Softimage

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Softimage

Image:Softimage.png Screenshot of Softimage XSI
Developer:	Avid
Latest release:	6 / November 15, 2006
OS:	Windows, Linux
Use:	3D computer graphics
License:	Proprietary
Website:	[1]

Softimage, Co. (pronounced soft-iMAHJ) is a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. located in Montréal, 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.

[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.

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.

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

[edit] Key Features

Modeling in XSI is very strong when working with polygons, as well as multiple types of subdivision surfaces, although NURBS functionality is still very limited^{[citation needed]}. 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 popular 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. The Rendering system also has the most complete support for customized render passes implemented in any package^{[citation needed]}, and XSI now also includes an integrated compositing system.