Wave Issue 0302 1/24/03 Article 1-03

***Discreet Delivers inferno 5, flame 8 and flint 8
(January 23)

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., today announced the
worldwide availability of its inferno 5, flame 8 and flint 8
visual effects and compositing systems. According to Discreet,
this new release involves a major renovation of the underlying
software architecture, providing new capabilities and workflow
enhancements, while expanding upon the feature set and interface
of the original Academy Award-winning flame technology, first
launched in 1992. Now, for the first time, inferno, flame and
flint offer mixed resolution support, extended editing
capabilities, and advanced workflow in Batch.

The release introduces both new features as well as a re-designed
architecture for a new editing and compositing workflow intended
to allow digital artists to save time and effort. Key new
functionality includes:

-- Mixed Resolution Architecture--The new inferno, flame and
flint release is fully format and resolution-independent. Artists
can import any resolution into a project and create compositions
including layers of 601, HD, 2K or even 6K images. Because they
do not have to manually create partitions for each format,
Discreet believes artists can save significant time and effort.
Artists can also convert clips from one format to another.
-- Advanced 3D with Multiple Cameras and FBX--Discreet's 3D
compositing environment, Action, now features multiple animatable
cameras as well as more extensive support for 3D integration via
the FBX file format from Kaydara. Artists can directly import and
manipulate 3D models generated in Discreet's 3ds max, as well as
from other 3D applications including Maya, Softimage/XSI,
Softimage/3D, and Lightwave. It is now possible to import the 3D
models as well as textures, keyframed animation, light and camera
data.
-- Advanced Workflow in Batch--Three key components have now
been incorporated into Batch for easier accessibility: Action, a
new Editing Timeline, and Proxy Processing. Proxy processing
enables artists to render quick previews instead of having to
render the full image resolution.

Manufacturers Suggested List Price for the Discreet visual
effects systems are: inferno 5--$571,500; flame 8--$266,500;
flint 8--$99,000. Actual system price will vary based on scalable
configurations.

www.discreet.com