Matrox Video announced the immediate availability of Grass Valley EDIUS 7.21 nonlinear video editing application support for Matrox MXO2 LE and Matrox MXO2 Mini I/O devices. EDIUS is a proven solution for editors working on fast-turn-around production in broadcast news, newsmagazine, and studio program content, as well as professional video editors working on organizational, documentary, and theatrical productions. Matrox MXO2 Mini MAX and Matrox MXO2 LE MAX are also supported with EDIUS 7.21 software and offer Adobe Media Encoder users the added benefit of H.264 video encoding up to 5 times faster than software alone without sacrificing quality. [source]

HALion 5, Steinberg's inspirational virtual sampling and sound design instrument, is now available as a free trial version for download. Functionally identical with the retail version, the trial version of HALion will run for 30 days, so there's plenty of time to try out the new instruments and sound sources, the added granular synthesis engine or the new effects. Download it here. [source]

The Foundry is offering several holiday promotions, including 40% off MODO new licenses and upgrades, the ability to upgrade from NUKE to NUKEX with a saving of over 50%, or a discount of over 35% for new licenses of HIERO. More here. All the offers are valid until 8am GMT Christmas Eve. [source]

There is a new version of the Leap Motion Controller plug-in for MotionBulder on Autodesk Labs. Version 1.1 was updated to use the current version of the Leap Motion driver v1.1.1. This solves a problem in cases where users install a newer version of the Leap Motion driver, and the plug-in would no longer be loaded by MotionBuilder. Get it here. [source]

Adobe announced they are extending the period for the Photoshop Photography Program to December 31, 2013. The offer is available to everyone, regardless of whether they have purchased a previous Adobe product. The program allows to get access to Photoshop and Lightroom, plus all the benefits of a Creative Cloud single-app plan, for $9.99 US per month. [source]

HDR Light Studio 4.3 update is now available for immediate download. This new version adds compatibility with Mac OS X Mavericks, new API functions required for future "live plug-ins" and also includes a new "online update" feature to inform users when a new build of HDR Light Studio or it's plug-ins are available for download. A new license key is not required when updating, users can simply install over the top of their existing installations. [source]

Chaos Software announced the launch of V-Ray 2.0 for Rhino, a new version providing artists and designers up to 30x faster V-Ray RT performance, new V-Ray Express tools and HDR Light Studio support. V-Ray 2.0 for Rhino aims to promote creativity and artist-friendly workflows for Rhino users through the introduction of intuitive and simplified rendering process and easy controls. The upgrade to V-Ray 2.0 for Rhino is free for current holders of commercial V-Ray 1.5 for Rhino licenses. Check out the full list of product features. [source]

Zaxwerk's popular 3D motion graphics plug-in for After Effects, 3D Invigorator PRO, has been upgraded to v7.0. The upgrade is all about lighting: Users can create Lighting Rigs with flares, trusses, lighting fixtures, volumetric cones, all animated with familiar After Effects keyframes, and all craftable in ways that would cause major headaches if done in a standard 3D program. Users can even apply these light effects to After Effects' own lights. Zaxwerks also announced a holiday special enabling new users to receive 25% off any new purchase or 15% off any upgrade or bundle deal. [source]

3d-io, the creator of Unwrella, FlatIron and BonesPro, has unveiled its new production tool for enhanced 3D and video post-processing workflows. Spotmask is a set of precision render elements for Autodesk 3ds Max's mental ray renderer. These advanced output passes allow 3D artists to make flexible adjustments to their images and animations during post processing and compositing. Spotmask offers a new world position pass output as well as optimized motion velocity, UVW and normal passes, and also acts as a replacement for the (as of now) malfunctioning mental ray velocity pass output. Spotmask offers full support for Autodesk 3ds Max 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (both 32- and 64-bit versions). One seat license is 99 EUR, feature-limited demo version is also available. [source]

Eyeon, makers of Fusion, are having several holiday specials that can help you save big on Fusion and other products. The Subscription Ignition special allows you to save on Fusion subscription renewal, while the Upgrade Ignition special offers either free training, or free Generation or Dimension licenses with Fusion upgrades. The last holiday special from eyeon is Eval-to-Sales Ignition. [source]