Avid Technology Unveils Next-Generation 3D Animation System at SIGGRAPH '99

Strategic Insights -

At the prestigious SIGGRAPH '99 conference, Avid Technology, a leading provider of digital audio and video tools, introduced its next-generation 3D animation system, code-named "Sumatra." This innovative system represents a significant leap forward in animation capabilities, boasting a truly nonlinear animation (NLA) environment that revolutionizes the way artists work in 3D production.

Key Takeaways:

  • Avid's next-generation 3D animation system, Sumatra, introduces a nonlinear animation (NLA) environment, breaking down barriers to effective animation.
  • The system features seamless NURBS modeling, animation mixing, interactive rendering, render passes, and comprehensive scripting using industry-standard languages.
  • Avid is also releasing Softimage 3D v3.8 SP2, which includes mental ray v.2.1 rendering software, offering improved image quality and faster previewing and rendering.
  • Softimage DS, the company's post-production studio, has entered its beta phase, with an expected release by the end of the year.
  • The upcoming release of Softimage DS includes key features such as increased performance, user interface improvements, advanced 3DVE, titling enhancements, and high-speed editing.
  • Avid Symphony Version 2.0, a nonlinear editorial finishing system, will be showcased, featuring advanced scene-to-scene color correction and 24P Universal Editing and Mastering.
  • Avid is also demonstrating its Avid Unity Storage Media Net, which enables editors, artists, and other specialists to access the same network, improving workflow and productivity.
  • The company is unveiling its first creative finishing system for uncompressed HDTV and 601 resolutions, code-named "Avid HD."

Statistics:

  • Avid Unity MediaNet 1.0 will support a wide range of applications and platforms, including a direct connection to the Macintosh platform and network attachment to Windows NT and SGI IRIX platforms.
  • The upcoming release of Softimage DS will offer improved performance and workflow improvements, including a new animation editor, on-screen motion paths for 2D animations, motion tracker enhancements, and full Y2K compliance.
  • Avid Symphony Version 2.0 will expand into two models: Symphony and Symphony Universal.
  • Avid Symphony Version 2.1, including the new color correction engine, is planned for shipment in Q4 1999.

Sources:

  • Avid Technology Unveils Next-Generation 3D Animation System at SIGGRAPH '99. Business Wire, July 26, 1999.
  • Softimage 3D v3.8 SP2, Avid Technology.
  • Softimage DS Beta Release, Avid Technology.
  • Avid Symphony Version 2.0, Avid Technology.
  • Avid Unity Storage Media Net, Avid Technology.
  • About Avid Technology, Inc., Avid Technology.