Softimage Announces SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6

Latest software version will offer accelerated animation tools, mixed-pipeline interoperability and collaborative framework for 3D artists and technical directors

Tewksbury, Mass—November 15, 2006—Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that its Softimage, Co. subsidiary has unveiled SOFTIMAGE|®XSI® 6, the latest version of its flagship 3D animation and character creation software. XSI 6 software introduces new solutions for accelerated animation that simplify working with 3D characters and motion capture data. A new collaborative framework in XSI 6 software also allows 3D artists to work together non-destructively, in a studio environment that provides easy integration with other 3D applications.

SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 will support the .NET framework and include integrated C#, an object-oriented programming language, popular with next-gen 3D game developers. The software also offers support for Python, a preferred scripting language used by technical directors for setting up film and visual effects pipelines. In addition, Softimage is working closely with industry partners to offer support for DirectX 10 hardware that will operate on Microsoft Windows Vista once it is available.

“At Blur, our animations and stories are becoming more epic and definitely more complex. We chose to fold SOFTIMAGE|XSI software into our established 3D pipeline for our latest animated short film, ‘A Gentlemen’s Duel.’ We needed a very organized structure for the complex 3D character rigging and a solid animation package,” said Tim Miller, President and founder of Oscar®-nominated BLUR Studio. “By introducing XSI software into our pipeline, our artists were able to bring our characters to life while effectively managing over 1800 parts to each human rig. XSI performed like a champ,” added Miller.

Creating animated 3D visual effects, characters and 3D game titles for next-gen consoles – like the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PLAYSTATION 3 – is becoming increasingly complex. Because it is built on the newest code base of any comprehensive 3D application on the market, XSI software is best suited to operate with next-generation hardware and 3D game development and visual effects pipelines.

Additional highlights of XSI 6 software include:

* Crosswalk – a dedicated toolset that offers extensive asset transfer to and from other 3D software, ideal for today’s mixed pipelines;
* MOTOR – a streamlined way to transfer and move animation and motion capture data between arbitrary XSI rigs and other 3D software character rigs;
* Delta Referencing – a new lightweight production-level referencing solution that streamlines the process of working with and making changes to 3D models and scene set-ups;
* Elastic Reality Warper and Morpher – built into the Illusion compositor in XSI 6 software, this intuitive solution allows artists to ‘distort’ and ‘morph’ images and sequences;
* Quick Shade – a fast way to preview rendering elements with large scale materials management and support for mental ray® 3.5 and an new open framework for integrating third-party renderers.

A full feature list for Softimage XSI 6 can be found at: www.softimage.com/xsi.

“With a next-generation scalable architecture, and the ability to easily fit into existing 3D pipelines, XSI software offers a collaborative workflow environment that underlines our dedication and sole focus to offer the best 3D solutions for the entertainment market,” said Marc Stevens, vice president and general manager for Softimage.

Pricing and Availability
SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 is expected to be available by the end of December 2006 in the following configurations:

* SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Foundation will sell for $495 USMSRP from the Softimage web site or from authorized Softimage resellers.
* SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Essentials will sell for $1,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers.
* SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6 Advanced sell for $6,995 USMSRP from authorized Softimage resellers.

Once shipping, all versions will be available for download for upgrades from existing licenses or first time 3D customers at www.softimage.com/download.

Upgrade Promotion
With the launch of XSI 6, Softimage is offering a special, limited time upgrade promotion. All registered XSI Foundation customers can upgrade to XSI 6 Foundation for $395 USMSRP or XSI Essentials for $1,495 USMSRP until December 20. 2006. For more information about upgrades and maintenance pricing, visit: www.softimage.com to find a local reseller.
About Softimage Co.

Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., delivers innovative 3D character creation and effects tools to animators and digital artists in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its product line includes SOFTIMAGE|XSI, the most advanced 3D animation and character creation software for next generation games & film, and SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT™, the first production for lifelike facial animation, SOFTIMAGE|CAT™, a complete character animation system plug-in, and ALIENBRAIN™, an industry leading production asset management solution for creative teams. For more information about Softimage, please visit www.softimage.com.
About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company’s Oscar®, Grammy®, and Emmy® award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.

© 2006 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for the U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. Digidesign, Avid’s audio division, received an Oscar statuette representing the 2003 Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of its Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, Pro Tools, SOFTIMAGE, FACE ROBOT, CAT and XSI are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. mental ray is a registered trademark of mental images GmbH in the USA and other countries. Alienbrain is a trademark of NXN Software GmbH. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information

Jennifer Goldfinch

Senior PR Specialist

Softimage Co.

Contact via E-mail