro Plex systems to a single workstation, users can view images at a resolution of 36 megapixels, span visuals across two 4K projectors or eight auto-synchronized displays, and drive stereoscopic 3D content for a truly immersive experience.
Available from NVIDIA partners such as Cyviz and IGI–two firms that design and deploy state of-the-art collaboration and visualization centers worldwide–Quadro Plex scalable visualization solutions power environments where high resolution images and real-time data feeds are seamlessly blended for training, simulation and operations monitoring.
“For our customers, the ability to view and interact with information while collaborating with colleagues leads to greater insights and more accurate results,” said Jeff Esienhard, vice president Americas, Cyviz. “NVIDIA Quadro Plex scalable visualization solutions allow us to easily configure and build a wide range of ultra-high resolution premium display walls for collaboration environments, enabling our customers to process complex data sets and make better decisions.”
“NVIDIA Quadro Plex solutions allow us to re-define the traditional collaboration center by enabling any application to be run on our large visualization displays,” said Pat Hernandez, president of IGI. “The dramatically lower price points of these new solutions from NVIDIA, and their simplified IT requirements, will lead to an increase in adoption throughout the marketplace.”
“Imaging and display technologies have evolved over the years, and today a 50 inch HDTV certainly looks great. But imagine being able to easily view content at 16 times that resolution,” said Randall Stevens, CEO of Mersive, a leading display technology company. “By combining NVIDIA’s industry-leading visualization solutions with Mersive’s auto display calibration technology, we can deploy affordable and reliable ultra-resolution environments.”
Experience the power of Quadro Plex scalable visualization solutions at SIGGRAPH 2009 in the NVIDIA booth #2101 at the New Orleans Convention Center, Aug. 4 – 6, 2009, or learn more at www.nvidia.com/svs
Pricing and Availability
Quadro Plex scalable visualization solutions are available today from NVIDIA OEM partners, authorized system builders and certified channel partners. Estimated street price starts at $10,750 USD for a single Quadro Plex system; pricing of other systems depends on configuration.
Digital-Tutors launches online training system
Popular tutorial DVD provider branches out into web-based tuition, offering access to over 7,000 individual lessons
Leading 3D training DVD vendor is to branch into web-based training, offering artists the option to learn software skills anywhere with an internet connection. Look out for more details in the magazine in issue 123, but for now, here‘s the basic information.
PRESS RELEASE
Digital-Tutors Redefines Education with New Online Learning Library and Full-featured Educational Platform
Combining award-winning training with an easy-to-navigate interactive system, Digital-Tutors unveils anytime, anywhere access to over 7,000 lessons and 50 new courses for emerging digital artists around the world.
Oklahoma City, OK. August 4, 2009: Digital-Tutors, a leader and innovator in video-based training for students, professionals, educators, and hobbyists in the computer graphics industry, today launched a new online learning library of over 7,000 in-depth training lessons and 50 all-new courses for Maya, Houdini, 3ds Max, Mudbox, Softimage, and ZBrush as well as the addition of training for Fusion, MotionBuilder, Toxik, Pixel Bender, and Stitcher. The comprehensive library comes complete with an exclusive educational platform that offers valuable features and exclusive benefits to providing a unique, customized learning experience for artists of all skill levels.
Digital-Tutors extensive training collection and revolutionary new system provides thousands of hours of project-based training 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers studios, schools, production companies, and individual artists with the opportunity to become more productive through the flexibility, organization, and intelligence of the platform. This innovative delivery system presents several beneficial features including personalized Playlists, the opportunity to create Tags and Notes, a Search smarter tool, and the one-of-a-kind patent pending CLIPS Technology, which allows users to create, save, and loop any section of a tutorial. Digital-Tutors online learning library has the ability to evolve and grow over time as 20 new courses will be released each month and additional features will continue to be added to the all-inclusive platform.
“The team here at Digital-Tutors is extremely proud to present artists around the globe with a customized learning experience that is no longer one size fits all,“ said Piyush Patel, CEO and Founder of Digital-Tutors. “We asked hundreds of artists, students, educators, and professionals how we could improve their learning experience and with their feedback, input, and opinions and three years of research and development, we found that they needed convenient anytime, anywhere access to our entire library of training as well as a tool set that would meet their individual educational needs so they can easily absorb the materials they need to take their skill set to the next level. And, with our new online learning library, we allow them to do just that,“ explained Patel.
“I was privileged to be given a sneak peek of the new online learning library,“ said Daniel Lefebvre, Design Illustrator at CACI, Inc. Federal. “The technology Digital-Tutors has harnessed to bring training to their customers is simply amazing. Every artist is different and prefers to learn with a method that works best for them. And now, we finally have the ability to customize our training. With the CLIPS Technology, I can create my own mini-training kits. And with Tags, Notes, and Playlists, I can share important information with my team. It‘s amazing!” added Lefebvre.
Digital-Tutors Online Learning Library
To experience Digital-Tutors New Online Learning Library, please visit: www.digitaltutors.com.
For press inquiries, web demos, and media relations please contact Courtney Shaw at courtney@plstudios.com.
