SpatialNews Press Release
Autodesk VIZ 4 Empowers Designers To Effectively Explore and
Communicate Design Intent while Simplifying Project Workflow
www.autodesk.com
New Rendering, Lighting, and File-Linking Capabilities Elevate the Value of 3D
Visualization Throughout the Design Process
San Rafael, California, January 3, 2002—Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's
leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Autodesk®
VIZ 4 software, a significant new release of the award-winning 3D modeling, rendering,
and animation tool formerly known as 3D Studio VIZ®, is now available worldwide.
Tailoring the latest Discreet 3ds max™ professional 3D animation software solution for
design professionals, Autodesk VIZ 4 introduces new, easy-to-implement lighting
simulation capabilities directly within the application, allowing designers to generate
richer, more compelling images that more accurately convey design intent under different
lighting conditions. This increases the value of 3D visualization for exploring, validating
and communicating design options to clients as well as to the extended project design
team.
Focus on Design Rather Than Computer Graphics Techniques
Unlike previous versions of 3D Studio VIZ, Autodesk VIZ 4 fully integrates a new
generation of global illumination rendering technology and physically based lighting within
the application. Designers can now work more intuitively, focusing on the quality of their
designs rather than on the specialized computer graphic techniques previously required to
render them.
With physically based lighting, designers can position lighting fixtures in their scenes as
they would in the real world, and evaluate the lighting effects of a given design both
visually and quantitatively. Light intensity can be specified in photometric units (for
example, lumens, candelas), industry-standard IES (Illuminating Engineering Society)
data formats for manufactured lighting fixtures, or with daylight standards. Using
Autodesk’s i-drop® technology, customers can drag virtual lighting fixtures directly from
manufacturers’ websites into their Autodesk VIZ scenes.
“I like to use Autodesk VIZ as a process tool, particularly in the preliminary design and
schematic design phases,” said David Cook, project designer for the New York City office
of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK). “I recently used Autodesk VIZ 4 with much
success to visualize the interior of an atrium space for a client presentation. In the past,
incorporating lighting was by trial and error, and it required a lot of time and care to build
the model. But now, with all these tools in one program, it makes the whole process
more fluid.”
Improved Project Workflow
Through its enhanced file-linking functionality, Autodesk VIZ 4 also significantly improves
interoperability with other Autodesk® design solutions, including Autodesk® Architectural
Desktop, Autodesk® Land Desktop, Autodesk Inventor™, and Autodesk® Mechanical
Desktop® software as well as AutoCAD® 2002 and 3ds max itself. This closer product
integration streamlines project workflow for design professionals, making it easier to
iterate designs, moving back and forth from precision drawing to advanced modeling and
rendering.
“VIZ 4 nicely complements our latest suite of building-industry tools, adding value
throughout the design process,” said Phil Bernstein, FAIA, vice president of Autodesk’s
Building Industry Division. “Designers can leverage the models they create in Autodesk
Architectural Desktop to further assess important design issues, such as the implications
of lighting, materials, and textures.”
With Autodesk VIZ 4’s new lighting and file-linking capabilities, not only can designers
create more engaging final presentations, they can also more effectively explore, validate,
and communicate design ideas as they evolve. Autodesk VIZ 4 offers the flexibility to
provide the level of visualization that is appropriate to any design task--from fast
interactive design studies to high-end multimedia presentations.
Product Availability
Autodesk VIZ 4 is available worldwide in International English as of December 20, 2001. A
free, 15-day trial version of Autodesk VIZ 4 is being offered for those who wish to evaluate
the program before purchase. For more information, contact an Authorized Autodesk
Reseller or Autodesk at 800-964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com/reseller.
Within the United States and Canada, Autodesk VIZ 4 is also available through a new
Autodesk rental option that allows customers to purchase a term license for periods of
30, 60, or 90 days. Rental is ideal for customers who have a limited, project-based need
for additional software or may use the program only occasionally; for firms that can be
reimbursed for design costs; or for those who need an extended period of time to evaluate
the product before purchase. Customers may renew the rental license at any time for
another 30, 60, or 90 days, or convert to a perpetual license by paying an additional fee.
Customers may also, of course, let the rental license expire without further obligation. For
more information on renting Autodesk VIZ 4, contact an Authorized Autodesk Reseller.
Customers may also maintain their Autodesk VIZ 4 software through the Autodesk®
Subscription Program. This delivery and maintenance program provides a less disruptive
way to keep Autodesk software up-to-date and provides an easier and more cost effective
way for customers to receive enhancements to their software in more digestible
installments, as they become available, without the individual purchase, implementation,
and training that upgrades require. For more information on how to purchase a
subscription for Autodesk VIZ 4, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription or contact an
Authorized Autodesk Reseller.
About Autodesk
Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world’s leading design and digital media creation,
management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of
markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing,
digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and
creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design
data to work better, faster and smarter. Autodesk is one of the largest global software
companies with annual revenues of $936 million. For more information about the
company, see www.autodesk.com.
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