Elbit Systems Reports Record Second Quarter 2008 ResultsContinued Strong Growth With Record Backlog of Orders and Revenues;Revenues Increased by 39.5% over Second Quarter Last Year to $653.2 Million;Backlog of Orders Over $5 Billion;

HAIFA, Israel, August 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Elbit Systems Ltd. (the "Company") , the international defense company, today reported its consolidated results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441)

The Company's backlog of orders as of June 30, 2008 totaled $5,050 million, as compared with $4,922 million as of March 31, 2008. Approximately 71% of the backlog relates to orders outside of Israel. Approximately 63% of the Company's backlog as of June 30, 2008, is scheduled to be performed during the second half of 2008 and during 2009.

As previously announced, during the second quarter the Company reported two events that in the aggregate had minimal total net effect on net profit. These were a one-time net after tax expense provision of $10 million, related to a court ruling against a U.S. subsidiary of the Company. The other was a significant contribution to net income, due to a high level of revenues generated from the short-term delivery contract revenues in the quarter.

In comparing financial results of the second quarter 2008 to the second quarter in 2007, the following should be noted. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Tadiran Communications Ltd. Following the acquisition, the Company recorded in the second quarter of 2007 expenses of $27.1 million, comprised of $16.6 million in In-Process Research & Development write-off expenses recorded under operating expenses, and $10.5 million in restructuring expenses recorded under cost of goods sold.

Consolidated revenues for the second quarter of 2008 increased by 39.5% to $653.2 million, from $468.2 million in the second quarter of 2007.

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2008 increased by 55.4% to $197.4 million (30.2% of revenues), as compared with gross profit, excluding expenses related to the Tadiran acquisition, of $127.0 million (27.1% of revenues) in the second quarter of 2007.

Consolidated net income for the second quarter of 2008 increased by 31.3% to $31.2 million (4.8% of revenues), as compared with net income, excluding net expenses related to the Tadiran acquisition, of $23.7 million (5.1% of revenues) in the second quarter of 2007. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2008 were $0.73, as compared with $0.56, excluding expenses related to the Tadiran acquisition, for the second quarter of 2007.

Operating Cash flow during the first six months of 2008 was $129.8 million.

The President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman, commented: "I am pleased to report another quarter of strong growth with record financial results, and very significantly, our backlog grew and crossed the $5 billion milestone. While all parts of the business are performing in accordance with plans, our subsidiaries in particular performed well and were an important factor in our improved margins this quarter."

Mr. Ackerman continued, "Company-wide, we continue to improve with sustained growth on both the top and bottom line, driven both by strong organic growth as well as the contribution through our acquisitions. Our goal of building our business into a world-class and globally diversified defense company is ever more becoming an actuality, and we remain confident of our continued success into the long-term future."

The Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.20 per share for the second quarter of 2008. The dividend's record date is August 26, 2008, and the dividend will be paid on September 8, 2008, net of taxes and levies, at the rate of 16.88%.

Conference Call

The Company will also be hosting a conference call on the same day, Tuesday, August 12, at 9am ET. On the call, management will review and discuss the results and will be available to answer questions.

To participate, please call one of the teleconferencing numbers that follow. Please begin placing your calls at least 10 minutes before the conference call commences. If you are unable to connect using the toll-free numbers, please try the international dial-in number.

US Dial-in Numbers: 1-866-345-5855 UK Dial-in Number: 0-800-404-8418 ISRAEL Dial-in Number: 03-918-0688 INTERNATIONAL Dial-in Number: +972-3-918-0688 at: 9am Eastern Time; 6am Pacific Time; 2pm UK time and 4pm Israel time

This call will be broadcast live on Elbit Systems' web-site at http://www.elbitsystems.com/. An online replay will be available from 24 hours after the call ends.

Alternatively, for two days following the end of the call, investors will be able to dial a replay number to listen to the call.

The dial-in numbers are: 1-877-332-1104 (US) or +972-3-925-5948 (Israel and International).

