LIPSinc. recently announced that they have released a version of
Ventriloquist, their lip-synchronization plug-in, for 3D Studio MAX version
3. Ventriloquist is a voice-recognition lip-synching system which drives
the animation based on the input of audio files. Timing and keyframe data
within Ventriloquist for MAX are linked together automatically, providing
easy access and manipulation for animators who feel the need to 'tweak'
Ventriloquist's work. The voice recognition system is based on LIPSinc.'s
own voiceDSP technology. VoiceDSP analyzes speech and automatically outputs
the precise corresponding mouth, jaw and lip-position data in three
dimensions. Output data is then generated as a stream of precise morph
targets that accurately recreate lip-synched animation. Although this
voice-recognition lip-synching technology is not new, this is the first
time it has come at an affordable price for smaller studios and animators.
Ventriloquist is available at only $595 with a 30-percent discount through
December 31, 1999. For more information visit www.lipsinc.com.