e-on software announced the pre-release of two new versions of its xStream suite of plug-ins: xStream for LightWave and xStream for Cinema 4D.
Vue 5 xStream is a suite of plug-ins that enables the seamless integration of Vue environments into the industry's leading 3D applications. Versions of xStream were already available for Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya. As of June 1, versions of xStream for Newtek LightWave and Maxon Cinema 4D are also available. xStream for SOFTIMAGE|XSI is still under development.
The Vue 5 xStream suite of plug-ins lets CG professionals fully integrate their 3D projects into Vue environments. Vue 5 xStream brings Vue's natural environments right into Max, Maya, LightWave and Cinema 4D.
"Vue 5 xStream is our response to the request from CGFX studios for a streamlined solution to integrate Vue environments into their production pipeline, said Nicholas Phelps, president of e-on software. Thanks to xStream, studios can now efficiently reap the benefits of Vue's dedicated natural environment toolset..."
"Using Vue 5 and LightWave combined, I've not only amazed myself at how fast I can generate photoreal environments, but also seasoned visual effects producers and supervisors, added Rob Powers, 3D td, Lightstorm Ent. The closer integration offered with xStream streamlines the pipeline even further. This is an amazing product that allows artists, designers and digital matte painters to quickly generate digital environments that would previously require weeks or months to generate."
Expected benefits of the xStream plug-ins: * Vue 5 xStream bridges the gap between e-on software's acclaimed natural 3D environment software and the industry's leading 3D applications.* Vue 5 xStream streamlines integration by effectively eliminating any need for import/export or compositing processes. * Open any Vue 5 Infinite scene directly inside Cinema 4D/LightWave/Max/Maya.* Blend native objects and animations with the Vue environments, with full two-way mutual shadow casting, reflection, refraction and lighting. Render everything in a single pass with Cinema 4D software renderer, LightWave software renderer, Maya mental ray, Maya software renderer and Max mental ray. * Get the best of both worlds. Combine the power of your favorite application with Vue's unique capabilities, such as the invaluable EcoSystemT technology, the ability to animate entire forests with wind and breeze, SolidGrowthT vegetation, terrains with infinite levels of detail, volumetric atmospheres and procedural multi-materials. * Create and edit Vue environments directly in Cinema 4D/LightWave/Max/Maya with the xStream interface. No need to re-save, re-load or re-import.
For more information on Vue 5 xStream, visit www.e-onsoftware.com/xstream
Vue 5 xStream is available for Cinema 4D R9 and higher, LightWave 9, 3ds Max 7 and higher and Maya 6 and higher, and is compatible with Max's mental ray and Maya and mental ray renderers. Vue 5 xStream for Cinema 4D and LightWave will ship Summer 2006. A pre-release version is available immediately for all pre-orders (Window 2000/XP platform only; OS X available shortly). Vue 5 xStream retails at $495. Requires a separate license of Vue 5 Infinite.
e-on software (www.e-onsoftware.com) is a leading developer of high quality solutions for the creation, animation, rendering and integration of natural 3D environments. E-on software is based in Beaverton, Oregon, with a European office in Paris, France.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
