SAN FRANCISCO, Macworld 2004, Jan 05, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), today introduced combustion(R) 3 for Apple(R) Macintosh(R), the latest version of its award-winning visual effects and 3D compositing desktop software. combustion 3 for the Mac(R) will deliver industry-leading features benefiting customers who produce Web content and professional video motion graphics, repurpose video content for the web, and create effects for independent feature films and HDTV content.

With combustion 3 software, Mac users will be able to experience increased productivity, flexibility and improved workflow through such enhancements as customizable brushes, savable presets, timeline markers, and DV capture and output. Discreet will also continue to work directly with plug-in developers to assure advanced support for numerous plug-ins including superior integration with various Adobe(R) After Effects(R) and Photoshop(R) plug-ins.

    New Features
    -- Editing Operator -- combustion 3 is the first visual effects
       application with integrated editing, removing the need for the user to
       spend time mastering non-linear editing software (NLE) for simple
       editing tasks. Now users will be able to assemble video with
       transitions directly in combustion software without having to use an
       NLE.
    -- Expressions -- The JavaScript-based expressions will allow combustion
       artists to easily create complex animations -- eliminating tedious
       repetitive work.
    -- Flash Output -- Artists will be able to utilize the vector paint and
       animation interface tools in combustion 3 software to create and output
       Flash animations, extending the range of options they can offer to
       their clients.

For a complete list of combustion 3 software's new features go to: http://www.discreet.com/combustion3 .

"combustion was the first desktop software that put powerful, resolution-independent, vector paint, animation and compositing solutions in the hands of graphic designers, animators, visual effects artists and videographers working on Macs or PCs, and version 3 will push the boundaries even further for our Macintosh customers," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager, Discreet and executive vice president, Autodesk.

Pricing and Availability

combustion 3 is expected to begin shipping for the Apple Macintosh in early 2004. Suggested price for combustion 3 software is US $995. Upgrade price from combustion 2 or combustion 2.1 is US $199. For distribution or more product information, please visit www.discreet.com.

About combustion

Discreet combustion 3 offers the creative tools, speed and interactivity that professionals need and artists crave. Vector paint, animation, editing and 3D compositing are combined in an integrated environment based on Discreet's legendary user interface. Designed to satisfy the world's most demanding effects artists and priced to fit within any budget, combustion 3 is the best solution for creating effects and motion graphics for video, film, DVD, and the web.

About Discreet

Discreet empowers media professionals to realize the visual experience and transform their most evocative and ambitious visions into reality. Discreet's award-winning solutions are designed for digital media creation, management and delivery -- across all disciplines from film and television visual effects, color grading and editing to animation, game development, web/interactive, and design visualization. Discreet -- based in Montreal, Quebec -- is a division of Autodesk, Inc, the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company.

Occasionally, Autodesk (Discreet) makes statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products and services. These statements are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services, or features but merely reflect our current plans, which may change. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect any change in circumstances, after the statements are made.

NOTE: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet and combustion are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. /Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Lindsay Stewart of Access Communications, +1-415-844-6217, or lstewart@accesspr.com, for Discreet; or Kevin G. Clark of Discreet Corporate Communications, +1-415-547-2457, or kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Photo    : http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031016/SFTH007LOGO

Lindsay Stewart of Access Communications, +1-415-844-6217, or
lstewart@accesspr.com, for Discreet; or Kevin G. Clark of Discreet Corporate
Communications, +1-415-547-2457, or kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com

http://www.prnewswire.com