Alias

Alias was a software company producing high-end 3D graphics software, initially for SGI Irix.

Licensing

Alias used a homegrown licensing system from at least version 3.1 (1991) until version 6.0 (1995). Version 7 used a combination of the old licensing and FLEXlm, and by version 7.5 the conversion to FlexLM seems complete, just as SGI was integrating FlexLM with Irix 6.2. While cracks and key generators became available for FlexLM licensed Alias products, very little was known about the old licensing until recently.

License encoding, checksum and version character

An example of the old style licensing keys is provided in the Alias 6 manual (not an actual working license, however checksum valid): Axyz987uvw987tuvbcd456abc. The key consists of a version check character (here "A"), the actual encrypted data ("xyz987uvw987tuvbcd456ab") encoded by a algorith similar to Base58 and finally a checksum character ("c"). The encoding uses a specific character set (23456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijkmnopqrstuvwxyz), which removes certain characters which can be confused on entry (0, O, l). A Base58 encoder/decoder can easily be modified to produce "Alias encoding".

To calculate the checksum, the first character in the character set is assigned a value, starting with 2 = 0, 3 = 1, ... A = 9 up to z = 57 - this "table" is used for the odd numbered characters in the license string (first, third, fifth etc.). Every even numbered character in the license string uses the same character set, but a different "table". The character set is table consists first of even numbers from "2" (assigned value 0) to and including "V" (assigned value 38), and the odd numbers from "W" (assigned value 1) to and including "z" (assigned value 39). Every character is counted, including the first version check character and final checksum character. The sum of all the character values has to be divisible with 58 to pass the checksum check. To achieve this, the final "checksum character" can be manipulated freely to make the sum divisible by 58. As mentioned, the final character is not part of the encrypted data.

Around Alias PA 4/3.2.2 a first version character was set to indicate version, and is checked by the software, possibly for troubleshooting. The version number is not part of the encrypted data, and each Alias version seems to change the encryption keys, so that you cannot in any case use a key for a previous version with newer software. E.g. you can manipulate the version character ("A") to later version and update the checksum character accordingly (change the final "c"), however the decrypted license will still contain garbage, as the decryption keys are wrong for other versions - even if the version check is passed. In Alias 3.1, there is no version character, so you only get an error regarding invalid license. Alias 6 licenses start with "I", Alias 5 licenses start with "G" and Alias PA 4/3.2.2 licenses start with "E". Letters inbetween seem to have been used for beta versions, e.g. a license starting with "H" would be for Alias 6 beta, "F" for Alias 5 beta etc. The last character (here "c") is a checksum character, and not part of the encrypted string.

License encryption

The data is encrypted/decrypted using what seems to be standard DES-encryption in 1-bit mode.

Raw license data

The raw decrypted license data in binary from v 3.1.1 (04/92) onwards is as follows:

Binary	Explanation
1	start of license
0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000	32 bits sysid, e.g. 69 12 34 56. Set to 00 00 00 00 means sysid=ANY (up to v 4.1 at least FF FF FF FF is used instead), but this only works if this is a network license provided by "skd" (Security Key Daemon)
0	FLK - floating key field (also called PSK field), should only be "1" if license is provided by "skd", the security key daemon, with a dongle attached. This flag must be 1 if hostid=ANY, see above. However, if the flag is set to 1 without SKD being contacted, you will get an error
0000 0000 000	Expiry time, 11 bits, if zeroed out = permanent license
1111 1111	Font key 8 bits
1111 ...	Software features - the number of bits depend on the version of the software

Version 3.1 (07/91) has a slightly different license data format:

