MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003--
Latest Release of its Industry-leading Visual Effects Systems Offers
the Most Comprehensive Solution Set Available for Modern
Post-Production Environments
Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today
announced the worldwide availability of its industry-leading
inferno(R) 5, flame(R) 8 and flint(R) 8 visual effects and compositing
systems. This new release involves a major renovation of the
underlying software architecture, providing powerful new capabilities
and workflow enhancements while expanding upon the rich feature set
and popular interface of the original Academy Award(R)-winning(1)
flame technology, first launched in 1992. Now, for the first time,
inferno, flame and flint offer mixed resolution support, extended
editing capabilities, advanced workflow in Batch and much more,
enabling visual effects artists to work faster and more efficiently,
and dedicate more time to the creative aspects of their projects.
"Beta users have told us that this could be the most significant
release in the history of the product," said Paul Lypaczewski,
Discreet general manager and executive vice president of Autodesk,
Inc. "Our constant goal is to deliver the most compelling, creative
solutions to artists--fulfilling their desire to create the world's
most ingenious images--but ever more quickly and efficiently. These
product releases are a powerful affirmation of this commitment."
Key New Features
This latest release introduces both new features as well as a
re-designed architecture for a new, more efficient editing and
compositing workflow that allows digital artists to save time and
effort. Key new functionality includes:
-- Mixed Resolution Architecture--The new inferno, flame and
flint release is fully format--and resolution-independent.
Artists can quickly import any resolution into a project
and create compositions including layers of 601, HD, 2K or
even 6K images. Without having to manually create
partitions for each format, artists can save significant
time and effort. Artists can also quickly convert clips
from one format to another.
-- Advanced 3D with Multiple Cameras and FBX--Discreet's
powerful 3D compositing environment, Action, now features
multiple animatable cameras as well as more extensive
support for 3D integration via the FBX file format from
Kaydara. Artists can directly import and manipulate 3D
models generated in Discreet's 3ds max(TM) as well as from
other popular 3D applications including Maya,
Softimage/XSI, Softimage/3D, and Lightwave. It is now
possible to import the 3D models as well as textures,
keyframed animation, light and camera data, thus saving
significant time by eliminating the need to recreate these
attributes manually.
-- Advanced Workflow in Batch--Three key components have now
been incorporated into Batch for easier accessibility:
Action, a new Editing Timeline, and Proxy Processing.
Proxy processing enables artists to render quick previews
instead of having to render the full image resolution,
which can speed workflow and productivity.
A complete list of new features in inferno 5, flame 8 and flint 8
may be found on the specific product pages at
www.discreet.com/products.
"flame 8 is a great leap forward for Discreet and for high-end
compositing. Anyone involved with projects that require the use of
mixed resolution images and short delivery schedules will find this
new version invaluable," said Elad Offer, creative director/partner at
Money Shots in Santa Monica, California. "flame is now stronger and
more flexible than ever, and is at the crux of our ability to deliver
the best results possible on limited schedules."
Pricing and availability
Manufacturers Suggested List Price for the Discreet visual effects
systems are: inferno 5--$571,500; flame 8--$266,500; flint 8--$99,000.
Actual system price will vary based on scalable configurations. For
additional information and configuration details, please contact
Discreet Sales at 800-869-3504 or +1 514-393-1616. For contact
information for Discreet regional offices or Authorized Discreet
Resellers, visit the Discreet website at www.discreet.com.
About Discreet
Discreet empowers moving media professionals to realize the visual
experience, transforming their most evocative and ambitious visions
into reality. Its range of award-winning systems and software is
developed for digital media creation, management and delivery--across
all disciplines from visual effects and editing to animation, game
development, web/interactive design, and design visualization.
Discreet is based in Montreal, Quebec and is a division of Autodesk,
Inc., the world's leading design and digital media creation,
management, and distribution company. Product and corporate
information is located on the Internet at www.discreet.com.
(1) - In 1999, Discreet's inferno and flame visual effects systems
were each recognized with an Academy Award - Scientific and
Engineering Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Autodesk, Discreet, 3ds
max, inferno, flame, and flint are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc./ Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or
other countries. Academy Award is the registered trademark and service
mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other
brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective
holders. (c)2003, Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
NOTE TO EDITORS: In "Softimage/XSI" and "Softimage/3D" noted in
this news release, the forward slash should be a pipe symbol.
CONTACT:
Discreet Public Relations
Kevin G Clark, 415/547-2457
Kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com
or
Access Communications
Erica Eusebio, 415/844-6212
eeusebio@accesspr.com
