SIGGRAPH: Softimage XSI 5 Announced

Software developer Avid has announced the latest version of its flagship 3D animation software, Softimage XSI version 5. A key component of Avid’s integrated computer graphics solution, Softimage XSI introduces new features like Ultimapper, a map generation tool for quickly producing cinema-quality maps, and GATOR, a property transfer system for merging fully textured and animated 3D models. Comprehensive migration tools for Maya users allow for functions such as customizable user interfaces with new navigation properties, helping Maya artists use their current skill sets within the Softimage production environment. Added features include native XSI Hair, Syflex 3 advanced cloth simulation, Ageia physX engine-enabled rigid-body dynamics, and new dotXSI 5 export and import with full source code. The new version will run on 32-bit and native 64-bit CPU configurations. The new version has been re-architected to take full advantage of dual-core 64-bit processors and integrate with mental ray 3.4 rendering software. Softimage XSI 5 is expected to be available in September 2005, and for more information, interested parties can see the Avid booth (#1401) at this year’s SIGGRAPH.