Autodesk announced two editions of its animation and rendering software at World Press Day: 3ds Max 2009 for entertainment production and 3ds Max Design 2009 for architects, graphic artists and visualization specialists.
Both editions add rendering features, improved interoperability with products including Revit, and tools for animation and workflow mapping. 3ds Max Design 2009 also includes lighting simulation and analysis.
Autodesk Media & Entertainment senior vice president Marc Petit said the separate editions were intended to address the different requirements of entertainment and visualization customers through tailored defaults, learning material and online resources.
3ds Max 2009 adds the Reveal rendering toolset for iterative workflows and the ProMaterials library for surface simulation. It also includes Biped extensions, UV editing tools and improved OBJ and FBX import and export for interoperability with Mudbox, Maya, MotionBuilder and third-party software. Recognize scene-loading technology improves workflows with Revit Architecture 2009.
Technical director Yunus Balcioglu cited the Biped improvements, Reveal rendering and revised OBJ import as useful for quadruped rigs, faster iteration and interchange with Mudbox.
3ds Max Design 2009 contains the features of 3ds Max 2009 except for the software development kit used to integrate the application into production pipelines and build internal tools. The Design edition adds exposure technology for simulating and analyzing sunlight, sky illumination and artificial lighting in support of LEED 8.1 certification.
SHoP Architects designer David Fano said the daylight-simulation and rendering improvements supported architectural visualization, while FBX interoperability with Revit provided a workflow from building-information models into 3ds Max.
Further information was available at http://www.worldpressdays08.com.
Pricing and availability
Autodesk expected English versions of both products in spring 2008. Suggested pricing was €3,900 excluding VAT for either full product and €1,000 for an upgrade from 3ds Max 2008. Availability varied by country.
Between 31 March and 17 July 2008, Autodesk VIZ 2008 subscription customers could move to 3ds Max Design 2009 for €550 excluding VAT. Non-subscription customers using Autodesk VIZ 2006, 2007 or 2008 could move for €1,000 excluding VAT when purchasing a 3ds Max Design 2009 subscription.
Autodesk Subscription for 3ds Max or 3ds Max Design carried a suggested annual price of €550 excluding VAT.
