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Were you as surprised and concerned about this acquisition as I was? Immediately, I started picturing a number of bad things about a Windows-based 3D company acquiring a postproduction software industry leader, especially one whose fame and fortune is not based solely on Windows-based systems.
Images began to appear in my mind of them abandoning Discreet's SGI-based R&D or the company focusing on compositing for their editor at the expense of audio or other editing functionality. I started to worry about a more 3D animation-like user interface with grid-like keyframe controls and text information too small to be read (ugh!). I worried about a clash of French Canadian culture with California management.
Despite such initial trepidation, however, I am delighted to report that, upon further investigation, this appears likely to be an ideal situation for owners and potential purchasers of Discreet Logic technology.
The Best of res, the Worst of Times
This has been a phenomenal year for Discreet Logic. The trade press raved about the new Windows-based edit*, paint*, light*, and effect* introduced at NAB. Although it may have been slightly overshadowed by the New Media division, the smoke* NAB introduction (shown this month at the IBC exhibition, in Amsterdam) and new software versions for fire*, flame*, and frost* were also both impressive and well re ceived, especially fire*'s ability to upgrade to HDTV. Even the high-end inferno* has achieved greatness in filmmaking (Titanic and Independence Day. I predict a technical Oscar for it soon.
Look at the other aspects of the company. With the New Media division, dealers...