Binary	Explanation
1	start of license
0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000	48 bits sysid, e.g. 08 00 69 12 34 56. Set to FF FF FF FF FF FF means sysid=ANY, but this only works if this is a network license provided by "skd" (Security Key Daemon)
0	FLK - floating key field (also called PSK field), should only be "1" if license is provided by "skd", the security key daemon, with a dongle attached. This flag must be 1 if hostid=ANY, see above. However, if the flag is set to 1 without SKD being contacted, you will get an error
0000 0000 000	Expiry time, 32 bits. Only checked if network license provided by skd, it seems. Otherwise these bits should not be included in the license, as they are not expected and will be misinterpreted (unlike v 3.1.1 and later).
1111 1111 1111 1	Font key 13 bits
1111 ...	Software features - the number of bits depend on the version of the software

Regarding features, v 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.2 and 4.0 check for "host class" features, i.e. hardware features, including license features for system type, CPU type and graphics type. The licensed and actual hardware needs to match 100%. For example if you have other or more hardware features in your license than needed for your system, you will get a license failure. You can see the host class features required for your system by running "getid -i".

The "host class" check seems to have been removed from v 4.1 onwards. This is not surprising, as previously any hardware change may have required a completely new license from Alias, including support calls etc.

Release history

PowerAnimator/Maya/StudioTools

Version	Hardware	O/S	Release date	Price	Significant changes (selected)
StudioTools 13	Studio, AutoStudio, SurfaceStudio, DesignStudio, EvalViewer, Renderers	IRIX 6.5.24	November 2005
Maya 6.5			January 2005
StudioTools 12			October 2004
Maya 6			April 2004
StudioTools 11			December 2003
Maya 5.0.1			October 2003
Maya 4.5			July 2002
StudioTools 10			June 2002
Maya 4.0.2			January 2002
Maya 4.0			June 2001
StudioTools 9.7 (Studio, AutoStudio, SurfaceStudio, DesignStudio, EvalViewer, Renderers)		IRIX 6.5.8-6.5.12	29/05/2001		StudioTools 9.7 will not run at all under any version of IRIX prior to IRIX 6.5. As of version 9.0 the 3DCD no longer ships with Studio. Customers with a 3DCD from a previous product release can continue to use that material in their work. A StudioPaint 9.5 compatibility module is shipped with StudioTools 9.7 allowing for file compatibility between StudioPaint 9.5 and StudioTools 9.7. This module is installed automatically if StudioPaint 9.5 is detected at time of installation.
StudioTools 9.6			December 2000
StudioTools 9.5.2			June 2000
Maya 2.5.2			March 2000
Maya 3.0			February 2000
StudioTools 9.5 (DesignStudio, Studio, AutoStudio and SurfaceStudioTM)			Announced February 2000, released March 2000		Changes Integrated Paint DesignStudio, Studio and AutoStudio for the Windows NT platform will include integrated pencils, markers, brushes and airbrushes, allowing concept sketches to be drawn over engineering criteria so that proper scale and proportion are maintained throughout the process. In addition, SurfaceStudio for Windows NT will provide a selection of multi-colored pencils for annotating surface models. Other New Tools in StudioTools 9.5 Global Deformation - a point on the surface of a model can be aligned to a point in 3D space and the entire model will adjust while all surface boundary conditions of tangency and curvature are maintained across trimmed surfaces saving users days of work. New Round Tool - a robust tool that builds accurate, constant and variable radius circular fillets across multiple surface edges and complex corner blending scenarios using a topology based technique. Iso-Angle - helps users test for surface imperfections with tremendous accuracy by interactively replicating the effects of applying a linear light source to a surface. Trim Convert - converts a trimmed surface to a natural surface for better control at boundary conditions. Construction History and Trims - allows trimming of surfaces with construction history and interactively updates the trimming operation with any changes to the surface's history. Fit Scan - produces a close initial approximation to fit surface patches to section data as required for the technical surfacing workflow when working with section data from physical models. Clear Coat - real time rendering technology that simulates the look of painted metal, typical of automotive paint finishes.
