CreativeObserver.com

E-on software ships LumenRT 4.1 Studio

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

E-on software announced the availability of LumenRT 4.1 Studio, its comprehensive system for transforming 3D models and designs into rich, nature-filled videos, images and real-time immersive experiences. Version 4.1 adds several important improvements including enhanced support for exporting larger Bentley MicroStation models; new animated water materials; improved Revit export with more complete textures; export of point lights from Revit; and improved Mac OS X performance. LumenRT 4 Studio retails for $795 US for single user licenses with discounts available for multiple user and corporate licenses. The optional LumenRT Publisher retails for $995 US with discounts up to 90% for multiple user quantities. For Windows (XP, Vista, 7) and Mac OS X (10.6+).

Autodesk to acquire Tinkercad

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tinkercad, an easy-to-use browser-based 3D design tool. The addition of Tinkercad to Autodesk will help broaden the popular Autodesk 123D family of apps and supports Autodesk's vision to help anybody imagine, design and create anything. The acquisition will also revive the Tinkercad service and community, despite a previously announced shutdown by its founders and creators.

EditShare ships Field 2 portable shared storage

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

EditShare, makers of the professional non-linear video editor Lightworks, announced the availability of Field 2, its next-generation portable shared storage solution with integrated asset management. The turnkey platform includes file ingest, advanced project sharing/bin locking, and archiving capabilities in an all-in-one, high-performance and rugged chassis. Ideal for on-location shoots, ENG trucks and remote offices, the new Field 2 is durable, light and compact, meeting the most stringent airline carry-on regulations. With an optional integrated Flow SDI ingest card, users can record up to two channels of HD in industry-standard codecs such as XDCAM-EX35, Avid DNxHD and DVCProHD. Flow's edit-while-capture capability lets users start editing the moment they begin recording. With an optional lightweight expansion unit, a single Field 2 configuration can scale to 32 terabytes. And using the integrated EditShare Sync Tool, users can send data from a remote location back to home base over a simple Internet VPN connection.

Autodesk and MakerBot bring 3D design and printing to homes

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A series of new Autodesk 123D memberships and premium bundles became available for the first time, as Autodesk and MakerBot have partnered to market 3D design software and 3D printing hardware, making 3D printing at home more accessible to everyone. Autodesk and MakerBot previously announced that the companies would jointly market a combination of 3D design software and 3D printing hardware to engineers, designers, architects, makers, creators and artists. A new 123D Premium bundle that includes the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D printer and a new 3D Print Utility accessible from the 123D apps is the result of that partnership, and optimizes the design-to-print process for the 123D community. Users can choose from three different membership options including a free membership, a premium membership and a premium bundle. The new Autodesk 3D Print Utility is available today within the Autodesk 123D Catch, 123D Design and 123D Make Windows desktop apps, as well as from models posted to the 123D website Gallery. With the 3D Print Utility, users have the option to optimize their model to help reduce material use and print time, before printing.

Avid Media Composer used to cut 'The Great Gatsby,' in 3D

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The 2013 Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 15 - 26th, will open with the latest adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The 3D film was cut by award-winning editors Jason Ballantine ASE and Matt Villa ASE on Avid Media Composer. "During the shoot we had an editing station permanently on location and during post we had two fully operational cutting rooms running concurrently and in perfect sync; one in Sydney and one in LA," explained Matt Villa, co-editor of The Great Gatsby. "We called upon many tools from the Avid family to deal with the 3D material and they never faltered. Productions of this scale can be unrestrained and unpredictable, but Avid never fails in being stable yet flexible enough to get these jobs done."

Steinberg Cubase 7.0.4

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Steinberg announced the availability of the Cubase 7.0.4/Cubase Artist 7.0.4 maintenance updates. This fully supported update adds over 20 improvements such as enhanced visibility in MixConsole, new MIDI functions and Chord Track improvements and resolves more than 45 user-reported issues. The update is now available for download from the Steinberg website.

Waves Audio GEQ graphic equalizer out now

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Waves Audio announced the availability of its new GEQ graphic equalizer plug-in. Developed primarily for live users, Waves GEQ is a full-featured graphic equalizer plug-in with both Classic and Modern mono and stereo components, featuring 30 ISO bands plus high and low pass filters, a high precision floating parametric EQ bell filter, and a real-time analyzer. GEQ Classic components use traditional proportional Q filters inspired by the renowned DN series 1/3 octave equalizers, which narrow the filter width as you increase a band's gain; GEQ Modern components utilize special Flat-Top filters, which eliminate the artifacts associated with band interaction, and provide perfect plateau and stair-stepped responses. Users can set band gains one-by-one, or draw their curve via touch-screen or mouse. Finally, GEQ's integrated real-time analyzer lets users compare the difference between two sources (more in this video). The GEQ is now available with a U.S. MSRP of $200, with a special introductory price of $99 US.

