« First GeForce GTX 295 Single PCB Direct2D: 2D Drawing APIs in Windows 7 » May 15 2009 MSI GeForce N260GTX Lightning 1792MB is Hot and Loud! Posted

This GeForce GTX 260 (with 216 shader cores) from MSI is cooled by the Twin Frozr, a GPU cooler with five heatpipes, dual slot heatsink and two big fans. From the name and the images, this GPU cooler seems to be really efficient but the reality is different. When the GPU is stressed, the cooler is loud: 52db! Unbearable! But besides being noisy, the cooler seems to have some difficulties to do its job:

When the video card is stressed by FurMark, the temperature reaches 100°C, which is a very high temperature for a GPU. One possible explanation is that the graphics card is pre-overclocked by MSI, and that explains such a high temperature.

RED GIANT STUDIOS Announces its 1st Animated Film

RED GIANT STUDIOS ANNOUNCES ITS 1ST ANIMATED FILM, THE WAY TO HEAVEN

The CG-animated short film will wrap all production in Summer 2009

Red Giant Studios, LLC., a new animation and visual effects studio founded by Dalton Grant, Jr and Cindy Rangel, announces its plan to release it's first CG-animated short, The Way To Heaven, in July of 2009.

The film is the result of the collaboration between Red Giant Studios and that of Guilin Jieli Digital Animation, an offspring company from the founder of Jieli Publishing, which is one of the largest children's book publishers in mainland China. The Way to Heaven, which is Directed by Dalton Grant, Jr and Co-Directed/Executive Produced by Mier Tang, is a film for all ages and, though the story is rooted in the beautiful, Chinese region of Guilin, the message is global. The Way to Heaven is the result of a small group of highly-talented Chinese and international artists

(some of which having worked at some of the largest studios in the field) that came together to create a film that would not only be shown on a world stage but would help to represent a new standard in Chinese animation.

The two companies officially began work on the project in May of 2008, when production was green-lit by Guilin Jieli Digital Animation and Red Giant Studios officially opened its doors. However, the project has been in development since June 2007 when Dalton and Mier first discussed the possibility of such a venture. “Since the beginning of this film, our initial idea has always been to not just have a pretty film but, most importantly, to have one that tells a good story and this myth, in particular, just felt like the right story for us to do as our first project” says Dalton Grant. Upon its completion this summer, the film will be traversing the international festival circuit.

Currently, a teaser trailer for the short can be viewed on Red Giant Studios' website, www.redgiantstudios.net. Also in the works, Red Giant Studios has another short film in its pipeline and is currently in the process of developing its first feature-length film.

Thea Render Announces New Commercial Renderer Release Schedule

Greece (May 15, 2009) - Thea Render is pleased to announce their new commercial renderer. Thea Render comes from the effort and experience of many years and it has a rich set of strong and innovative features. Particularly, it is a rendering system that can produce both photoreastic and unbiased images, thus it is appropriate for users of various different "schools", such as architects, illumination engineers, artists, illustrators and gamers.

Thea Render is a new physically-based renderer with the unique ability of producing both biased and unbiased photorealistic renders, using state-of-the-art and in-house developed techniques. It comes with a rich set of standard and innovative features, a powerful material layer system never seen before in another renderer, and its own advanced standalone studio.

For more information please visit: www.thearender.com/

Bournemouth's NCCA launches Games Animation, Animation Arts courses

The National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) at Bournemouth University is proud to be launching two new undergraduate courses.

BA (Hons) Computer Games Animation and BA (Hons) Computer Animation Arts will join the already highly-renowned BA (Hons) Computer Visualisation & Animation in the Centre's suite of undergraduate courses.

Ranked as number one in the UK in the 3D Training Directory by 3D World magazine, the NCCA is enthusiastic about expanding its undergraduate portfolio.

Steve Hubbard, Associate Dean said, "These new pathways will be commencing in the NCCA's 20 th anniversary year, and will build upon the strong foundations of its success in its first two decades, to continue to innovate and progress into its third decade".

While both the courses can lead to a wide range of careers in computer animation, each course focuses on a particular aspect of the industry.

With specialist units in programming, maths and systems in computer games, BA (Hons) Computer Games Animation (2010 entry) will create graduates who are particularly suited to careers such as Technical Director/Artist in Computer Games Production.

BA (Hons) Computer Animation Arts (2009 entry) contains specialist units in art practice, visual studies and aesthetic theory, and graduates will be especially suited to roles such as director, environment artist, concept artist, character animator or compositor.

The NCCA also offers masters courses in MA Digital Effects, MA 3D Computer Animation and MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects. It achieved a research grade 5 in the latest national research assessment exercise and is internationally renowned as a leader in the research of Computer Animation.

Related links:

• BA Computer Animation Arts
• BA Computer Games Animation
• BA Computer Visualisation & Animation
• MA 3D Computer Animation
• MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects
• MA Digital Effects
• NCCA

More at:http://media.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/news/2009/apr/ne005_ncca_launches_new_courses.html

Kung Fu Panda class at Gnomon

The Making of: Kung Fu Panda | May 12th, 2009

Thursday, May 28th, 2009
6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Special Guest: Markus Manninen,
Visual Effects Supervisor of “Kung Fu Panda”

A presentation of the visual strategies, the production approaches used, and the execution of “Kung Fu Panda”. Learn how the film was shaped from early pre-production to final execution through the Visual Effects Supervisor’s point of view.

