December 13, 2006

Softimage Unveils Softimage|XSI Version 6

Tewksbury, Mass. - Avid Technology's Softimage subsidiary has introduced Softimage|XSI 6, the latest version of its flagship 3D animation and character creation software.
XSI 6 software is designed to accelerate animation and simplify working with 3D characters and motion-capture data. A new collaborative framework in XSI 6 software enables 3D artists to work together non-destructively in a studio environment that provides easy integration with other 3D applications.

Softimage|XSI 6 supports the .NET framework and includes integrated C#, an object-oriented programming language, popular with next-generation 3D game developers. The software also supports Python, a preferred scripting language used by technical directors for setting up film and visual effects pipelines. In addition, Softimage is working closely with industry partners to offer support for DirectX 10 hardware that will operate on Microsoft Windows Vista.

Creating animated 3D visual effects, characters, and 3D game titles for next-generation consoles -- such as the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Sony PlayStation 3 -- is becoming increasingly complex.

Additional highlights of XSI 6 software include:

Crosswalk – a dedicated toolset that offers extensive asset transfer to and from other 3D software;

MOTOR – a streamlined way to transfer and move animation and motion-capture data between arbitrary XSI rigs and other 3D software character rigs;

Delta Referencing – a new lightweight production-level referencing solution that streamlines the process of working with and making changes to 3D models and scene set-ups;

Elastic Reality Warper and Morpher – built into the Illusion compositor in XSI 6 software, this solution allows artists to distort and morph images and sequences;

Quick Shade – a fast way to preview rendering elements with large scale materials management and support for mental ray 3.5 and an new open framework for integrating third-party renderers.

Softimage|XSI 6 is expected to be available by the end of December 2006 in the following configurations:

Softimage|XSI 6 Foundation will sell for $495 from the Softimage Web site (www.softimage.com/store) or from authorized Softimage resellers. Softimage|XSI 6 Essentials will sell for $1995 from authorized Softimage resellers. Softimage|XSI 6 Advanced sell for $6995 from authorized Softimage resellers.