Steinberg Vintage Classics for Retrologue

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Steinberg introduced Vintage Classics, a new VST Sound Instrument Set for Retrologue (included in Cubase 6.5/7, Nuendo 6 + NEK & Absolute VST Instrument Collection or available for purchase as a VST instrument for VST 2/3 and AU-compatible hosts). Comprising 400 presets for leads, bass, pads and effects, this expansion pack boasts many of the classic synthesizer sounds heard in the electronic music productions of the '70s, '80s and '90s. Producer, synthesizer programmer and sound designer Dave Polich, who has been collaborating with many world-renowned artists and major manufacturers, created this complex set of sounds that reflect the musical heritage from three decades. Vintage Classics is exclusively available as download through the Steinberg Online Shop.

Native Instruments: Nine MASCHINE Expansions for 99 USD/EUR!

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Native Instruments introduced a time limited offer for MASCHINE instrument. From the gritty electro pump of ELECTRIC VICE, through to the Detroit soul vibe of CONANT GARDENS and urban club swag of PLATINUM BOUNCE, this offer will net you a bundle of nine MASCHINE Expansions for just 99 USD/EUR! The offer is ending at 3 pm CET on Friday, May 17. More here.

Shotgun 5.0 with a brand new set of collaboration tools

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Shotgun Software Inc. released version 5.0 of its Shotgun production management software. The new version features a brand new set of collaboration tools designed with artists and supervisors in mind, better ways to stay up to date about the things happening around you, the first steps of a cleaner, simpler UI, and much more. Shotgun Software will be rolling it out to hosted sites over the course of three weekends. Site Admins can contact Support to schedule their site for an upgrade weekend. Any hosted sites not upgraded by June 1st, 2013 will be automatically upgraded that weekend. Pricing information is available at shotgunsoftware.com.

MAX 2013: Adobe presented behind-the-scenes look at upcoming technologies

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe presented a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge design and interactive technologies at Adobe MAX, The Creativity Conference. MAX Sneak Peeks offer a unique opportunity to see inside Adobe's engineering labs and to preview future applications and features during their early stage of development. The opening keynote introduced a hardware project named "Mighty" (and a related short ruler project named "Napoleon") which aims to marry traditional drawing tools with the mobility and flexibility of tablet devices. Other sneak peeks discussed Edge Code, adjusting lighting in After Effects and Photoshop, Perspective Warp in Photoshop, and more.

Blender 2.67 released

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Blender Foundation and online developer community released a new version of Blender, their popular, free 3D software. Version 2.67 adds a brand-new Freestyle render engine for non-photorealistic rendering, which can generate 2D line drawings in various styles. The paint and sculpt system, as well as motion tracking, and node system were thoroughly enhanced. The Cycles renderer now features initial support for subsurface scattering. For 3D printing an add-on was added to analyze and export the meshes. More here.

Universal Audio UAD Software 7.0

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Universal Audio released a new version of the UAD Software package for its UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform and hardware accelerators. It contains a new plug-in, the Ocean Way Studios Plug-In, and two new Direct Developer plug-ins (SPL TwinTube and Sonnox Oxford Inflator). Developed over a three-year period by UA and Allen Sides, Ocean Way Studios ($349US) is an audio processing breakthrough - combining elements of room, microphone, and source modeling so tracks sound as if they were recorded in the legendary studios of Ocean Way Recording. Built upon UA's proprietary Dynamic Room Modeling technology, Ocean Way Studios provides the unique ambience and dispersion properties of various sources in the rooms at Ocean Way, as recorded through a selection of rare vintage microphones that can be dynamically positioned in real time. The SPL TwinTube Processor Plug-In ($199 US) is an authentic software version of SPL's tube effects processor, adding analog tube warmth, saturation, and harmonic distortion without impacting dynamic range. The second Direct Developer plug-in, Sonnox Oxford Inflator ($179 US), increases the apparent loudness of a mix or individual tracks without audibly affecting sonic quality or reducing dynamic range. Get the UAD Software v7.0 here.

A more connected Illustrator

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe's Illustrator CC, now part of the Creative Cloud offering, contains a number of new and enhanced features, namely the new Touch Type tool that enables to manipulate characters like individual objects; brushes based on photographs; the ability to search for fonts; the new Free Transform tools designed to transform objects in a more immediate and intuitive way; faster type performance; various cloud synchronizing options; the ability to unembed images; and other new features. The new Illustrator will be available on June 17th, exclusively to Adobe Creative Cloud members.

Adobe InDesign CC with faster performance

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Desktop publishing and design software Adobe InDesign CC, unveiled at the Adobe MAX conference, features under-the-hood improvements resulting in faster performance; a new look; font search and font preview functionality; new QR code creator; Creative Cloud synchronization functionality; HiDPI and Retina display support; EPUB enhancements; and other new and enhanced features. The new InDesign will be available as a part of Adobe's Creative Cloud offering, this June.