About Elbit Systems Ltd.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current fact. Forward Looking Statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts;governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and the United States among others; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

(FINANCIAL TABLES TO FOLLOW) ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousand of US Dollars) June 30 December 31 2008 2007 Unaudited Audited Assets Current Assets: Cash and short term deposits 427,278 375,700 Trade receivable and others 579,887 555,265 Inventories, net of customer advances 583,544 480,603 Total current assets 1,590,709 1,411,568 Investments in affiliated companies & other 68,454 66,161 companies Long-term receivables & others 337,286 314,568 Fixed Assets, net 370,211 350,514 Other assets, net 615,448 632,799 2,982,108 2,775,610 Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity Current liabilities 1,316,025 1,237,049 Long-term liabilities 1,034,951 982,214 Minority Interest 46,769 20,085 Shareholder's equity 584,363 536,262 2,982,108 2,775,610 ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousand of US Dollars, except for per share amounts) Six Months Ended Three Months Year Ended Ended June 30 June 30 December 31 2008 2007 2008 2007 2007 Unaudited Unaudited (Audited) Revenues 1,269,230 871,758 653,167 468,158 1,981,761 Cost of revenues 903,474 641,266 455,764 341,204 1,454,913 Restructurirng expenses - 10,482 - 10,482 10,482 Gross Profit 365,756 220,010 197,403 116,472 516,366 Research and development 76,124 53,074 38,089 28,981 126,995 expenses, net Marketing and selling 103,303 71,577 53,639 39,206 157,411 expenses General and administrative 77,841 44,418 45,692 24,100 107,447 expenses Acquired IPR&D - 16,560 - 16,560 16,560 Total operating expenses 257,268 185,629 137,420 108,847 408,413 Operating income 108,488 34,381 59,983 7,625 107,953 Financial expenses, net (16,973) (7,962) (12,373) (5,034) (19,329) Other income (expenses), net 4,213 95 117 (18) 368 Income before taxes on 95,728 26,514 47,727 2,573 88,992 income Taxes on income 11,684 12,122 3,762 5,389 13,810 84,044 14,392 43,965 (2,816) 75,182 Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnership 5,946 5,773 3,381 2,373 14,565 Minority interest in (26,682) (1,757) (16,191) (248) (13,038) earnings of subsidiaries Net income (loss) 63,308 18,408 31,155 (691) 76,709 Earnings per share Basic net earnings (loss) $1.50 $0.44 $0.74 $(0.02) $1.82 per share Diluted net earnings (loss) $1.48 $0.43 $0.73 $(0.02) $1.81 per share Company Contact: IR Contact: Joseph Gaspar, Executive VP & CFO Ehud Helft / Kenny Green Dalia Rosen, Head of Corporate GK Investor Relations Communications Tel: +1-646-201-9246 Elbit Systems Ltd. E-mail: info@gkir.com Tel: +972-4 831-6663 Fax: +972-4-831-6944 E-mail: j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com Dalia.rosen@elbitsystems.com

Elbit Systems Ltd

CONTACT: Company Contact: IR Contact: Joseph Gaspar, Executive VP &
CFO, Dalia Rosen, Head of Corporate Communications, Elbit Systems Ltd., Tel:
+972-4 831-6663, Fax: +972-4-831-6944, E-mail: j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com,
Dalia.rosen@elbitsystems.com; Ehud Helft / Kenny Green, GK Investor
Relations, Tel: +1-646-201-9246, E-mail: info@gkir.com

SCM Microsystems Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

ISMANING, Germany, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM Microsystems, Inc. , a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Revenues from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2008 were $6.5 million, up 40% from revenues of $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2007. Revenues for the first six months of 2008 were $13.0 million, down slightly from revenues of $13.1 million for the first six months of 2007. By product segment, second quarter 2008 revenues included $4.9 million from sales of smart card readers and other products for secure network and physical access, compared with sales of $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2007; and $1.6 million from sales of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) digital media reader technology, compared with sales of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2007.

In the second quarter of 2008, sales of the Company's smart card reader products continued to be impacted by weak demand from U.S. government-based smart card authentication programs. Additionally, demand continued to shift away from external reader devices towards readers embedded within laptops and keyboards. Lower U.S. sales of SCM's smart card readers were offset by higher sales in Asia of interface chips for embedded readers, as well as strong sales in Europe of smart card readers, which were balanced across the enterprise, government and small business markets and distributed among several countries. Sales of CHIPDRIVE(R) business productivity solutions were once again strong in the quarter, and SCM's new contactless readers comprised a significant proportion of smart card reader sales.

"There were many signs in the second quarter that our strategy to diversify and expand our customer base is beginning to yield good results," said Felix Marx, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems. "Increases in both sales levels and the number of customers in Europe indicate the success of our efforts to expand sales of our CHIPDRIVE productivity solutions into new geographic markets, and the effectiveness of market development activities in the enterprise and e-government sectors."

