Archive of the Motion Capture Category

High Definition (HD) KVM DVI Draco matrix switches are capable of mixing both CATx and fiber optic connections

OOBAXS (pronounced Out of Band Access), the console access authority for data centers and broadcasting today announced that it is bringing High Definition (HD) KVM DVI Draco matrix switches capable of mixing both CATx and fiber optic connections between source and target to the US market. The switches are manufactured by IHSE Germany, a leading developer and innovator in high speed, high definition DVI and KVM/Video extension and switching solutions.

OOBAXS, one of Hollywood’s leading technology integrators will provide installations, support and guidance on deployments at numerous post-production facilities. “The Draco series is the fastest core switching product on the market,” said Alan Frank, technology strategist and founder of OOBAXS. “IHSE’s willingness to be a responsive partner with their end-users has led to the evolution of a product that is changing the way movies are made.”

The Draco offers DVI video extenders over CATx or Fiber for “mission critical” server and computer access, as well as, fiber optic HD-KVM matrix switches. The Draco, featuring ZERO blocking, high speed switching, HD DVI to 1920×1200, and four HID, has already made its impact on Hollywood studios.

Working with OOBAXS to design and deploy a solution using Draco, Shapeshifter Post was the first post-production facility in Hollywood to embrace the high speed technology. “We had been researching KVM Matrix switching/extension options for many months, and needed a robust solution that could support all our input devices without issue, including our Avid Symphony, DS, and Media Composer, as well as De Vinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro workstations,” said Russo Anastasio, president of Shapeshifter Post. “We knew that by installing the IHSE Draco, we would increase our productivity, but didn’t realize the extent of that increase would be such a game changer!”

“Post-production tasks can be time consuming and draining on resources and typically depend on individual hardware and locations,” added Alan Frank. “An editor may have traditionally worked in one bay for picture editing, but then would need to move to a new location to add in special effects or color-time. With the Draco, an entire production house worth of resources becomes accessible at any single end-point.”

OOBAXS (pronounced Out of Band Access) provides anywhere, anytime console access to broadcast facilities and data centers. The company has a long track record integrating access solutions to help data center managers gain access to any appliance or piece of equipment in their network. OOBAXS.COM has been instrumental in bringing the latest technologies to data centers helping them improve anytime access, image/video quality, productivity, access speed, and a more flexible infrastructure. OOBAXS has brought modern data center tools and techniques into the broadcast world. The result is a client list that includes the world largest movie, recording, radio and television studios as well as Fortune 100 company data-centers. As video, speed and visual interfaces continue to improve; OOBAXS will remain a leading resource for CIOs, CTOs, and broadcast engineers.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – iPi Soft (www.ipisoft.com), developer of the iPi Soft Desktop Motion Capture™ line of markerless motion capture technology, has announced the breakthrough support for two Kinect sensors. The new dual-Kinect configuration marks the first time in history that users can have two of the popular game devices working at the same time on the same PC to capture complex human motions, including 360-degrees turns – a huge boon to filmmakers, CG animators, broadcast motion graphics designers, videogame developers and prosumers in entertainment, military, medical and other vertical markets.

Click here to view the iPi Soft dual-Kinect motion capture demo: http://youtu.be/msRtIZX529Q

Michael Nikonov, iPi Soft’s Founder and Chief Technology Architect, explains that previous versions of the iPi Soft Mocap software included support for a single Kinect device or multiple PlayStation Eye cameras only. The new upgrade makes it possible to use two Kinect sensors giving digital storytellers – especially game developers who are challenged to create realistic human characters – the power of a multi-camera system, and eliminating the need for expensive marker suits and green-screen stage shoots.

“The new dual-Kinect feature is an important upgrade that delivers on iPi Soft’s commitment to give users the most accurate, easy-to-use and affordable motion capture tools to create believable humanoid motion characters,” Nikonov says. “The software combines depth information from two Kinect sensors simultaneously for amazing coverage and accuracy. The 360-degrees turns provide a true workflow advantage.”

Thus far the upgrade has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from beta testers in the animation community. Artists Dennis Greenlaw and Alisa Loren Klein of Little Green Dog (littlegreendog.com) used the new dual-Kinect setup for their short film ‘Happy Box’ (http://youtu.be/gy3hSz7_zb8).

