Category: Technology

NVIDIA extends its Quadro FX 5600 and Quadro FX 4600, based on an industry-changing unified architecture, with the launch of new mid-range and entry-level 2D and 3D Quadro boards for professionals in the CAD/CAM, DCC, medical imaging, digital video and financial sectors. The new Quadro professional graphics also redefine the price/performance dynamic for professional graphics -- from the Quadro FX 370, available for the unprecedented entry price of $129 MSRP to the Quadro FX 1700, with an MSRP of $699.

At the launch of the new Quad Core AMD Opteron processor at Lucasfilm Ltd.'s Letterman Digital Arts Center (LDAC), AMD and Lucasfilm announced an expansion of the companies' relationship focused on building the world's most advanced and energy-efficient datacenters for producing digital arts and entertainment.

Phoenix Technologies recently launched a lineup of new accessories for its next-generation Visualeyez II VZ4000 Active Optical Realtime motion capture system.

* New VZSuit -- redesigned with new features that will ultimately reduce operating costs for users. This is a two-piece stretchable Lycra motion capture suit that is completely Velcro-compatible (except for the armpit areas). This suit is very easy to wear and allows for free unrestricted acting motions. The VZSuit is designed for quick and easy arrangement of the LED markers for optimal capture performance.

Autodesk has launched the Lustre 2008 digital color grading system. Lustre has shaped colors and lighting in hundreds of feature films, trailers and TV shows, including BALLS OF FURY, EL CANTANTE, CHILDREN OF MEN, BABEL, KING KONG, CANE, PUSHING DAISIES and SWINGTOWN. Lustre 2008 will be showcased at Autodesk stand #7-420 during IBC 2007, held in Amsterdam's RAI Convention Center, Sept. 7-11.

HP has launched three commercial desktop solutions designed to give businesses a professional edge with entry-level workstation pricing and "zero-footprint" PCs. The new products, including the HP xw4550 workstation, the HP xw4600 workstation and the HP Compaq dc7800 Business Desktop PC, pack the power and performance demanded by users of high-end solutions. HP also introduced new technologies for the HP ProLiant Blade workstation, which was developed to improve business continuity, data security and business efficiency for multi-display, multi-workstation computing environments.

DAZ 3D Inc. announced the release Carrara 6, the latest version of their popular 3D modeling, animation and rendering application.

Pixar Animation Studios is now offering RenderMan Pro Server version 13.5 software, together with a new licensing policy greatly increasing throughput on multi-processor computers.

To help customers in the manufacturing, architecture, building and construction markets benefit from the advantages of 3D software, Autodesk Inc. has introduced the Preferred Industry Partner Program. The new program recognizes select third-party software developers for their innovative, industry-focused solutions. Designated Preferred Industry Partners create applications that complement Autodesk 3D products and help customers simulate their ideas early in the design process as well as reduce time and cost in manufacturing or construction.

Turbo Squid has launched the File System, the newest addition to Turbo Squid's free Tentacles' 3D application plug-in. Tentacles is a Flash-based plug-in that integrates the entire Turbo Squid online library and purchasing process into a variety of popular 3D applications, enabling users to browse, compare and purchase 3D content (including models, textures, MoCap data and much more) without ever leaving the 3D applications in which they are working.

Caligari Corp. has launched a new Ambassador program for all users of Caligari trueSpace. The trueSpace Ambassador program is designed to reward trueSpace users that enthusiastically help other users, willingly share their creative work and positively promote Caligari within the broader 3D community.