About Digital-Tutors
Digital-Tutors is an innovator and leader in video-based training for emerging digital artists. The award-winning educational solutions developed by the team of educators and industry professionals at Digital-Tutors are currently being used by students, professionals, universities, and production companies from across the globe. Artists from the world‘s top studios are utilizing Digital-Tutors‘ training solutions and services to assist in the creation of next generation feature films, commercials, video games, visual effects, and emerging media. Digital-Tutors maintains strategic relationships and partnerships with Autodesk, Pixologic, Houdini, Luxology, Next Limit, Adobe, Pixar, eyeon, and Microsoft in the development of the software and education materials. Learn more at www.digitaltutors.com.
eyeon releases Fusion 6 3D SDK and Learning Edition
eyeon Software Inc. has announced the release of the Fusion 6.0 Software Developer’s Kit, as well as a new Learning Edition of the company’s award-winning compositing application. Both will be presented at the eyeon booth (#2619) during the SIGGRAPH exhibition in New Orleans, Aug. 3–7, 2009. These releases extend access to the powerful Fusion 6 toolset for facilities, developers and for students or transitioning artists.
The Fusion 6 3D SDK allows developers to harness the power of the Fusion engine for complex pipeline integrations, new plug-in designs or other extensions. With the new 3D and GPU shader capabilities in Fusion 6, the SDK opens up a whole new level of possibilities for developers. “Multiple aspects of the 3D system will be available for developers,” said eyeon founder and CEO Steve Roberts. “This includes the stereo 3D functionality – an area where so many facilities are starting to work.”
“We’ve had numerous requests for an open-architecture 3D SDK for Fusion 6,” said Roberts, “and we expect a strong response and a lot of development from the plug-in community.”
In addition, numerous advancements in GPU shader technology from the game developer arena are now available for high-end feature film work through the Fusion 6 3D SDK. “$500 GPUs with 480 cores can now be exploited to the extreme with the new architecture,” explained Roberts. “This will certainly allow artists and facilities to get their money’s worth out of the new hardware.”
The new Learning Edition of Fusion 6 ensures that students and transitioning artists can keep up with the latest compositing technologies. Released to great acclaim in June 2009, Fusion 6.0 offers VFX artists improved performance, full stereoscopic 3D support, Region Of Interest/Domain of Definition (RoI/DoD), interface refinements, expanded 2D and 3D toolsets, user interface enhancements and more.
Visitors to SIGGRAPH at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans can see the eyeon applications in action, (including Fusion 6 and Generation), at booth #2619. For more information on the new Fusion 6.0 3D SDK or the new Learning Edition, contact eyeon Software at 
+1 (4...
ext. 130, email sales@eyeonline.com or visit www.eyeonline.com
New AMD 3D graphics accelerators released
Increasing the momentum and industry support for its 3D professional graphics accelerators, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced its newest solution for content creators and computer-aided designers (CAD) who demand mobility: the ATI FirePro M7740 graphics accelerator, set to power Dell Precision M6400 Mobile Workstations. Designed with digital content creators, CAD, and engineers in mind, the Dell Precision M6400 brings swift real-time graphical rendering and brilliant color representation to the forefront of large model design work, all while giving professionals excellent performance capabilities for multitasking and multi-threaded applications. The new offering provides design professionals with the high performance and reliability that is synonymous with the ATI FirePro family of graphics accelerators.
· Dell Precision M6400 is engineered to offer outstanding graphics performance with RAID storage options and memory scalability.
· The mobile workstation is also designed to meet the demanding needs of customers working with large models in Microsoft Direct X- or OpenGL-based applications.
· ATI FirePro M7740 3D accelerators are available this month with the Dell Precision M6400 workstations.
· ATI FirePro professional graphics accelerators maximize application performance and reliability with over 90 certifications confirmed by leading application providers such as Autodesk and Dassault Systèmes.
· At SIGGRAPH 2009 (August 4–6, 2009) the Dell Precision M6400 workstation will be on display in the AMD booth 2417 in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
Supporting Quotes
“The ATI FirePro M7740 brings superior visual quality and graphical performance to our Dell Precision M6400 mobile workstations, giving us a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Greg Weir, Senior Manager, Dell Precision Workstation. “Joining forces with AMD has enabled us to design a mobile platform that delivers desktop workstation-class performance and provides our customers with a more comprehensive range of solution choices.”
“AMD knows that flawless execution and best-in-class performance is a priority for professionals who rely on workstations for their livelihood,” said Janet Matsuda, senior director, AMD Professional Graphics. “The Dell Precision M6400 utilizes the ATI FirePro M7740’s powerful GPU and 1GB frame buffer, to help accelerate software applications and improve productivity, while giving professionals the assurance of superior reliability that comes with having certified drivers and professional-grade ATI FirePro hardware.”
Link: www.amd.com
JoomCool My Hero Challenge
Joomcool.com proudly presents you MY HERO CHALLENGE, an Art & Design competition sponsored by Wacom and also GrandTech.
Grand prize of a Wacom Bamboo Medium size (A5).
This competition is open to all levels; amateur, students or even the professional.
