Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 1, 2013. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
SilhouetteFX has now released version 5 of its eponymous roto software, which it describes as the gold standard for stereo, rotoscoping, painting and keying.
mocha Pro
For release 5, Imagineer System’s mocha Pro planar-tracking technology and a raster/vector hybrid paint system have been integrated into Silhouette. VFX artists are therefore now intended to have an extremely fast raster-paint system that can automatically paint over footage that has already been modified. In addition, the roto tool is now intended to include semi-automation for 2D-to-3D conversion as well as a new look for shape-based distortion or transformation.
Stereo3D Options
Also new in version 5 are intended to be expanded Stereo3D options, which can be purchased optionally for the tool at an additional cost of 3,995 dollars through the integration of Impact Media’s RealityTools technology. According to the developers, integrating RealityTools into Silhouette gives the tool a comprehensive solution for stereo projects.The Stereo3D node is then intended to make it possible, for example, to generate a virtual camera view.
According to SilhouetteFX, the roto tools in the Stereo3D option are also depth-capable, so that every shape has a depth that can be keyframed. The set of roto tools is also expanded with tools such as tunnels, corridors and ramps.
System Requirements and Price
The Silhouette roto software is compatible with Mac OSX version 10.7 and later, Windows from Vista and 64-bit Linux. Adobe After Effects can be used as a plug-in from CS5. According to SilhouetteFX, release 5 is the largest and most extensive update the software has received to date. You can view all further features and release data here.
A new licence for Silhouette V5 is available for 1,495 dollars; an upgrade from V3/4 or V5 is available for 495 dollars. Download it here.
