By Xytech Systems
MediaPulse is an application suite for asset and resource-based media workflows. Features include the Layout Editor, which enables users to create, move, or delete any field, column, and tab page with simple drag-and-drop techniques. Contact Xytech, 818-303-7800, www.xytechsystems.com.
Facial Studio v2
By Di-O-Matic
Offering more than 500 controls covering the entire creation process of a 3D head, Facial Studio v2 (Windows Edition) is an intuitive suite of tools. Features include improved Microsoft Vista support, floating license, new and improved shapes and proportions for the default head, improved deformations including gender, ethnicity and phonemes, and new additional facial deformations. Contact Di-O-Matic, 514-369-2400, www.di-o-matic.com.
modo 401
By Luxology
With a focus on rendering and animation enhancements, modo 401 delivers new features and innovative workflows. modo 401 enables users to model on top of existing geometry, see changes in their scene immediately from the improved Preview renderer and re-use assets throughout the content creation process. Rendering enhancements include caustics, dispersion, blurry refraction, volumetric lighting and Pixar-patented deep shadows. Animation improvements include inverse kinematics, dynamic parenting, channel constraints and modifiers. Contact Luxology, 650-378-8506, www.luxology.com.
Adobe Plug-ins
By Strata
Two new plug-ins have been released by Strata. Strata Design 3D CX connects to Photoshop with six plug-ins as well as being a stand-alone application. Strata Enfold 3D CX is a multi-featured plug-in for Illustrator that adds a 3D view palette, two new tools and a host of menu commands focused on folding print designs. Strata Design 3D CX offers faster, easier control and more effects. Strata Enfold 3D CX creates professional folded 3D designs directly in Adobe Illustrator. Users can link Photoshop graphics applied to 2D Illustrator artwork, define die-cut lines and folding scores, and then see it in 3D directly in Illustrator. Contact Strata, 800-678-7282, www.strata.com.
DIVAsolo
By Front Porch Digital
DIVAsolo is an all-in-one migration path from legacy videotape to content storage management and archiving on secure, high-density data tape. DIVAsolo introduces an infrastructure that preserves file-based assets and makes them easy to access and repurpose. Contact Front Porch Digital, 303-440-7930, www.fpdigital.com.
StretchMesh 1.5
By Kickstand
StretchMesh 1.5 incorporates a fast algorithm for relational vertex knowledge, which shares polygonal knowledge with neighboring vertices to speed the process of creating smooth character deformations in Maya. New features include: improved flexibility animating collisions using primitive sphere and primitive curve colliders; the influence of a collision object can be painted, giving users per-vertex control over a collision and impact; curve attractors provide the ability to pull vertices toward the closest point on a curve; a new scale safe mode allows users to scale a mesh and safely preserve its initial shape. Contact Kickstand, 888-525-7863, www.kickstandlabs.com.
Voice-O-Matic v3
By Di-O-Matic
New features in Voice-O-Matic v3 (3ds Max edition) include 64-bit support for Autodesk 3ds Max 9, 3ds Max 2008, 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max 2010; added compatibility with 3ds Max 2010; improved lip-sync quality; and new presets and settings. Voice-O-Matic synchronizes pre-recorded audio to virtually any type of 3D character set up, including morph target and bones-based character rigs, and supports English, French, Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic, Italian, and other languages. Contact Di-O-Matic, 514-369-2400, www.di-o-matic.com.
Cinebridge
By Cinegy
Cinegy Cinebridge allows any software that supports AVI file format to directly access media stored on Cinegy Media Archive without conversion. That includes most popular editing, visual effects and graphics software. It accomplishes this by creating AVI files simulations and rendering frames as it reads them. Regardless of their original format, theses simulated AVI files appear as normal AVI files to the integrated application, even when the original media involves multiple codec formats such as H.264, MPEG 2 and MXF. Contact Cinegy, 323-417-0880, www.cinegy.com.
Maya 2010
By Autodesk
Maya 2010 unifies the Maya Complete 2009 and Maya Unlimited 2009 feature sets with match moving, compositing, and rendering capabilities into a single offering. New features include Maya Composite, a high-dynamic compositing system based on Autodesk Toxik software (which is no longer available as a stand-alone solution); MatchMover advanced 3D tracking and match moving system; five mental ray Batch render nodes; and the Autodesk Backburner network renter queue manager. Contact Autodesk, 415-507-5000, www.autodesk.com.