Either analog or digital is allowed, but final submission must be in JPEG format. Analog can be taken pictures using camera or scan into pc.
Competition submission date stars on the 3rd of August 2009 and ends on the 3rd of October 2009.
All participants have to be a member of Joomcool.com, please register yourself at http://www.joomcool.com
For more, proceed to http://www.joomcool.com/forums/showthread....86311#post86311 or http://www.joomcool.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8073
Terms and Conditions applied.
Public Beta of Artizen HDR 2.8 is now available.
The newest release of Artizen HDR 2.8 beta is now publicly available to everyone.
Key Features:
- 200% Faster
- More Multi Processor Support
- Better Memory Management and Stability
- New Color Matching System Technology for better color correction tools.
- More RAW and HDR editing tools.
- Easier to User and Better Work flows.
Download Link
New Hue Balance Filter Tutorial
Screenshoot Hue Balance Filter Before and After
Key Features:
- 200% Faster
- More Multi Processor Support
- Better Memory Management and Stability
- New Color Matching System Technology for better color correction tools.
- More RAW and HDR editing tools.
- Easier to User and Better Work flows.
Download Link
New Hue Balance Filter Tutorial
Screenshoot Hue Balance Filter Before and After
License & Cost Free Professional Music
Hi Guys!
It?s been a while since my last post. Nevertheless I still wanted to showcase our complete license and free music to download music.
We are professionals having composed for many many years for computergames, shortfilms, commercials and media applications.
We have released some complete free music as a big thankyou to the community that supported us over the years. So please feel free to grab the latest music for free for your projects...and don?t worry about license!
Check it here at http://www.hartwigmedia.com (under Free music Archive)
Regards Kai
It?s been a while since my last post. Nevertheless I still wanted to showcase our complete license and free music to download music.
We are professionals having composed for many many years for computergames, shortfilms, commercials and media applications.
We have released some complete free music as a big thankyou to the community that supported us over the years. So please feel free to grab the latest music for free for your projects...and don?t worry about license!
Check it here at http://www.hartwigmedia.com (under Free music Archive)
Regards Kai
Autodesk Creative Suite
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites 2010 — Coming Soon
The Autodesk® Entertainment Creation Suites offer creativity and productivity for less. Purchasing a suite saves you 35 percent* on the cost of buying all 3 products separately.
- Explore more creative ideas faster. Meet challenging production demands and exceed audience expectations with suites that include industry-leading 3D modeling, animation, effects, and rendering tools; intuitive, organic modeling, texturing, and painting software; and a real-time, interactive character animation and motion editing software.
- Transfer assets quickly, collaborate efficiently, and increase pipeline effectiveness. Use the Autodesk® FBX® data interchange technology to exchange rich animation or 3D scene data among Autodesk® Maya®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® MotionBuilder®, Autodesk® Mudbox™ software, and certain third-party applications.
more at:http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=13420613&siteID=123112&lid=HP+Kicker+Entertainmen+Creation+Suite
Autodesk's Siggraph 2009 announcements
New Product Suites and Versions of Autodesk Maya, Softimage, Mudbox and MotionBuilder 2010 Offer More Creative Capabilities, Efficiency and Value
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 — At SIGGRAPH 2009, the world’s largest annual computer graphics convention, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has unveiled several initiatives to provide entertainment customers with greater creative capability, value and efficiency in their pipelines. Autodesk is also hosting an extensive Virtual SIGGRAPH event on the AREA, its online community for digital entertainment and visualization – enabling customers around the world with limited time and travel budgets to participate.
New Suites for Digital Entertainment Creation: Offering More than 35 Percent* in Savings
*International savings may vary.
Launch of Autodesk Maya 2010: One Maya. More Value.
Launch of Autodesk Softimage 2010 Software
Launch of Autodesk Mudbox 2010 Software
Launch of Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 Software
Launch of Connection Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 and Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010
Virtual SIGGRAPH on the AREA, Autodesk’s Digital Entertainment and Visualization Community
Resource Links:
Autodesk Virtual SIGGRAPH on the AREA: area.autodesk.com/siggraph2009
Autodesk Media & Entertainment: www.autodesk.com/me
Read the Product Press Releases: www.autodesk.com/press
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 — At SIGGRAPH 2009, the world’s largest annual computer graphics convention, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has unveiled several initiatives to provide entertainment customers with greater creative capability, value and efficiency in their pipelines. Autodesk is also hosting an extensive Virtual SIGGRAPH event on the AREA, its online community for digital entertainment and visualization – enabling customers around the world with limited time and travel budgets to participate.
New Suites for Digital Entertainment Creation: Offering More than 35 Percent* in Savings
- Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites: Ideal for handling tough production challenges, these suites include a choice of either Autodesk Maya 2010 software or Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 software, in addition to Autodesk Mudbox 2010 and Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 software.
- Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites: Designed for animation-intensive productions, these suites include a choice of either Maya 2010 or 3ds Max 2010, in addition to MotionBuilder 2010.
- Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation: Helps educators prepare students for professional careers in the increasingly competitive 3D job market. The suite includes access to flexible learning resources, Maya 2010, 3ds Max 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010, Autodesk Softimage 2010 and Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010 software. Available for both institution and student purchase.
