By Andrew Lippe

Autodesk, a provider of 2D and 3D solutions for the media and entertainment industry introduced at NAB, expanded tools to their Inferno, Flame, and Flint visual effects software. The Inferno, Flame & Flint 2009 versions will be released on the show floor with expanded 3D capabilities, enhancements in workflow, and support of multiple formats including P2 and QuickTime.  

“The heart of Autodesk is design innovation,” says Marc Petit, SVP, Media and Entertainment at Autodesk. Autodesk tapped into innovation this year when its software was used during many of the Super Bowl XLII commercials.   Autodesk currently has nine million users worldwide and has taught training sessions to over two million students in over 50,000 schools.

“Our value is interaction with the community,” adds Petit.   Autodesk to further reach the professional community launched a website dedicated to visual effects training entitled MyFirstFlame.com. Autodesk is dedicated to creating a convergence between online editing and VFX.  

Since IBC, Autodesk has spent the last six months creating more interoperability, and creating more efficient workflows for their visual effects systems.  The Inferno, Flame, and Flint now all support P2 MXF file transfer; all contain timeline enhancements including support for Smoke SoftFX, and all include 3D tracking tools for faster match moving.

“We are addressing the needs of the TV and broadcast industry,” says Maurice Patel, head of Industry Management, Media and Entertainment. In the television and broadcast industry, the ability to work hybrid workflows such as P2 is a valuable asset Autodesk now accommodates.

At NAB, Autodesk will also unveil their new $64,000 finishing system, Smoke 2009. Smoke 2009 is designed with Batch FX, which opens up workflow to built complex visual effects. Smoke 2009 also supports P2 and QuickTime codecs

Autodesk also announced, the Toxik 2008 Extension 1. the Toxik extension was built with a new programming language called Pixel Expression Language (PXL). “PXL, was developed so programmers do not have to write their own programming language like C++,” adds Patel. Toxik also is providing video previewing so visual artists can make informed color decisions when designing visual effects. Autodesk can be found at NAB in the South Hall, SL1420.