Maya 2.5			November 1999
Maya 2.0			June 1999
Alias 9.0 (DesignStudio, Studio, SurfaceStudio, AutoStudio, PowerAnimator, EvalViewer, Renderers)		IRIX 6.2 and higher	November 1998
Maya 1.5			October 1998
Alias 8.5 (Studio, Designer, PowerAnimator, Animator, Autostudio, Render S/W)		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5	January 1998		Composer/Vizpaint on separate CD's
Maya 1.0			January 1998
Alias 8.1 (Studio, Designer, PowerAnimator, Animator, Web|Animator, AutoStudio, Render Software)		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4	April 1997		Composer/Vizpaint on separate CD The V8.1 release is fully qualified and supported only under IRIX 6.2 and some higher OS/Hardware configurations. Eight-bit graphics configurations are not supported.
Alias 8.0 (Studio/Designer/PowerAnimator/WebAnimator/Animator/AutoStudio/Renderer)		IRIX 6.2 and IRIX 6.3	January 1997	Designer $7,495, Studio $24,995 and AutoStudio $74,995	Composer/Vizpaint on separate CD Changes New Technology Innovations Alias|Wavefront introduced exciting new technology that sets a new standard for integrated CAID software: Cloud Fit™ - Designers can create 3D geometry from scan 'cloud' data collected from a physical model. Surfaces can be constructed that snap to the cloud data. Designers are free to modify the physical prototype or the 3D model - whichever best suits their process - and still have access to accurate geometry. This unique integration of Cloud Fit technology within a CAID program is only available from Alias|Wavefront. EvalViewer™ - A powerful tool that enables designers to evaluate and process cloud datasets. The EvalViewer is a standalone utility which facilitates working with very large cloud datasets. Capable of exceptional performance, the EvalViewer enables the designer to display, manipulate and cut sections through very large cloud datasets. The cross-sections can be imported into Studio or AutoStudio for highly accurate surfacing. Features That Enhance Productivity Studio 8.0, Designer 8.0 and AutoStudio 8.0 include the following features that streamline workflow by refining the fundamental way computers are used throughout the design process resulting in significantly increased productivity: Curve Creation & Editing Tools - A series of specialized tools that automate a number of routine yet complex tasks into simple one-step processes for creating and editing curves. Blend curves, for example, is a new feature that maintains relationships between curves so that as the designer refines the curve, intersections and continuity relationships are automatically maintained. Query/Edit History Tool - With one mouse click, designers can identify and launch the specific tool that was used to create a particular geometric element. This feature accesses the built-in history mechanism which makes it easier to modify the design, specifically in environments where multiple designers collaborate on a particular design. Integrated Design Process Alias|Wavefront also introduced the following features that ensure that design concepts can be created and modified as an integrated part of the product development process: Layers - A familiar concept to Product Data Management systems and CAD users, the introduction of layers enables designers to structure and label their models in a manner that corresponds directly to engineering model formats. As a powerful communication and organization tool, layers enable designers to display groups of data in different colors and with different attributes. Draft Angle/Flange - Designers can now test a model, within the CAID software, to ensure that it conforms to the specifications indicated for specific manufacturing processes to ensure it will not result in die-lock. Designers can also easily build flange surfaces that follow a specified edge. STEP Translator - The STEP standard is gaining popularity as an internationally recognized ISO standard. Alias|Wavefront now supports the STEP protocol for configuration controlled 3D assemblies (AP203) and automotive designs (AP214). New Data Exchange Technology - The 8.0 releases include new data exchange technology for direct transfer of Alias|Wavefront data files with upcoming releases of CATIA® software products by Dassault Systemes. With the data exchange technology in place, designers and engineers will be able to exchange and share data directly between Alias|Wavefront geometric models and CATIA. The goal is to enhance the collaboration between creative designers and mechanical engineers during the product design process.
