Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs 2012 Released

Get your modems ready for some serious downloading!

Autodesk has released the subscription advantage packs for Maya 2012, 3ds Max 2012, Mudbox 2012, Motionbuilder 2012, Softimage 2012 and Smoke for Mac 2012.

Autodesk® Subscription Advantage Packs help you get ahead by giving you early access to the latest product enhancements.  Available for select products, Subscription Advantage Packs vary and can include additional product features, integrated web services, and robust design content. These enhancements expand software capabilities, promote collaboration, support sustainable design, and enrich renderings. Autodesk® Subscription Advantage Packs help you stay on the leading edge of your industry with the most current software features, and can increase your productivity with new functionality that helps you visualize and design faster.

Don't have Subscription?  Get it Here

Autodesk Cloud now Available for Subscription Customers

Autodesk® Subscription now gives you a greater advantage with Autodesk® Cloud capabilities that help you increase mobility, improve collaboration, and optimize your designs—advancing the way you work.

Along with upgrades to the latest software releases, online technical support, and flexible licensing privileges, Autodesk Subscription now provides 3 GB of Autodesk Cloud storage per seat. This enables you to store numerous files in the cloud, extending your workflow beyond the desktop and giving you the freedom and mobility to work wherever you’re most effective. Autodesk Cloud also enables you to share design files with anyone, anytime, anywhere via a web browser or mobile device without the need for desktop software. This promotes collaboration between teams and helps you improve project quality and results.

Autodesk Subscription also provides exclusive access to certain Autodesk Cloud services. Depending on your product or suite, you might have access to the Autodesk Cloud rendering service, Autodesk® Inventor® optimization service, Autodesk® Revit® Conceptual Energy Analysis service, Autodesk® Green Building Studio® service, Autodesk® Buzzsaw® service, and more. These services enable you to perform computer‐intensive functions in the cloud, which means you can explore and visualize more design options, streamline collaboration, and optimize your designs—without investing in expensive hardware.

The enhanced capacity and capabilities of Autodesk Cloud now available through Autodesk Subscription give you a greater advantage—with more power and mobility to help improve project results and accelerate innovation.

V-Ray for Softimage Beta Announced

Chaos Group has announced the Public Beta for V-Ray for Softimage.  V-Ray for Softimage is the newest addition to the Chaos Group portfolio of rendering solutions and is planned to be launched the end of this year.

Currently, they are running a Beta Program, aimed at animators, CG design practitioners, game developers and others who will get the chance to be the first to test the software and provide valuable feedback and suggestions for new features to the Chaos Group Development Team.

If you're interested in signing up, click on the link below and get started.

V-Ray for Softimage Public Beta

V-Ray for Softimage Public Beta is Here

Chaos Group has announced the Public Beta for V-Ray for Softimage.  V-Ray for Softimage is the newest addition to the Chaos Group portfolio of rendering solutions and is planned to be launched the end of this year.

Currently, they are running a Beta Program, aimed at animators, CG design practitioners, game developers and others who will get the chance to be the first to test the software and provide valuable feedback and suggestions for new features to the Chaos Group Development Team.

If you're interested in signing up, click on the link below and get started.

V-Ray for Softimage Public Beta

Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Service Pack 2

Service Pack 2 from Autodesk for 3ds Max® 2012 and 3ds Max® Design 2012 software includes fixes for issues with stability and performance based on customer feedback.

3ds Max 2012 Service Pack 2 is a cumulative update, it includes the following Hot Fixes and Service
Packs:
  Hot Fix 1 – Autodesk 3ds Max 2012
  Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Service Pack 1
  Hot Fix 2 – Autodesk 3ds Max 2012

Readme (pdf)

Matrox Convert DVI now has Mac Support

Mac support for the award-winning Matrox Convert DVI and Convert DVI Plus HD-SDI scan converters is now available for you to download.

Now Mac users can also benefit from these easy-to-use HD-SDI scan converters to make the most of their computer-based content in broadcast and live event environments. Mac software release 1.0 provides support for Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and 10.7 (Lion).

Download release 1.0 for Mac

Pixologic Unleashes ZBrush 4R2!

Pixologic has released Zbrush 4R2!

ZBrush 4R2 is a free upgrade to all registered ZBrush users.

ZBrush 4R2 introduces significant new sculpting features, as well as major enhancements within the Best Preview Render (BPR) system.

DynaMesh, the new base mesh generator, will allow you to realize your concepts via a workflow that ignores the traditional geometry barrier. To gain an unparalleled accuracy with your brush, the new Lazy Curve Mode allows precise strokes to your mesh whether in symmetry mode or not. The capability to apply an environment HDRI (High Dynamic Range Image) to the new LightCap system will give your finished images a remarkable level of believability.

Pixologic will send upgrade emails to the address that is on record from your purchase of or upgrade to ZBrush 4.

Click here to purchase ZBrush 4R2

More Zbrush 4R2 information Here.

Blackmagic Price Reductions and New Products Shipping

Today, Blackmagic Design announced that the HyperDeck Studio and the ATEM Television Studio have been released and are now shipping from Australia. There is a large number of backorders that need to be filled, but it is a first come, first served process so get your order in today and you should receive your product within a week or two.

Also, Blackmagic announced that select Mini Converters are dropping in price, including the SDI to HDMI (CONVMBSH), HDMI to SDI (CONVMBHS), Analog to SDI (CONVMAAS) and the SDI to Analog (CONVMASA). These converters have dropped in MSRP to $295, and are available at Motion Media for only $280.25

Also, the new Heavy Duty Converters are now shipping and also have a reduced price of $395 MSRP.  Those are the Analog to SDI converter (CONVMH/DUTYAAS), SDI to Analog converter (ONVMH/DUTYASA), HDMI to SDI converter (CONVMH/DUTYBHS) and the SDI to HDMI converter (CONVMH/DUTYBSH).