Gross margin in the second quarter of 2008 was 43%, compared with gross margin of 29% in the second quarter of 2007. The increase in gross margin compared with the prior year primarily reflects higher revenue levels in the 2008 period, a more favorable mix of higher margin products, including CHIPDRIVE solutions, and product cost reductions.

Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2008, as reported in accordance with GAAP, were $5.1 million, including $0.2 million in severance costs, compared with $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2007, which included amortization of intangibles of $0.1 million and severance and other costs of $1.4 million related to the resignation of the Company's former CEO in June 2007. Higher base operating expenses in the second quarter of 2008 primarily reflect the recent investment in new sales resources in Latin America, Asia, Europe and the U.S. to support the Company's strategy to diversify and expand its sales base, as well as increased spending on new product development.

Operating loss for the second quarter of 2008, as reported in accordance with GAAP, was $(2.3) million, compared with operating loss of $(4.1) million in the year ago quarter.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the second quarter of 2008 was $(2.1) million, compared with EBITDA of $(3.9) million in the second quarter of 2007. (See reconciliation of EBITDA to GAAP accounting contained within this press release.)

As reported in accordance with GAAP, loss from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2008 was $(2.0) million, or $(0.13) per share, compared with loss from continuing operations of $(3.7) million, or $(0.23) per share, in the second quarter of 2007.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at June 30, 2008 were $28.0 million, compared with $28.7 million at March 31, 2008.

Strategic Update

"In May, we announced our strategy to target the worldwide financial services and enterprise markets with new contactless reader products," said Marx. "Contactless technology is changing the way people travel, work, and perform everyday transactions such as purchasing goods and services. SCM has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a significant provider of contactless devices for emerging applications, with our strong background in security, a talented and experienced team and an innovative vision. We have already delivered our first contactless reader, which in only one quarter has begun to generate significant sales. We are encouraged by our progress and remain focused on developing additional contactless solutions and building the sales and marketing capabilities to generate high margin, sustainable growth."

Guidance for 2008

For the second half of 2008, the Company expects to achieve revenue growth between 10% and 27% compared to the second half of 2007. Taken together with sales for the first half of 2008, the Company therefore expects to achieve revenue growth of 5% to 15% for the year as a whole, which would result in total revenues of $32 million to $35 million for the full year. In May 2008, the Company previously announced expected revenue growth of 25-35% and revenue of $38 million to $40 million for the year as a whole. The decrease in expected revenue compared with the guidance given in May is primarily due to weaker demand and the faster than expected shift to embedded smart card readers in the U.S. government market. The Company's projections of revenue growth are based on the release of new products currently being prepared for release, under development or recently released, which are forecast to begin generating increased sales in the second half of 2008. The Company further expects base operating expenses of approximately $20 million to $21 million in 2008, including anticipated further investments in sales and marketing resources and in new product development to address growth initiatives. Within these ranges, the Company currently expects to record operating and net loss from continuing operations for the full year, rather than the announced expectation in May 2008 to record operating and net profit for the full year.

Additional Information

SCM does not plan to hold a conference call or webcast to discuss the results of its 2008 second quarter. For more information on SCM's second quarter results, please see the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About SCM Microsystems

SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells the industry's broadest range of smart card reader technology for secure PC, network and physical access and digital media readers for transfer of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise, consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com/.

NOTE: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include, without limitation, our statements contained above regarding our expectations for the Company's second half and full fiscal year 2008, including specifically our statements regarding our expectations that we will achieve revenue growth of 10% to 27% in the second half of 2008 and revenue growth of 5% to 15% in the full year 2008 compared to prior year levels, based on sales of new contactless smart card reader products in the second half of 2008; that base operating expenses will be between $20 million and $21 million in 2008; and that we will record operating and net loss for the full year 2008. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated herein. Our financial results may not meet expectations. Some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual business and operating results to differ include, but are not limited to, our ability to grow revenues based on a strategy of expanding our sales into new geographic markets and on diversifying and growing our customer base; our ability to successfully develop and introduce new products, particularly contactless reader products, that satisfy the evolving and increasingly complex requirements of customers; sales of smart card readers to the U.S. government market may decline faster than currently expected; sales to a relatively small number of customers historically have accounted for a significant percentage of our revenues; the markets in which we participate or target may not grow, converge or standardize at anticipated rates or at all, including the government, financial and enterprise security markets that we are targeting; we may not successfully compete in the markets in which we participate or target; competitors could take market share or create pricing pressure; and our operating expenses may not be at levels that support profitability. For a discussion of further risks and uncertainties related to our business, please refer to our public company reports, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and subsequent reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Note: CHIPDRIVE is a registered trademark of SCM Microsystems, Inc. All trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

