Autodesk Inc. launched Autodesk Toxik 2007, the latest version of its collaborative digital compositing software for feature film production. Autodesk Toxik 2007 will be showcased at the NAB tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 24-27, 2006, at Autodesk Booth #SL3719.
Autodesk Toxik was first introduced one year ago. The new version will offer a range of new capabilities, including a Paint system that allows interactive painting of high-resolution, high-dynamic-range imagery (HDRI). HDRI is growing in popularity because it contains extensive color and lighting information, ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows. This gives digital artists more creative options than traditional digital imagery.
Mark Cass, business development director at Escape Studios, observed, "It's only a matter of time before the computer graphics community realizes what Autodesk has achieved with Toxik. Drawing on its compositing heritage and looking very much to the future, Autodesk has created a product that is truly 'next-generation' rather than one that just claims to be. With a solid creative toolset, including the new Paint feature in Toxik 2007, Autodesk is clearly positioning itself to offer the computer graphics industry an effective and superior suite of tools."
The new Paint feature in Autodesk Toxik 2007 simplifies many of the common tasks faced by digital artists, such as the removal of unwanted objects like wires and rigs from a scene, retouching and digital matte painting. The Paint feature also increases accuracy and productivity by allowing artists to view downstream composites in context.
Other new features in Autodesk Toxik 2007 include increased interoperability with other Autodesk creative systems, optimized support for AMD processors in addition to Intel, and improvements to the Toxik animation system. Autodesk Toxik 2007 also contains the Master Keyer extension tools, shipped to Autodesk Toxik subscription holders in March 2006. These tools simplify complex keying tasks, improve keying and tracking precision, and allow artists to refine mattes and masks faster and with greater control. The software also automates several administrative and data management tasks. More information about key new features in Autodesk Toxik 2007 can be found at www.autodesk.com/toxik.
Autodesk anticipates that Autodesk Toxik 2007 will begin shipping worldwide in summer 2006 with support for both Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems. North American suggested retail pricing for one Toxik creative seat with one year of subscription is $9,000.
Autodesk Inc. is one of the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, media and entertainment and wireless data services fields. Autodesks solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information, visit www.autodesk.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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