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 SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 Defines New Standards Content Creation Posted by: amigo
Source: Press Release
Date: Mon Apr 19 2004
NAB 2004, Las Vegas (Booth #SL4761) � April 18, 2004 � Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced the availability of SOFTIMAGE�|XSI� version 4.0 � the latest version of the industry�s leading nonlinear 3-D production environment. SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 4.0 delivers advanced toolsets, dramatic performance enhancements, and significant advancements to the core architecture of the software, including new customization, project management, and workgroup capabilities. In addition, to bring Softimage�s professional animation software to a wider audience at breakthrough prices, this new version is now available in three distinct configurations: XSI Advanced, XSI Essentials, and the new entry-level XSI Foundation.
�With the rapid adoption of SOFTIMAGE|XSI as the primary tool for many major 3-D productions, we�ve invested heavily to enhance version 4.0 with ground-breaking functionality that addresses the continuously changing demands of our customers. The industry has been waiting for this type of product, and we�ve delivered it with SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 4.0,� said Gareth Morgan, Softimage�s senior product manager. �Our customers develop the most sophisticated 3-D content out there � and they count on the flexible and open architecture of XSI to get the job done right. Whether it�s the deep and intuitive implementation of the mental ray� renderer, the nonlinear workflow tools, or the industry-standard scripting language support, SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 makes the development of high-end 3-D content easier and faster. And, with XSI Foundation, we�ve designed an extremely cost-effective package to place a professional Softimage solution within the reach of any artist or animator.�
SOFTIMAGE|XSI offers a number of features that streamline the production process while simultaneously allowing for fast viewing and reduced memory overhead in complex production situations. Using Reference Models and Reference Animation, animators and technical directors can create lightweight scenes, minimize memory usage, and share animation scenes by off-loading animations and partial animation sources to external files. New motion trails, ghosting, and advanced scene playback options also dramatically enhance the in-context visualization of animated content.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 further extends its implementation of the Academy Award�-winning mental ray renderer version 3.3, which provides massive performance improvements and advanced rendering features. The software delivers up to eight free Satellite tile-based distributed rendering tokens per license, allowing artists to take advantage of accelerated render regions or multi-CPU renders of a single frame without purchasing additional rendering licenses. Further integration with the industry-leading content and asset management system, Alienbrain� Studio, offers users greater control over large-scale productions as well as a more reliable and streamlined asset management framework. In addition, SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 offers tight integration with Avid editing and storage solutions, including new direct render-to-video output and previewing via the Avid Mojo� hardware � part of the Avid DNA� family.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 4.0 includes the following breakthrough components:
Customization & Workflow
The new Custom Display Host (CDH) exposes the core of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software to external applications, tools, or custom run-time engines.
The XML-based UI engine gives technical directors centralized per-scene control with scriptable Table of Contents, scenario-specific Relational Views, and configurable interface layouts.
Modeling & Animation
Integrated into the standard mesh modeling environment, Subdivision Surfaces in SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 easily propagate texture coordinates, vertex colors, weights, and shapes across any and all modifications.
The character animation system provides new advanced biped, quadruped, and hybrid rig systems and a rich Character SDK for customizing character rig creation, animation, and editing.
Effects
The professional FX Tree compositor, based on Eddie� and Media Illusion� technology, now features 2-D raster and vector based resolution-independent paint tools based on the legendary Matador TM technology.
All simulation effects within SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 share the same integrated forces and dynamics environment, so hair and fur, dynamic constraints, particles, fluids, cloth, and new Rigid & Soft Body Dynamics all work together seamlessly and are easily created and controlled.
Rendering & Processing
The advanced XSI RenderCore plug-in architecture allows for multiple rendering methods and can host custom plug-in renderers, views, and display engines.
The new high-quality SOFTIMAGE|XSI graphic synthesizer (Xgs) ensures high fidelity between in-context visual feedback and final production output.
Version 4.0 also includes the innovative BatchServe web-based processing and rendering queue management system.
Pricing & Availability
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 is available immediately in the following configurations:
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 Foundation is available for $1,995 USMSRP from the Softimage Website (www.softimage.com/store). This model includes everything an individual artist or large workgroup needs for 3-D realism, with extensive polygon modeling tools, industry-leading Subdivision Surfaces and the revolutionary SOFTIMAGE|XSI toolset. The product also offers a wealth of standard scripting languages, advanced Real-Time Shaders, and a workgroup-aware production framework running on floating licenses, enabling users to use multiple systems.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 Essentials is available for $3,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers. This model is a powerful, customizable professional-grade package with all the features and functions required by today�s artists and technical directors, including new, industry leading Rigid & Soft Body Dynamics, the advanced character rig systems and SDK, and the revolutionary Custom Display Host. The broad range of workforce management tools in SOFTIMAGE|XSI Essentials is designed for maximum production efficiency and even greater control of 3-D content creation.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.4.0 Advanced is available for $8,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers. This model is the premier VFX package, featuring deep customization features and flexibility. With an expansive feature set that includes professional compositing, resolution independent paint, hair, and fur; and unparalleled rendering power, SOFTIMAGE|XSI Advanced is the most complete end-to-end 3-D production solution for film, games, and full-service commercial and post houses.
The Softimage Production Series, an entire suite of DVD training materials focused on real-world production situations, is available for version 4.0 customers from the Softimage Web site (www.softimage.com/store).
About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., is an industry leader in 3-D animation, 2-D cel animation, compositing, and special effects software designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries. SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an integral player in Avid�s Make, Manage and Move Media� strategy, is the flagship product offering from Softimage. It is the industry's first 3-D nonlinear production environment, providing animators and digital artists the freedom to make professional animation, visual effects, and games � from major motion pictures, to cartoons and commercials, to animated content for video games and Web sites. Softimage is proud to count amongst its customers: R!OT, The Mill, Pixel Liberation Front, Blue Sky Studios, Hybride, Janimation, Quiet Man, PSYOP, Cinepix, and Framestore CFC. The Softimage product family is designed to help users innovate, create, and collaborate throughout the production process. For more information about Softimage, visit www.softimage.com. For more information about Avid, visit www.avid.com.
�2004 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid, SOFTIMAGE, XSI, Matador, mental ray, Avid Mojo, Avid DNA, Eddie, Media Illusion, and Make, Manage and Move Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Alienbrain is a trademark of NXN Software AG. Academy Award is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Related Links: Softimage website
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