Softimage released three new tools that integrate with Softimage|XSI and other third-party animation products:
-Softimage|XSI BatchUniversal 2.0 processes scenes generated with Softimage|XSI 2.0 and also renders files created by other applications including Maya, 3ds max and Houdini. The product gives teams using different animation tools a way to standardize their processing and rendering pipelines. BatchUniversal uses a scripting, processing and rendering system to process scenes and files on a different system or within a render farm. BatchUniversal is available now, in volume at prices as low as $2,750 US MSRP for dual processors.
-Softimage|XSI Batch 2.0 is an integrated batch rendering environment for Softimage|XSI 2.0, without incurring processing overhead to translate files into an intermediate rendering file format. Batch 2.0 is available for order now with scheduled shipment in March 2002, and will be offered at volume prices as low as $1,495 US MSRP for dual processors.
-Finally, Softimage is licensing copies of mental ray 3.0, the latest version of the stand-alone renderer for generating Softimage|XSI scenes or rendering .mi files from other applications like Maya or 3ds max. mental ray 3.0 is available now, and standalone licenses are available in volume for as low as $950 US MSRP per processor.
