ATI Technologies and Avid Technology/Softimage Co. unveiled a complete graphics hardware and software solution for 3D artists and students. Both companies are now offering SOFTIMAGE|XSI Foundation software with the FireGL T2-128 AGP 8X workstation graphics accelerator in a single cost-effective package for $599.
ATI and Softimage are offering 3D artists an extraordinary opportunity to have instant access to the professional animation software and the latest graphics technology quickly and affordably, said Gareth Morgan, senior product manager, Softimage. This new bundle enables customers who are currently using AGP-based desktop systems to access leading animation and graphics technology, extending the life of their current hardware investments. By working together, both Softimage and ATI are underscoring the important synergy of software and hardware in todays digital content creation market.
As the industry transitions to include smaller boutique studios and freelancers, both ATI and Softimage continue to design and deliver products that address the various needs of current and future CG professionals, added Dinesh Sharma, director, Workstation Products, ATI. This offer provides budget-conscious customers with two products that both feature high-end capabilities at an extremely competitive price.
Certified for SOFTIMAGE|XSI software and all leading industry applications, the FireGL T2-128 is an impressive entry-level workstation graphics accelerator, which gives users all the functionality of more expensive models. The FireGL T2-128, with 128MB of unified graphics memory and dual display support through DVI-I and VGA connectors, brings a higher level of graphics processing power to the CG market. The FireGL T2-128 is an ideal solution for entry-level digital content creators, enabling them to increase productivity and shorten design cycles while delivering optimal image quality.
ATI Technologies Inc. (www.ati.com) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions.
Softimage Co. (www.softimage.com), a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc. (www.avid.com), is an industry leader in 3D animation, 2D cel animation, compositing and special effects software, designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