- FINANCIALS FOLLOW - SCM MICROSYSTEMS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Revenues $6,520 $4,647 $12,984 $13,104 Cost of revenues 3,697 3,314 7,478 8,031 Gross profit 2,823 1,333 5,506 5,073 Operating expenses: Research and development 1,043 792 2,078 1,512 Sales and marketing 2,569 1,618 4,730 3,177 General and administrative 1,518 2,879 3,021 4,279 Amortization of intangible assets 0 97 0 272 Total operating expenses 5,130 5,386 9,829 9,240 Loss from operations (2,307) (4,053) (4,323) (4,167) Interest and other income, net 330 412 824 720 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (1,977) (3,641) (3,499) (3,447) Provision for income taxes (1) (32) (48) (92) Loss from continuing operations (1,978) (3,673) (3,547) (3,539) Income (loss) from discontinued operations (26) (102) (151) (119) Gain on sale of discontinued operations 496 1,530 509 1,553 Net income (loss) $(1,508) $(2,245) $(3,189) $(2,105) Loss per share from continuing operations: Basic and diluted $(0.13) $(0.23) $(0.22) $(0.23) Gain (loss) per share from discontinued operations: Basic and Diluted $0.03 $0.09 $ 0.02 $ 0.09 Net income (loss) per share: Basic and Diluted $ (0.10) $ (0.14) $ (0.20) $ (0.14) Shares used in computing loss per share: Basic and Diluted 15,744 15,730 15,742 15,715 SCM MICROSYSTEMS, INC. Reconciliation of EBITDA Calculation to GAAP Accounting (in thousands) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 EBITDA $(2,080) $(3,882) $(3,816) $(3,842) Interest income 174 413 469 811 Provision for income taxes (1) (32) (48) (92) Depreciation and amortization (71) (172) (152) (416) Net loss from continuing operations $(1,978) $(3,673) $(3,547) $(3,539)

We conduct a significant amount of our business in Europe, we are dually traded on the U.S. Nasdaq Global Market and the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt exchange and the majority of our investors are German-based. In addition, our corporate headquarters are in Germany. Based on these factors, we have determined that EBITDA, as defined above, is a relevant measure of performance for the Company, as it is a metric commonly used among companies doing business in Europe and is therefore a helpful tool for communicating our performance to our investors and analysts and for comparisons to other companies in Europe and within our industry.

EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). While we believe that EBITDA is useful within the context described above, it is in fact incomplete and not a measure that should be used to evaluate the full performance of the Company or its prospects. Such evaluation needs to consider all of the complexities associated with our business including, but not limited to, how past actions are affecting current results and how they may affect future results, how we have chosen to finance the business and how regulations and the other aforementioned items affect the final amounts that are or will be available to shareholders as a return on their investment. Net income determined in accordance with GAAP is the most complete measure available today to evaluate all elements of our performance. Similarly, our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, as presented in our most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide the full accounting for how we have decided to use resources provided to us from our customers, lenders and shareholders.

SCM MICROSYSTEMS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) (unaudited) June 30, December 31, ASSETS 2008 2007 Current assets: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 27,991 $ 32,444 Accounts receivable, net 7,228 8,638 Inventories 4,108 2,738 Other current assets 1,483 1,455 Total current assets 40,810 45,275 Property, equipment and other assets, net 3,315 3,289 Total assets $ 44,125 $ 48,564 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $2,733 $3,063 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 7,336 8,185 Total current liabilities 10,069 11,248 Long-term income taxes payable 133 200 Deferred tax liability 81 77 Stockholders' equity 33,842 37,039 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 44,125 $ 48,564

SCM Microsystems, Inc.

CONTACT: Stephan Rohaly, Chief Financial Officer, +49 89 95 95 5101,
srohaly@scmmicro.de, or Darby Dye, Investor Relations-US, +1-510-249-4883,
ddye@scmmicro.com, both of SCM Microsystems, Inc.

Web site: http://www.scmmicro.com/

Autodesk Announces Stitcher Unlimited 2009 and ImageModeler 2009 Software ProductsProvide Advanced Panorama Creation and Image-based 3D Modeling Capabilities

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at SIGGRAPH 2008, Autodesk, Inc. announced Autodesk Stitcher Unlimited 2009 and Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 software products. These are the first versions of the former REALVIZ products to be released as part of the Autodesk product portfolio. Both products are being showcased at SIGGRAPH 2008 in Los Angeles, California, August 12-14 at Autodesk booth #501.

