Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/19812
HDR can capture 360-degree, spheri- cal images in a single scan. With 26 f- stops of exposure and clarity of up to 50 megapixels, the SpheroCam HDR is designed to capture the optimal image quality for 3D image-based rendering. The camera’s 3D immersive measure- ment technology records spatial data and enables the placement of CG objects in virtually any location. The company’s new HDR camera is being used by such VFX companies as The Mill–London for 3D advertising productions and Sony Pictures Imageworks for the production of major Hollywood feature films. Spheron-VR AG; www.spheron.com PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Craft Custom Development Craft Animations announced its Custom Development Service for designers, animators, educators, and engineers who require specialized capabilities, real- time integration, or custom tool sets for specific task completion. The new service, employing knowledge of specialized tool development and autonomous control systems, delivers personalized stand-alone solutions, add-ons, or plug-ins based on specific customer requests. The Craft Animations Custom Development Service offers the following tool expansion oppor- tunities, for example: creation of specific animation patterns, transformation of raw data to visual representations and anima- tions, integration of animation capabilities in visualization systems and game engines, and complex rigging services. Pricing is dependent on the scope and depth of each request and the need for proprietary ownership. Craft Animations; www.craftanimations.com EDUCATION Long-distance Learning Escape Studios launched a new series of online mentored learning courses to meet the needs of international graduates look- ing to gain employment and of companies seeking fresh computer graphics talent. Delivered via Escape Studios’ e-learning platform, the new 12-month, mentored curriculum covers the techniques and tools required to start a career in visual effects, as well as provides the recruitment advice needed to break into the CG indus- try. All students gain access to a virtual classroom, where they can interact with and seek feedback from tutors and fellow classmates. Escape Studios’ mentored learning program is integrated with social media sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The secure e-learning site also encourages students to submit assign- ments for grading, communicate directly with tutors, and work together with friends on projects. Escape Studios has opened its first overseas branch in the USA. Escape Studios; www.escapestudios.co.uk 3D PRINTING SERVICE Shapeways Add-in Shapeways, the online marketplace that provides access to the latest 3D printing technologies, launched a Shapeways add- in for SolidWorks 3D mechanical CAD (MCAD) software. Using the Shapeways tool, SolidWorks users can upload a design directly to www.Shapeways.com and opt to 3D print it in a number of materials currently offered by Shapeways, including stainless steel, glass, full-color sandstone, and a vari- ety of durable plastics. SolidWorks users can download the Shapeways add-in for free from the Design Solutions Web site at www.designsolutions.nl/shapeways. Shapeways; www.shapeways.com WORKSTATIONS Multi-core Boxx News Boxx Technologies introduced its fastest dual-socket workstation, the 3DBoxx 8550 Extreme Edition, to help maximize creativity and productivity. The new work- station features Intel Xeon 5600 series processors optimized to run at 4.2GHz and providing 12 cores of high-powered, multi-tasking performance for 3D design, animation, visualization, compositing, video editing, digital intermediate work, and rendering. The 3DBoxx 8550 Extreme Edition liquid-cooled workstation is built for multi-GPU configurations; in fact, its seven PCI-E x16, 2.0 slots support up to four dual-slot GPUs. The company also introduced the 3DBoxx 4880 XXtreme liquid-cooled workstation with a six-core Intel Core i7 processor and four Nvidia Quadro 5000 GPUs. Boxx Technologies; www.boxxtech.com INPUT DEVICES 3D Mouse Support 3Dconnexion’s full line of 3D mice is supported by Adobe’s Photoshop CS5 and Autodesk’s Maya 2011 and Softim- age 2011. 3Dconnexion’s newest driver update for Autodesk 3ds Max brings advanced 3D navigation and control to the design process. Using the Menu or Panel button on the 3D mouse activates a pop-up menu to centralize all 3D mouse- related options in one location. These new features are now available in a free 3DxWare software update and support 3ds Max 2009 to 2011 across the entire product line, including the Professional Series with the SpacePilot Pro ($399) and SpaceExplorer ($299), and the Standard Series with the SpaceNavigator ($99) and SpaceNavigator for Notebooks ($129). 3Dconnexion; www.3dconnexion.com November 2010, Volume 33, Number 11: 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. Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by Computer Graphics World, ISSN-0271-4159, provided that the appropriate fee is paid directly to Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 USA 508-750-8400. Prior to photocopying items for educational classroom use, please contact Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 USA 508-750-8400. For further information check Copyright Clearance Center Inc. online at: www.copyright.com. The COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD fee code for users of the Transactional Reporting Services is 0271-4159/96 $1.00 + .35. POSTMASTER: Send change of address form to Computer Graphics World, P.O. Box 3296, Northbrook, IL 60065-3296. 40 November 2010