Alias 7.5.2			November 1996		Fix-on-Fail only
Alias 7.5.1			October 1996		Composer 4.0.3/Vizpaint 3.2.5/awxfiles 1.0.3 also included
Alias 7.5		IRIX 6.2	September 1996	PowerAnimator starting at $9,995	Composer 4.0.1/Vizpaint 3.2.2/awxfiles 1.0.3 also included Changes Interactive Display Performance - Display performance has been improved through optimization and algorithm modifications that now allow animators to deform objects and move clusters of points much more interactively. To accelerate the positioning and animation of objects, animators can view a simplified version of their complex model so they can rapidly experiment with changes. Rendering Speed - With a newly tuned rendering engine that features memory usage reductions and speed enhancements, PowerAnimator Version 7.5 delivers significantly faster rendering times. In addition, there is a finer degree of control over anti-aliasing available which allows users to explore more rendering options without facing time penalties. New Inverse Kinematics (IK) - The IK system has been redesigned to allow character animators to quickly build and refine character motion. The new system provides for a fast unique solution without the need for an extra pre-computation process. Additionally, animation skeletons now have handles which specify the range of segments to be included in a particular motion. For example, animators can easily define motion that will involve only the arm and not the torso of a figure. Generalized constraints on movement and rotation can also now be applied to any object instead of just skeleton joints. Advanced Scene Block Diagram - The Advanced Scene Block Diagram (ASBD) is a convenient tool for animators to view a complex scene as a hierarchical block diagram. The ASBD has been designed to provide more intuitive, flexible and powerful control P critical to accelerating the animation process. Using simple drag-and-drop technology, animators can now easily copy characteristics of one model to another. Animators working on complex scenes can customize the freeform layout, select key areas of interest and collapse unnecessary information out of the way. They can also use a convenient annotation layer to make notes on the diagram to improve the management of complex projects. Improved Action Window - Animation workflow within the Action Window has been greatly improved by a host of changes including: context sensitive marking menus, simplified hot keys, animated channel displays, and color-coded channel graphs. Selection Handles - Selection handles can now be added to any object or group within the scene, greatly simplifying and accelerating an animatorUs workflow by providing easy and direct access to all levels of a modelUs hierarchy.
Alias 7.0.1/7.0.1a	Last version for Personal Iris (4D/20, 4D/25, 4D/30, 4D/35), Power Series (4D/100, 4D/200, 4D/300, 4D/400) and Indigo (R3000). Last version for any hardware with 8-bit graphics.	IRIX 5.3	March 1996
Alias 7.0 (Studio/Designer/PowerAnimator/Animator/AutoStudio/Renderer)	Qualified hardware: Indigo2 incl. High Impact (not R10000), Crimson, Power Series, Onyx, Challenge, Personal Iris, Indy, Indigo, Power Indigo2 R8000	IRIX 5.3, IRIX 6.0.1	November 1995		Changes The highlights of the new release of PowerAnimator are: New UI - We introduced a new icon-based user interface designed to speed up an animator's workflow by reducing the number of mouse clicks for the most frequent operations, giving you single click access in almost all cases. Among many other helpful features, the new UI lets you store the most commonly used tools on a customizable tool shelf which can be configured for the job at hand. Alias users who have had a chance to play with the new UI at trade shows have found that they were able to use the new UI without training or documentation and were able to work much faster than before. New Online Context Sensitive Help - We have enhanced online documentation so that you can quickly get the help you need, including