Wave Issue 0106 2/2/01 Article 4-01

***Softimage Delivers End-to-End Software Solution to Film,
Broadcast, Games and Interactive Markets
(January 23)

Softimage, a subsidiary of Avid Technology, has announced that
its SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 1.5 software is available to animators
in the film, broadcast, games and interactive markets. With
SOFTIMAGE|XSI 1.5 software, Softimage is expanding its
collaborative high-end 3-D content creation package, delivering a
complete end-to-end production solution.

Utilizing the architecture of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 1.0, a number of
capabilities and performance enhancements were incorporated into
the SOFTIMAGE|XSI 1.5 version. These include a polygon mesh
modeler, subdivision surfaces, a texture UV editor, cloth
dynamics and Net View, a fully integrated Web browser.

Subdivision surfaces, one of the features, allows animators to
model, texture and animate complex, one-piece characters, while
keeping resolution low until it is time to render. The whole
process of content creation is thereby made faster and much more
efficient. It is even possible just to increase the resolution of
the model when rendering, thus getting rid of processing
overheads when building and animating elements.

Dynamic simulation includes particles, softbody and cloth dynamic
simulators. These features reduce the time it takes animators to
build and animate realistic elements, while also allowing for
experimentation with photo-realistic effects. Simulation also
allows the animator to determine and refine the relationship
between characters and objects within a scene, enabling lifelike
motion, actions and reactions.

Net View provides artists with access to an integrated HTML
browser within SOFTIMAGE|XSI 1.5. Conducting research on the Web
for materials and linking to the Softimage user community is now
possible without the need to leave the Softimage interface. Drag
and drop features also allow scene components to be added
directly from the Web into SOFTIMAGE|XSI 1.5. The ability to
execute scripts from Web pages makes this an ideal tool for
content and asset management. Now technical directors and
producers can organize projects using simple HTML-based Internet
or Intranet sites, eliminating the need for complex and expensive
management systems.

Other features:
Polygonal Modeling Tools – The polygon-modeling suite is
intuitive and interactive.

Animation Mixer Improvements –bridge transition tool
intelligently blends multiple motions of different frequencies,
such as smoothly transitioning from a walk cycle to a run cycle.
Also, several clip editing and manipulation tools have been added
for increased productivity.

Texture UV Editing – Full-featured UV texture editing for both
meshes and surfaces fully support multiple textures with
independently editable UV coordinates.

Improvements from SOFTIMAGE 3.X:
Spreadsheet – A view to query, sort and display relational scene
data in a compact table for easy consulting and editing of
several elements or parameters at once.

Dopesheet – A view that provides an overview of animation data
that drives objects directly, so that large animation tasks such
as re-timing, can be carried out with a minimal amount of effort.

Softimage offers two varieties of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI system:
Essentials and Advanced. SOFTIMAGE|XSI Essentials Version 1.5 is
available for $7,995 USMSRP. The SOFTIMAGE|XSI Advanced package
includes: simulated Particles, Softbodies and an additional
mental ray license and is available for $11,995 USMSRP.
International prices may vary. Existing users of the
SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 1.0 system under a valid maintenance
contract as of December 1st 2000 are eligible to receive the
upgrade to version 1.5 as part of their maintenance agreement.