SOFTWARE
VR
Nvidia SDKs
Nvidia has released VR audio and 360-degree video stitching as part of its VRWorks software development kit. The VRWorks Audio SDK provides real-time raytracing of audio in virtual environments, and is supported in Epic’s Unreal Engine 4. Using Nvidia OptiX raytracing technology, VRWorks Audio traces the path of sound in real time, delivering physically accurate audio that reflects the size, shape and material properties of the virtual environment. As the scene is loaded by the application, the acoustic model is built and updated on the fly. And audio effect filters are generated and applied on the sound source waveforms.
The software release consists of a set of C-APIs for integration into any engine or application, and an integration for Epic’s Unreal Engine 4 that’s now available on GitHub.
The VRWorks 360 Video SDK enables real-time 4k 360 video capture, stitching, and streaming. In addition, Nvidia has revealed an upcoming release of the VRWorks 360 Video SDK that enables real-time stitching in stereo. Using two Quadro P6000 GPUs, the SDK can stitch eight 4k cameras in stereo.
www.nvidia.com
Motion Capture
On-Body Recording
Xsens’ MVN Studio 4.4 is a new software update that enables unshackled motion capture in any environment – all at the touch of a button. MVN Studio is Xsens’ mocap software solution, used in conjunction with Xsens mocap suits to record, monitor, and analyze movement. The data is stored directly to the Body Pack, without the need for nearby hardware or an on-site power source. The MVN Studio 4.4 update also introduces a Reference Camera view, whereby the MVN Remote App enables users to control recordings and review performances from their iOS/Android smartphones. The video captured using Reference Camera will play back in MVN Studio 4.4.
www.xsens.com
HARDWARE
Mobile Workstations
New ZBooks
HP Inc. announced its most secure and manageable HP ZBook Mobile Workstations to date. The new solutions-packed devices include award-winning display technology, 3D graphics and server-grade processing power – all in a compact, mobile design. The HP ZBook Studio offers power only thought possible with a workstation desktop, in a sleek, modern, mobile design, and is crafted with fully-machined aluminum, diamond-cut edges, and an HP DreamColor 4k UHD display. HP ZBook Studio is available now starting at $1,399. The HP ZBook 17 delivers HP’s ultimate power and performance. The HP ZBook 17 is equipped with a choice of the latest Intel Xeon or 7th generation CoreT processors, Nvidia Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro graphics, up to 4tb of storage, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and more. HP ZBook 17 is available now starting at $1,519. The HP ZBook 15 is available now starting at $1,419.
The HP ZBook 14u is HP’s smallest and lightest mobile workstation. Its pricing and availability will be announced this summer.
www.hp.com
Workstation PCs
Dell Gets Precise
Dell recently rolled out the Precision 5720 All-in-One workstation featuring Dell’s InfinityEdge display around a 27-inch 4k 100 percent Adobe color screen. The addition of Jack Joseph Puig Signature Series Audio powered by Waves MaxxAudio Pro delivers studio-quality production, editing, and playback. The latest-gen responsive AMD Radeon Pro graphics allow it to keep pace with demanding rendering and graphics-intensive tasks. The Precision 5720 All-in-One joins Dell’s leading lineup of VR-ready solutions and is the first all-in-one workstation to boast VR performance. It is available now starting at $1,699.
www.dell.com
3D Measurement
MaxShot Next
Creaform has launched a new generation of optical coordinate measuring systems, the MaxShot Next. Quality control and product development specialists from the aerospace, automotive, transportation, and heavy industries will benefit from the system’s live go/no-go guidance feature for accurate and reliable measurements for their large-scale metrology projects.
Building on the first generation of MaxShot 3D, Creaform has achieved a major industry milestone by developing an “intelligent” measurement solution that autonomously guides users to the right measurements within VXelements. Considered a serious alternative to laser trackers for many applications, the new MaxShot 3D can be used as a standalone measurement device and in combination with Creaform’s 3D scanners and portable CMMs.
www.creaform.com