REALVIZ releases updated version of VTour

Schiedam NL & Annapolis FR, May 26th, 2006
For immediate release

REALVIZ®, a leader in image processing software development, is pleased to announce that a new patch up-date is now available for VTour. The software, which launched in March 2006, draws on the award-winning technology of Stitcher® and ImageModeler®, and offers users of all levels an innovative and effective solution for the creation of photo-real 3D environments from 2D pictures or panoramas. Version 1.0.1 of VTour includes an number of significant additions, including the improved capability to create Web-compatible projects, as well as an updated SPi-V3d viewer. The Patch is available free of charge to all existing VTour owners. New users may also purchase this latest version until 31. May 2006 at the reduced price of 300 €/$ 340 (normal list price 499 €/$ 580)*.

Starting directly from digital photographs, or from full 360-degree panoramas (created using Stitcher, for example), VTour facilitates the creation of 3D scenes such as interiors, or urban areas using polygonal photo-textured primitives. The results can be exported/published as either a 3D movie, or as an interactive application using 3D viewers such as the Shockwave® based SPi-V3d viewer. VTour has been specifically developed for use in a wide range of applications, such as virtual walkthroughs, 3D simulation, virtual reality, urban planning and video games, and is also well suited for the creation of virtual sets for film and television.

Version 1.0.1 of VTour now offers users the capability to create stunning photo-realistic web-content of only a few mega bytes in size, easier and quicker than ever before. It is now possible to reduce project file sizes by a ratio of 2 to 3, without any resulting loss of quality. Texture compression quality can now also be edited for even greater control. Version 1.0.1 also corrects a small number of known bugs and the problem previously encountered when importing Cylindrical QuickTime® VR. Version 1.0.1 of VTour runs on Windows®. A Mac® version is scheduled for September 2006.

In addition, version 1.0.1 now also includes an updated SPi-V3d viewer, for improved compatibility with Apple® Mac® computers. The SPi-V3d viewer was developed for use with VTour by fieldOfView as an extension to their SPi-V engine, a versatile viewer technology focused on interactive panoramas. The viewer combines the panorama viewing and interactivity features of the SPi-V engine with the unique ability to step outside the center of the panoramic image offered by VTour. Available as both standalone applications for Windows and Mac OS X, and as a Shockwave movie for browser based distribution, the SPi-V 3d player allows VTour users to instantly explore the 3d models exported by the application as Shockwave 3d files, and offer the same experience to a wide audience.

VTour users interested in getting the most out of the SPi-V3d viewer may visit the SPi-V developers resource at: http://www.fieldofview.com/spv-dev.

VTour Availability & Discount Offer Details:

VTour is currently available in English for Windows 2000/XP. A Macintosh version is also scheduled for September 2006

* To take up the Introductory Discount Offer, please go to:
http://www.realviz.com/purchase/buyonline/shopstep1.php?selected=REALVTF
(Offer ends 31. May 2006)

To find out more about VTour, please visit: http://www.realviz.com/products/vt/index.php, or contact our sales team at: sales@realviz.com

About fieldOfView

fieldOfView of the Netherlands is a company that provides technologies to create immersive panorama experiences. fieldOfView's flagship product is the SPi-V engine. This panorama viewing engine was created to leverage the support of modern 3d hardware acceleration offered by Adobe's Shockwave for the panoramic imaging field. When fieldOfView released the first version of SPi-V in 2004, it was the first publicly available, hardware accelerated panorama viewer, running on both Windows and Mac OS platforms. Built on Adobe's Shockwave 3d platform, the engine benefits from its long history as a stable and versatile multimedia deployment platform, and its competitive browser install base.
www.fieldofview.com

About REALVIZ

REALVIZ is a leading developer of image based creation software based in Sophia Antipolis, France; with satellite sales offices in Los Angeles, London and Paris. REALVIZ develops a suite of image-based content creation solutions for the film, broadcast, gaming, digital imaging, architecture and Internet communities. Derived from years of research efforts at the renowned INRIA Lab in France, the company's applications enable 2D and 3D artists to easily and cost-effectively tackle complex digital imaging projects. REALVIZ' award-winning products are used by thousands of professional photographers, as well as leading production and effects houses, web design, game development and architectural companies worldwide, including Boeing, Daimler Chrysler, The Orphanage, Inc, Cinesite, Framestore CFC, Sony Imageworks, Warner Brothers Animation, Electronic Arts, Duran Duboi and many others.
www.realviz.com