“Incredibly, we were able to record the motions of three characters for seventeen shots in just a couple of hours, and that included setup time and rehearsals,” noted Greenlaw. “The results are far superior to the data we were getting using a single Kinect sensor. We plan on using iPi Desktop Motion Capture and Kinect for many more films.”

For Nikonov, this latest innovation represents the company’s mission toward bringing markerless motion capture beyond the hands of creative professionals and prosumers, and to a level of ubiquity among general consumers.
“I believe in the future people will get used to easily creating motion capture, the same way consumers got used to digital video cameras,” Nikonov notes. “We will be using the same devices for playing video games and as well as creating content for them. I would compare older mocap solutions to antiquated mainframe computers.”

Pricing and Availability
Support for two Kinect sensors is included in both the Basic and Standard editions of iPi Desktop Motion Capture software and comes at no additional cost. Users who purchased Basic or Standard editions of the software can download a free update from iPi Soft’s website. For the remainder of December, iPi Soft is offering a 30% pricing discount on its full line of scalable markerless motion capture products. For additional information, please visit, www.ipisoft.com.

About iPi Soft Desktop Markerless Motion Capture Software:
iPi Soft Desktop Motion Capture is a markerless motion capture software tool that uses sophisticated image processing and computer vision algorithms to recognize and track the human body. Introduced last year, the scalable system now supports dual Kinect cameras working at the same time on the same PC capturing complex motions, including 360-degrees turns. It also supports other inexpensive off-the-shelf equipment such as PlayStation Eye cameras and webcams.

An affordable professional solution for capturing accurate animation data without the need for expensive facility space, clumsy sensor suits with reflective markers or a team of technicians, iPi Soft Desktop Motion Capture brings a totally new workflow paradigm to filmmakers, CG animator broadcast motion graphics designers, videogame developers and prosumers in entertainment, military and other vertical markets. Captured animations do not exhibit artifacts like jitter or foot skate and can be exported in popular animation formats including FBX, BVH and COLLADA. The software is compatible with many leading game engines, 3D software applications and animation rigs, including MAXON CINEMA 4D, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3D Studio Max, DAZ 3D DAZ Studio, Poser, Valve Source Engine, Unreal Engine, Unity and others. It also includes an integrated motion transfer engine and supports accurate motion retargeting for custom rigs. For more information, click here: http://ipisoft.com/products.php

About iPi Soft:
Launched in 2008 by CEO and Chief Technology Architect Michael Nikonov, iPi Soft, LLC is the Moscow-based developer of iPi Desktop Motion Capture™, a markerless motion capture software tool that uses sophisticated image processing and computer vision algorithms to recognize and track the human body. The company’s breakthrough technology digitizes the movement of a human skeleton, rendering it in expressive 3D characters for video games or computer generated films. iPi Soft products are available directly from the web site and its worldwide distribution channel. For additional information, on iPi Soft, product pricing or a 30-day free trial please visit, http://www.ipisoft.com.

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FLEXXITY Output page rendering QuickTime ProRes files

Whether facilities are working with on-set dailies, post dailies, playout and mastering, or archive workflows, FLEXXITY ingests and reads ProRes files directly, without the need for transcoding. Due to this native support, there are no workflow slowdowns that are often caused by transcoding delays.

FLEXXITY software runs on Linux, making it an ultra-stable, high performance, and high-throughput post production software tool for a variety of workflow pipelines. Linux also offers scale-up flexibility that allows users to implement a system that is fine-tuned to their specific needs from single-user seats, to multi-user workgroups. Linux OS is highly valued in post production environments for how quickly and predictably it responds. more

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – iPi Soft (www.ipisoft.com) announced it has selected technology reseller CamVFX (www.camvfx.com) as U.S. reseller of its scalable line of markerless motion capture software. Under the terms of the agreement, CamVFX will also separately bundle the iPi Soft Desktop Motion Capture solution with other high performance software, hardware and markerless related products for an integrated, easy-to-use and accurate motion capture system.

“CamVFX is a proven provider and systems integrator of motion capture technology systems for the entertainment community,” Michael Nikonov, iPi Soft’s CEO and Chief Technology Architect said. “Working together, CamVFX is offering a simple yet powerful way to harness the power of iPi Soft’s Markerless Motion Capture technology. For many in the animation and game development community, the CamVFX bundle will prove to be an invaluable way of getting the most of out of our software without any worry over compatibility issues or need for accessories. Everything users need to get started is optimized, along with full tech support from CamVFX.”

