Avid Technology Inc. announced the worldwide availability of SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 5.0, the latest edition of the companys flagship 3D animation software. Unveiled at the SIGGRAPH tradeshow in August, XSI v.5.0 software includes a wide range of powerful new features, including non-destructive character tools and a comprehensive set of migration tools for Maya users, all of which enable artists to meet todays demanding production deadlines while future-proofing their existing pipelines.
Kai Bovaird, who is exec director at Cause & F(x) Pictures, a Honolulu-based VFX shop working on season two of the hit television show LOST, and whose film credits include THE MATRIX: RELOADED, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW and X-MEN, commented, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is the most comprehensive 3D package available on the market, and as our business continues to grow, I am confident that using this software package will continue to save us both time and money. We often train experienced artists to use XSI in our pipeline, and once they use the software, we find they are instantly hooked and never want to go back to using a competitive tool. With such an easy learning curve and new tools for migrating from Maya, cross-training our animators will be easier than ever.
Gareth Morgan, senior product manager for Softimage Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., added, Although Softimage was founded almost 20 years ago, its mission remains the same today: develop the best digital tools for artists by artists. SOFTIMAGE|XSI version 5.0 is a testament to that mission. We continue to focus on what the industry has asked us to deliver: intuitive, dependable tools that solve todays tough 3D production challenges.
In addition to a broad range of new features, SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.0 includes the GATOR attribute transfer system for re-purposing properties and animation between models; native 64-bit support for XSI and mental ray 3.4 software to create and render extremely complex scenes and a new gigapolygon core that leverages multi-processor and multi-core platforms with a revolutionary memory management system.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.0 is available in the following configurations:
* SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.0 Foundation for $495 from the Softimage website at www.softimage.com/store.* SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.0 Essentials for $1,995 from authorized Softimage resellers.* SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.0 Advanced for $6,995 from authorized Softimage resellers.
SOFTIMAGE|XSI (www.softimage.com) is a complete 3D modeling and animation solution for the film, broadcast, post-production and interactive entertainment industries. SOFTIMAGE|XSI software is the creative engine behind the Avid Computer Graphics toolset, and an integral player in Avids Make, Manage and Move Media strategy. It is the industrys first 3D nonlinear production environment providing artists the freedom to make professional computer graphics, 3D animation and vfx. Softimage is proud to count amongst its customers: Troublemaker Studios, CaféFX, Giant Killer Robots, R!OT, The Mill, Stan Winston Studios, Pixel Liberation Front, La Maison, Hybride, Janimation, Quiet Man, PSYOP, Cinepix and Nerd Corps.
Avid Technology (www.avid.com), headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is a world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively and creatively.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