- Autodesk Animation Academy 2010 Suite: The suite offers software and curriculum that helps secondary school students learn 3D technology while exploring new ways to visualize ideas. It includes 3ds Max 2010, Maya 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010 and SketchBook Pro 2010 software, as well as a Curriculum Resources DVD and access to online community resources.
*International savings may vary.
Launch of Autodesk Maya 2010: One Maya. More Value.
- Autodesk Maya 2010 is a single, integrated and affordable offering that includes advanced simulation and matchmoving capabilities, high-dynamic-range compositing and network rendering.
- Maya 2010 unifies the Autodesk Maya Complete 2009 and Autodesk Maya Unlimited 2009 feature sets.
- Maya 2010 also includes Maya Composite and Autodesk MatchMover, five mental ray for Maya Batch nodes (requires a network license) and Autodesk Backburner render queue manager.
- Maya Complete 2009 and Maya Unlimited 2009 customers with current Subscription are entitled to the Maya 2010 release.
Launch of Autodesk Softimage 2010 Software
- Autodesk Softimage 2010 features an optimized Softimage GigaCore III architecture and an expanded and customizable Interactive Creative Environment (ICE) system.
- Autodesk has also integrated the Face Robot facial rigging and animation toolset into Softimage 2010.
Launch of Autodesk Mudbox 2010 Software
- Autodesk Mudbox 2010 digital sculpting and painting software makes it easier for artists to use Mudbox alongside professional creative tools such as Adobe Photoshop software, Maya, 3ds Max and Softimage.
- The software features new creative tools and workflows, and a software development kit (SDK) that enables production teams to more easily customize and integrate Mudbox into production pipelines.
Launch of Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 Software
- Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 real-time 3D character animation software offers faster overall performance, expanded real-time physics capabilities and productivity-enhancing animation workflows.
Launch of Connection Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 and Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010
- Delivers new levels of interoperability based on intelligent data workflows, with design packages from Autodesk and certain third parties.
- Will be available for download to 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design customers on Autodesk Subscription. Not sold separately.
Virtual SIGGRAPH on the AREA, Autodesk’s Digital Entertainment and Visualization Community
- Free MasterClasses, live video streaming from Autodesk’s SIGGRAPH booth (2201) and other exclusive web content.
Resource Links:
Autodesk Virtual SIGGRAPH on the AREA: area.autodesk.com/siggraph2009
Autodesk Media & Entertainment: www.autodesk.com/me
Read the Product Press Releases: www.autodesk.com/press
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk debuts new product suites for digital entertainment creation
Suites Help Studios Create Innovative Entertainment, More Efficiently and Cost-Effectively
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 – At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) debuted its Suites for Digital Entertainment Creation. The product Suites gives artists, production facilities and educators access to more creative tools at a cost savings of more than 35 percent*, when compared to purchasing each product license separately. Used together, the products in these Suites help artists increase creative capability and optimize productivity.
“Autodesk is introducing affordable Suites of its popular 3D tools to better help artists create innovative entertainment in today‚??s tough economic conditions,“ said Stig Gruman, vice president, Autodesk Digital Entertainment Group. “The Suites significantly expand artists‘ capabilities by providing them with an amazing range of creative tools, from highly-detailed modeling and sculpting to advanced real-time animation, so that they can tackle creative problems in new ways.”
Autodesk is introducing the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites and the Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites for commercial use. The company has also launched the Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation for postsecondary educators, and Autodesk Animation Academy 2010 for secondary schools.
Suites for Commercial Use
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites
The flagship Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites offer customers a choice of either Autodesk Maya 2010 or Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 software, together with both Autodesk Mudbox 2010 and Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 software. Mudbox helps artists to sculpt highly detailed models more quickly and intuitively. MotionBuilder provides artists with a real-time animation engine for more interactive creative feedback and efficient handling of large amounts of animation data. With Autodesk FBX 2010 data exchange technology, the Suites provide a cohesive, efficient pipeline. The complementary toolsets enable artists to better handle tough production challenges and achieve higher-quality results, more efficiently and cost-effectively. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/entertainmentcreationsuites.
Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites
The Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites are designed for animation-intensive productions. These Suites also offer a choice of either Maya 2010 or 3ds Max 2010 software, in addition to MotionBuilder 2010 software. MotionBuilder provides animators with a real-time 3D engine and specialized animation toolset to more quickly and efficiently create, manipulate and process large amounts of animation data. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/realtimeanimationsuites.
Suites for Educators
Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation
The Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation helps educators prepare students for professional careers in the increasingly competitive 3D job market. The Suite includes access to flexible learning resources and the same software used by top creative professionals: Maya 2010, 3ds Max 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010, Autodesk Softimage 2010 and Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010 software. The Suite is available for both institution and student purchase. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/entertainmentsuite-edu.
