3D animation software.(Snapshot)(Buyers Guide)

In recent months, the industry has been buzzing with news, such as updates and price reductions, surrounding tools for 3D animation. As these pages indicate, today's market bears a wealth of options for professional 3D animators. Whether creating content for films and videos, games, the Web, or another medium, consider the solutions presented on these two pages to aid you in your work. To gain additional information about any of the products listed, visit the corresponding manufacturers' Web sites.

Discreet 3ds max 7

Discreet has begun shipping Version 7 of its 3ds max professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software package. Version 7 benefits not only from an update to Mental Images' Mental Ray Version 3.3, but also from the full integration of the company's own Character Studio advanced character motion tool set. Helping streamline film production, Version 7 also incorporates normal mapping, a technology designed for game development in which detail is added to low-polygon models with high-resolution maps. 3ds max 7 is priced at $3495. Upgrades from Versions 5 and 6 are priced at $1295 and $795, respectively. In other news, Discreet revealed that 3ds max enjoys an installed base of more than 280,000 registered customers, including 3D artists and designers in film, television, games, and visualization. Turn to pg. 44 for a review.

Discreet; www.discreet.com

Alias Maya 6

The latest news surrounding Alias's Maya involves a new agreement with BOXX Technologies whereby Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited software are bundled with Boxx professional workstations. Alias also recently introduced Maya Unlimited for the Mac OS X operating system Now available and priced at $6999, Maya Unlimited combines Maya Complete software with Maya Hair, Maya Fluid Effects, Maya Fur, Maya Cloth, and Maya Live for advanced special effects. Moreover, the company has launched the Maya Membership family--Maya Platinum, Maya Silver, and Maya Bronze Memberships--of programs to provide support, maintenance, and education to Maya and Maya Personal Learning Edition customers.

Alias; www.alias.com