Synthetik Software Announces and Ships New Version 2.0 of Studio Artist at MacWorld SF

New Interactive Paint Tools and OS-X Support Lead the Way

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 4 -- Synthetik Software, Inc. today announced the eagerly anticipated new release of its award winning software Studio Artist, the worlds first graphics synthesizer. Studio Artist version 2.0 comes optimized for classic Macintosh OS 8 and 9 as well as the new OS X v10.1 and includes 8 hours of Quicktime video tutorials and instructional guides. A host of new features include a greatly expanded Paint Synthesizer as well as extensive new keyframable Layer capabilities and additional video processing and animation support.

Studio Artist Knows How to Paint and Draw
Developed by Synthetik Software Inc., Studio Artist is the first commercial program for computer artists that incorporates research results from cognitive neuroscience investigations into the nature of visual perception in the brain. The program uses human visual modeling to construct an internal representation from a source image that is used to direct smart assisted painting and drawing. The result is Studio Artist knows how to paint and draw. This includes both still images as well as auto-rotoscoped video sequences.

Studio Artist combines dynamic user-configurable painting and drawing tools along with a complete image processing and video effects suite. A unique hybrid imaging model allows individual paint strokes to have the visual richness of raster paint with the editability of vector paths. Dynamic expressive paint tools or custom art processes can easily be constructed and applied to still images or motion sequences. Users can either paint and draw manually or direct Studio Artist's automatic Intelligent-Assisted painting actions.

The over 2000 factory presets shipped with Studio Artist barely scratch the surface of the potential visual looks and tactile feels that can be created within the program. Each Paint Preset consists of over 300 fully editable parameters that can be individually adjusted to control the look and feel of the paint. These synthesizer parameters can also be interactively modulated while painting. This immense flexibility allows artists to create their own art tools or processes with unique visual appearance based on their own personal tastes.

Image Processing Paint Brushes
Studio Artist 2.0 includes a new core image processing drawing engine that opens up new worlds for designing interactive paint tools and paint effects. A complete configurable image processing toolkit is now available in your pen tip. Design 3-D lighting effects that give your paint strokes the richly textured appearance of thick real world paints. Use pen controlled interactive directional filtering to sculpt and mold your images. Watch amazing cellular texture patterns form before your eyes. The possibilities are unlimited.

Version 2.0 also includes many new image processing effects with fast and easy Preset access. These include new operations such as cartoon simplify, adaptive filtering, gradient modulation effects, new color transformational mapping, white balance, and matte keying. New IP Layer routing capabilities include any of the existing canvas layers as well as the source or current region selection, greatly expanding the range of potential image processing and video effects as well as selection or alpha matte generation options.

New Paint Synthesizer Features
The new Particle Paints allow your pen to be loaded with multiple paint drops with a mind of their own. They can be used to simulate the real world behavior and appearance of flowing liquids. Or, generate stunning patterning effects that respond to your pen movement.

Multi-bristle pens allow you to paint interactively with multiple smart brush bristles. Build up richly textured strokes or get extreme with macrame and multi-thread weaving effects. Push-Pull tilt modulation can simulate pulling or pushing multiple paint brush bristles loaded with rich paint on a canvas for awesome interactive control.

New dynamic brush shape generation uses pen tilt to adjust the brush shape while drawing. Individual paint tools can convey the sensitivity of real world media like air brush sprays or pencil tips by responding to how you hold and manipulate your pen while drawing.

Enhanced Time-Based Effects
Studio Artist 2.0 offers major new enhancements for generating time-based visual effects. Individual layers now offer full alpha support and can be individually positioned within the overall canvas. Layer keyframing includes Bezier paths, position, movie or image background content or source assignment for auto rotoscoping and compositing of multiple video streams. Full support is provided for all Quicktime compression formats. Movie stream output can track the overall canvas or individual layers as they move within the canvas. Bezier path based keyframe warp, morph, and paint animation capabilities have been greatly enhanced.

Paint animation is not just for video effects. Studio Artist's animation capabilities open up a whole new world of potential interaction for 2D artists. Paint animation can be used to perform complex area fills and striking 2D visual effects. Studio Artist's graphics synthesizer is unique in bridging the gap between traditional 2D painting or drawing and motion-based effects.

Studio Artist Released to Rave Reviews
Since its release at MacWorld Expo New York, Studio Artist has received numerous rave reviews and enthusiastic user support, including Best of Show and MacEddy finalist from MacWorld Magazine, Hot Pick from Seybold Seminars, and Editors Choice from Mac Today and PEI Magazine. "The single-greatest art tool available today," said Digital Media Design. "Every tool and effect I experimented with did something fantastic," said Photo Electronic Imaging. "Jaw-dropping amazing," said Videography Magazine.

Price and Availability
Synthetik's mission is to develop innovative software tools for computer artists and creative professionals. Studio Artist's suggested retail price is $379, and is available starting January 8th. Registered Studio Artist users can upgrade to version 2.0 for $179. Orders can be placed by calling 1-888-808-4188 or by visiting the Synthetik web site at www.synthetik.com.

Additional information can be obtained from Synthetik Software Inc., Seven Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96813, 1-866-511-9971 , 1-808-261-1837 (Fax), or by emailing candice@synthetik.com.