Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/426320
4 cgw n o v e m b e r . d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4 S P O T L I G H T LUXION OPENS DOORS WITH KEYSHOT 5.1 Luxion, a developer of advanced rendering and lighting technology, has released KeyShot 5.1, the latest iteration of its real-time raytracing and global illumination so ware. In May 2014, Luxion launched the pivotal release of KeyShot 5, introducing KeyShot Cloud and features to further increase the speed in creating high-quality visuals. KeyShot 5.1 brings new procedural textures and options, Sørensen Leather materials, and Federal Standard colors, with the ability to edit patterns, render all cameras, and view sets. It also adds new support for touch-enabled devices and Retina displays, as well as for PTC Creo 3.0 and Cinema 4D. KeyShot 5.1 is available immediately for download as a free upgrade to all customers with a subscription. Key- Shot pricing starts at $995 with Pro versions and add-ons for animation and interactive KeyShotVR capabilities. THE FOUNDRY STARTS A NUKE EVOLUTION The Foundry has unveiled Nuke 9, the biggest shake-up of its Nuke technology, including the brand-new addition of Nuke Studio. The off ering brings node-based VFX, editorial, and fi nishing into a new single-studio application, as well as provides core upgrades to the advanced compositing workfl ows of Nuke and NukeX. Users can run a whole project from a single desktop, even while sitting with a client, and use Nuke Studio's collaborative controls to share work with a wider team and manage this from a central, integrated location. NukeX and Nuke Studio also include an overhaul to the planar tracker to include a new region-tracking algorithm, plus updates to the vector generator, motion blur, and Kronos tools with the addition of a new motion-estimation algorithm based on Ocula technology. Nuke 9 began rolling out during the end of November 2014. XSENS REDESIGNS ITS MOCAP PRODUCT LINE Xsens, a 3D inertial motion-tracking technology company, has introduced a new wearable motion- capture product line to deliver fast, production-ready 3D data to professional animators. Featuring two fully redesigned systems and a 4.0 version of its so ware, the new Xsens MVN product line brings faster setups, cleaner data, and tougher materials designed for daily use. MVN Link, Xsens' full-body, camera-less mocap suit, has been rebuilt to handle more strenuous conditions. It includes Kevlar-reinforced wires, ultra-small and lightweight trackers, fast on-body data buff ering, and a battery life of 9.5 hours. MVN Awinda is Xsens' strap- based system, ideal for animators who want to capture motions on the fl y. Individual wireless motion trackers are attached to straps that can be quickly snapped on over clothes or easily exchanged among actors to record for up to 6.5 hours. MVN Studio 4.0, Xsens' so ware package, which features pat- ented 3D motion-tracking technologies, tracks height in real time. Pricing for Xsens' MVN starts at $12,000.