Autodesk Animation Academy 2010
Autodesk Animation Academy 2010 helps inspire secondary school students to explore careers in the arts, entertainment and visualization fields. The Suite offers software and curriculum resources that enable students to learn 3D technology while exploring new ways to visualize ideas. It includes Maya 2010, 3ds Max 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010 and SketchBook Pro 2010 software, as well as a Curriculum Resources DVD and access to online community resources. Animation Academy is available exclusively for secondary or high schools providing instruction for teenagers aged 11–17. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/animationacademy.
Pricing and Availability
All four Digital Entertainment Creation Suites are expected to ship in English for the Windows operating system during fall 2009. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for the Entertainment Creation Suite is US$4,995**. The Autodesk SRP for the Real-Time Animation Suite is US$4,795**. Contact a local Authorized Education reseller for pricing details on the Suites for educators.
Autodesk Subscription can be purchased for the Entertainment Creation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$845**, and for the Real-Time Animation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$825**. Autodesk Subscription with Gold Support can be purchased for the Entertainment Creation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$1,245**, and for the Real-Time Animation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$1,210**. Autodesk Subscription services are also available for the Education Suites. For more information about Autodesk Subscription, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 – At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) debuted its Suites for Digital Entertainment Creation. The product Suites gives artists, production facilities and educators access to more creative tools at a cost savings of more than 35 percent*, when compared to purchasing each product license separately. Used together, the products in these Suites help artists increase creative capability and optimize productivity.
“Autodesk is introducing affordable Suites of its popular 3D tools to better help artists create innovative entertainment in today‚??s tough economic conditions,“ said Stig Gruman, vice president, Autodesk Digital Entertainment Group. “The Suites significantly expand artists‘ capabilities by providing them with an amazing range of creative tools, from highly-detailed modeling and sculpting to advanced real-time animation, so that they can tackle creative problems in new ways.”
Autodesk is introducing the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites and the Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites for commercial use. The company has also launched the Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation for postsecondary educators, and Autodesk Animation Academy 2010 for secondary schools.
Suites for Commercial Use
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites
The flagship Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites offer customers a choice of either Autodesk Maya 2010 or Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 software, together with both Autodesk Mudbox 2010 and Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010 software. Mudbox helps artists to sculpt highly detailed models more quickly and intuitively. MotionBuilder provides artists with a real-time animation engine for more interactive creative feedback and efficient handling of large amounts of animation data. With Autodesk FBX 2010 data exchange technology, the Suites provide a cohesive, efficient pipeline. The complementary toolsets enable artists to better handle tough production challenges and achieve higher-quality results, more efficiently and cost-effectively. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/entertainmentcreationsuites.
Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites
The Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites are designed for animation-intensive productions. These Suites also offer a choice of either Maya 2010 or 3ds Max 2010 software, in addition to MotionBuilder 2010 software. MotionBuilder provides animators with a real-time 3D engine and specialized animation toolset to more quickly and efficiently create, manipulate and process large amounts of animation data. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/realtimeanimationsuites.
Suites for Educators
Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation
The Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation helps educators prepare students for professional careers in the increasingly competitive 3D job market. The Suite includes access to flexible learning resources and the same software used by top creative professionals: Maya 2010, 3ds Max 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010, Autodesk Softimage 2010 and Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2010 software. The Suite is available for both institution and student purchase. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/entertainmentsuite-edu.
Autodesk Animation Academy 2010
Autodesk Animation Academy 2010 helps inspire secondary school students to explore careers in the arts, entertainment and visualization fields. The Suite offers software and curriculum resources that enable students to learn 3D technology while exploring new ways to visualize ideas. It includes Maya 2010, 3ds Max 2010, MotionBuilder 2010, Mudbox 2010 and SketchBook Pro 2010 software, as well as a Curriculum Resources DVD and access to online community resources. Animation Academy is available exclusively for secondary or high schools providing instruction for teenagers aged 11–17. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/animationacademy.
Pricing and Availability
All four Digital Entertainment Creation Suites are expected to ship in English for the Windows operating system during fall 2009. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for the Entertainment Creation Suite is US$4,995**. The Autodesk SRP for the Real-Time Animation Suite is US$4,795**. Contact a local Authorized Education reseller for pricing details on the Suites for educators.
Autodesk Subscription can be purchased for the Entertainment Creation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$845**, and for the Real-Time Animation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$825**. Autodesk Subscription with Gold Support can be purchased for the Entertainment Creation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$1,245**, and for the Real-Time Animation Suite at the Autodesk SRP of US$1,210**. Autodesk Subscription services are also available for the Education Suites. For more information about Autodesk Subscription, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.
- International savings may vary.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
One Maya, more value: Autodesk Maya 2010 software gets a radical makeover
One Affordable Product Offers Advanced Simulation, Compositing and Network Rendering Capabilities
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 — At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced Autodesk Maya 2010 software, which unifies the Autodesk Maya Complete 2009 and Autodesk Maya Unlimited 2009 feature sets with matchmoving, compositing and rendering capabilities into a single affordable offering. Maya 2010 makes it easier for artists, designers and 3D enthusiasts to create compelling entertainment experiences, stylistic designs and evocative digital imagery from photo-real visual effects to believable characters. Maya 2010 is available on Windows, Linux and Mac OS operating systems.
