Computer Graphics World

August 2009 5 NEWS: MODELING•ANIMATION NEWS: MODELING•ANIMATION 3D Modeling and Animation Market Shows Resilience Jon Peddie Research (JPR), the industry's research and consulting fi rm for graphics and multimedia, has just released a new report on the 3D modeling and animation market. And the news is that the market is poised for growth. The same software that is used primarily for fi lm/TV production and game development is also being put to work for render- ing and visualization in architecture, manufacturing, and science, and is on the verge of major breakthroughs due to demand from new vertical markets as well as hobbyist and consumer sectors. Like all others, the 3D modeling and animation industry is going through a period of contraction and consolidation. However, as diffi cult as it is for all participants, the JPR study points out that this is often a prelude to growth. The 3D modeling and animation market includes software tools that are used for TV and movie special effects, creating content for games, product design, and the Web. Over the years, the industry has grown steadily, but the tools for this area are still expensive and used primarily by professionals. Mainstream Markets Open Up Beyond traditional industries, new markets are also opening up for more casual users of 3D modeling and animation tools, defy- ing barriers posed by high cost and complexity. Free 3D model- ing and animation tools are becoming available, and millions of copies are being downloaded every year, suggesting a pent-up demand for easy-to-use 3D tools. In addition, there is a hard core of hobbyists and casual users who are using 3D tools, even though the learning curve is steep. New distribution models are just now opening up, as well, including online worlds, YouTube, MyToons, the Daz communi- ties, and more. By the end of this decade, new growth will come in mainstream markets, the report states. Meanwhile, the DCC market, in general, and the 3D segment, specifi cally, have suffered, as industries in which 3D tools are used but are not core to their businesses tighten their belts and look for the inessential markets they can cut from their sales and marketing budgets. Some of the areas that have been hardest hit include the advertis- ing industry, marketing, visualization for architecture, science and research, and manufacturing. "Ironically, although the 3D modeling and animation market has been one of relatively slow growth, it has been more stable than other graphics markets during this economic downturn," says JPR analyst Kathleen Maher, author of the new report. "The market did not grow as fast, but it did not decline as dramatically as other industries involved in digital content creation. In fact, 2008 was a record year for the market." This report includes data on the number of users (casual and professional), market share for the companies, the market segments they participate in, and geographic distribution. The latest edition of the study is available in electronic and hard- copy editions for $3500 (single-user license) or $5000 (full-site license) at www.jonpeddie.com. PRODUCT: PROJECTORS Christie launched its new Mirage WU Series, an expansion to the fi rm's three- chip DLP, 3D active-stereo projectors. The four projectors—the Mirage WU3, WU7, WU12, and WU1—offer more pixels, with WUXGA 1920x1200 native resolution, and brightness options of 3000, 6600, 12,000, and 18,000 ANSI lumens. The WU Series is a purpose-built, cost- effective 3D stereoscopic projector with a 16:10 aspect ratio, resulting in greater display fl exibility. The projectors feature built-in edge blending and Christie Light Output Control for constant brightness tracking and monitoring of lamp output. The offerings also feature comprehen- sive color adjustment, allowing the actual RGB channels in individual projectors to be tweaked for even color matching across multiscreen applications. The optional Christie Twist module for inter- nal image warping allows projection on virtually any screen or surface. The low-maintenance WU Series is compatible with a range of stereo and non-stereo sources. It joins Christie's lineup of high-res projectors for simulation and visualization. Due to their unique image-processing technology, the projectors use far less computing power and work with virtually any computer's GPU, delivering up to 120 Hz output from up to 60Hz input over standard, single-link DVI-D or analog. The projectors are complemented by the new Spyder X20 video processor, which is capable of up to 20 MPX band- width, regardless of image type, and meets multi-windowing, multiple display, and processing requirements. It allows for the rotation of images from any output source to project in landscape or portrait orientation. In addition, the Spyder X20's stereoscopic SSO option can provide seamless displays and fl exibility in a mixed 2D/3D image environment. Pricing for the WU Series monitors was unavailable. Christie Expands Mirage Series

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