Softimage

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Softimage
Developed by Avid
Latest release 6.5 / November 16, 2007
OS Windows, Linux
Genre 3D computer graphics
License Proprietary
Website www.softimage.com

Softimage, Co. ("Softimage" is pronounced /sɑftɪˈmɑʒ/ (US pronunciation) or /sɒftɪˈmɑːʒ/ (UK pronunciation)) is a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. located in Montreal, Québec, Canada that produces 3D animation, 2D cel animation, compositing, and special effects software. Their flagship product, Softimage|XSI, is used in the creation of computer animation for modern films, commercials, and video games.

Contents

[edit] History

Softimage was founded in 1986 by National Film Board of Canada filmmaker Daniel Langlois. Their original 3D modeling and animation package was called the Softimage Creative Environment, later renamed to Softimage|3D. Softimage|3D was a fast, simple-to-use animation package, the first commercial package to feature Inverse kinematics for character animation. However, the modeling and rendering capabilities were somewhat limited. Large studios using Softimage|3D often created models in other programs, such as Alias Studio, and use another program for rendering, such as mental ray or PhotoRealistic RenderMan. Through a deal with Mental Images, Softimage began shipping with mental ray as an optional renderer in 1994.

The company was later bought by Microsoft in 1994, and subsequently bought by Avid Technology, Inc. in 1998.

To create a more advanced, opened architecture, improve mental ray integration and compete with Maya, Softimage developed a next-generation package called Softimage|XSI to replace Softimage 3D. This was released in 2000.

[edit] Key Features

Modeling in XSI is very strong when working with polygons, while subdivision surfaces are more deeply integrated into XSI than other 3D packages. XSI's non-linear animation system sequences clips of animation, but also allows animators to blend and transition between different riggings, constraints, expressions, and externally referenced models. XSI comes with a seamlessly integrated copy of the mental ray renderer, and includes support for "render regions" which let artists drag a box over any part of any modeling window, and see a fully raytraced mental ray rendering of the corresponding part of the window, which updates as parameters are adjusted, such as moving a shadow when a light is moved, or updating with changes to the camera position or animation. XSI has excellent support for customized render passes, second only to Houdini's.[citation needed] XSI also includes an integrated compositing system.

[edit] See also

  • Ex-Centris
  • It was made in Quebec. Softimage is mentionned in the song "Fabriqué au Québec" written by the quebecois humorists Pat Groulx and Louis-José Houde

[edit] External links

 This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications.
Primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of the article are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please include more appropriate citations from reliable sources, or discuss the issue on the talk page.
This article has been tagged since December 2006.
 This article about an IT-related or software-related company or corporation is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.