FREE 30-Day Trial of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 Software Available Now

3D Artists can experience the full creative toolset in SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 professional 3D software with newly added Hair, Fur and Cloth features

Montréal, Québec – November 16th, 2007 –Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., today announced a new 30-day trial version of SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® 6.5, professional 3D modeling, character creation, animation and rendering software.  This new trial version opens the door for customers to witness the full power and intuitive elegance of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 Essentials software, currently used by industry artists and technical directors (TDs) to create some of the most spectacular 3D content for motion pictures, games, commercials and music videos. The new 30-Day trial version is available in English and Japanese.

FEATURES in the 30-day trial version of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5:

• Advanced Polygon Reduction—allows artists to reduce the size and complexity of any model while maintaining all the details and surface properties of a high resolution model
• Attribute Transfer with GATOR (Generalized Attribute Transfer Operator)—artists can transfer surface properties such as Weights, UV and even Shapes between models, regardless of complexity or topology—all with the push of a button
• Motion Transfer with MOTOR (Motion Transformation Operator)—retarget, transfer and share complex animations or motion capture between characters—regardless of differences in model rigs
• Syflex Cloth—in partnership with Syflex, Softimage offers one of the fastest and most advanced cloth solution in the industry. Integrated in SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 Essentials, Cloth is a perfect companion working with Softimage rigid body dynamics
• Dynamic Hair and Fur—these two new simulation tools allow 3D artists to create realistic looking hair and fur to add to human models or shaggy aliens
• Integrated compositing—the built-in Softimage Illusion Compositor allows 3D artists to layout and test 3D content in context with captured film or video, in preparation for advanced compositing. This integrated solution includes paint, tracking / stabilizing and warp / morph capabilities, to seamlessly blend 2D and 3D

“Content creators—from students to professionals—often spend hours refining their vision in our software environment,” said Bill Roberts, Director of Product Management at Softimage. “As the complexity of 3D content creation increases, SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 software offers production-proven solutions that allow creative teams to not only deliver their projects on time and on budget— but to do it in the most intuitive and artist focused environment.  Offering all of our core tools in a 30-day free trial is the perfect way for customers to truly understand all of the advantages that XSI can offer,” added Roberts.

Availability:
SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 30-day trial is available now for download at: http://www.softimage.com/downloads/

Pricing
SOFTIMAGE|XSI software is for sale in the following configurations:

• SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.02 Foundation: USMSRP* $495 from authorized Softimage resellers or from the Softimage online store.
• SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 Essentials: USMSRP* $2,995 from authorized Softimage resellers or from the Softimage online store.
• SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5 Advanced: USMSRP* $4,995 from authorized Softimage resellers or from the Softimage online store.

All versions are available for download or upgrades from existing licenses or first time 3D customers at http://www.softimage.com/downloads/.

* All prices are quoted in US Dollars. International prices may vary.

About Softimage Co.

Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. provides intuitive, production proven tools that free 3D artists to create the world’s most compelling characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is the most complete and intuitive character animation solution available. Easily integrated into any CG production pipeline, XSI software enables 3D artists to create the most lifelike character performances. SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT® is the first commercial toolset that accelerates facial animation that empowers 3D artists to create, refine and repurpose high-quality, lifelike facial animation in less time than traditional solutions. For more information about Softimage, please visit www.softimage.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company’s Oscar®, Grammy®, and Emmy® award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.

© 2007Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. Digidesign, Avid’s audio division, received an Oscar statuette representing the 2003 Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of its Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, ProTools, SOFTIMAGE, FACE ROBOT and XSI are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.