Cubix Now Offers GPU Expansion On The Go

Cubix Corporation announced today its new GPU-Xpander Mobile product for Apple iMac and MacBook products which feature Intel's high-performance I/O connectivity Thunderbolt technology. The new Xpander Mobile, which is based largely on Cubix's existing GPU-Xpander PCIe slot expansion technology, will initially feature one PCIe x16 slot (x4 electrical) and one PCIe x8 slot (x4 electrical), plus a 175W power supply. The Xpander Mobile is designed, like all other Cubix Xpander models, with an open architecture allowing users to add or remove OS X-compatible PCIe I/O controllers at will.

Create the Next Autodesk 3ds Max Design Box Cover

Autodesk and CG Architect have announced a competition to design the cover art and splash screen art of the new version of 3ds Max Design.

So you want to be a hero?

Here’s your chance. Submit a scene or design you’ve created using Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2012 or Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2012 software, and it could be featured on the next version of3ds Max Design box cover and splash screen.

Not only will the winning submission be seen by thousands of 3ds Max Design users on a daily basis, to the winning designer will also receive a 3DBOXX 8550 XTREME Quad GPU Workstation (with 4 Nvidia GPUs; 1 Quadro and 3 Tesla), plus US$5,000 in cash. Runners-up will receive an NVIDIA® Quadro® 5000.

Autodesk is looking for inventive concepts or renderings of architectural design, mechanical or industrial/product designs like buildings, bridges, vehicles, furniture, and consumer products. Entries will be judged on imagination, innovation, and ingenious use of the max logo, not production quality (See the rotating images at the top of this page for reference). Winners will have the opportunity to work with the Autodesk production team to complete final production renderings.

Get the 30 Day Trial software for 3ds Max Here and 3ds Max Design Here.

Submit your designs from Friday, September 9, 2011 to Sunday, October 31, 2011.

Official Contest Rules | Prizes | Submit Here | Judges

 

The Foundry Announces Hiero VFX Project Management Software

The Foundry announced a new software that will soon be in Beta call Hiero.

HIERO is a desktop application for collaborative VFX workflow - a scriptable timeline tool that conforms edit decision lists and parcels out VFX shots to artists, allows progress to be viewed in context, and liberates your finishing systems and artists for more creative tasks.

HIERO has been built to work ‘out of the box’ with NUKE, and can also be custom-scripted to work with other applications in your facility.

Because HIERO is open and scriptable via the Python programming language, it is an editorial tool that fits naturally into any VFX pipeline.

If you would like to sign up for the BETA Click Here.

Wacom Announces Cintiq 24HD

There have been rumors circulating about a 24" HD tablet from Wacom, and they've finally become reality.  Wacom announced the Cintiq 24HD (DTK2400) today and they are supposed to be shipping immediately.  This brand new Cintiq boasts a 1900x1200 display with new connection via DisplayPort as well.   The Cintiq 24HD is 3 inches bigger than the 21UX and has a $2500 price tag.  Check out an in depth, hands on video from Engadget by clicking on the "Read More".

AJA Announces Multiple New Products at IBC

A lot has been happening this week at IBC, especially from AJA Video Systems.  They have announced some really cool new products that are going to be shipping later this year.

In the Convert category, AJA has introduced a new UDC Mini-Converter, which is an up/down/cross converter in a super small package.

In the Editing arena, they have their new Io XT, which is the first product from AJA using Thunderbolt technology.  It has two Thunderbolt ports to allow for daisychaining and supports both 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 workflows.

AJA has also introduced the all new KONA LHe Plus, replacing the original KONA LHe. It is basically an updated version of the original KONA, offering performance improvements and a lower price point.

Physical Particles from Flour & Tissues

Check out this cool video from Video Copilot, showing you how you can make some nice particle effects using just some ordinary flour and tissue.  Maybe your next project could use some actual particles and not digital ones?

Matrox Announces New SDI to HDMI Mini Converter

Matrox Redefines the SDI to HDMI Mini Converter With Launch of MC-100
One Unit Lets Users Monitor, Distribute, Switch, Multiplex, and Converge Video Signals

Matrox MC-100, a dual SDI to HDMI mini converter that supports a wide range of display resolutions through 3G, Dual Link, HD, and SD-SDI will be introduced at IBC2011 on September 8. This single portable unit can be used as an HD-SDI switcher, a distribution amplifier, a multiplexer, and a 3D processing unit, making it the most versatile mini converter on the market.

It meets the needs of broadcast engineers and A/V professionals who have diverse needs when it comes to managing SDI signals within their environments — for monitoring, distributing, switching, multiplexing, and converging 3D. Until now, they have been forced to purchase different devices to perform these tasks. The new Matrox MC-100 solves all these challenges in one inexpensive, easy-to-use device. It should be in every video professional's toolbox.

Maxon Cinema 4D R13 Now Shipping!

Today, MAXON announced the immediate availability of CINEMA 4D Release 13, the next generation of its industry- leading 3D motion graphics, visual effects, painting, and rendering software application. With all new character tools, integrated stereographic capabilities, stream-lined multi-artist collaboration and physical rendering, CINEMA 4D Release 13 builds on the company’s 25-year legacy of enabling digital content creators around the world to produce highly engaging content quickly and easily for a variety of industries.

Full Press Release Here

If you are currently on an active MSA with Maxon, you will get an automatic email with download information on how to get your copy of R13.  If you are not currently on an MSA, you will need to purchase the upgrade to Cinema 4D R13 from whichever version you're currently on.  If you'd like a quote on the upgrade, contact us at 310-450-4000 x204.