a "movie" of how the particular tool is used, which we feel will help both new and experienced users work much faster. Cut, Copy and Paste - Provides non-graphical editing of animations of hierarchical objects without the need to open the Action Editor. Booleans - Our modeler now supports Boolean operations on objects, such as subtract, intersect and union. Polygonal Booleans - Version 7 lets you trim polygonal surfaces against each other to produce new polygonal surfaces. Automatic Polygon Reduction - Now you can adjust the coarseness of a polygonal model while preserving the shape, profile and curvature. You can also specify whether small details, like landing gear, should be preserved. Enhanced Quantizer - The color quantizer has a new user interface that lets you display, manipulate and adjust the original and quantized images as well as modify the color map using standard color controls. ShapeShifter<tm> - ShapeShifter lets you blend the shapes of two or more 3D models by moving simple sliders for precise control over how much each one influences the final model. Improved Dynamics - In V7, dynamics has been enhanced to calculate the rotational velocity, due to torque, in both collisions and freefall. Collisions have been enhanced with a new algorithm that supports multiple objects simultaneously colliding, rather than simply two at a time. The solver also now handles certain situations more robustly; eg, objects that roll or slide on collision, or collisions that are instantaneous. Improved Particle Systems - Particles can now emit in fully shaded mode in the interactive package, with full color/transparency/size, and very respectable screen refresh rates -- you can interactively tumble around the scene and immediately see how adjustments to various parameters affect the particles. Curve Networks Enhancements - Curve Networks has been enhanced to include support for triangular regions, T-junctions, and the addition of "influence curves" for sculpting capability. OpenAlias<tm> Plug-in Architecture - OpenAlias is a new plug-in interface in V7. An extension to the Alias executable and the OpenModel API, it allows programmers to add custom code to Alias which is then accessible by the user through the Alias menu system. It provides full C and C++ access to all of the information created in the interactive package, including 3D models, animations, cameras, lights, and textures. Keystone support - PowerAnimator now supports the Silicon Graphics Inventor 3D data format for input and output, in addition to existing support for the Avid Open Media Framework (OMF) data format for 2D imagery. In addition to all the new features and the improved workflow, we've also done a lot of performance enhancements. For example, things like the time slider and cluster evaluation/drawing/deleting have been sped up a bunch. In a related announcement, we also introduced StudioPaint 3D for adding precise textures and detail to 3D models. StudioPaint 3D and PowerAnimator V7 work together for sharing of models, textures, etc. Everyone has to judge for themselves, but the reactions from customers who have had a close look at what's in V7 have been overwhelmingly positive. I hope this makes what's new in PowerAnimator V7 a little clearer. John Tank Alias
Alias 6.0b	Last version for IP17 Crimson with VGX or VGXT graphics.	IRIX 5.3	September 1995
Alias 6.0a			April 1995
Alias 6.0			January 1995
Alias 5.1.1	Last version for IP17 Crimson with GT or GTX graphics	IRIX 5.3	October 1994
Alias 5.1			July 1994
Alias 5.0			March 1994
Alias PowerAnimator and Animator 4.1, Alias Studio and Designer 3.2.2 and Alias AutoStudio 1.0.1			October 1993
Alias PowerAnimator and Animator 4.0, Alias Studio and Designer 3.2.1 and AutoStudio 1.0		Requires IRIX 4.0.1 (or higher). IRIX 4.0.5 required for XS/XS24/XZ/Elan/Crimson	February 1993
Alias PowerAnimator, Animator, Studio and Designer 3.2		Requires IRIX 4.0.1 (or higher). IRIX 4.0.5a required for XS/XS24/Elan/Crimson	October 1992
Alias PowerAnimator and Studio 3.1.1-b, Alias Animator and Designer 2.0-b		Requires IRIX 4.0.1. IRIX 4.0.4 required for XS/XS24/Elan/Crimson	April 1992
Alias 3.1	SGI Power Series 4D/*10, 4D/*20, 4D/*40, 4D/*80, SGI Personal Iris 4D/20,25 and 4D/30,35. IBM RS/6000 320, 520, 530, 540, 550, 730, 930 (hardware according to available license features)	Requires 4D1 3.3.2	July 1991

