The trial version of Red Giant Software Magic Bullet Instant HD Advanced... okay, that is a REALLY long name! This new plug-in for Adobe After Effects CS3 delivers the highest possible quality conversion for SD to HD and is well-suited to prepare analog source footage and DV video clips for inclusion in HD projects. Instant HD Advanced combines de-interlacing and de-noising; advanced pan and scan; and a super-resolution algorithm for providing actual resolution enhancement. The easy-to-use preset menu helps users choose the right HD and 2K output formats.

Labels: Demo, Instant HD Advanced, Magic Bullet, Red Giant

Harry Frank will get you up to speed with Trapcode Particular through this series of informative and project-focused lessons. Explore emitter types and functions in-depth with motion graphics expert, Harry J. Frank. Go beyond generating your typical particle effect and learn to use Particular in new and interesting ways.

Choose from the download version and the DVD version. The download version is available immediately at checkout and is a great pick for those of you who live outside of North America because you will not incur any shipping. The DVD version will be shipping in a week or two but is available for pre-order.

Download a free trial of Trapcode Particular

Labels: Class on Demand, Harry Frank, Particular, Training, Trapcode

Capture the fun and sun of summer with Barbeque, a free DVD menu and packaging design template set from Eye Scream Factory. The template set includes main and chapter DVD menus in HD, NTSC, PAL, and DV - along with matching disc labels, case inserts, and background images. Easily create new looks and styles by adjusting colors, changing text, and moving layers.

Want to create eye-catching, professional DVD menus and packaging in minutes? Check out Eye Scream Factory's DVD Art Professional which includes 20 themes and 340 templates for DVD menus, disc labels, and packaging designs for your Mac or PC. Easily create new looks and styles by adjusting colors, changing text, or moving layers. Volume I features templates for Children, Holidays, Vacation, Weddings, Locations, and more. Volume II is wedding-themed.

Labels: Eyescream Factory, Free, Templates

San Francisco, CA, July 2, 2008 - Red Giant Software, publisher of Magic Bullet, Knoll Light Factory and Trapcode products, today introduced Magic Bullet Instant HD Advanced (formerly named Instant HD Pro). This new plug-in for Adobe After Effects CS3 delivers the highest possible quality conversion for SD to HD and is well-suited to prepare analog source footage and DV video clips for inclusion in HD projects. Instant HD Advanced combines de-interlacing and de-noising; advanced pan and scan; and a super-resolution algorithm for providing actual resolution enhancement. The easy-to-use preset menu helps users choose the right HD and 2K output formats.

Highlights

Powerful Motion Analysis Instant HD Advanced uses sophisticated multi-vector motion analysis to derive accurate and sharp output frames from interlaced material. In addition, motion vectors drive the super-resolution and de-noising tools to maximize quality.

Resolution Squared Super-resolution is a technique for deriving and improving resolution from multiple frames of video. This method compares each pixel over successive frames, determining true edges in order to deliver sharper details and super-crisp results. Other scalers, including Instant HD and After Effects' built-in scaler, only process one frame at a time.

Multi-Core Support Instant HD Advanced's elaborate image processing would have meant minutes-per-frame render times just a short while ago, but thanks to multi-core optimizations on Intel-based platforms, this tool can render in just over a second per frame on the fastest machines. Now the highest quality conversion is possible on normal desktop machines - no expensive conversion hardware required.

Instant HD Advanced offers much higher quality than Instant HD or the scaler in After Effects thanks to the super resolution features in Advanced. The built-in deinterlacing and denoising controls greatly improve the quality of any interlaced material. Users that need faster scaling get the Instant HD plug-in for After Effects and other hosts as part of Instant HD Advanced package.

For more information, visit the Instant HD Advanced page in Toolfarm's Plug-in Finder.

Pricing and Availability

Instant HD Advanced is available now for $399 USD and support After Effects CS3 on Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X on Intel processors. Current Instant HD, Magic Bullet Suite 2007, and Magic Bullet Suite 2008 users may purchase a cross-grade to Instant HD Advanced for $299.