"ImageModeler and Stitcher make 3D technology more accessible," said Marc Petit, Autodesk Media & Entertainment's senior vice president. "They enable the creation of 3D models from simple 2D images, and dynamic virtual environments from conventional photographs. These products are used on many types of projects -- from architecture and photography to film and game development."

Stitcher Unlimited 2009 helps create wide-angle and panoramic images in a few easy steps. With an intuitive user interface and an automatic photo- merging engine, the software is ideal for generating virtual tours for the Web, matte paintings for movies, environment maps for 3D rendering and panoramic prints for artistic display.

ImageModeler 2009 offers a new approach to 3D modeling: generating 3D models from 2D digital images. The software's easy-to-learn, three-step workflow of calibration, modeling and texturing lets users achieve photorealistic results with real-world accuracy.

Testimonials from Beta Testers

"Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 crosses a new frontier in the field of architectural image-based modeling. It offers the possibility of integrating photos and panoramas, for a complete interior and exterior structural survey," said Livio De Luca, research engineer at CNRS, MAP-Gamsau, Marseilles, and professor of Digital Surveying Techniques at the University of Architecture of Venice.

"Since the beginning, Stitcher has consistently been the fastest and most user-friendly panoramic image editor," said Michael Eleftheriades, a UK-based media developer. "It remains the software of choice for our panoramic projects. Autodesk Stitcher 2009, with its graphics-accelerated previews and renders, as well as the new automated features, will make it even more indispensable to our panoramic workflows." Eleftheriades fuses his passions for architecture, virtual reality and computer graphics in the creation of large-scale panoramic imagery for virtual tours, computer games and exhibitions.

New Feature Highlights in Stitcher Unlimited 2009

-- Fully Automatic Engine: Create partial or full spherical panoramas in just a few clicks. Stitching, alignment and color correction can be automated.

-- Double Shot: Stitch images taken with a two-shot fisheye lens; an effective way to create fully spherical virtual tours with only two pictures.

-- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support: Create exceptionally high-quality environment maps and panoramas through the embedded HDR workflow, with support for EXR and HDR input and output.

-- Full interoperability with Adobe Photoshop and support for many industry-standard image, Web and video file formats.

-- Hotspot Support: Create QuickTime VR hotspots for Web content with links that can be integrated within a panorama, and reference another panorama.

-- Tripod Cap: Users can cover up the tripod in their image with an image of their own.

-- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Acceleration: Optimized to take advantage of graphics card GPUs for preview rendering in the main Viewport. The GPU is now also used to accelerate final renders.

-- Selectable Rendering Area: Using the crop tool, artists can precisely select an area to be rendered, even in full-screen mode.

-- Redesigned User Interface and Workflow: Includes new icons and a new palette to manage thumbnails more efficiently.

New Feature Highlights in ImageModeler 2009

-- New Calibration Engine: Generates a 3D model or scene using calibration points based on one or more panoramas or photos.

-- 3D Measurement: The ruler toolset calculates real-world distances and angles between points, eliminating the need for complex laser measurements onsite. This is of particular benefit to architects.

-- High-Performance Photo Texturing: High-quality texture extraction; texture mapping is a one-click, automatic process and photorealism is built- in.

-- User-friendly Interface: The UI color can be customized and source images can be viewed as thumbnails.

-- Improved Interoperability with other Autodesk software products: Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk MotionBuilder and the AutoCAD family of products.

-- Full interoperability with Adobe Photoshop and support for many industry-standard image, Web and video file formats.

For a complete list of what's new in Stitcher Unlimited 2009 & ImageModeler 2009, visit http://www.autodesk.com/stitcher and http://www.autodesk.com/imagemodeler.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Stitcher Unlimited 2009 for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh will be available in English, French, German and Japanese in October 2008. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Stitcher Unlimited 2009 software is $350 USD*. ImageModeler 2009 for Microsoft Windows is expected to be available in English in October 2008. The Autodesk suggested retail price for ImageModeler 2009 software is $995 USD*.

