19.3 KBSoftimage Announces SOFTIMAGE XSI 6Latest software version will offer accelerated animation tools,mixed-pipeline interoperability and collaborative framework for 3Dartists and technical directorsTEWKSBURY, Mass.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Nov. 15, 2006-Avid Technology,Inc.
(NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that its Softimage, Co.subsidiary has unveiled SOFTIMAGE ®XSI ® 6, the latest version ofits flagship 3D animation and character creation software. XSI 6software introduces new solutions for accelerated animation thatsimplify working with 3D characters and motion capture data.
A newcollaborative framework in XSI 6 software also allows 3D artists towork together non-destructively, in a studio environment that provideseasy integration with other 3D applications.SOFTIMAGE XSI 6 will support the.NET framework and includeintegrated C#, an object-oriented programming language, popular withnext-gen 3D game developers. The software also offers support forPython, a preferred scripting language used by technical directors forsetting up film and visual effects pipelines. In addition, Softimageis working closely with industry partners to offer support for DirectX10 hardware that will operate on Microsoft Windows Vista once it isavailable.' At Blur, our animations and stories are becoming more epic anddefinitely more complex. We chose to fold SOFTIMAGE XSI software intoour established 3D pipeline for our latest animated short film, 'AGentlemen's Duel.'
We needed a very organized structure for thecomplex 3D character rigging and a solid animation package,' said TimMiller, President and founder of Oscar ®-nominated BLUR Studio. 'Byintroducing XSI software into our pipeline, our artists were able tobring our characters to life while effectively managing over 1800parts to each human rig.
XSI performed like a champ,' added Miller.Creating animated 3D visual effects, characters and 3D game titlesfor next-gen consoles - like the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii andSony PLAYSTATION 3 - is becoming increasingly complex. Because it isbuilt on the newest code base of any comprehensive 3D application onthe market, XSI software is best suited to operate withnext-generation hardware and 3D game development and visual effectspipelines.