MODO 701: Trial version available

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Get your hands on the latest release of MODO, Luxology's modeling, animation, and rendering software for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems (Linux version is currently in beta). The new version - including new procedural particle engine, audio playback and a sound channel modifier, schematic improvements, dedicated dynamics simulation layer, large scene performance improvements, unlimited network rendering, and more - can now be test driven by downloading a free 15-day trial version.

Adobe Premiere Pro CC: New timeline, new shortcuts

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe has introduced an all-new version of Premiere Pro. The Premiere Pro CC, an Adobe Creative Cloud exclusive, features a redesigned timeline, intuitive track targeting, and dozens of new shortcuts; the new Link & Locate functionality that helps users track down their clips quickly; a Lumetri Deep Color Engine including the new Looks Browser, enabling to add looks from Adobe SpeedGrade as easily as adding a dissolve; Audio Clip Mixer for precise audio control; brand-new capabilities for importing and manipulating closed captions; multiple GPU export support; support for a wider range of GPUs in the Mercury Playback Engine; and more. Coming mid-June.

WaveLab 8 now available!

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Steinberg announced the availability of WaveLab 8 and WaveLab Elements 8, the new generation of its popular audio editing and mastering solution. With over 150 new features, the latest incarnation of WaveLab comes with more tools and workflow enhancements than in any other WaveLab version. Highlights include the intuitive speaker management system, advanced EBU R128-compliant loudness metering, iZotope's MBIT high-end dithering algorithms and Voxengo's acclaimed CurveEQ (more). WaveLab 8 and WaveLab Elements 8 are now available at your local Steinberg dealer and in the Steinberg Online Shop. Updates and upgrades from older WaveLab versions can be purchased as download products in the Steinberg Online Shop.

Adobe After Effects CC with CINEMA 4D integration

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe has officially introduced the new version of its flagship video compositing software After Effects, now named After Effects CC and available exclusively to Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers. The CC version of After Effects features the much discussed live 3D pipeline integration with CINEMA 4D; the Refine Edge tool for natural-looking composites without keying specially shot footage; new Warp Stabilizer VFX, a major upgrade to the popular Warp Stabilizer; new 3D Camera Tracker; Pixel Motion Blur tool; new Bicubic resampling option for layer scaling; streamlined user interface; and an accelerated core with improved support for NVIDIA GPUs, and 64-bit operating systems; plus the newly unveiled Sync Settings feature. The Sync Settings functionality gives users the ability to upload settings files from local computer to Creative Cloud and then download settings from Creative Cloud to any other computer from within After Effects. The CC edition of After Effects, which is version 12.0 of the application, will be available on June 17th. All new features are part of Creative Cloud that each member gets as part of their subscription. For those who still prefer the traditional model, the CS 6 edition will still be available for purchase.

Adobe Dreamweaver CC to offer intuitive visual editing tools

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe's web design offering Dreamweaver CC will be available mid-June, exclusively to Creative Cloud subscribers. The new version adds intuitive visual editing tools incl. the ability to quickly apply CSS properties like gradients and box shadows; the enhanced Fluid Grid Layout interface; drag and drop jQuery UI widgets; typography-oriented functionality like the Adobe Edge Web Fonts Library, powered by Adobe Typekit; simpler interface, with smoother workflows; and more.

Adobe Photoshop CC debuts at MAX

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

At Adobe MAX, The Creativity Conference, Adobe announced Adobe Photoshop CC as part of a major update to Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe's desktop apps, including Photoshop, were previously known as Creative Suite (CS), and will now be branded CC to reflect that they are an integral part of Creative Cloud. Photoshop CC will be available exclusively to Creative Cloud members, in June. This update combines Photoshop standard and Photoshop Extended features to deliver greater accessibility to 3D tools and image analysis, while Creative Cloud integration offers flexible collaboration and sharing capabilities. Photoshop CC brings a wide range of new features and enhancements, including advanced deblurring and sharpening technologies (Camera Shake Reduction, Smart Sharpen), new photo-editing capabilities (Adobe Camera Raw 8), improvements to rounded rectangles, and more. Photoshop CC also includes all the Photoshop feature innovations delivered exclusively to Creative Cloud members over the last year, including: Smart Object support for Blur Gallery and Liquify effects, Conditional Actions, and CSS support for faster web design. More information is available on the Photoshop.com Blog.

Adobe unveils major update to Creative Cloud

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

At Adobe MAX, Adobe unveiled a significant update to Adobe Creative Cloud, the company's flagship offering for creatives. Available in June and packed with new features, Creative Cloud reimagines the creative process through a set of "CC" desktop applications and sophisticated cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities. Creative files can be stored, synced and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS, Windows, iOS and Android; and Behance, the world's leading online creative community. By signing up for Creative Cloud today, creatives will be set up to download and use these latest cloud-enabled innovations from Adobe, when they are available next month. This update to Creative Cloud includes the next generation of Adobe desktop applications - including Adobe Photoshop CC, InDesign CC, Illustrator CC, Dreamweaver CC and Premiere Pro CC. Adobe's desktop tools, previously known as Creative Suite (CS), are now branded CC to reflect that they are an integral part of Creative Cloud and have been reinvented to support a more intuitive, connected way of creating.