* International pricing may vary. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, ImageModeler, Maya, MotionBuilder, REALVIZ, Stitcher, and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. (C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact: Liz Tjostolvsen, +353(0)85.113.2618 / Roohi Saeed, 514.954.7296

Email: liz.tjostolvsen@realviz.com / roohi.saeed@autodesk.com

Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Liz Tjostolvsen, +353(0)85.113.2618,
liz.tjostolvsen@realviz.com, for Autodesk; or Roohi Saeed of Autodesk,
+1-514-954-7296, roohi.saeed@autodesk.com

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

Autodesk Launches Toxik 2009 Visual Effects SoftwareFeature-Packed New Version Provides Powerful Tools for Stereoscopic Productions and Set Extensions

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. today announced Autodesk Toxik 2009 procedural compositing software. Toxik 2009 offers high-performance compositing and visual effects capabilities, particularly for large-format digital film and television projects. When combined with the new Autodesk Maya 2009 modeling software, the two products provide an accelerated and iterative 3D-to-2D workflow. Both products are being showcased at SIGGRAPH 2008 in Los Angeles, California, August 12-14 at Autodesk booth #501.

"A growing number of post-production facilities are embracing Autodesk Toxik as a companion to Autodesk Maya," said Stig Gruman, Digital Entertainment Group vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "As the entertainment industry grapples with the challenges of stereoscopic production, Toxik 2009 bridges 3D and 2D workflows, facilitating the production of stereoscopic films and virtual set extensions."

Fernando Zorilla, visual effects executive producer at Bling Imaging, said, "We're already working with Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Flame, so Toxik was a natural choice for our pipeline. It gives us the power of a node-based compositor -- necessary for professional, high-end post-production work, along with a look and feel that's completely comfortable." Hollywood-based Bling Imaging creates photo-realistic visual effects, motion graphics and animation for broadcast and motion pictures.

Joerg Bruemmer, head of compositing at PICTORION das werk, noted, "The Toxik software's tight integration with Maya and intuitive color correction tools have improved the way I composite. Toxik lets me focus on finishing shots faster, as I no longer have to worry about data management." PICTORION das werk in Germany offers digital post-production services for film, TV, advertising and music video projects.

New Feature Highlights in Toxik 2009 Accelerated 3D-to-2D Integrated Workflow

Toxik 2009 can generate compositions based on Render Pass and Render Layer setups imported from Maya. Artists can pre-visualize their scene as it will appear when composited, allowing them to only iterate and refine required elements. This accelerates the 3D-to-2D workflow, eliminating unnecessary re-renders and reducing the need for round-tripping.

Stereoscopy and Set Extensions

Toxik 2009 offers new tools that bring a pseudo third dimension to 2D imagery. These tools facilitate the creation of virtual set extensions, and the production of stereoscopic films.

-- Artists can import geometry via the Autodesk FBX file format from Maya or other 3D applications, and project a matte painting or rendered image onto it through the camera. -- The illusion of depth or perspective can be further enhanced through a new mesh displacement feature. -- Render pass setups can be imported directly from Maya. -- Stereo output can be viewed while playing back a scene and while interacting with it. Enhanced Tools for Visual Effects Toxik 2009 offers a range of customer-requested enhancements, including: -- A new Warp 2D tool to deliver advanced, non-linear, spline-based image warping. -- A new Lens Blur tool to change the shape of the lens in the virtual camera, to simulate real-world camera effects such as rack de-focus. -- The ability to view images created in Toxik on Windows on broadcast-quality display devices. Collaboration without Complexity

Toxik 2009 features a new file-based data model, facilitating collaborative workflows without adding complexity for those who prefer to work standalone.

For a complete list of Toxik 2009 features, visit http://www.autodesk.com/toxik.

Product Availability and Pricing

Autodesk anticipates that Toxik 2009 will be available in October 2008. Suggested retail pricing for a single seat of Toxik 2009 (Standalone or Network) is $3,495 USD*. The suggested retail price upgrade from Toxik 2008 to Toxik 2009 is $875 USD*.

*International pricing may vary. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Flame, FBX, Maya and Toxik are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. Contacts: Roohi Saeed, 514.954.7296 / Karen Raz, 310.450.1482 Email: roohi.saeed@autodesk.com / karen@razpr.com

Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Roohi Saeed of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-954-7296,
roohi.saeed@autodesk.com; or Karen Raz, +1-310-450-1482, karen@razpr.com, for
Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

Autodesk Announces MotionBuilder 2009 3D Character Animation SoftwareNew Version Provides Real-Time Simulation Toolset and Enhanced Interactivity for Director-Driven Virtual Cinematography and Animation-Intensive Productions

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At SIGGRAPH 2008, Autodesk, Inc. today announced Autodesk MotionBuilder 2009 software, the latest version of its real-time 3D character animation solution for games, film, and television projects. The 2009 version offers high-quality visualizations within the 3D viewport, an intuitive toolset for real-time simulation, and expanded scripting capabilities for tighter pipeline integration. MotionBuilder 2009 will be showcased at the Autodesk booth (#501) during SIGGRAPH 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center Aug. 12-14.