“Artists need more creative capability than ever to attract viewers’ attention and engage their emotions in today’s fast-moving, prolific world of digital entertainment and design,” explained Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “Maya 2010 is designed to provide that creative capability, making it easier and more affordable for artists to build a cohesive computer graphics (CG) pipeline—integrating 2D and 3D, simulation and animation, rendering and compositing—so that they can create innovative entertainment more efficiently.”
Paal Anand, digital post supervisor for Bling Imaging and Maya 2010 beta tester, said, “Producers have become savvier with respect to computer graphics. They expect more work with additional complexity in less time than ever before. Maya 2010 gives us the total package to efficiently handle any challenge, whether it‘s heavy in tracking, modeling, animating, rendering or compositing. Maya 2010 simplifies the workflow by integrating all the tools you need into a ready-to-go pipeline to get the job done from start to finish.” Hollywood-based Bling Imaging creates photo-realistic visual effects, motion graphics and animation for broadcast and motion pictures.
Maya has been used on every Academy Award-winning movie for Best Visual Effects since 2001 and by all of the top 20 games publishers. In the past decade, Maya has become a creative tool of choice among many of the world’s top production companies and has been used to help artists around the world produce unique and innovative entertainment experiences—from independent productions like Chris Landreth’s “The Spine” to trend-setting visual effects blockbusters like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Autodesk Maya 2010 Features
Maya 2010 has all the features of Maya Unlimited 2009 and Maya Complete 2009, including the advanced simulation tools: the Maya Nucleus Unified Simulation Framework, Maya nCloth, Maya nParticles, Maya Fluid Effects, Maya Hair, Maya Fur; in addition to its comprehensive modeling, texturing and animation tools, brush-based 3D technology, an integrated stereoscopic workflow, Toon Shading, rendering, an extensive Maya application programming interface/software development kit and Python and MEL scripting capabilities.
New features in Maya 2010 are Maya Composite, a powerful high-dynamic composting system based on Autodesk Toxik software, which is no longer available as a standalone solution; Autodesk MatchMover advanced 3D tracking and matchmoving system; five mental ray Batch render nodes* and the Autodesk Backburner network render queue manager.
“I use Maya Complete in my day-to-day work and have always had my eye on Maya Unlimited,” said Ivan Turgeon, Maya visual effects artist and Maya 2010 beta tester, Prairie Fire VE. “Now that Maya Complete Autodesk Subscription customers will receive Maya 2010, which contains the entire Maya Unlimited 2009 feature set plus mental ray Batch rendering capability and Maya Composite, smaller shops like mine will be much more viable.”
For more information about the features offered in Autodesk Maya 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/maya.
Autodesk Digital Entertainment Creation Suites
Autodesk also announced the Maya 2010 Real-Time Animation Suite with Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010, as well as the Maya 2010 Entertainment Creation Suite with MotionBuilder 2010 and Autodesk Mudbox 2010. The Suites provide artists and production facilities with access to a more complete range of creative tools at more than 35 percent** cost savings, compared to purchasing each product individually. Used together, these products help artists maximize creativity and optimize productivity. “The Suites combine our most popular 3D tools at a lower price, providing greater creative capability and a more cohesive and efficient pipeline—so our customers can equip themselves with the broader, stronger creative capabilities they need to meet the challenges of these uncertain economic times,” explained Marc Petit.
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk anticipates that Maya 2010 will be available in August 2009. Maya 2010 will also ship as part of the Autodesk’s new Digital Entertainment Creation suites. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) of a license of Maya 2010 will be US$3,495†. Upgrades to Maya 2010 from Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited 2009 will be US$895†. All Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited customers with current Autodesk Subscription will be entitled to the Maya 2010 release. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for the Entertainment Creation Suite will be US$4,995†. The Autodesk SRP for the Real-time Animation Suite will be US$4,795†.
Operating Systems
Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase with the product license purchase or upgrade. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Autodesk Subscription is US$595† per year for Maya. Subscription customers have access to up-to-date software, learning resources and an extensive online technical knowledge base. For more information about the Subscription offering for Maya 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/mayasubscription.
*Requires a Maya 2010 network license.
** Savings based on USD SRP. International pricing and savings may vary.
† International pricing may vary.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 — At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced Autodesk Maya 2010 software, which unifies the Autodesk Maya Complete 2009 and Autodesk Maya Unlimited 2009 feature sets with matchmoving, compositing and rendering capabilities into a single affordable offering. Maya 2010 makes it easier for artists, designers and 3D enthusiasts to create compelling entertainment experiences, stylistic designs and evocative digital imagery from photo-real visual effects to believable characters. Maya 2010 is available on Windows, Linux and Mac OS operating systems.
“Artists need more creative capability than ever to attract viewers’ attention and engage their emotions in today’s fast-moving, prolific world of digital entertainment and design,” explained Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “Maya 2010 is designed to provide that creative capability, making it easier and more affordable for artists to build a cohesive computer graphics (CG) pipeline—integrating 2D and 3D, simulation and animation, rendering and compositing—so that they can create innovative entertainment more efficiently.”
