Computer Graphics World articles from November 2007

Computer Graphics World archives from November 2007

Moving forward.(editor's note)
November 1, 2007... In the 1980s, researchers began using a burgeoning technology called "motion capture" for biomechanics analysis. The technology was extremely complex, and the uses (as well as the users) scientific in orientation. Eventually, the technology...

HP highlights new workstations.(PRODUCTS: WORKSTATIONS)(Hewlett-Packard Co.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... HP recently unveiled new additions to its workstation lineup: the xw4550 and xw4600. Optimized for CAD and DCC applications, the HP xw4550 is geared for entry- to mid-level 3D graphics users and can be configured with a range of processor...

AMD offers energy-efficient choices.(PRODUCTS: PROCESSORS)(Advanced Micro Devices Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... AMD recently introduced several new energy-efficient desktop processors designed to reduce power consumption for greater performance-per-watt, offering additional choice for system builders and OEMs looking to differentiate their products and...

Moving on up: motion capture has moved to the forefront in CG films, animated television series, and games.(Motion Capture)
November 1, 2007... In this Part 2 of a two-part series, we look at entertainment-related applications of mocap. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year, two feature films that used computer graphics to create principal characters won Oscars--Happy Feet (Best...

Heroic effects: Imageworks uses performance capture to power stylized CB humans for Beowulf, a next-gen 'live-action' animated film.(Motion Capture: GGI)(Cover story)
November 1, 2007... No one knows whether the legendary warrior Beowulf actually existed--the epic poem describing his heroic acts mixes myth with history--but scholars agree that the characters in "Beowulf" are based on real people. So, too, are the digital...

Master of the game: developers fight for the mantle of first next-generation game.(Gaming)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There's a war erupting in the video game world, one as intense as the fiercest firefight between Halo's Master Chief and the dreaded Covenant. But in this war, the foes are not polygonal characters, but game...

Architects of entertainment: digital and physical set designers discuss the role of CAD in their craft.(Digital Architecture)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] for the most part, the sprawling cityscapes and elaborate buildings created by set designer Vlad Bina, chief executive officer of XY Blue Design, live as bits and bytes in a hard drive, not as wood-and-plaster...

Snowbound: DreamWorks artists tackle a new challenge in Shrek the Halls: snow.(CGI)
November 1, 2007... According to the holiday carol, someone is dreaming of a white Christmas. This season, Shrek, Fiona, the kids, Donkey, and Puss In Boots are dreaming of one too, as they get ready to experience an unforgettable Christmas. In the...

Haunting images.(Portfolio)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The term "digital art" means many things to many people. For some, it invokes visions of an old master painting. For others, it can mean fractals, abstracts, algorithmic stills, and more. For those competing in the...

Wanna play? SCAD panel advises newcomers on careers in gaming and mobile entertainment.(Knowledge & Career)(Savannah College of Art and Design)(Discussion)
November 1, 2007... the Savannah College of Art and Design recently hosted a panel on real-time interactive entertainment and its impact on education and employment. Game designer/ SCAD professor Brenda Brathwaite moderated the panel, which included SCAD's School...

Trio of tools.(RENDERING)(Mercury Computer Systems Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Win * Linux Mercury Computer Systems has debuted three software offerings that provide real-time, photorealistic 3D rendering and raytracing. Targeted at 3D application developers, OpenRTRT is a software development...

Di-O-Matic Voice-O-Matic.(CHARACTER ANIMATION)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Win Di-O-Matichas released its Voice-O-Matic lip-synchronization extension offering for Autodesk Maya and Softimage XSI. Voice-O-Matic delivers believable lip synchronization animation for use in game development, CG film production, visual...

Primatte Chromakey update.(VIDEO)(Digital Anarchy (San Francisco, California))(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Win * Mac Digital Anarchy presents Primatte Chromakey 3.0 for Photoshop, a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Primatte removes bluescreen and greenscreen backgrounds from both still images and footage. The result is the subject...