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Softimage Announces SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6


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Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
November 30, 2006
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Avid Technology, Inc. has announced that its Softimage, Co. subsidiary has unveiled SOFTIMAGE|®XSI® 6, the latest version of its flagship 3D animation and character creation software. XSI 6 software introduces new solutions for accelerated animation that simplify working with 3D characters and motion capture data. A new collaborative framework in XSI 6 software also allows 3D artists to work together non-destructively, in a studio environment that provides easy integration with other 3D applications.

SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 will support the .NET framework and include integrated C#, an object-oriented programming language, popular with next-gen 3D game developers. The software also offers support for Python, a preferred scripting language used by technical directors for setting up film and visual effects pipelines. In addition, Softimage is working closely with industry partners to offer support for DirectX 10 hardware that will operate on Microsoft Windows Vista once it is available.

"At Blur, our animations and stories are becoming more epic and definitely more complex. We chose to fold SOFTIMAGE|XSI software into our established 3D pipeline for our latest animated short film, ‘A Gentlemen’s Duel.’ We needed a very organized structure for the complex 3D character rigging and a solid animation package," said Tim Miller, President and founder of Oscar®-nominated BLUR Studio. "By introducing XSI software into our pipeline, our artists were able to bring our characters to life while effectively managing over 1800 parts to each human rig. XSI performed like a champ," added Miller.

Creating animated 3D visual effects, characters and 3D game titles for next-gen consoles – like the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PLAYSTATION 3 – is becoming increasingly complex. Because it is built on the newest code base of any comprehensive 3D application on the market, XSI software is best suited to operate with next-generation hardware and 3D game development and visual effects pipelines.

Additional highlights of XSI 6 software include:

  • Crosswalk – a dedicated toolset that offers extensive asset transfer to and from other 3D software, ideal for today’s mixed pipelines;
  • MOTOR – a streamlined way to transfer and move animation and motion capture data between arbitrary XSI rigs and other 3D software character rigs;
  • Delta Referencing – a new lightweight production-level referencing solution that streamlines the process of working with and making changes to 3D models and scene set-ups;
  • Elastic Reality Warper and Morpher – built into the Illusion compositor in XSI 6 software, this intuitive solution allows artists to ‘distort’ and ‘morph’ images and sequences;
  • Quick Shade – a fast way to preview rendering elements with large scale materials management and support for mental ray® 3.5 and an new open framework for integrating third-party renderers.
  • A full feature list for Softimage XSI 6 can be found at: www.softimage.com/xsi.

"With a next-generation scalable architecture, and the ability to easily fit into existing 3D pipelines, XSI software offers a collaborative workflow environment that underlines our dedication and sole focus to offer the best 3D solutions for the entertainment market," said Marc Stevens, vice president and general manager for Softimage.

Pricing and Availability
SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 is expected to be available by the end of December 2006 in the following configurations:

  • SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Foundation will sell for $495 USMSRP from the Softimage web site (www.softimage.com/store) or from authorized Softimage resellers.
  • SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Essentials will sell for $1,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers.
  • SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Advanced sell for $6,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers.
  • Once shipping, all versions will be available for download for upgrades from existing licenses or first time 3D customers at www.softimage.com/download.

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