It’s a big day for Alias as the Toronto-based software powerhouse announces the newest versions of its Maya and Motionbuilder software, just in time for the SIGGRAPH confab in Los Angeles.
The new Maya 7 is a feature-packed release offering new and improved tools for fast, realistic character animation, streamlined modeling and texturing, groundbreaking vfx and increased productivity.
“Maya 7 reflects our resolve to give artists the power to create ground-breaking computer graphics that tell better stories, enhance interactive experiences, and enable people to more accurately visualize products and designs,” says Jill Ramsay, senior product manager for Maya. “We involved Maya users earlier and more extensively than ever before in our development process; the features and enhancements in this release have been guided by extensive feedback from leading studios and individuals worldwide. This is a must-have release.”
One of these new features is a complete re-architecture of the Maya render layers functionality, which means that multiple versions of objects, including materials, lights and cameras, as well as post processes such as Maya Fur and Maya Paint Effects, can now be managed in a single scene file. ‘
Render layers can be rendered with any renderer integrated in Maya, including the latest mental ray for Maya technology. This new workflow not only streamlines the rendering process, but it also prepares renders for optimal output to the artists’ compositor of choice, or to Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Flash. Maya 7 also offers new functionality that streamlines the workflow between Maya and Photoshop, as well as Adobe Illustrator, Alias MotionBuilder and CAD applications. In addition, Maya 7 also introduces RenderMan-compatible variable creasing on smoothly subdivided polygon meshes, allowing precise and intuitive control between smooth and hard edges. Portions of the subdivision surface implementation in Maya incorporate the use of Pixar Subdivision Surface Patents.
A host of other enhancements specifically requested by the games-development community include Edge Loop and Edge Ring tools, UV unfolding, tri-planar and multi-mesh mapping, together with the inclusion of CgFX and ASHLI plug-ins, which allow hardware shaders for next-generation consoles to be previewed within Maya. Also, developed by Alias’ principal scientist Duncan Brinsmead, a powerful new Toon Shader leverages Maya’s unique Paint Effects to support a wide range of non-photorealistic rendering styles.
Slated for an August release, Maya Complete 7 is priced at $1999, while Maya Unlimited 7 costs $6999 (international prices may vary). Upgrade pricing from 6.5 is US $899 for Maya Complete and US $1249 for Maya Unlimited. Both Maya Complete and Unlimited are available on the Windows, Linux and Mac OS X platforms.’
And Don’t Forget MotionBuilder 7!
The company’s latest MotionBuilder version offers extended character animation capabilities, improved interoperability with popular 3D packages and productivity enhancements. These new features and the expanded benefits of Alias MotionBuilder Pro Platinum Membership, including extended hotline access and improved response times, enable artists to generate professional-level character performance animation.
The new features of Alias MotionBuilder 7 complement the software’s core technologies, including a unique, real-time architecture; non-linear, non-destructive animation layering; and Story Timeline performance environment.
New character extensions and visual feedback on rigs give animators greater control over their character setups. Character extensions allow artists to augment their character’s control rig when objects such as tails, wings and props are required. Animators are now able to simultaneously pose or key a character as well as all attached extensions seamlessly. Visual feedback on the control rig offers cues that highlight keying, manipulation modes and rig selection, allowing animators to focus on the character in the viewer rather than checking controls on the side. In addition, there are a number of new character manipulation enhancements that ensure synchronization between characters and their controls, streamlining the animation workflow and shortening the learning curve for new users.
Alias MotionBuilder Pro contains advanced productivity capabilities, including Live Device Support for multi-stream motion capture devices, data mapping and asset management integration. Additional extensibility and customization tools include a real-time animation trigger system, Python scripting capabilities and the Alias Open Reality SDK–which allows the creation of pipeline automation and workflow tools that streamline repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
Alias MotionBuilder Pro 7 (node-locked) is priced at $4195 and Alias MotionBuilder Pro 7 (floating) goes for $4795. For new Alias MotionBuilder Pro customers, the cost includes a one-year Platinum Membership subscription. Alias MotionBuilder Pro is available in node-lock and floating configurations for the Windows and Mac OS X platforms. For more info about both these new products, visit www.alias.com
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