Discreet announced Combustion 2, the latest version of its paint, animation and 3D compositing software. New features include support for new multi-format project capabilities (including video, HDTV, and 64-bit color), an interactive schematic view, an intuitive compositing flowchart designed to make complex visual effects creation faster and simpler, a fully-integrated 2D particle system, an expansive and interactive text and motion graphics module, and garbage masking technology compatible with Inferno, Flame and Flint.
Performance enhancements in Combustion 2 include a new optimized 2D software renderer as well as high performance OpenGL support for Combustion’s new particle system and unique 3D compositing environment, providing on-screen interactivity. Combustion 2 also has a network rendering task manager similar to 3ds max, providing users with an easy way to manage all their background rendering requirements across multiple distributed systems.
Expanded film capabilities include support for up to 16 bits per channel color, 10-bit Cineon files, color look-up table (LUT) and advanced grain management tools. Continuing a strong tradition of product and workflow integration, Combustion 2 offers parallel workflow with Discreet’s real-time online solutions and serves as a great companion application to Discreet 3ds max and Edit desktop animation and editing solutions. Combustion 2 runs on both Macintosh and Windows platforms with included support for Mac OS X.
Combustion 2 is expected to be available end-of-year 2001, at the same list price as version 1 — US $3,495. The upgrade price from Combustion 1 will be US $795. For ordering and upgrade information, contact Discreet Sales at 800-869-3504 or 514-393-1616 or visit Discreet at www.discreet.com.
