At SIGGRAPH 2003, NewTek, Inc. previewed the newest version of LightWave 3D as well as released its third free texture collection. NewTek's LightWave, winner of a 2003 Primetime Emmy Engineering Award, includes enhanced dynamics, character animation, modeling workflow, animation workflow and texturing tools. The third NewTek's Texture Collection includes fifty 1,600x1,200 pixels resolution JPEG-file textures, including wood, metal, sky, nature and stone, and is now available for free download at www.newtek.com.
We're very excited about the incredible variety of new and improved tools we are bringing to our users in the newest edition of LightWave, said Andrew Cross, svp of engineering for NewTek, Inc. Equally important, we are making amazing improvements in what is already an acknowledged leader in fast and flexible workflow. We're also enhancing LightWave's integration with other popular production tools. We are demonstrating our commitment to keeping our award-winning application at the leading edge of graphic arts technology that meets real-world production needs.
LightWave 3D [8] Includes:* Improved Workflow in Layout and Modeler* Rigid Body Dynamics* Improved Soft Body Dynamics* Faster IK, FK* Bone Dynamics* More Powerful and Flexible Character Animation Controls and Tools* Improved Character Setup Workflow* New Particle System Tools* Animatable UV Coordinates* Improvements to Lscript Scripting Language and to the API
LightWave 3D [8] is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2003, priced at $1,595. If customers purchase LightWave 3D [7.5] from now until LightWave 3D [8] ships they will receive a free electronic upgrade to LightWave [8]. Registered owners of LightWave 3D [7.5] or earlier can purchase an upgrade to LightWave [8] for $495. Through September 15, purchases of full seats will include DFX+, a $995 value, Module 1 - Visual Effects, a $495 value, and Module 4 - 3D Tools, a $295 value, at no additional charge. Through July 31, 2003, upgrades will also include DFX+ and Modules 1 and 4 at no additional cost. Customers who wants packaged upgrades with a printed manual and CD will be able to purchase a Convenience Upgrade option for $99. For more information on the items offered and to purchase direct from NewTek, visit: www.newtek.com or call (800) 368-5441, overseas callers dial +1-210-370-8000.
San Antonio, Texas-based NewTek is a leading provider of full-featured video editing, animation and special effects tools including VT[3], LightWave 3D and Aura Video Paint. Recent television and film projects using NewTek software include CHILDREN OF DUNE, FIREFLY, TAKEN, SMALLVILLE, STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, STAR TREK 10: NEMESIS, DAREDEVIL, SPY KIDS 2, WE WERE SOLDIERS, PANIC ROOM, HARTS WAR, DRIVEN, A.I., JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS, FINAL FANTASY, BLACKHAWK DOWN, THE TIME MACHINE and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE - Director's Edition DVD. Recent game titles include DOOM III, UNREAL TOURNAMENT, SERIOUS SAM, AGE OF MYTHOLOGY, CIVILIZATION III, DEAD TO RIGHTS, BALDUR'S GATE II, EVERQUEST and ESCAPE FROM MONKEY ISLAND. For more information visit www.newtek.com
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