According to Jake Jacobs, President and Chief Technology Officer of CamVFX, the markerless motion capture software from iPiSoft, when coupled with a custom set of high performance hardware, provides accurate and professional-looking motion capture in an equally cost and time saving manner.

“We’re delighted to be resellers of the iPi Soft desktop motion capture solution,” Jacobs said. “The iPi Soft technology represents a real paradigm shift for animators and filmmakers working in motion capture, making it more accessible and easier to use. Users can opt to purchase all of the elements required to create exceptional motion capture animation either in a bundle or purchase other compatible hardware separately such as the Sony PS3 Eye or the Microsoft Kinect cameras.”

Serving a creative audience that includes filmmakers, game developers, animation students and beyond, iPiSoft Desktop Motion Capture provides all the benefits of tracking the movement and action of real people that is then easily transferred into 3D animation programs, only now without the need for expensive marker suits and green-screen stage shoots.

CamVFX additionally offers the world’s only markerless 3D virtual camera system in conjunction with the iPi Soft technology that fosters the ability to design high-end cinematic effects in ways never before envisioned.

Pricing and Availability
Pricing and availability information for the iPi Desktop Motion Capture™ markerless motion capture technology, and the bundled top-of-the-line, high performance motion capture system featuring iPi Soft technology from CamVFX, is available at www.camvfx.com.

About iPi Soft
iPi Soft, LLC is a developer of markerless software. Launched in 2009 by CEO and chief technology architect Michael Nikonov, Moscow, Russia-based iPi Soft’s iPi Desktop Motion Capture™ is an entry-level markerless motion capture technology that lets animators shoot video that can easily convert to professional 3D quality animation. Delivering breakthrough performance for creative professionals involved in previz, animation and the creation of secondary characters, iPi Desktop Motion Capture can be operated by a single person and powered by one computer. Setup of iPi’s markerless system is quick and easy, and extremely portable – perfectly suited for small studios, freelance animators and motion capture enthusiasts. iPi motion capture solutions are compatible with many leading game engines, 3D software applications and animation rigs, including MAXON CINEMA 4D, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3D Studio Max, DAZ 3D DAZ Studio, Poser, Valve Source Engine, UnrealEngine, Unity and others.

iPi Soft products are available directly from the web site and its worldwide distribution channel. For additional information, on iPi Soft, product pricing or a 30-day free trial please visit, http://www.ipisoft.com.

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All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

3D Film Factory’s Successful 3D Workshops Now Offer 3D Certification.

Since 2008 the 3D Film Factory (3DFF) has successful taught more individuals how to prep, shoot and edit stereoscopic 3D than any other organization. Now for the first time, 3DFF is giving participants the opportunity to get Certified in Stereoscopic Filmmaking.

What does that mean to be certified in stereography? “For us it’s a lot more than just a piece of paper. It’s an assurance of superior training,” say Shawn Gilmore, the company’s manager of operations. “It means that program participants have undergone 2-days of intensive, quality instruction with a veteran stereographer. Certification means that participants not only have a comprehensive understanding of stereoscopic theory, but an actual working knowledge and skills to shoot and edit professional-quality 3D.”

A partial list of workshops topics include; the guiding principles and overlying theory of stereoscopic 3D, how to make effective use of 3D, prepping for 3D, transforming your 2D ideas into working 3D images, camera and 3D rig selection, genlock issues, rig calibration, re-light for 3D, filming ratios demystified, gauging depth and pop, applying effective convergence, perfect image alignment, easy 3D post workflows, and all the other details you need to know to create superior quality 3D entertainment, that ultimately serves the story.

All classes are taught by expert stereographers with years of 3D filming and production experience. The goal is to teach participants as much as feasibly possible within the2-days, and therefore keep the focus on the students and their implicit 3D educational needs.

3D Training Workshops are held on an ongoing bi-monthly basis at our facility in San Diego, California. 3DFF supplies everything, including cameras, 3D rigs, 3D monitors, lighting and even lunch – all for a very affordable price. For scheduling and registration information call 619.384.4014 or visit at www.3DFilmFactory.com

About the 3D Film Factory
The 3D Film Factory is the leader in professional, affordable 3D camera systems and real-time 3D viewing solutions. In addition we provide a host of 3D production services for hire, including 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing systems, stereographers, and 3D post, as well as, monthly comprehensive 3D training workshops. Former clients include ESPN, NASA, DISNEY, HD CINEMA, PINEWOOD STUDIOS, and DISCOVERY. For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Production-Proven Process Taps Electrooculography (EOG) to Provide Accurate Eye Movement and More Realistic Digital Characters





Los Angeles, CA (November 7, 2011) – House of Moves (HOM), a leading motion capture and animation service company, has developed a proprietary process using electrooculography (EOG) to capture accurate eye movement for facial animation in films and video games. The process has already been used on over six projects for several clients including EA.


