Discreet Announces New Version of 3ds max Software

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., has announced 3ds max 5--asignificant feature release of its professional 3D animation andmodeling software used by the largest community of animators worldwideto create compelling 3D animations.

With its rich mix of new features, 3ds max 5 will enable animatorsin film, television, games and design visualization markets to workwithin-and build-realistic environments and animate expressivecharacters with greater efficiency. With this latest release, Discreetremains unwavering in its commitment to provide its customers withconsistent development and support of the industry's best 3D tools.Discreet 3ds max 5 software will be unveiled at Siggraph 2002(SanAntonio, TXJuly 23-25, Booth #8062) and is scheduled for release insummer 2002.

"With 3ds max 5, Discreet answers and precipitates the continuallyevolving needs of the 3D industry," said Phillip Miller, vice presidentof Discreet animation products. "3ds max 5 is tailored fortraditionally trained animators and designers-and delivers a solutionof continued innovation and productivity that more 3D professionalschoose to rely upon than any other."

Discreet introduces key new features in 3ds max 5 software that willadvance the realism, character animation and productivity requirementsnecessary for animators to create lifelike 3D animations. Discreet 3dsmax was used in recent films like "Minority Report" and "Panic Room",PC and console games like "Spider-Man", "Warcraft III" and "NeverWinter Nights", as well as commercials, music videos and televisionepisodics.

New Features

3ds max 5 introduces enhanced global illumination methods forsubtle, elegant and accurate lighting-critical to producing a naturallook for pre-visualized or finished animations; reactor, Discreet'sembedded, integrated and interactive physics engine from HAVOK-soft andhard-body dynamics software; and new texture mapping capabilities toaccurately marry image data to mesh models.

Animators using 3ds max 5 software will enjoy greater control andfinesse in character animation with tools such as a new Set Key system,Curve and Dope Sheet editor, and Merge Animation tools for repurposingcharacter animation segments. Traditionally recognized for its provenproductivity and flexibility, 3ds max 5 includes backburner forefficient management of free network rendering (including control overDiscreet combustion, desktop 3D compositing and paint seats) and newlicense sharing options for networked groups of animators sharing 3dsmax in a LAN environment.

A complete list of new features in Discreet 3ds max 5 may be foundat: www.discreet.com/products/3dsmax5.