Presenter:

Markus Manninen
Visual Effects Supervisor
Markus Manninen, VFX Supervisor currently wrapped on the 2008 DreamWorks Animation, Academy Award Nominated Feature Film, “Kung Fu Panda”. He is in pre-production as VFX Supervisor on a “soon to be disclosed” 2013 DWA release.

Markus grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and later attended Kungliga Tekniska Hogskolan (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm (M.Sc.E.E) and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. While studying in Massachusetts, Manninen was introduced to computer graphics animation and soon developed a passion for it; he continued to pursue his career choice when he returned to Sweden. His first job in the field was as a project manager for the Media Laboratory at Stockholm’s Royal Institute of Technology.

He then began working as a freelance animator in his hometown, soon launching his own company. He then segued to the position of CG supervisor at the studio Filmtecknarna. Relocating to London, Manninen went to work for Framestore CFC as head of 3D commercials. His first motion picture credit is for the vampire/werewolf thriller “Underworld,” serving as a digital effects artist.

And also for DWA Markus worked on the animated film “Over the Hedge” as CG Supervisor and consulted during pre-production of “Bee Movie.”

Event Details:

When: Thursday, May 28, 2009
Meet & Greet: 6:00PM
Presentation: 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Place: Gnomon School of Visual Effects
1015 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038

This event is FREE of charge!

Please visit the Gnomon Store – extended hours during special events.

More at:http://www.gnomonschool.com/?p=348

3Dconnexion 3D Mice Now Supported by Autodesk 2010 Product Family

May 12, 2009 – 3Dconnexion’s line of 3D mice is now supported by AutoCAD 2010 and Autodesk Inventor 2010 software, giving design engineers added control over the enhanced 3D design capabilities offered in the latest platforms. Using 3Dconnexion 3D mice, professionals can interact more intuitively with new features in Autodesk 3D environments such as the free-form design tools in AutoCAD 2010 and fly-through navigation in Autodesk Inventor 2010, improving overall workflows and design performance.

“3Dconnexion’s 3D mice are powerful devices for design engineers working in the new suite of Autodesk 2010 software applications, helping them work more productively at a time when operational efficiency and design innovation are more valuable than ever,” said Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “Using a 3D mouse, particularly the new SpacePilot™ PRO with its advanced features, strongly complements the new capabilities introduced with the 2010 Autodesk family of software, enabling design engineers to work smarter, faster and more intuitively.”

Professionals working in AutoCAD 2010 using a 3Dconnexion 3D mouse can seamlessly create and transform almost any shape with the same ease as drawing it free-hand.
In addition, support for fly through navigation in Autodesk Inventor 2010 enables design engineers to explore designs by moving a camera with a 3D mouse. The ability to look around a design as if holding the camera in your hand is very useful for design reviews of large assemblies and checking for design accuracy.

"The new family of Autodesk 2010 applications provides a host of powerful 3D tools that help today’s designers and engineers expand their creativity and design performance,” said Brenda Discher, vice president of industry marketing for the Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor and the complete solution for Digital Prototyping help users digitally design, visualize and simulate the performance of a product before it is built. 3Dconnexion’s 3D mice complement these priorities, enabling customers to interact even more directly with their workflows and better visualize key elements of their designs.”

More About 3Dconnexion 3D Mice
Unlike traditional mice confined to motion on one flat plane, 3Dconnexion 3D mice enable design engineers to move in all three dimensions simultaneously, using six-degrees–of-freedom sensor technology. By gently lifting, pressing and turning the controller cap on 3Dconnexion’s 3D mice, engineers and architects can simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects without stopping to select commands. A subtle increase or decrease in pressure accelerates or slows motion, enabling precise micro-adjustments. Using a 3D mouse together with a traditional mouse engages both hands into a balanced and cooperative work style.

3Dconnexion provides advanced and affordable 3D mice that are supported by more than 130 of today’s leading and powerful 3D applications. For a complete list of applications supported by 3Dconnexion, visit: Applications supported by 3Dconnexion.

In addition, 3Dconnexion offers 3DxLabs, www.3dconnexion.com/labs, an online resource enabling early adopters, 3D enthusiasts and design engineers to experience and evaluate new and emerging innovations, technologies and potential products in the developmental stage.

Support and Availability
Supported Autodesk 2010 applications include AutoCAD 2010, AutoCAD Architecture 2010, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010, AutoCAD Electrical 2010, AutoCAD Map 3D 2010, AutoCAD Mechanical 2010, AutoCAD MEP 2010, Design Review 2010, Inventor 2010 and Autodesk 3ds Max®. These applications are compatible with the entire 3Dconnexion 3D mouse product line, including the Professional Series with the SpacePilot PRO (499 EUR), SpacePilot (399 EUR) and SpaceExplorer™ (299 EUR), and the Standard Series with the SpaceNavigator (99 EUR) and SpaceNavigator for Notebooks (129 EUR).

