Highlights of the new release include Collada 1.4, a standards-based interchange medium that enables 3D authoring applications to freely exchange digital assets. Version 5.1 now includes full support for the latest high-level, realtime shading languages, including built-in authoring and display of Cg (.CgFX), Collada FX and HLSL (.FX) realtime shaders, as well as support for SAS V.1.0.
SDK enhancements have been made to enable mixed-pipeline deployment. In all, over 200 new SDK features, commands, classes or functions have been added to improve customizability.
The application offers full compatibility with scenes created in Softimage|Face Robot V.1.0, a new production toolset for creating life-like face animation. Support has also been enhanced for the importing and exporting of assets from applications such as Autodesk 3DS Max and Maya. The resulting improvements make incorporating XSI into a games pipelines easier than before.
Version 5.1 is expected to be available later this month.
Customers who purchased any of the three packages of XSI V.5.0 (Foundation, Essentials and Advanced) will be able to download the upgrade at: www.softimage.com/download. Pricing for the new V.5.1 release will be: Foundation, $495; Essentials, $1,995; and Advanced, $6,995.