Paal Anand, digital post supervisor for Bling Imaging and Maya 2010 beta tester, said, “Producers have become savvier with respect to computer graphics. They expect more work with additional complexity in less time than ever before. Maya 2010 gives us the total package to efficiently handle any challenge, whether it‘s heavy in tracking, modeling, animating, rendering or compositing. Maya 2010 simplifies the workflow by integrating all the tools you need into a ready-to-go pipeline to get the job done from start to finish.” Hollywood-based Bling Imaging creates photo-realistic visual effects, motion graphics and animation for broadcast and motion pictures.
Maya has been used on every Academy Award-winning movie for Best Visual Effects since 2001 and by all of the top 20 games publishers. In the past decade, Maya has become a creative tool of choice among many of the world’s top production companies and has been used to help artists around the world produce unique and innovative entertainment experiences—from independent productions like Chris Landreth’s “The Spine” to trend-setting visual effects blockbusters like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Autodesk Maya 2010 Features
Maya 2010 has all the features of Maya Unlimited 2009 and Maya Complete 2009, including the advanced simulation tools: the Maya Nucleus Unified Simulation Framework, Maya nCloth, Maya nParticles, Maya Fluid Effects, Maya Hair, Maya Fur; in addition to its comprehensive modeling, texturing and animation tools, brush-based 3D technology, an integrated stereoscopic workflow, Toon Shading, rendering, an extensive Maya application programming interface/software development kit and Python and MEL scripting capabilities.
New features in Maya 2010 are Maya Composite, a powerful high-dynamic composting system based on Autodesk Toxik software, which is no longer available as a standalone solution; Autodesk MatchMover advanced 3D tracking and matchmoving system; five mental ray Batch render nodes* and the Autodesk Backburner network render queue manager.
“I use Maya Complete in my day-to-day work and have always had my eye on Maya Unlimited,” said Ivan Turgeon, Maya visual effects artist and Maya 2010 beta tester, Prairie Fire VE. “Now that Maya Complete Autodesk Subscription customers will receive Maya 2010, which contains the entire Maya Unlimited 2009 feature set plus mental ray Batch rendering capability and Maya Composite, smaller shops like mine will be much more viable.”
For more information about the features offered in Autodesk Maya 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/maya.
Autodesk Digital Entertainment Creation Suites
Autodesk also announced the Maya 2010 Real-Time Animation Suite with Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010, as well as the Maya 2010 Entertainment Creation Suite with MotionBuilder 2010 and Autodesk Mudbox 2010. The Suites provide artists and production facilities with access to a more complete range of creative tools at more than 35 percent** cost savings, compared to purchasing each product individually. Used together, these products help artists maximize creativity and optimize productivity. “The Suites combine our most popular 3D tools at a lower price, providing greater creative capability and a more cohesive and efficient pipeline—so our customers can equip themselves with the broader, stronger creative capabilities they need to meet the challenges of these uncertain economic times,” explained Marc Petit.
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk anticipates that Maya 2010 will be available in August 2009. Maya 2010 will also ship as part of the Autodesk’s new Digital Entertainment Creation suites. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) of a license of Maya 2010 will be US$3,495†. Upgrades to Maya 2010 from Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited 2009 will be US$895†. All Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited customers with current Autodesk Subscription will be entitled to the Maya 2010 release. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for the Entertainment Creation Suite will be US$4,995†. The Autodesk SRP for the Real-time Animation Suite will be US$4,795†.
Operating Systems
- The 32-bit version of Maya 2010 will be supported on the Windows Vista Business (SP1), Windows XP Professional (SP2) and Apple Mac OS X 10.5.7 operating systems
- The 64-bit version of Maya 2010 will be supported on the Windows Vista Business (SP1), Windows XP x64 Edition (SP2), Red Hat Enterprise Linux (5.3 WS) and Fedora 8 operating systems
Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase with the product license purchase or upgrade. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Autodesk Subscription is US$595† per year for Maya. Subscription customers have access to up-to-date software, learning resources and an extensive online technical knowledge base. For more information about the Subscription offering for Maya 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/mayasubscription.
*Requires a Maya 2010 network license.
** Savings based on USD SRP. International pricing and savings may vary.
† International pricing may vary.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk integrates Face Robot into Softimage 2010: brings rapid facial animation to
Also Features Optimized Core Architecture and Enhanced ICE System
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 ‚?? At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has launched Autodesk Softimage 2010 3D modeling, animation rendering and compositing software for games, film and television visual effects. Softimage 2010 features an optimized core architecture, integration of the Softimage Face Robot facial rigging and animation toolset, and an expanded and customizable Interactive Creative Environment (ICE) system.
“Over the past year, we‚??ve made Softimage faster, easier to use and more powerful,“ said Stig Gruman, vice president, Autodesk Digital Entertainment Group. “This version provides integrated solutions for digital entertainment creation with the inclusion of Face Robot, scene complexity management tools and improved interoperability with Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk MotionBuilder software.“
Artists have used Softimage to help create stunning movies, commercials and video games, including commercials for BMW, Coca Cola, Kellogg‘s and Monster.com. Janimation, an award-winning animation and motion graphics studio, relied on Softimage to help create Activision‘s latest James Bond-based hit video game, “Quantum of Solace“. Greg Punchatz, senior creative director at Janimation, remarked, “If you only looked at the huge performance increases and workflow enhancements, Softimage 2010 would be a very solid release, but add Face Robot to the mix and you have a home run.”
