SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 14, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Digital Media Net Community Site, creativemac.com, Names Discreet's Desktop Paint and Visual Effects Software Best of Show in Compositing Software Category

Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), announced today that Creative Mac has awarded combustion(R) 2 its "Show Pick" award -- given to the latest and most important compositing software for the Macintosh desktop.

Shipping this month, combustion 2 software is the most recent version of Discreet's award-winning paint, animation and 3D compositing software that offers artists an efficient workflow environment -- making complex visual effects creation on the desktop faster and simpler.

combustion 2 incorporates new multi-format project capabilities for film and video finishing on the Macintosh(R) and Windows(R) platforms -- including 64-bit image-processing, advanced film grain tools, color Look-Up Table (LUT) management and garbage masking -- expanding its compatibility between flint(R), flame(R) and inferno(R), Discreet's Academy Award(R)-winning visual effects systems running on the SGI(R) visual workstation platform.

"The variety and number of tools exhibited at this year's Macworld Expo testifies not only to the viability of Mac OS X as a creative platform but to the dedication of developers serving the creative market as a whole," said Dave Nagel, executive producer of DMN's creativemac.com.

"Discreet's combustion 2 compositing and paint desktop software is one of those rare packages that stands out above so many high-quality applications that brings new and unique capabilities to the platform with its power, flexibility and varied toolset. But combustion 2 is not just about compositing -- its color correction tools, keyer and ability to mix and match color spaces is amazing," said Nagel.

Discreet's combustion 2 also has new toolsets such as a fully editable, interactive schematic view, high-performance OpenGL support and a new 2D particle system with a unique 3D compositing environment. combustion software makes a powerful production partner with Final Cut Pro(R) that provides Macintosh artists and film makers a superior solution for visual effects creation and post-production finishing.

    Pricing and Availability

combustion 2 software for Macintosh and Windows is expected to begin shipping in January 2002 for US$3,495. Beginning February 2002, combustion 2 will sell for US$4,995. The upgrade price from the original version of combustion is US$795 until May 2002, and $1,495 thereafter. For ordering and upgrade information, contact Discreet Sales at 800-869-3504 or 514-393-1616 or visit Discreet at: www.discreet.com.

    combustion Training -- Ignite Your Imagination

Discreet is offering full-day combustion workshops for US$99 per person that provide comprehensive, hands-on training for visual effects artists, video editors and 3D animators. Training cities, dates and registration information are listed at: www.discreet.com/events, or call 1-800-869-3504. North American workshop dates begin on January 14, 2002 and run until April 29, 2002. Seats are limited.

    About Discreet

Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc., is a worldwide leader in digital content creation, management and distribution tools. Discreet develops systems and software for visual effects, animation, nonlinear editing, broadcast production, and integrated infrastructure and workflow solutions. Discreet serves a broad range of markets involved in content creation, delivery, and use, including film and television postproduction, broadcast production, games, animation, multimedia for corporate, government and education, and the rich media for the Web.

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

CONTACT:          Discreet Corporate Communications
                  Kevin G. Clark, 415/547-2457
                  kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com

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