3Dconnexion 3D mice are available from professional CAD resellers and major online resellers. For a complete list of resellers or to buy directly, visit www.3Dconnexion.com.

About 3Dconnexion, A Logitech Company
3Dconnexion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI), is the leading provider of 3D mice for 3D design and visualization. 3Dconnexion devices support today’s most popular and powerful 3D applications by offering users a more intuitive and natural way to interact with computer-generated 3D content. 3Dconnexion’s award-winning 3D mice serve a wide variety of industries and are used by 3D designers, animators and artists worldwide. 3Dconnexion is headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with European headquarters in Seefeld, Germany and offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.3Dconnexion.com.

The Holland Animation Film Festival calls for entries

Submit your film at www.haff.nl

We are very pleased to inform you that the Holland Animation Film Festival is from now on an annual event. The 13th edition of the festival takes place from 4 – 8 November 2009.

We kindly invite you to submit your film for this festival edition, for the following competitions:

Competition for Independent Animated Shorts
in the categories narrative and non-narrative

Competition for Applied Animation
in the categories commercials, educational films, music videos and leaders

The entry forms for these competitions are available at www.haff.nl.

Through this entry forms, Dutch productions for both competitions (as well independent and applied) can also apply for the Competition for Best Dutch Animation. A prize will be awarded by the audience.

>> Deadline for all entries: 1 July 2009

Holland Animation Film Festival, the unique five-day international meeting place for all professionals, animation lovers, producers, students, upcoming talents and all interested audiences. Featuring retrospectives, thematic programmes, master classes, talk shows, exhibitions, installations, SFX/VFX and much more.

Meet the Art of Animation, at the 13th Holland Animation Film Festival!

Nvidia announces availability of 3D Vision technology in Northern Europe

NVIDIA Corporation announces that NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision is coming to Northern Europe from this month. This highly anticipated technology will be available to buy from leading distributors, priced around €159 / ?129.99. 3D Vision brings a whole new dimension to photos, movies and games, transforming them into a mind-blowing stereoscopic 3D experience.

Powered by NVIDIA GeForce graphics processing units (GPUs), 3D Vision is a combination of high-tech wireless glasses, a high-power IR emitter and advanced software that automatically transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D experiences. Designed to work with monitors and TVs running at 120Hz and higher, such as the Samsung® SyncMaster 2233RZ 120Hz LCD, 3D Vision unlocks crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D stereo imagery perfect for 3D gaming, 3D movies, and 3D photography.

As the foundation for a new consumer stereo 3D ecosystem, 3D Vision has received rousing support from the game development community. “I expected to see a marginal improvement over the previous generation of this technology, but what I saw blew me away—crystal-clear 3D with no hint of flickering or ghosting! It had me grinning from ear to ear,” said Stephen Viljoen, Chief Operating Officer, Slightly Mad Studios, developer of the upcoming Electronic Arts title, Need for Speed: Shift. “For the first time, the technology is at a level where one can have full-on gaming sessions without any side effects. I‘ve seen the future and it’s beautiful!”

“It’s difficult to describe how this technology literally brings a new dimension to home entertainment – it really has to be seen to be believed,” said Jay Lew, Vice President of Samsung Display Division. “We’re delighted to be partnering with NVIDIA to offer a 3D Vision package complete with Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ 120Hz LCD monitor at a very competitive price.”

“For gamers, 3D Vision for GeForce represents a whole different way of experiencing the game, and for developers, it unlocks the potential of making the game literally pop off the screen,” said Bernhard Gleissner, Vice President of Sales EMEA and India. “From games to movies to photography, 3D Vision delivers a truly immersive awesome 3D experience.”

NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision is now available in the UK, Holland and the Nordics, priced around €479 / ?399 including a Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ 120Hz LCD monitor or €159 for the 3D Vision kit alone, from the following distributors, retailer and etailers:

UK:

• VIP
• Novatech
• Scan
• OCUK
• Dabs
• Ebuyer

Nordics:

• Captech (Sweden)
• Inet (Sweden)
• Dustin (Sweden)
• Komplett (Sweden)
• MM Distribution (Denmark)
• GNT (Finland)
• Verkokkauppa (Finland)
• Jimms’ PCs (Finland)
• Komplett (Norway)

Holland:

• Quote Components
• Bas Computers

For more information, go to www.nvidia.co.uk/3dvision.

New Partly Cloudy Pictures revealed.

We just received some new pictures from the short film "Partly Cloudy" which will be released with "UP" and the news that it will be available on iTunes when "UP" hits the theaters on the 29th.Pictures are Uploaded in full reselution!

All Pictures are ©Disney/Pixar 2009

More At:http://pixarplanet.com/blog/new-partly-cloudy-pictures-revealed

Austrian Cartoon Award 2009

Austrian Cartoon Award 2009 startet on 1st of may 2009.

Theme 2009: "crisis as an opportunity".

All information you will find on http://www.cartoonaward.com

Take part and win up to Euro 1.500,- in each category!