StudioPaint

Version	Hardware	O/S	Release date	Price	Significant changes (selected)
StudioPaint 9.1		IRIX 6.5.4			StudioPaint 9.1 is compatible with PA/ST 8.1, 8.2, 8.5, 9.0 and Maya 2.0 and Maya 1.5
StudioPaint 9.0		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5.1			StudioPaint 9.0 is compatible with PA/ST 8.1, 8.2, 8.5, 9.0 and Maya 1.5 (with plugin).
StudioPaint 4.0		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.0 (on Octane and O2)			Compatible with PA/ST 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, and 8.5(with compatibility module). Eight-bit graphics configurations are not supported. We recommend a minimum of 128MB RAM to run StudioPaint3D 4.0 effectively. Unless otherwise stated, the maximum resolution setting for the graphics card is 1280x1024. Multi-headed configurations are not supported.
StudioPaint 3.3		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4			StudioPaint3D 3.3 is compatible with PA/ST 8.0. and 8.1 SP3.3 will load and run under IRIX 5.3 and many systems (Indy, Indigo2 Extreme) are problem-free in this configuration. However, should you encounter a graphics related problem (such as picking not working as expected or portions of the display not being refreshed correctly), the Assist Hotline will only be able to recommend that you "upgrade to IRIX 6.2 (or 6.3 for O2's) including any indicated patches." Assist will still be able to answer questions about the functionality of the package. Whether you choose to run SP3.3 under IRIX 5.3, IRIX 6.2, or IRIX 6.3 it is crucial that operating system patches be applied in order to rectify known problems that will seriously impede the usability and/or stability of SP3.3. Please see the Qualification Chart for exact details.
StudioPaint 3.2		IRIX 6.2			StudioPaint3D 3.2 is compatible with PA/ST 7.5, 7.5.1, 7.5.2. SP3.2 will load and run under IRIX 5.3 and many systems (Indy, Indigo2 Extreme) are problem-free in this configuration. However, should you encounter a graphics related problem (such as picking not working as expected or portions of the display not being refreshed correctly), the Assist Hotline will only be able to recommend that you "upgrade to IRIX 6.2 including any indicated patches." Assist will still be able to answer questions about the functionality of the package. Whether you choose to run SP3.2 under IRIX 5.3 or IRIX 6.2, it is crucial that operating system patches be applied in order to rectify known problems that will seriously impede the usability and/or stability of SP3.2. Please see the Qualification Chart for exact details.
StudioPaint 3.1		IRIX 5.3, 6.2	May 1996		StudioPaint3D 3.1 is compatible with PA/ST 7.0 & 7.0.1. Even though it's not yet qualified on a Solid Impact, SP3.1 can be run on a Solid Impact on Irix 6.2 by setting the following env variables: ALIAS_SP_EMULATE_LOWEND 1 GVERSION GL4DNP-6.2 USE_SOFT_TEXTURE 1
StudioPaint 3.0	Indigo2 HighImpact, Indigo2, Indigo, Indy Power Series (4D/nn0), Crimson, or Onyx with one of these graphics (Hardware brushes and other advanced features are included on all these systems): VGX with FX (alpha planes) option, VGXT, VTX, RE, RE2	IRIX 5.3, IRIX 5.3 for Indigo2 IMPACT	November 1995		Released with Alias 7.0
StudioPaint 2.0			January 1995		Released with Alias 6.0
StudioPaint 1.1	Crimson VGX, Power Series VGX (4D/nn0 VGX) Crimson VGXT, Power Series VGXT (4D/nn0 VGXT) Crimson RE, Power Series RE (4D/nn0 RE) Onyx VTX, REII	IRIX 5.2	July 1994		Released with Alias 5.0a (July 1994) and 5.1.1 (September 1994)
StudioPaint 1.0.1	Crimson VGX, Power Series VGX (4D/nn0 VGX) (Irix 4.0.5A) Crimson VGXT, Power Series VGXT (4D/nn0 VGXT) (Irix 4.0.5A) Crimson RE, Power Series RE (4D/nn0 RE) (Irix 4.0.5H) Onyx VTX, RE2 (Irix 5.1.1.2)	IRIX 4.0.5A/H, IRIX 5.1.1.2	March 1994		Released with Alias 5.0
StudioPaint 1.0			January 1994

