Native Instruments announced discount offers on its KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundles of audio software. For a limited time, you can get KOMPLETE 8 with 27 KOMPLETE instruments and effects or KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE with 50 KOMPLETE instruments and effects for $399 US / 399 EUR, and $699 US / 699 EUR, respectively. Offer runs until March 26, 2013. [source]

Lightmap released Studio 4 Live connection for Autodesk 3ds Max with Chaos Group V-Ray. Artists can now light their scenes with real-time feedback using V-Ray RT as the ActiveShade renderer and HDR Light Studio's innovative interactive HDR canvas. Sophisticated lighting environments can be created in moments to perfectly light and reflect in your shots. Lightmap HDR Light Studio 4.1 including the new Autodesk 3ds Max and V-Ray connection is available immediately for 299 GBP / $499 US / 399 EUR through the online Lightmap store or through any Lightmap Authorized Reseller. HDR Light Studio 4.1 is a free update to existing HDR Light Studio 4 customers - download the new version from your Lightmap store account. [source]

Andrew Kramer's Video Copilot released version 1.5 of Element 3D, the popular object-based particle system for After Effects. The new version is a free update available to existing customers, and features animated OBJ sequences support, real time glow with chromatic diffraction, custom anchor point control, draft rendering mode and even ambient occlusion per material. [source]

Native Instruments launched REVERB CLASSICS - two algorithmic reverbs inspired by renowned studio hardware from the 80s and 90s. While each effect has its own distinct sound, both provide a rich, harmonic character that adds dimension and depth to any source. The REVERB CLASSICS were created in cooperation with Softube, the acclaimed Swedish company renowned for their painstakingly accurate emulations of audio hardware. Both effects run as VST, AU or AAX plug-ins inside all popular host sequencers, and cost $199 US / 199 EUR (REVERB CLASSICS bundle), or $149 US / 149 EUR each. [source]

The Foundry released HIEROPLAYER, a VFX review and playback tool built for artists. Integrating with NUKE and the VFX pipeline, HIEROPLAYER lets artists view versions of shots in context on a multi-track editorial timeline. HIEROPLAYER compliments collaborative working on VFX projects made possible with HIERO by adding access to: a full HIERO project on the NUKE workstation, straight out of the box compatibility and Python scripting to make deep integration into any VFX pipeline possible. For more information, register for a free "Introduction to HIEROPLAYER" live online demo, to be streamed on January 31st from 6-7pm (GMT). HIEROPLAYER runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux-based workstations and costs $300 US / 250 EUR / 200 GBP. [source]

Avid announced the launch of the Pro Series line of AAX Native and AAX DSP plug-ins, featuring three new advanced processors that enable users to sound their best. Pro Compressor and Pro Expander (available now at $99 US), along with Pro Limiter (coming soon), are the first plug-ins in the series, joining an expanding line-up for the AAX platform. Pro Limiter is a transparent-sounding limiter that enables you to maximize the loudness of any mix, without distortion or harshness, while Pro Compressor is a compressor based on the Avid System 5 console and Channel Strip plug-in (which is bundled with Pro Tools 10 software), enabling you to shape sounds, enhance tracks, and breathe life into mixes. Pro Expander is also based on the Avid Channel Strip plug-in, enabling you to give mixes more energy, gate noise, and duck signals. [source]

Wave Arts, Inc. announced the release of their entire audio plug-in lineup in Avid's AAX format. All plug-ins now support AAX Native operation while TrackPlug, MultiDynamics and FinalPlug also run on HDX DSP cards. Existing customers are eligible for AAX upgrade options, see the company's FAQ pages for more information. [source]

Project Geppetto, Autodesk's research project that explored crowd animation within 3ds Max, reached beta stage. Project Geppetto is a data-driven animation system that offers high level control of plausible human animation. Architects, engineers, and designers could use Project Geppetto to enrich the context of their presentations with realistic human activity. The technology preview was available until January 15, 2013. Users who wish to continue with the latest technology should consider joining the beta program. [source]

Nick Shaw of Antler Post-Production Services announced the release of his new Final Cut Pro LUT plug-in for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. It enables to work with Blackmagic Film ProRes files in the Final Cut Pro 7 timeline, seeing them in "video" like the camera's monitoring. Available now, priced at $30 US. A demo version is also available for download. [source]

Version 2 of Auto-Tune EFX - an easy-to-use and affordable tool for real-time pitch correction from Antares - adds 64-bit compatibility for the Mac and PC VST versions and the Mac Audio Units version. The upgrade is $29 US for owners of Auto-Tune EFX 2 2.01 and earlier and is free for anyone who has registered a copy of Auto-Tune EFX 2 in the last 30 days. Download it here. [source]