About Red Giant Software

Red Giant Software LLC (http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/) is a San Francisco-based company that develops professional tools for digital video production. Products are available as plug-ins for popular video editing and effects applications including After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Premiere Pro, and Avid. All tools are based on production-proven technology developed by visual effects veterans.

Labels: Instant HD Advanced, Instant HD Pro, Red Giant

Autodessys released formZ 6.6.0, an update of its 3D application. The Patcher utility is used to patch formZ, formZ RenderZone, and formZ RadioZity from v6.5.0 to the latest version. This release includes makes several fixes in the interface and support for AutoCAD 2008 DWG/DXF files, and other changes. form*Z is available for Mac OS X 10.4 and up (Universal Binary) or Windows.

Download the patch: Mac Patch | Windows Patch

Labels: formz

We strive to be a useful resource for the mograph community from initial purchase through end support. We're in the process of redoing our site, and would like your input! Your responses will not be shared with anyone and will directly impact our future site- and your online experience with us. Your opinions matter!

Answer our brief customer survey and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a free copy of Red Giant's new plug-in, Radium Glow!

Labels: Poll, Radium Glow

Events planned for San Francisco, Milan and Tokyo

SAN JOSE, Calif. - June 25, 2008 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced dates and locations for its MAX 2008/2009 event series. MAX is the premier industry forum for designers, developers and business decision makers focused on creating and delivering rich, engaging digital experiences across mediums and devices. The series begins Nov. 16 to 19 in San Francisco, followed by events in Milan from Dec. 1 to 4, 2008, and Tokyo from Jan. 29 to 30, 2009.

Adobe also launched its call for entries for the 2008 worldwide MAX Awards program, which recognizes the most innovative work from designers and developers around the world. Entries are being accepted through Sept. 5, 2008.

Under the theme, "Connect. Discover. Inspire." the San Francisco event will feature keynotes from CEO Shantanu Narayen and CTO Kevin Lynch, as well as technology "sneak-peeks," business discussions, technical sessions, hands-on workshops, exhibits and networking events. More than 200 sessions will engage designers, developers and business strategists on the topics of:

• Designer/developer workflow
• Cross-media design, including Web, video, mobile, print and interactive
• Rich Internet applications
• Services, components and tools
• Designing for multiple screens

"MAX inspires creatives and technologists to design, build, and share new ways for people to deliver engaging experiences over the Web and on any screen," said Adobe chief technology officer Kevin Lynch. "Nowhere else can passionate members of the Adobe community learn from the best, be on the inside track of breaking industry news, connect with peers and industry experts while discovering cutting-edge technologies."

MAX 2008 promises to deliver a glimpse into the future of digital experiences, enabling designers to dive into the art and science of designing across media, while developers broaden their expertise in architecting, building and deploying next-generation Web, mobile, enterprise and rich Internet applications.
2008 MAX Awards

2008 MAX Awards will honor the most engaging and innovative work from designers and developers using a broad spectrum of Adobe products and technologies. Categories include: Advertising and Branding, Enterprise, Mobility and Devices, Public Sector, Rich Internet Applications, Video, and People's Choice. Adobe is accepting nominations now through Sept. 5, 2008. All entries must be submitted online at www.max.adobe.com/awards/ . To see last year's finalists, visit: www.adobemax2007.com/awards/2007/finalists/ . The 2008 MAX Award winners will be announced on Nov. 18 at an awards ceremony during the North America event.
Exhibits and Sponsorship

Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsoring MAX North America should contact Robb Trost at 1-650-226-0656, robb.trost@gpj.com . For MAX Europe, email sponsorships-europe@max.adobe.com.
Registration

To register for MAX North America, visit www.max.adobe.com/na/reginfo/ . Register before August 31, 2008 to qualify for the early bird discount.

Registration for MAX Europe will open in mid July. More details about MAX Japan will be announced later in the year.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com .

Labels: Adobe, Event