AMD unleashed the world's fastest graphics card for gamers

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

AMD launched the AMD Radeon HD 7990, the world's fastest graphics card (tests performed by AMD as of 28 February showed higher average performance than the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 in the 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme and Crysis 3). AMD Radeon HD 7990 delivers top performance and world-class technology for playing the latest DirectX 11 games in extreme resolutions and multi-monitor configurations. The card combines two high performance GPUs with 6GB of GDDR5 memory, and supports up to six simultaneous displays with AMD Eyefinity, as well as Ultra HD displays. And thanks to its advanced cooling system, the noise level created by the HD 7990 measured at 30.1 dBA (system idle) and 37.8 dBA (furmark), respectively. The AMD Radeon HD 7990 graphics card is sold at an MSRP of $999 US.

Wacom Cintiq 22HD with a touch more control

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Wacom announced that it is bringing touch control to its Cintiq 22HD interactive pen display. Combining multi-touch with Wacom's renowned pen technology, the new Cintiq 22HD touch offers an immersive on-screen experience and a more intuitive and natural way to work. Additional features including a 21.5 inch full HD display, an ergonomic rotating stand and 16 customisable ExpressKeys, make the Cintiq 22HD touch ideal for creative professionals such as graphic designers, animators and game developers. The new model expands Wacom's existing line of Cintiq models, that includes 13HD, 22HD, 24HD and 24HD touch. The Cintiq 22HD touch is priced at 1899.99 GBP incl. VAT.

Epic Games releases Epic Citadel on the web

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Epic Games and Mozilla have continued a close collaboration first revealed during last month's Game Developers Conference to release the Epic Citadel demo on the Web running in HTML5. No plug-ins or added components are needed to experience the free app. Epic Citadel is built using standards-based technologies like HTML5, WebGL and JavaScript, and should work in any standards-based browser implementing those features. For optimal performance, Epic recommends loading it using Firefox Nightly version 23 or above, which includes optimizations for asm.js, a highly-optimizable subset of JavaScript pioneered by Mozilla, whose performance can rival native code.

TRAKTOR DJ now also for iPhones

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

TRAKTOR DJ, Native Instruments professional DJ app for iOS, is now available for iPhone and iPod touch. Now you can deliver DJ sets using familiar iPhone gestures, with waveforms at your fingertips. Set up beat grids, cue points and BPM tags on your iPhone to sync with your TRAKTOR PRO setup. Perfectly adapted to the iPhone's compact screen estate, TRAKTOR DJ for iPhone puts professional DJing in the palm of your hand.

E-on software's Vue version 11.5 ships

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

E-on software announced the availability of Vue 11.5 xStream and Infinite, the latest production-driven version of its professional solutions for the creation, animation and rendering of natural 3D environments. Specifically designed for graphics professionals, Vue xStream and Vue Infinite combine a multitude of cutting edge features that easily integrate into existing production pipelines. Vue Infinite operates as a standalone application while Vue xStream works seamlessly inside 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, LightWave and CINEMA 4D. Release 11.5 of Vue adds a number of new features including: EcoCollision, making EcoParticles collide with EcoSystem instances; Render Stack improvements merging render areas, reloading camera settings or setting stacks per scene; improved material management; a new Color Channel Editor available from the Post Render Options; and more. Vue 11.5 is available free of charge for all users under maintenance. Vue 11.5 xStream retails for $1,995 US (with one year maintenance), and upgrades from Vue 10 xStream are starting at $539. Vue 11 Infinite retails for $1,495 US (with one year maintenance), upgrades from version 10 are $459 US.

Thinkbox Software releases Stoke MX for 3ds Max

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Thinkbox Software announced Stoke MX, a particle simulator plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max designed to simplify and accelerate the creation of high-volume particle clouds driven by velocity fields. Fast and easy to use, Stoke MX supports a large number of emitter and velocity sources, and introduces new workflows. Previously unavailable capabilities include multi-threaded particle advection, rapid memory-buffered playback, and asynchronous multi-threaded particle file saving, which enables significantly higher performance compared to existing workflows.

Shotgun 5.0 coming in May

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Shotgun Software's project management tool for visual effects studios will be released in v5.0 this May. According to the developers' blog, Shotgun 5.0 will contain a new set of collaboration tools designed with artists and supervisors in mind. There will be better ways of communicating about the project, staying up to date, as well as fast ways to search for and make notes on anything. Many of the user interfaces in 5.0 will be cleaner, simpler, and more visual.

