Softimage XSI

Infobox Software
name = SoftimageXSI
logo=


caption = Screenshot of SoftimageXSI
developer = Softimage, Co.
latest_release_version = 7
latest_release_date = June 7, 2008
operating_system = Windows, Linux
genre = 3D computer graphics
license = Proprietary
website = [http://www.softimage.com/products/xsi/ www.softimage.com]

Softimage|XSI is a high-end 3D graphics application developed by "Softimage, Co.", a subsidiary of "Avid Technology, Inc.", which is used predominantly in the film, gaming and advertising industries for the production of 3D environments and scenes.

Three different versions of the software have been developed by "Softimage" to cater to the differing needs and budgets of users: Foundation, Essentials, and Advanced. Additionally, the Advanced version is available at an educational discount price for qualifying students, faculty and institutions.

A further two versions of the program have been developed for the game modding community called "Softimage|XSI Mod Tool" [ [http://www.softimage.com/community/xsi_mod_tool/default.aspx "SOFTIMAGE|XSI Mod Tool version 4.2"] , Avid, January 2006] and "Softimage|XSI EXP for Half-Life 2". The latter version of XSI was developed in close collaboration with "Valve Software" to allow the game modding community to create content specifically for "Half-Life 2".

Core features

"Softimage|XSI" is based around 8 core feature sets.

openXSI

As with all high-end 3D graphics applications a core feature of XSI is its customizability and extensibility. This is provided through a scripting interface which provides access to the core functionality of XSI and enables users to tailor XSI to meet the specific needs of a production environment. While "Alias" decided to develop their own scripting language called "Maya Embedded Language (MEL)" for "Maya" and added Python functionality only recently, "Softimage" incorporated existing scripting languages within XSI. Support is given for JScript, VBScript, Python, PerlScript, ScOps, and OMScripting.

Custom extensions to XSI called plug-ins can also be developed to add new features and tools through the use of a C++ SDK API and the "Custom Display Host" API can be used to incorporate proprietary applications into the XSI environment.

XSI files can be written and read using the "dotXSI" file format and "File Transfer Kit" (FTK).

XSI workforce

A related set of tools grouped under "XSI workforce" are provided with XSI to enable greater productivity when working in teams:

*"Net View" is an integrated web browser which can be used to view documentation and other files while working on a project. Additionally it can be used to display complex HTML-based user interfaces e.g. to invoke scripts that interact with the scene.
*"Synoptic View" is an HTML-based custom user interface technology.

XSI performance

Non-modal interaction (meaning that multiple dialog boxes can be opened to modify multiple parameters on a model) enables users to work iteratively and non-destructively. Visual properties can also be set on a per-object basis so that scene display and updates can be optimized while working on a scene.

rendercore

The core of the rendering system is based on "mental ray" which has been tightly integrated within XSI. All advanced "mental ray" features can be rendered in any viewport while interactively working on a model. Distributed rendering is also supported and a web-based render queue management system called "BatchServe" is provided to manage batch rendering of scenes in XSI. Additionally the plug-in architecture of XSI allows custom plug-in renderers and display engines to be hosted.

mixer

XSI can also be used for animation. Animatable inputs can be mixed, blended, layered, and edited using the "Animation Mixer", and audio-playback features can be used to achieve lip-synching for character models. The "Character SDK" provided with XSI can be used to customize character creation, animation, and editing.

XSI intuition

The XML-based UI engine provided with XSI can be used to optimize the user's ability to interact with XSI's tools.

XSI fx

Similar to "Houdini's" earlier integrated compositor, COPs, the "FX Tree" in XSI provides 2D raster and vector based resolution independent paint tools. It is based on Avid Media Illusion technology.

Xgs

Real-time shading languages such as "Cg" and "HLSL" have been fully incorporated within XSI so that artists can see exactly what the final output will look like without leaving XSI.

Game Development

Softimage|XSI has been used numerous times for game development in the past. Clients have included the likes of Valve Software and Pandemic Studios.

*Half-Life 2
*Star Wars Battlefront
*Star Wars Battlefront II
*Virtua Fighter 5
*Metal Gear Solid 4
*Lost Planet
*Resident Evil 5

Film and Video

SoftImage|XSI has also been used in numerous film and television productions.

*Transformers Movie
*Coca-cola Commercials
*M&M Commercials

References

External links

* [http://www.softimage.com/products/xsi/ Official Website for Softimage|XSI]
* [http://www.softimage.com/products/modtool/ Softimage|XSI Mod Tool]
* [http://www.xsibase.com "XSI Base.com"]
* [http://www.edharriss.com XSI tutorials at "Ed Harriss.com"]
* [http://www.3dbuzz.com Look, Listen Learn - XSI Video Training and much more]
* [http://www.xsiforum.de German XSI Community]
* [http://www.xsiforum.com xsiforum.com Spanish forum]
* [http://www.xsiitalia.com/ Xsi Italy - Italian forum]
* [http://www.xsiarabia.com/ XSI Arabia - Softimage User Community In The Middle East ]
* [http://softimage.wiki.avid.com/index.php/Main_Page XSI WiKi]