HOM’s eyeball tracking uses four electrodes affixed around the eyes of a performer to track ocular muscle movement. That data drives accurate eye gaze information for animation, automating what has typically been a tedious manual process.


House of Moves’ Technical Supervisor DJ Hauck explains, “Lifelike eyes are one of the main hurdles to overcoming the “uncanny valley” in video games and animated films. Being able to accurately track eye movement with this process is having a significant impact on what animators are able to do. By adding just four small electrodes to a facial capture marker setup, we are able to build very accurate eyeball tracking into our facial capture performance sessions with very little addition hardware or time spent in post processing.”


House of Moves utilizes customized hardware to gather EOG data from motion capture actors. The HOM team then built custom tools to bring that data into Vicon’s Blade full performance capture software to make the EOG data animation-ready. The detail and accuracy enabled by this process allows animators to create more realistic digital characters for both games and film. HOM’s eye tracking process also has the potential for wider applications in the medical and military fields.


About House of Moves
House of Moves has been the go-to studio for film, television, game and commercial creatives for over 10 years and has recently worked on projects for clients including Microsoft, Activision, EA, Bandai, Rockstar Games, Capcom, THQ, Naughty Dog Studios, SCEA, Bungie and others. In addition to the HOM main stage, the 26,000 square-foot facility is also home to a full performance capture volume capable of recording simultaneous high-quality audio with a capture session without any interfering background noise. House of Moves is part of the OMG (Oxford Metrics Group – LSE: OMG), plc., family of technology companies. http://moves.com/

VICON House of Moves (HOM), a leading motion capture and animation service company, contributed to the cinematic animation and facial keyframing on the recently released video game, Gears of War 3. Developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft, sales for the highly anticipated third-person shooter soared when it hit shelves in late September.

Collaboration between Vicon House of Moves and Epic on the third installment of the billion-dollar Gears of War franchise began in January 2010. Epic completed all the motion capture for the game on its own stage, which features a Vicon mocap system. Prior to shooting, Vicon HOM refined Epic’s mocap pipeline for the cinematic process and delivered front-end tools to improve capture of performances.

Once captured, Epic sent the raw data to Vicon HOM. The data was then reconstructed and uploaded into Vicon HOM’s online ordering more

You Gotta See This! version 2.1 gets ready to amp up its style with iOS 5 compatibility; capturing and sharing your image collages just got a whole lot cooler

Puchheim, Germany – October 11, 2011 – Boinx Software is pleased to announce that the popular panography photo app You Gotta See This! is now ready to support the recently released iOS 5 operating system from Apple®. The great new features in iOS 5 promise exciting improvements in both quality and functionality of our apps, and You Gotta See This! is prepped and ready for this next generation of iOS. You Gotta See This 2.1 will sport improved usability via the new native Twitter integration present in iOS 5, which makes tweeting and sharing photos with your friends easier and faster than ever before.

“iOS 5 is a great step forward and offers new possibilities for our more

NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 — Sound Devices, experts in production sound audio, is making its debut at this year’s Content & Communications World (CCW). During the two-day exhibition, Sound Devices (Booth 1162) will showcase its new PIX line of video recorders as well as the company’s line of professional audio recorders, mixers and complementary accessory products. more

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – What began six years ago as simply a “creative outlet” for rising filmmaker/animator Ian Chisholm, Clear Skies III, the third film in the machinima series about the space adventures of the crew aboard the battleship Clear Skies, has steadily built a huge online audience thanks to its memorable storyline and characters, and creative use of the iPi Soft’s Desktop Motion Capture system, which played an integral role in bringing Chisholm’s vision to life.

“I started the Clear Skies series about six years ago,” Chisholm says. “I’d just started doing some basic video work when I discovered I could use blue screening to composite video footage together. I’d always wanted to tell a full story, and by using the Eve Online graphics engine for exterior space and ship shots, and the Half Life 2 more