Native Instruments PULSWERK for MASCHINE

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Native Instruments released PULSWERK, a new MASCHINE Expansion designed for minimalistic house and techno. Aside from its 30 drum kits, PULSWERK contains 20 unique Special Kits created exclusively with pitched sound sources. The Expansion also features an array of Multi-Effect Kits containing pre-sequenced, tempo-synced effect chains and 60 new specially designed MASSIVE presets. Combining these, PULSWERK provides an extensive toolkit for producers eager to turn deep sonic experimentation into finished professional productions. PULSWERK is out now for MASCHINE, MASCHINE MIKRO, and iMASCHINE, priced at $49 US / 49 EUR. A compact version of PULSWERK is also available for iMASCHINE in the in-app store for $0.99 US / 0,89 EUR.

Terragen 2.5 Free Non-commercial Edition

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Planetside Software released a free version of Terragen 2.5, and an updated v2.5.5.0 for licensed users of the full edition. Build 2.5.5.0 includes a more robust OBJ reader, corrected normals on the Card object, and other fixes as well as user interface improvements. If you are new to version 2.5, significant changes in 2.5 include the export of camera, lights, nulls and animation to FBX format, export of camera data to Nuke .CHAN format, export of terrain data to FBX format, and more. Licensed users can use the built-in Help > Check For Updates feature to update. The Free Non-commercial Edition is located here.

PluralEyes 3 for Windows in beta

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Red Giant Software's audio and video syncing application PluralEyes 3 still awaits its Windows version release, but the release date is behind the corner, assure Red Giants on their blog: "We want you to know that it is absolutely in development, and coming soon. We have a beta team using it. We used it ourselves in the making of our new film, Spy Vs. Guy (see the Behind the Scenes here). Even though it's in beta, it does a pretty good job of syncing." There you have it.

Project Sci-Viz for 3ds Max extended till November

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Autodesk Labs extended the preview period for its Sci-Viz tool designed to enable Max users run scientific visualization tools such as ePMV and autoPack from within the 3ds Max (more). The preview period has been extended till November 1, 2013.

cebas Visual Technology announces support for 3ds Max 2014

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

cebas Visual Technology Inc. announced the release of an all-new Service Pack for thinkingParticles 5 (more) and the availability of the plug-in for 3ds Max 2014 and 3ds Max Design 2014 versions. The build is also compatible with 3ds Max 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions. In addition to thinkingParticles 5 SP3, cebas also released volumeBreaker, scalpelMax, and StairMax for 3ds Max 2014... More here.

Blender 2.67 Release Candidate

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

T he popular Open Source 3D application Blender has been released in version 2.67 RC. This update adds sub-surface scattering rendering in Cycles, much more accurate motion tracker, new NPR renderer FreeStyle, 3D printing tools, and more. Download the new binaries for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux here.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera 1.3 firmware update

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Blackmagic Design released a new firmware update for its best-selling Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Version 1.3 adds the "SDI outputs interlaced video when frame rate is set to 1080p25 or 1080p29.97 and overlays are turned off" functionality, and can be downloaded here.

3ds Max 2014-compatible plug-ins from Di-O-Matic now available

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Di-O-Matic released a number of updates to its line of 3ds Max plug-ins, adding 3ds Max 2014 support: Character Pack 1.8, Morph-O-Matic 2.7, Voice-O-Matic 3.5, Morph ToolKit 1.8, Cluster-O-Matic 1.8, Facial Studio 2.5, and Hercules 1.7. Users who purchased their plug-ins within the last year or are subscribed to one of Di-O-Matic support packages, only need to fill in the update request form to receive the latest update.

Details of CINEMA 4D integration with After Effects

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Todd Kopriva's After Effects blog features an article detailing the much discussed CINEMA 4D and After Effects integration. It describes the included CINEMA 4D Lite R14, and the overall workflow between both applications.

Arturia iMini 1.1

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Arturia's iMini, a recreation of the classic 1971 Minimoog synthesizer for the iPad (iPad 2, 2, Mini), has been updated to version 1.1. The update adds Audiobus support enabling to connect iMini to GarageBand and other DAWs, background audio support, and virtual MIDI functionality permitting iMini to respond to other apps that send MIDI. Download it here.

The Foundry announces budget friendly payment plans for Spring

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Foundry, makers of NUKE and other tools for 3D animation and video post production, announced budget friendly payment plans for Spring to all customers in the USA and Canada. Users placing an order with The Foundry in the amount of $10,000 US or over between now and June 7th 2013 will be eligible to choose from 0% financing for 24 months or 1.9% for 36 months, reduce risk and avoid large down payments, and take advantage of potential tax benefits available for accelerated depreciation. This offer is only available to customers living in the USA or Canada, and will end on June 7th 2013. More here.

