Products: Ascension

Two main types of motion-capture technology exist: optical and magnetic.

Within the latter, both AC- and DC-based types are available, and each has its virtues and downsides.

Ascension Technology now updates the MotionStar Wireless tracker, which uses its new Advanced DC Tracking Technology. According to the Burlington, Vt.-based company, MotionStar Wireless 2 features greatly improved dynamic accuracy with near jitter-free output. For anyone animating, that's important because it minimizes the need to post-process and clean up the data. Unlike the tethered MotionStar version, the wireless model is ideal for capturing complex movements or when using up to five models in realtime.

Version 2 features new backpack electronics along with improved algorithms, which deliver better vertical motion accuracy and also lessen data jumps formerly found when a sensor is rotated about its axis. www.ascension-tech.com