"Autodesk MotionBuilder 2009 is one of the most significant releases of the software since its inception," said Marc Petit, Autodesk's Media & Entertainment senior vice president. "This version includes improved workflows for technical directors, as well as an increased focus on interactivity with capture, simulation and high quality rendering in real time. It lets animators be more productive, and puts total creative control into the hands of directors and cinematographers."

"Autodesk MotionBuilder has long been one of the most powerful and reliable character animation tools on the market -- both for keyframing and motion capture processing," said Petr Mores, senior animator at Crytek GmbH, and MotionBuilder beta tester. "As an animator, I love the new rigid body physics and Rag Doll solvers in the 2009 version, which help to perfect a multitude of movements that would otherwise be quite painful to capture realistically. Technical directors will also be happy to see the new Python script editor and ability to create custom UIs, which will allow them to fully integrate MotionBuilder into pipelines like ours."

Key Highlights of Autodesk MotionBuilder 2009 Real-time Simulations

Animators now have the ability to perform rigid body dynamic simulations inside the software, giving them a more efficient workflow for producing realistic animations. Support for real-time collisions prevents interpenetration of characters, objects and other scene elements. This is particularly useful for those looking to efficiently edit 3D animations involving characters interacting with objects. Also, the addition of a Rag Doll solver allows users to perform simulations dynamically, such as a character falling and hitting the ground. Artists can control the behavior of their character easily by layering animation on top of this simulation, for increased realism.

Enhanced Pipeline Integration

MotionBuilder 2009 enhances support for industry-standard digital content creation applications, so that both technical directors and developers can integrate the software into a production pipeline and bring data across, quickly and accurately. The Python scripting language now includes a full script editor with syntax checking and command highlighting, which enables technical directors to create custom tools and scripts more efficiently. Enhanced support is also available for workflows involving MotionBuilder and the Autodesk 3ds Max software's Biped system or the Autodesk Maya software's Full Body Inverse Kinematics (FBIK) character rig.

Real-Time Rendering in the Viewport

MotionBuilder 2009 provides support for advanced hardware shaders, improving the quality of the real-time display in the viewport. New Normal Mapping CG shader support allows artists to work with existing normal maps created in Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max or Autodesk Mudbox software and view them in real-time in the viewport. Furthermore, the new Light Attenuation CG shader lets artists achieve greater levels of subtlety and realism by giving them more control over the attenuation and fall-off of their real-time lighting. Also, MotionBuilder now supports version 2.0 of the CgFX library, enabling animators to take advantage of the latest CgFX shader technology.

For a complete list of new features and enhancements in Autodesk MotionBuilder 2009, visit http://www.autodesk.com/motionbuilder.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that MotionBuilder 2009 will be available in October 2008. The software will be available for 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, now including the 64-bit Microsoft Windows Vista Business operating system. The Autodesk suggested retail price for MotionBuilder 2009 software is US$3,995*. The Autodesk suggested retail price to upgrade from MotionBuilder 7.5 to MotionBuilder 2009 is US$995*.

Autodesk Subscription with Gold Support is available for purchase simultaneously with the product or upgrade purchase. The Autodesk suggested retail price Subscription with Gold Support for MotionBuilder is US$795* per year. Subscription with Gold Support customers qualify for access to the latest software updates, valuable product extensions, telephone and web support, a comprehensive knowledgebase and e-learning materials.

*International pricing may vary. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Maya, MotionBuilder, Mudbox and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Python is a registered trademark of Python Software Foundation. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the Association of Computing Machinery, Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: Brittany Bonhomme, 514-954-7419 / Karen Raz, 310-450-1482 Email: brittany.bonhomme@autodesk.com / karen@razpr.com (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Brittany Bonhomme of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-954-7419,
brittany.bonhomme@autodesk.com; or Karen Raz, +1-310-450-1482,
karen@razpr.com, for Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

Autodesk Announces 10-Year Anniversary Release of Maya SoftwareNew Release Provides Stereoscopic Production Capabilities, nParticles Simulation, and Powerful Animation and Productivity Tools

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At SIGGRAPH 2008, Autodesk, Inc. announced Autodesk Maya 2009 3D animation and visual effects software, in celebration of the software's 10-year anniversary. Maya 2009 includes a host of advancements in modeling, animation, rendering and effects that maximize productivity, optimize workflows, and provide new creative possibilities. Maya 2009 will be showcased at the Autodesk booth (#501) during SIGGRAPH 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center Aug. 12-14.