New VFX Browser for Boris Continuum Complete

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Boris FX unveiled a new VFX Browser for its flagship Boris Continuum Complete (BCC) plug-in collection. Available as a free download, the new BCC Effects Library Browser plug-in allows editors and motion graphics artists to instantly preview thousands of BCC presets via animations that integrate timeline video. The free plug-in can be used on any system with a BCC-compatible host application - even if BCC is not installed. The Boris Continuum Complete Effects Library Browser plug-in will be available as a free download during Q2 2013.

Voice-O-Matic for Maya 2014

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Voice-O-Matic - a powerful, easy-to-use plug-in which automates the lip synchronization process directly in Autodesk Maya - has been updated to version 2.2, compatible with the newly released Maya 2014. Voice-O-Matic 2.x users on subscription can request the update by filling this form. Version 1.x users must upgrade to version 2.x by subscribing to the Premium+ support package or upgrade to Voice-O-Matic Pro v2 for $449 US.

RE:Match 1.2 for After Effects and Premiere Pro

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

RE:Vision Effects' intuitive color and texture matching tool RE:Match has been released in version 1.2 for both Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro applications. The update adds a new Luminance-only mode to RE:Match Color, fixes a problem in both plug-ins where bad frames could result in the cache while scrubbing etc.

Cubasis 1.3 update available

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Steinberg announced the availability of the Cubasis 1.3 update. Cubasis is Steinberg's streamlined, multitouch sequencer for the iPad, specially designed for quick and easy operation. This update features a new 4-band parametric StudioEQ, a brickwall limiter, a CPU meter, FLAC file import/export, and a MIDI panic button. In addition, 20 user reported problems were solved. Customers can download the update free of charge from the App Store.

A new expansions pack for Groove Agent ONE released

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Popular drum sampler Groove Agent ONE, included with Cubase, Sequel and Nuendo NEK software, gets a new expansion. Allen Morgan's Signature Drums Vol. 1 pump energy into the Groove Agent ONE drum library with 30 excellently produced drum kits and 150 MIDI loops for acoustic and electronic drum styles. Faithfully recorded and pre-processed by US producer Allen Morgan (Nine Inch Nails, Taylor Swift and many more), this powerful package comes with more than 900 drum and effect samples. Allen Morgan Signature Drums Vol. 1 is exclusively available as download through the Steinberg Online Shop.

Free Golaem Crowd Character Pack for Maya

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

French developer Golaem announced the release of the Golaem Crowd Character Pack, a set of free ready-to-use characters and motions enabling faster crowd shots creation. It is available free of charge for all users of Golaem Crowd, a crowd animation solution for Autodesk Maya on Linux and Windows systems. The Golaem Crowd Characters Pack includes ready-to-use character with a hundred props, texture variations for each prop, and 14 motions. Golaem Crowd has also been updated to version 2.3 introducing the Geometry Behavior as well as the Character Maker, a revamped tool for converting and editing character skeletons or motions.

ProEXR 1.8 for Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Fnord software released an updated version of its ProEXR and OpenEXR plug-ins for Adobe's Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro applications. The free OpenEXR is an open source EXR plug-in for After Effects, while the ProEXR edition enables to access all the capabilities of the OpenEXR format from within Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Version 1.8 adds faster loading of EXR files with many channels, and a "year's worth of minor bug fixes, optimizations, and other improvements to all the plug-ins in ProEXR."

Imagineer Systems and CoreMelt announce new Final Cut plug-in

CreativeObserver.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Imagineer Systems, creators of the Academy Award-winning mocha planar tracking technology, and CoreMelt announced a new Final Cut Pro X masking plug-in, SliceX. The plug-in lets you create instant shape masks to cut out layers or isolate effects directly in Final Cut Pro X without having to go into Motion or create the masks with an external program. This new version of SliceX comes as a result of a strategic partnership between Imagineer Systems and CoreMelt, resulting in the integration of Imagineer's planar tracker into CoreMelt's shape masking tool. MSRP list price will be $149 US per seat.

New Optimo anamorphic zoom lens by Angenieux

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Angenieux unveiled the first in its new line of anamorphic lenses. The lightweight Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S (2x Squeeze) zoom lens lends a film-like, dimensional character to images with lower distortion compared to typical anamorphic lenses. With 2x squeeze, a fast aperture of T:4 and no ramping or breathing, the lens delivers exceptional optical performance not previously achieved with an anamorphic lens. Based on the optical design of the world renowned Optimo 28-76mm, the new Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S Zoom Lens features all of the remarkable characteristics shared by the Optimo series, including pristine optics, high precision mechanical zoom system and 320 deg. focus rotation with over 50 focus marks. The Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S is a PL mount lens with a PV mount available on request.

Autodesk 2014 3D animation software now shipping

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Autodesk shipped new 2014 versions of its 3D animation software. New versions of Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Softimage, MotionBuilder, and Mudbox are available either stand-alone or as part of the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite 2014 editions, Standard ($5,775 US), Premium ($6,825 US) or Ultimate ($8,395 US). For information on new features, read our previous posts on 3ds Max 2014, Maya 2014, Softimage 2014, Mudbox 2014, and MotionBuilder 2014.

