Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/18322
software. The Blade unified tool set is designed to meet the growing demands of full performance capture and on-set visualization, as well as to simplify the capture and processing of motion-capture data for the 3D animation pipeline. Blade 1.7 delivers several new features, includ- ing support for Windows 7 and a robust method for creating 3D reconstructions. Users can choose to reconstruct motion- capture data with 2D tracks, for maxi- mum speed, or with 3D predictions, for greater accuracy. Furthermore, Blade now supports Vicon’s Bonita optical camera, and provides the ability to stream off-line data for reduced turnaround times. New scripts simplify workflows by grouping a series of actions for one-step process- ing of tasks, including actor calibration, production skeleton setup and solve, and other workflows. Blade Version 1.7 is avail- able free of charge for all Blade users on their current license. Vicon; www.vicon.com WIN MAC Xsens Algorithm Xsens Technologies unveiled the new KinematicCoupling (KiC) algorithm in its MVN Studio 3.0 advanced signal-process- ing software suite for professional-grade, human motion capture. The KiC algorithm processes inertial sensor data (acceler- ometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to accurately capture motion in 3D. The patent-pending algorithm is immune to magnetic distortions when estimating full-3D joint orientations, enabling the accurate 3D tracking of human motion under virtually all circumstances. The Xsens MVN full-body tracking system is in use at such developers as Electronic Arts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Xsens Technologies; www.xsens.com WIN VIDEO High-end Playback Tweak Software, makers of the RV image and sequence viewer for VFX and animation artists, unveiled a beta version of the playback tool. VFX and CG animation studios employ RV to play back and review digital media. RV’s tool set is built on an open, extensible architecture, enabling users to adapt the software to their own pipelines and work styles. RV’s new features include animation, and video game industries. The tool enables all parties involved in a project to gain instant access to criti- cal data, messaging, and real-time proj- ect progress. Shotgun also launched a new Open Source Project for tools, extensions, and add-ons for the Shotgun application framework, enabling Shot- gun and its customers to collaborate on future pipeline integration tools and share them with the Shotgun community. The company also previewed Version 2.1, the next major Shotgun release, which adds custom work schedules, linking to local files, multiple-file uploading, notifications for submitted versions, and customizable statuses to the system’s set of production tracking and collaboration tools. Shotgun Software; www.shotgunsoftware.com an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for mixing, matching, comparing, and laying out media for review and playback, as well as expanded remote synchronization features for remote review. The RV 3.10 beta offers the ability to create new lay- outs, stacks, and sequences in the same RV session; stack or layout sequences for comparison or slap comps; add and delete sources; re-order timelines, stacks, and layouts with drag-and-drop functionality; mix sources with different frame rates; re-time sources individually; and create custom layouts. Tweak Software; www.tweaksoftware.com WIN MAC LINUX WORKFLOW Shotgun Beta Shotgun Software released its Shotgun Web-based production tracking system designed specifically for the visual effects, ASSET MANAGEMENT Southpaw at SIGGRAPH Southpaw Technology has announced its Tactic 3.0 asset management/collaboration software, designed to speed the creation of digital assets across complex digital productions in feature film, visual effects, animation, and cinematics studios. Tactic combines Web-based asset manage- ment with customizable production and workflow management, helping keep large-scale productions on track and large data sets in order. The tool manages assets, tracking them through their entire life cycle and connecting them to higher- level project and workflow information that can be shared across organizations using integrated communication tools. Addi- tional features include an open API and a configurable, Web-based interface. Southpaw Technology; www.southpawtech.com WIN LINUX October 2010, Volume 33, Number 10: COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD (USPS 665-250) (ISSN-0271-4159) is published monthly except in August (11 issues annually) by COP Communications, Inc. Corporate offices: 620 West Elk Avenue, Glendale, CA 91204, Tel: 818-291-1100; FAX: 818-291-1190; Web Address: info@copprints. com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Glendale, CA, 91205 & additional mailing offices. COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD is distributed worldwide. Annual subscription prices are $72, USA; $98, Canada & Mexico; $150 International airfreight. To order subscriptions, call 847-559-7310. © 2010 CGW by COP Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without permission. 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