3D software developer DAZ 3D and optical tracking technology developer NaturalPoint announced the ARENA plug-in for DAZ Studio, an easy-to-use and cost-effective complete motion capture solution. Being shown for the first time at the 2008 SIGGRAPH Conference in Los Angeles, the ARENA plug-in for DAZ Studio allows full body and facial capture, rendering, as well as a real-time workflow perfect for previsualization.
To obtain additional information during SIGGRAPH, visit DAZ 3D's Booth #910, or to view a live real-time demonstration, visit NaturalPoint at Booth #733.
Artists utilizing ARENA's easy-to-use solution for creating advanced motion capture sequences now gain access to DAZ Studio's robust features including a full-color OpenGL Preview, high-quality Sub Division geometry and enhanced Levels of Detail. DAZ 3D additionally offers an expanding library of premium 3D characters and content designed to be versatile, allowing compatibility with any workflow, regardless of polygonal limitations.
"One of NaturalPoint's main goals is to make motion capture more accessible," said Jim Richardson, president and CTO of NaturalPoint. "DAZ 3D shares a similar vision, and with the new ARENA plug-in for DAZ Studio, the dream of inexpensive and efficient animation and modeling can be realized."
The ARENA plug-in for DAZ Studio will become available, as part of ARENA's upcoming software package, in September 2008.
Both the ARENA software and DAZ Studio are required for proper installation.
ARENA is offered at $2,000, or as part of the OptiTrack Foundation package for $4,999, which also includes 6 cameras and additional accessories. To purchase ARENA, visit www.optitrack.com.
DAZ Studio 2.2 is free of charge and available on Windows 98 SE or higher and Mac OSX 10.3 or higher. Each version comes with pre-configured 3D content that is ready to be loaded and rendered into fantastic art at the push of a button. To obtain a copy of DAZ Studio 2.2, register for a free account at www.daz3d.com, and then visit www.daz3d.com/studio.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