Boris Continuum Complete 8.2 with improvements in render time!

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Boris FX announced Boris Continuum Complete version 8.2. The new v8.2 release features up to 100% improvement in render time for OpenGL-accelerated filters. In addition, nearly all BCC AVX for Avid filters can now be rendered in real-time. BCC v8.2 FxPlug for Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion is available now as a free download for v8.x users. BCC v8.2 AE for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, v8.2 AVX for Avid, and v8.2 for Sony Vegas Pro will be available as free downloads during Q2 2013.

Lightroom 5 beta available!

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Adobe Labs published a beta version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5, next generation of Adobe's photo manipulation and management application for Windows and Mac OS X. The new Lightroom features an enhanced Spot Removal tool; the ability to apply local adjustment attributes to a circular mask; tools designed to automatically level horizons, straighten buildings, and correct other askew lines; as well as Smart Preview functionality (more). Download the beta here (requires Adobe ID).

Steinberg UR824 now with 192 kHz support

CreativeObserver.com — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Steinberg released a new driver and firmware update for its UR824 USB audio interface. The latest version provides 192 kHz sample rate support, allowing you to record high-resolution audio at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Tools for UR824 version 1.5 and the corresponding firmware update are both available for download on the Steinberg website.

Red Giant's BulletProof to bridge the gap between camera and editor

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Red Giant announced BulletProof, a complete offload, prep and delivery solution for footage that simplifies the tedious tasks facing filmmakers on set every day. Bridging the gap between camera and editor, BulletProof combines all backup, organization, color and delivery tasks while handling footage from multiple cameras and media cards. Whether shooting with a Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR or GoPro sports cam, filmmakers, videographers and data wranglers can now quickly and easily transform their capture into edit-ready footage. BulletProof will be released as a free public beta in the Spring of 2013, while the final v1.0 will be available for Mac OS X this summer priced at $199 US. A Windows version will follow shortly thereafter.

Matrox introduces 4K video monitoring card for Premiere Pro

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Matrox Video announced Matrox Mojito 4K, a quad 3G-SDI, 4K video monitoring card for use with the upcoming release of Adobe professional video editing tools on Windows platforms. It will enable real-time monitoring and output of video footage at resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 and at frame rates up to 60 fps. Matrox Mojito 4K will be available in May 2013, priced at $1995 US (1795 EUR, 1495 GBP) ex VAT.

Matrox Video announces Linux SDK

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Matrox Video introduced Matrox DSX SDK for Linux. Designed to enable rapid application development, this new SDK has a component-based architecture that provides a common API across the industry-leading Matrox DSX family of SDI video cards for developers. The Linux Linux will be available to developers in Q3 2013. Matrox also announced a new addition to its Matrox DSX Developer Products family - the Matrox DSX LE3 4K card. It enables real-time monitoring and output of video footage at resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 at frame rates up to 60 fps. For more information, e-mail Matrox.

Matrox Monarch HD streams and records HD quality video

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Matrox Video's Matrox Monarch HD is a small, easy-to-use video streaming and recording appliance priced at just $995 US. From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox Monarch HD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocol. While encoding the video at bitrates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 file to an SD card, a USB drive, or a network-mapped drive. Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser. Priced at $995 US (799 EUR, 750 GBP) ex. VAT, Matrox Monarch HD will be available in June 2013.

NewTek 3Play 4800 to redefine price-performance standards in live sports production

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

NewTek unveiled 3Play 4800, a multi-camera replay server that redefines price-performance standards in live sports production. The new system, which offers more real-time capabilities than any other multi-camera replay server, gives sports producers unprecedented access to redundant capture, sophisticated visual effects, live replay switching, high quality slow motion, and social media publishing - all within a single, turnkey system. 3Play 4800 is available immediately at a price point of $39,995 US.

Panasonic AVC-ULTRA plug-ins for Avid Media Composer

CreativeObserver.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Panasonic has announced AVC-ULTRA plug-ins for Avid Media Composer 6.5, both Mac and Windows versions - AJ-PS001, AJ-PS002, plus AJ-PS001 and AJ-PS002 plug-ins. The AJ-PS001 activates AVC-Proxy's Re-Link feature, which allows the user to import AVC-Proxy and edit natively; edit sequence are re-linked to corresponding high-res clips automatically. AJ-PS002 activates the AVC-Intra Export feature, which allows the user to export AVC-Intra 100/50 clips. And AJ-PS003 activates AVC-LongG Export, with a choice of file sizes up to 50Mbps, while the AJ-PS004 activates AVC-LongG Import. The AJ-PS001 and AJ-PS002 plug-ins will be available in June 2013 at suggested list prices of $199 US and $149 US respectively, AJ-PS003 and AJ-PS004 plug-ins will be available in October 2013 at suggested list prices of $149 US and $99 US respectively.