"We are celebrating the work done with Autodesk Maya over the past 10 years by many artists and creative visionaries in film, television production and games, as well as in industrial design and architecture," said Marc Petit, Autodesk's Media & Entertainment senior vice president. "We designed Maya 2009 as a tribute to creative innovation and production efficiency. The new release will allow artists to raise the bar and deliver even more ground breaking computer graphics work."

Mike Romey, senior technical director at Zoic Studios was a beta tester for Maya 2009. "The future of Maya is shining brightly with the upcoming release," said Romey. "Autodesk Maya 2009 will change the way artists think about dynamics, rendering, compositing and pipelines. With the solid mental ray multi-render pass workflow, production will be far more effective. This new workflow will optimize render times for multiple render layers and, in turn, elevate the quality of work. The creation of nParticles builds on the unified dynamics engine introduced in nCloth, allowing for greater integration of advanced effects."

Key Highlights of Autodesk Maya 2009 Complexity Managed

While the complexity and size of scenes continue to rise, Maya 2009 provides new tools to make them more manageable. These tools include the new Maya Assets toolset, which enables users to encapsulate a set of nodes into a single container and publish a view of the data suited to the artist's task. The release also offers a new Render Proxy feature in mental ray, and additional multi-threading work and algorithmic speedups that boost interactive draw, simulation and rendering performance for even the heaviest scenes.

Accelerated Modeling Workflow

Maya 2009 gives modelers and texture artists unprecedented control over polygon modeling and UV texturing through powerful selection management features, efficient modeling workflows and precision UV unfolding and layout options.

Collaborative, Iterative Projects and Pipelines

Tighter schedules and budgets demand that projects and pipelines take full advantage of available resources. Maya 2009 supports collaborative, iterative workflows and promotes data reuse. The software has a new animation layering paradigm that provides animators with increased non-destructive flexibility, as well as an updated Render Pass toolset that offers precise control over render output and optimizes integration with Autodesk Toxik procedural compositing software.

New Creative Tools

Maya 2009 offers an innovative Maya nParticles dynamic simulation module and an extensive Maya Muscle feature set. nParticles is part of the Maya Nucleus Unified Simulation Framework, a ground-breaking approach to creating complex physics simulations that interact directly with each other. Furthermore, to help studios capitalize on the growing popularity of stereoscopic 3D films, Maya 2009 offers a flexible new stereo camera rig, complete with in-viewport stereo viewing.

For a complete list of new features and enhancements in Maya 2009, visit http://www.autodesk.com/maya.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Maya 2009 will be available in English in October 2008. Maya 2009 will be supported on the Windows and Linux operating systems (64-bit and 32-bit versions), as well as Mac OS X for Intel-based Macintosh and PowerPC computers (32-bit version only).

Autodesk suggested retail pricing is US$1,995* for Maya Complete 2009 (Standalone) and US$4,995* for Maya Unlimited 2009 (Standalone). The upgrade price from Maya Complete 2008 to Maya Complete 2009 is US$899*, and the upgrade price from Maya Unlimited 2008 to Maya Unlimited 2009 is US$1,249*.

Autodesk Subscription with Gold Support is available for purchase simultaneously with the product or upgrade purchase. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Subscription with Gold Support for Maya Unlimited is US$1,495* per year, and for Maya Complete is US$1,295*. Subscription with Gold Support customers qualify for access to the latest software updates, valuable product extensions, telephone and web support, a comprehensive knowledge base and e-Learning materials.

For information about Maya learning tools, visit http://www.autodesk.com/learning-tools.

* International pricing may vary. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Maya, and Toxik are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, in the USA and/or other countries. mental ray is a registered trademark of mental images GmbH licensed for use by Autodesk, Inc. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the Association of Computing Machinery, Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO) Contact: Brittany Bonhomme, 514-954-7419 Email: brittany.bonhomme@autodesk.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Brittany Bonhomme of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-954-7419,
brittany.bonhomme@autodesk.com

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

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News archive of November 2009
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