SAN ANTONIO, Jul 22, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Discreet Showcases New 3ds max 5 software; Unveils character studio 4; New Versions of inferno, flame and flint, and plasma for 3D Web Designers

Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced its program line-up for SIGGRAPH 2002 in San Antonio, highlighting its continued leadership in two critical markets: Animation -- with new releases of 3ds max 5 and character studio 4 software and Visual Effects -- with new releases of inferno 5, flame 8, flint 8. With SIGGRAPH being the ideal conference for unveiling technology and market innovations, Discreet will showcase plasma -- its new 3D web design software that extends and enhances traditional 2D web design with a unique 3D approach. Also this year at SIGGRAPH, Discreet celebrates the 10th anniversary of Discreet flame visual effects system -- a decade of visual effects excellence.

    Animation

Discreet's animation strategy focuses on correct tools and interfaces for the wide range of users and markets in 3D, all of which will be demonstrated at the SIGGRAPH conference.

3ds max 5 software will enable animators to reach new levels of realism, interactivity and workflow with features such as multiple radiosity (global illumination) tools, interactive dynamics, new character animation enhancements, direct 3D mesh caching, and many others.

character studio 4 -- The upcoming extension package for Discreet 3ds max software contains significant new features including nonlinear animation mixer, industry-first Quaternion function curves, and an animation analyzer and fixer that identifies the finer aspects of an animation for correction.

plasma -- Discreet is driving a new market by introducing 3D to web designers, Flash artists, and game developers with plasma software, Discreet's 3D web design software that leverages the award-winning functionality of 3ds max to support a web designer's UI and an extended toolset

    Visual Effects and Compositing

Discreet will electrify SIGGRAPH visual effects and compositing professionals in film, broadcast and video with new releases of inferno, flame and flint. New version 5/8 enhancements include: mixed resolution support that enables artists to create without format boundaries; a new timeline for additional editing capabilities for sophisticated, multi-layered effects and composites; unified animation channel for ease and control; and greater 2D/3D integration capabilities with support for Kaydara's FBX file format.

combustion 2 software continues worldwide market adoption as the preferred desktop 3D compositing, paint and animation solution for Macintosh(R) and Windows(R) platforms. Released in January 2002, combustion 2 has been used in a range of feature films, television commercials and programs and has won recent awards such as The Animation Magazine 'Seal of Excellence', Macworld '4 and 1/2 Mouse' rating, and CreativeMac.com 'Must Buy' distinction.

"This year, at SIGGRAPH, we are demonstrating our continued leadership across multiple markets encompassing animation, visual effects post production and streaming distribution," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Discreet and executive vice president, Autodesk, Inc. "With our new product releases, Discreet clearly demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of providing customers with the latest technology to fuel their creative needs."

Discreet will showcase its range of animation and visual effects solutions in booth #8062 at the SIGGRAPH convention center in San Antonio, Texas from 23 July to 25 July, 2002.

    About Discreet

Discreet empowers moving media professionals to realize the visual experience, transforming their most evocative and ambitious visions into reality. Its range of award-winning systems and software is developed for digital media creation, management and delivery -- across all disciplines from visual effects and editing to animation, game development, web and interactive. Discreet is based in Montreal, Quebec and is a division of Autodesk, Inc., the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. Product and corporate information is located on the Internet at www.discreet.com.

Note to Editors: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet, 3ds max, combustion, character studio, flame, flint, inferno, 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:          Discreet Public Relations
                  Kevin G Clark, 415/547-2457 
                  kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com
                  or
                  Access Communications
                  Lindsay Stewart, 415/844-6217
                  lstewart@accesspr.com

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