SOFTWARE
Modeling & Animation
New Wave in DCC
NewTek's latest release of LightWave 2015, offers workflow enhancements and features designed to streamline a variety of pipelines. It also comes with new pricing: $995 for a full license and $495 to upgrade from LightWave 11.X or earlier. LightWave 2015 introduces new tools for character animation, visualization, dynamic simulations, and more. It also extends the functionality of popular features like the Genoma character rigging system, Bullet Dynamics, dynamic parenting, rendering enhancements, and more.
www.lightwave3d.com
Data Management
On Deadline
Thinkbox Software's Deadline 7 is now available across platforms. The latest version of the scalable, high-volume compute management solution boasts built-in VMX (Virtual Machine Extension) capabilities, which allow artists, architects, and engineers to harness resources in both public and private clouds. In addition to enhanced cloud support, Deadline 7 expands support for the "Jigsaw" multi-region rendering feature, which can now be accessed in Autodesk's 3ds Max and Maya, The Foundry's Modo, and McNeel's Rhino. Deadline 7 also introduces Draft 1.2, an update to Thinkbox's lightweight compositing and video processing plug-in for automating typical post-render tasks, such as image format conversion, as well as the creation of animated videos and QuickTimes, contact sheets, and watermark elements on exported images.
www.thinkboxsoftware.com
HARDWARE
Monitors
Seeing is Believing
HP has expanded its portfolio of computer monitors with an interactive virtual-reality display, 4k and 5k ultra-high-definition displays, and curved displays for consumers and professionals. The HP Zvr Virtual Reality Display, available this spring, lets users rotate, manipulate, and navigate virtual-holographic 3D images from the 23.6-inch diagonal interactive display. The HP Z27s (available now for $749) and HP Z24s (available in April for $549) 4k displays, and the HP Z27q 5k display (available in March for $1,299), are ultra-high-definition solutions that expand the visual workspace and connect to more devices. The HP Z34c and HP Envy 34c (both available in April for $999), as well as HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c (both available now for $399) curved displays enhance visual perception and audio experiences.
www.hp.com
Video Editing
Replay That!
Safe Harbor Computers has introduced RPM-24, a 24-key USB controller unit for NewTek TriCaster that provides one channel of instant replay video for live sports productions. RPM-24 brings advanced instant replay control within reach of practically any sports video producer and offers features such as bi-directional slow-motion and frame-by-frame playback, with digital zoom, allowing the operator to expand the on-screen action. RPM-24 is available exclusively from Safe Harbor for $995.
www.shabor.com