Key New Features in Autodesk Softimage 2010
Softimage 2010 also features improved modeling tools, additional animation and camera functionality, and an updated Autodesk Crosswalk toolset for content transfer. For more information about Autodesk Softimage 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/softimage.
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk anticipates that Softimage 2010 will be available in September 2009. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for Softimage 2010 (Windows) is US$2,995*, Softimage 2010 (Linux) is US$3,295*, and US$4,695* for Softimage Advanced 2010 (Linux and Windows)*.
Upgrade Pricing
Operating Systems
Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase with the product license purchase or upgrade. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Autodesk Subscription is US$795* per year for Softimage and US$1,235* per year for Softimage Advanced*.
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 3, 2009 ‚?? At SIGGRAPH 2009, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has launched Autodesk Softimage 2010 3D modeling, animation rendering and compositing software for games, film and television visual effects. Softimage 2010 features an optimized core architecture, integration of the Softimage Face Robot facial rigging and animation toolset, and an expanded and customizable Interactive Creative Environment (ICE) system.
“Over the past year, we‚??ve made Softimage faster, easier to use and more powerful,“ said Stig Gruman, vice president, Autodesk Digital Entertainment Group. “This version provides integrated solutions for digital entertainment creation with the inclusion of Face Robot, scene complexity management tools and improved interoperability with Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk MotionBuilder software.“
Artists have used Softimage to help create stunning movies, commercials and video games, including commercials for BMW, Coca Cola, Kellogg‘s and Monster.com. Janimation, an award-winning animation and motion graphics studio, relied on Softimage to help create Activision‘s latest James Bond-based hit video game, “Quantum of Solace“. Greg Punchatz, senior creative director at Janimation, remarked, “If you only looked at the huge performance increases and workflow enhancements, Softimage 2010 would be a very solid release, but add Face Robot to the mix and you have a home run.”
Key New Features in Autodesk Softimage 2010
- Accelerated Performance: The third iteration of the Softimage GigaCore architecture, GigaCore III, helps deliver superior data handling and speed improvements. Loading and saving large scenes and importing complex character models are faster. In addition, many of the operations most commonly performed on enveloped characters or large numbers of objects execute more rapidly. Also, the Function Curve (FCurve) Editor performs faster when animators are working with large numbers of curves or keys.
- Face Robot: Softimage 2010 includes the Face Robot toolset. Face Robot is a professional solution for rigging and animating large numbers of 3D faces quickly and easily. It enables the creation of life-like facial animation at incredible speeds. Using Face Robot, animators are freer to concentrate on emotion, expression and unforgettable performances. An Autodesk Maya software exporter enables animators to bring a solved Face Robot head into Maya for more integrated computer graphics (CG) character workflows.
- Custom Node Creation for ICE Systems: New tools allow for the creation of custom nodes that enable technical directors (TDs) and third parties to more quickly build new ICE systems: ICE Rigid Bodies, ICE Fluids and ICE Cloth. ICE effects can be exported to Maya for a more integrated CG pipeline.
- Tools for Managing Project Complexity: New tools and workflows help enhance artist productivity by enabling the management of complex tasks. These are a new Scene Debugger toolset that helps give artists and TDs information about a scene's performance and memory usage, an easy-to-use scene search toolset and added support for grouping within layers.
Softimage 2010 also features improved modeling tools, additional animation and camera functionality, and an updated Autodesk Crosswalk toolset for content transfer. For more information about Autodesk Softimage 2010, visit www.autodesk.com/softimage.
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk anticipates that Softimage 2010 will be available in September 2009. The Autodesk suggested retail price (SRP) for Softimage 2010 (Windows) is US$2,995*, Softimage 2010 (Linux) is US$3,295*, and US$4,695* for Softimage Advanced 2010 (Linux and Windows)*.
Upgrade Pricing
- From Softimage 7.5 Windows to Softimage 2010 Windows will be US$1,495* SRP
- From Softimage 7.5 Linux to Softimage 2010 Linux will be US$1,645* SRP
- From Softimage 7.5 Advanced to Softimage Advanced 2010 Windows/Linux will be US$2,345* SRP
- There will be no upgrades available for versions prior to Softimage 7.5
Operating Systems
- The 32-bit version of Softimage 2010 will be supported on Windows XP Professional (SP3) and Windows Vista Business (SP1)
- The 64-bit version of Softimage 2010 will be supported on the Windows XP Professional (SP2), Windows Vista Business (SP1) and Fedora Core 8 operating systems
Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase with the product license purchase or upgrade. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Autodesk Subscription is US$795* per year for Softimage and US$1,235* per year for Softimage Advanced*.
- International pricing may vary. Linux and Softimage Advanced versions are available in network licensing only. Face Robot toolset is not supported on Linux platform
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
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