Autodesk's '2007' visual effects and editing systems to be launched at IBC

Autodesk have launched new '2007' versions of its Inferno, Flame, Flint, Fire amd Smoke visual effects and editing systems.
Focusing on connectivity and productivity, these latest versions streamline workflow and provide artists with more time for creativity. The products, which have been used to create breathtaking content for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest', 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'Lady in the Water', will be showcased in Amsterdam at the International Broadcasters Convention (IBC), Autodesk stand 7-420, from 8 – 12 September 2006.
Marc Petit, Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment vice president said: “We are in an era where visual effects are pervasive in film and television, from blockbuster movies to independent productions and TV documentaries. Digital artists face pressure to produce synthetic characters and environments that are increasingly photorealistic, on tighter budgets and deadlines."
Los Angeles-based Rhythm & Hues Studios has been using Autodesk’s visual effects systems for more than nine years. Beta tester Kevin Tengan, head of 2D systems at the visual effects facility, noted: "Autodesk Flame and Inferno have always exceeded our expectations, and this latest release is no exception. Inferno allowed us to quickly complete nearly 70 shots on 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift', which would have otherwise been very technically difficult."
Autodesk visual effects and editing systems enable artists to work in multiple standard and high-definition resolutions, including NTSC, SECAM, PAL, HD, 2K and 4K.
To address the need for greater connectivity, the new systems offer expanded interoperability and improved data management, including support for the Autodesk Wiretap 2007 application program interface.
Wiretap enables remote project management and third-party file exchange by allowing platform-independent access to media and metadata in the Autodesk Stone file system. Digital artists can now take advantage of Infiniband networking with throughput of 400 MB per second or more.
In addition, Autodesk’s editing and finishing systems provide new support for AAF, making it easier to conform projects that come from Avid offline systems, as well as greater support for Apple Final Cut Pro XML.
As well, Autodesk’s editing and visual effects systems take full advantage of multi-core, 64-bit Linux workstations, providing greater interactivity and speed.
Autodesk has also debuted Autodesk Backdraft Conform 2007 software, a solution for media management, background input/output and conform. This remote assistant utility for data wranglers and assistant editors handles repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Designed to boost facility productivity, Backdraft Conform 2007 provides tools for ingest, assemble, conform, comprehensive media management, output and archiving.
(DS)