Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/110653
INTERNATIONAL The Foundry Releases Nuke 7 .0 VFX software developer The Foundry has rolled out Nuke 7.0, the latest version of its compositor. The new software offers increased performance as well as added support for Alembic and OpenEXR 2.0 Deep Data. Nuke 7.0 introduces RAM cache, a feature that gives users real-time playback. Also debuting in the release are a variety of GPU-accelerated nodes for NukeX, including MotionBlur, Kronos, Denoise, VectorGenerator, Convolve, and ZDefocus. This fundamental change will allow users to take advantage of the power of their GPUs to speed up interactive image processing times. When the GPU is available, NukeX will now take full advantage of that power. If it's unavailable, the software reverts back to the CPU without any need to adjust settings. Version 7.0 also brings with it a number of options that allow artists to do more within the tool. Users are now able to perform lighting tasks in a comp using the ReLight node and model using NukeX's new ModelBuilder. Both of these additions reduce the need for artists to jump in and out of other programs or hand work off to other departments. Also, the roto tools in Nuke have been redefined to enhance performance and improve stereo support, giving artists more control than before. Support for new camera raw formats has been added, including Alexa ArriRaw and the latest R3D SDK. Nuke 7.0 includes Primatte 5 and a brand-new 2D tracker, with big updates to the workflow and speed. The SplineWarp node and Dope Sheet have also benefited from major improvements. NukeX features the core Nuke tool set, complemented with a range of exclusive tools. Additional NukeX features include GPU-accelerated nodes, 3D camera tracker, modeling and point cloud generation, as well as the FurnaceCore plug-in set. Real-Time Mocap Arrives with Vicon Blade 2 V icon has officially released Blade 2, powered by Axiom, following a successful alpha program with studios around the globe. Blade 2 motion-capture processing software delivers compelling real-time results out of the box. Two years in development, Blade has been completely re-engineered with a new live engine called Axiom, which faithfully reproduces a live stage-captured performance with an accurate, fast, clean, real-time digital visualization. Blade 2 is capable of managing the capture of multiple characters, complex production scenarios, and difficult shooting conditions. Significant occlusion and complex motions are handled easily with no loss of fidelity or subtlety of motion. HP Adds to Its Offerings H P has revealed new workstation-class offerings for professionals, including an update to its HP Performance Advisor software and the new HP ZR2330w Performance Display. Updated to take a holistic approach to system monitoring, HP Performance Advisor 1.5 provides greater performance across all applications used on a workstation. The new version monitors the computer as a whole versus looking at just specific applications. Performance Advisor notifies users when components, such as memory, are not being used properly and offers suggestions to quickly improve the performance. Version 1.5 now provides support for HP Remote Graphics Software (RGS) and Microsoft Windows 8. Users can also access information on GPU performance and temperature. HP Performance Advisor 1.5 comes pre-loaded on HP Z and EliteBook Mobile Workstations. The new HP ZR2330w Performance Display is a 23-inch LED backlit display with an in-plane switching (IPS) panel. IPS technology delivers brilliant and accurate color from almost any angle, providing 10 times higher contrast ratios when viewed at an angle compared to mainstream twisted nematic displays. The ZR2330w delivers up to 16.7 million on-screen colors, offers full HD resolutions, and features VGA, DVI, and DisplayPort inputs. The HP ZR2330w Performance Display is available for $259. January/February 2013 CGW0113-Spotlightpfin.indd 3 3 1/31/13 5:01 PM