Multimedia
Blogs
Forum
Affordable HD
Whitepapers
Newsletters
Events
Advertisers
Blogcast
MillimeterSoftimage to Make SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.2.0 Available for Free
Mar 11, 2002 12:00 PM
Softimage, a subsidiary of Avid Technology, has announced it will make its top-of-the-line SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.2.0 Advanced 3D animation system available for free noncommercial use. The "SOFTIMAGE|XSI Experience" two-CD pack will come complete with the searchable, SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.2.0 Online Documentation Library, and a comprehensive video-based training module. This non-commercial offering gives 3-D animation professionals - as well as anyone interested in learning or mastering the art - unlimited, free access to the flagship Softimage nonlinear animation [NLA] system and tools to learn it from the ground up.
Users can work with leading-edge modeling capabilities including NURBS, polygonal modeling and Subdivision Surfaces, plus the SOFTIMAGE|XSI nonlinear animation editing and mixing functions including IK/FK blending and the unique animation mixer. Users can also test-drive the fully-integrated 2-D/3-D compositing environment; unique Real-Time Shader technology, dynamics simulation including the brand-new hair/fur simulation subsystem; and industry-leading SOFTIMAGE|XSI interactive rendering technology, based on mental ray v.3.0 software.
In addition to offering the highest-end version of SOFTIMAGE|XSI, Softimage further distinguishes its offering by making it the only free-access software in the industry to utilize the same file format as its production version. This compatibility means that users may load and learn from real production scenes and are not limited by a special file format.
The SOFTIMAGE|XSI Experience also includes a comprehensive Training Kit, a value of over $600 USMSRP, to assist users in quickly learning the vast capabilities of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI system, as well as enabling fast online access to in-depth feature documentation. Additionally, over 70 in-depth functionality demos walk users through each step of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.2.0 system - providing instruction on everything from learning the user interface, and mastering the new integrated compositing capabilities, to connecting SOFTIMAGE|XSI software to other applications in a 3-D pipeline.
"There's enormous opportunity for artists and animators in multiple industries to expand their craft and its reach, with the technology available today," said Softimage Managing Director, Michael Stojda. "Typically, however, many artists and aspiring artists never get a chance to see what's possible - because of time, perceived difficulty or accessibility to the latest and best technology. The SOFTIMAGE|XSI Experience is designed to change that by giving them easy and convenient access to the industry's most advanced nonlinear animation system, as well as training, free of cost and free of risk."
The SOFTIMAGE|XSI Experience CD is available for immediate order from www.softimage.com/experience. As it is intended for non-commercial use only, output has been restricted with the use of a watermark on rendered images and projects cannot be saved. CDs are available at no cost and are designed for use with the Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows NT platforms. In addition, to facilitate usage, no additional licensing procedures are required other than those in the license agreement included on the CD at the time of installation.
Continue the discussion on “Crosstalk” the Millimeter Forum.