Alias MotionBuilder 7 tackles high-volume animation productivity

At Siggraph Alias have showcased MotionBuilder 7 software with its newly extended character animation capabilities, improved interoperability with popular 3D packages and productivity enhancements.
Alias claim that MotionBuilder will be the 3D character animation software of choice for artists needing to rapidly produce high-volumes of quality animated content.
Powerful new product features and the expanded benefits of Alias MotionBuilder Pro Platinum Membership, including extended hotline access and improved response times, enable artists to generate professional-level character performance animation.
The new features of Alias MotionBuilder 7 complement the software’s core technologies, including a unique, real-time architecture; non-linear, non-destructive animation layering; and Story Timeline performance environment. New character extensions and visual feedback on rigs give animators greater control over their character setups. Character extensions allow artists to augment their character’s control rig when objects such as tails, wings and props are required. Animators are now able to simultaneously pose or key a character, as well as all attached extensions, seamlessly. Visual feedback on the control rig offers cues that highlight keying, manipulation modes and rig selection, allowing animators to focus on the character in the viewer rather than checking controls on the side. In addition, there are a number of new character manipulation enhancements that ensure synchronisation between characters and their controls, streamlining the animation workflow and shortening the learning curve for new users.
MotionBuilder’s native file format, Alias FBX, allows for unparalleled interoperability between 3D content creation applications, making it a complementary solution that can enhance any existing 3D production pipeline. Alias MotionBuilder 7 contains new functionality that improves its ability to interact with other 3D applications. New constraints, for example, allow users to easily transfer animated character setups between Alias MotionBuilder and Maya.
Alias MotionBuilder Pro contains advanced productivity capabilities, including Live Device Support for multi-stream motion capture devices, data mapping and asset management integration. Additional extensibility and customisation tools include a real-time animation trigger system, Python scripting capabilities and the Alias Open Reality SDK - allowing the creation of pipeline automation and workflow tools that streamline repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
Alias MotionBuilder 7 is scheduled for release in August 2005 and is available in node-lock and floating configurations for the Windows and Mac OS X platforms.
Alias, http://www.alias.com
(SP)