CellSoft has released Take5, the PC version of the Take2 linetest software. Take5 allows users to capture video camera and webcam images, before playing them back instantly as animation. The timing and order in which the images play can be easily changed, using the virtual exposure sheet. These changes can then be seen with a large playback window, including no need to render the animation. Acting with a similar interface as the Take2 software, Take5 also has full color video quality and unlimited animation levels. Since one can superimpose captured images over the life video source, the software is also a fine choice when creating direct-under-the-camera animations. Click the “More” button to read the press release for Take5.
Since the diminish of the Amiga platform many animators who relied on the ease of use and directness of Take2 have been searching for a suitable replacement. While there are several solutions for linetesting for the Windows platform, animators who have been longing for the Take2 approach to linetesting will be pleased to hear that Take5 has finally arrived.
The basic function of Take5 is to capture images from video cameras and webcams and instantly play them back as an animation. The timing and order of the images can be changed easily on a virtual exposure sheet. Any changes can be viewed in a large playback window without the need to render the animation.
Take5 uses a similar interface as its predecessor which is very efficient for quick linetesting of animation art in progress. It adds full colour video quality and unlimited animation levels as well as export to avi movies. Because the captured images can be superimposed over the life video source, it is also suitable for producing direct-under-the-camera animations.
Basic features:
· Capture from webcams as well as video cameras
· Capture at full video quality for more detailed images
· Adjust the names of the image sequences easily
· Add letterboxing to simulate major image aspects
· View the preceding images with the lightbox feature
· Use an unlimited number of animation levels
· Edit the timing and order of the images
· Play back the scene at guaranteed framerate
· Save as an uncompressed or compressed movie
System requirements:
· A PC with lots of RAM (512MB or more)
· A DirectX9 compatible graphics card
· A DirectX9 compatible video source
· A reasonably sized computer monitor
· Of course a video camera or webcam
· An optional reprostand or tripod
Pricing:
600 euros for a 1 machine licence, 300 for schools
2400 euros for a 5 machine licence, 1200 for schools
5000 euros for unlimited site licence, 2500 for schools
Contact cellsoft@skynet.be for additional information and ordering.
A usable demo can be downloaded from http://users.skynet.be/cellsoft/take5/
About CellSoft:
CellSoft is a small company based in Ghent, Belgium. It has been providing solutions to the animation community for a decade and a half. The company is headed by Geert Vergauwe, who has been in animation for 25 years as an animator, educator and programmer.