MAXON CINEWARE for After Effects revealed

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

MAXON revealed the first step in its strategic alliance with Adobe, aimed at delivering a new level of integration between its 3D application CINEMA 4D, and Adobe After Effects The recently revea led next release of Adobe's industry-leading software will include two MAXON technologies directly within the new Adobe After Effects: CINEWARE and CINEMA 4D Lite. CINEWARE is a new live 3D pipeline between CINEMA 4D and After Effects, which eliminates intermediate rendering between applications. One of the biggest benefits to artists will be seen in a streamlined workflow, enabling them not only to import native CINEMA 4D scenes directly as assets into After Effects but also to utilize CINEMA 4D's multi-pass workflow as layers. Also included in the next version of After Effects will be a taste of CINEMA 4D's workflow and toolset. This limited, yet feature-rich version of CINEMA 4D gives artists access to an exceptional selection of the software's functionality.

Atomos announces Samurai Blade, new DSLR support in Ninja-2

CreativeObserver.com — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Atomos, creator of video field recorders Ninja-2 and Samurai, and the acclaimed Connect converters, announced Samurai Blade. Blade introduces the SuperAtom IPS screen with sharp and bright picture, 325 dpi and a million pixels. Powered by AtomOS 5, this 1280 x 720 5" touchscreen gives the Blade gamma, brightness and contrast control, as well as vectorscope and RGB/luma parade features. Like its Ninja-2 and Samurai predecessors, Samurai Blade allows the recording of pristine, 10-bit 4:2:2 images straight from the camera sensor directly to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD editing codecs. Atomos makes production truly affordable by using commodity 2.5" computer HDD or SSD drives. Samurai Blade will ship in May 2013 with an MSRP of $1,295 US ex. VAT. With immediate effect, the price of the Samurai is reduced to $995 US. Atomos also announced Ninja-2 support for many new DSLR cameras - the main recording unit remains unchanged, but the box includes a redesigned docking station, battery, AC mains adaptor, a single battery charger and shims for Canon and Nikon batteries. The Ninja-2 is available for $695 US.

Canon developing new 35 mm fixed focal length EF Cinema Lens

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In November 2011, Canon announced its full-fledged entry into the cinema and television production indu stry with the launch of its Cinema EOS System of digital cinematography lenses and cameras, positioning the lenses at the core of the system. To date, Canon has launched 11 EF Cinema Lenses. In response to strong market demand, Canon is now developing a 35 mm single focal length EF Cinema Lens. The lens is designed to fulfill contemporary 4K production standards, which offer a level of resolution exceeding four times the resolution of Full HD, and will be compatible with not only industry-standard-size Super 35 mm-equivalent sensors, but also 35 mm full-frame, APS-H-size and APS-C-size sensors. While details regarding specifications and pricing have yet to be determined, Canon aims to release the new lens at the end of 2013.

JVC updates the GY-HM650 camera

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., announced the GY-HM650 2.0, a powerful upgrade that adds live HD transmission to the already feature-rich handheld mobile news camera. When equipped with a Verizon 4G LTE modem, which connects directly to the camera via USB, the camera can transmit footage to a broadcast facility in real time - no add-on boxes or backpacks required - while simultaneously recording a Full HD file to solid-state memory cards. The GY-HM650 will ship with the 2.0 upgrade beginning in May 2013 at a suggested list price of $5,995 US. Existing owners will be able to add the new features at no charge with a firmware upgrade available in May.

JVC: 84-inch professional 4K 60p monitor

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., demonstrated its new PS-840UD Professional Series ProVerite 4K 84-inch LCD monitor at the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas. With a native screen resolution of 3840x2160 - four times the resolution of Full HD - and 60p display capability, it is one of the world's largest professional-grade 4K monitors. The monitor is priced at $14,000 and is scheduled to ship in June. JVC also introduced a new DT-F9L5U 8.2-inch Verite broadcast studio monitor/viewfinder with an Anton/Bauer Gold Mount battery plate and tripod mount hardware and an 8.2-inch IPS panel with 1280x800 pixel array, LED backlight, and HD-SDI, HDMI, and analog component and composite inputs. Also shipping is the new GM-552DU, a full HD 55-inch LCD monitor designed for 24/7 continuous operation. It provides 1920x1080 resolution and a 4000:1 contrast ratio.

Sony announces price and availability of its new XBR 4K Ultra HD LED TVs

CreativeObserver.com — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Sony Electronics is announcing prices and availability for its new 4K Ultra High Definition TV sets unveiled at CES in January. The new XBR-55X900A (55-inch) and XBR-65X900A (65-inch) 4K Ultra HD LED TVs will cost $4,999 US and $6,999 US respectively and are available for order online and at retail beginning April 21, 2013.

WaveLab 8 unveiled at Musikmesse