Composer

Version	Hardware	O/S	Release date	Price	Significant changes (selected)
Composer 5.5		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.4	1999		Composer 5.5 will NOT run under IRIX 5.3 at all. Eight-bit graphics configurations are not supported. Composer 5.5 is compiled N32. Minimum System Requirments: R4400+ processor with native OpenGL hardware, or R5000 Indy, with 128Mb RAM.
Composer 5.0		IRIX 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.	November 1998		Composer 5.0 will NOT run under IRIX 5.3 at all. Eight-bit graphics configurations are not supported. R4400+ processor with native OpenGL hardware, or R5000 Indy, with 128Mb RAM. https://download.autodesk.com/us/maya/qualcharts/composer_5.0.html
Composer 4.5			May 1997	$9,995	Changes New Power Tools Composer 4.5 features new powerful effects capabilities, including: Motion Blur - artists can seamlessly match the motion blur in live action footage by adding visual artifacts to the digital elements of the scene to simulate the blur associated with real movement. With powerful versatility, the motion blur technology allows the artist to control the style, direction, and detail of the blur and can be applied to the full image, digital layers and text. Lens Distortion - artists can control the effect of lens distortion by adding it to the computer graphic elements to match existing lens distortion in the live action plates or by removing it from the live action footage. Composer uses algorithms based on actual lenses used in cinematography making it easier to create a seamless match between live footage and 3D effects. Time Warp - artists can increase or decrease the duration of a sequence by adjusting time curves without any impact on the integrity of the movement sequence.
Composer 4.0.3			October 1996
Composer 4.0			June 1996	$7,995	Changes Composer Version 4.0 features new powerful effects capabilities, including: TrueTrack(TM) - The Composer motion tracking system eliminates the time consuming process of manually attaching a computer effect to every frame in a scene or renting time on costly high-end post production systems. TrueTrack calculates the motion path of a specific tracking point within a scene and expertly attaches the effect by automatically following the same motion path. TrueTrack follows the logical motion path of an object to the next frame even if it momentarily disappears as in the case of a vehicle traveling under an overpass. The number of options and parameters for setting the tracking system provides the special effects artist with the ability to fine-tune the process to the unique requirements of any specific scene to get the desired results. Image Stabilization - Minimizes the effect of undesirable camera movement by stabilizing a scene to smooth out hand-held jitter or shaking movements. This allows scenes with different levels of camera motion to be adjusted and edited together for seamless continuity. Traveling Mattes - Interactively create mattes, which can be interpolated over time to produce feathered animated mattes that can be adjusted to follow the motion in a scene. Bezier controls for size, shape and fills provide an advanced level of controls to achieve any specific effect. Film Grain - A robust process for adding film grain to computer generated special effects that will be applied to a scene. Matching the film grain gives effects the same texture and feel of the live action footage so they appear to be a seamless part of the scene. The user interface provides an intuitive set of controls to make matching film grains as easy as selecting the type of film stock being used. Color Correction - New color correction technology enables the artist to correct colors animated over time to maintain continuity within a scene. Histogram views and color-specific control channels provide precision adjustments of color changes. Region of Interest - Allows artists to select an area of the scene to test an effect quickly and accurately before applying it to the entire picture. The ability to test an effect on a segment of the total image encourages fast exploration of creative ideas despite the large size images used in feature films. User Interface Enhancements - Composer Version 4.0 offers an improved user interface that incorporates many time-saving features, including: DAG View - a graphical overview of image effects in the form of a process tree; Collapsible Events - an advance system for collapsing complex information to reduce screen clutter; Lockable and Programmable Swatches - enhanced speed by accessing Composer player directly.
Composer 3.6			November 1995		Included with Wavefront 4.2
Composer 3.5					Demo version available on SGI Hot Mix 10 CD (April 1995) and Hot Mix 11 CD (July 1995)
Composer 3.0			June 1994 date in Hot Mix binary.		Demo version available on SGI Hot Mix 8 CD (June 1994) and Hot Mix 9 CD (October 1994)