Toronto, Ont., CANADA -- Sumatra (code-name) is Softimage's next-generation 3D system, introducing the first application of Non-Linear Animation (NLA). Sumatra is based on a new,fully-threaded architecture that for the first time integrates modeling, animation,rendering, and compositing into a single seamless environment. Sumatra's fully scalable controls allow artists to work freely at any level of detail, from low-level function curve editing to multi-character choreography.

Incorporates all of the tools and functionality of SOFTIMAGE|3D v3.8, but goes far beyond in terms of sophistication and artistic control. A highly efficient workflow, powerful and intuitive tools, and a suite of fully scalable animation controls combine together into a system designed from the ground up for the digital artist. Yet, despite the many changes and new tools, the essential qualities of its predecessor have been preserved Ñ the feel of the interface, the flexibility of the toolset, and the invitation to explore.

The Sumatra Modeling system is specifically designed for the creation of seamless, fully animatable objects and characters. The Sumatra modeler combines powerful direct surface-manipulation controls with an advanced suite of continuity tools, to guarantee that the results of high-resolution modeling are fully animatable. Artists can easily move between high and low-res models, with full resolution control and consistent attribute preservation. And since operations in Sumatra are completely non-destructive, at any time an artist can edit the construction history, re-order operations, or save them as scripts for later use.

Sumatra introduces a revolutionary new method of animation control called NON-LINEAR ANIMATION. NLA is an editing paradigm which allows animation to be controlled locally - completely independently of the timeline - so animators can work efficiently with individual or multiple animation sequences. In practice, this allows the animator to break down a complex animation into simpler parts that can be reorganized, scaled, mixed, and composited together to form more complex actions. Using NLA, artists can easily animate multiple interacting characters, and focus on the nuances of character choreography and performance rather than only on low-level animation controls.

Sumatra introduces breakthrough interactive rendering technology, changing what was previously a slow and cumbersome process into a completely interactive viewing mode. Artists can fine-tune rendering directly in the perspective view while modeling, texturing, or animating, at any resolution and size required. All rendering attributes - textures, materials, and even motion blur and caustics - can be viewed and modified interactively, so the artist is always working in the context of the scene.

The Sumatra Interactive Rendering Toolset will be released before Sumatra, as a standalone product codenamed "Twister". Twister is designed to integrate into the SOFTIMAGE|3D v3.8 workflow, and provide a powerful transition to Sumatra.

In addition to a full 2D/3D Paint, Sumatra also includes a complete, resolution-independent compositor a first for a 3D animation product. Users can create and render a scene into multiple layers, and have complete compositing, color correction, and live-action integration control over each of the layers from within the same interface.