Among these new features is a schematic view that makes building complex effects easier by enabling artists to see and modify the organization of their work in process tree or flowchart format. Other upgrades include network rendering; optimized 2D rendering and the addition of OpenGL hardware support for accelerated 3D rendering; a new 2D particle system for creating effects such as explosions, smoke, and snowstorms; an expanded text operator; enhanced multi-format project capabilities, including 64-bit RGBA file I/O and image processing; 10-bit Cineon file support; and new garbage masking tools that make complex rotoscoping easier.
The price is for combustion 2 is $3495. (Discreet; www.discreet.com) -JD