Foundry ships Nuke 12.2, NukeX 12.2, Nuke Studio 12.2
Foundry has released Nuke 12.2, the latest version of node-based compositing software, adding initial support for importing data in USD format, and a new MOV Writer for importing or exporting .mov files.
Nuke Studio, which adds a multi-track timeline for editorial work, gets Sync Review, a new synchronous real-time shot review system, currently available in beta.
The updates also add a new licence roaming system, making it possible for artists working offline to check out licences from their studio’s floating licence server for 30 days.
The releases were announced during the company’s Foundry Live events during what would normally have been the week of Siggraph 2020, alongside Nuke Indie, a new $499/year freelance edition of the software.
All editions of Nuke 12.2: ingest geometry from USD files via ReadGeo
New features common to all editions of the software include the option to import data in USD format.
The functionality, available via Nuke’s ReadGeo node, enables users to import animated meshes and point clouds, and currently supports both USD and USDA files, including colour, normals and UV data.
Foundry describes the initial implementation as being intended for pulling in key geometry from a USD file, rather than reading in complete production scenes.
The firm says that it plans to extend USD support in future updates, beginning with other key nodes, including the Camera node and TransformGeo.
As with Foundry’s new USD import plugin for Mari, the ReadGeo extensions will be available open-source, enabling studios to author their own custom USD tools.
All editions of Nuke 12.2: licence roaming, new MOV reader
Other changes common to every edition include the new licence roaming system, shown in the video above.
It enables a studio’s floating licence server to ‘check out’ licences so that artists can use them offline for 30 days: for example, when working from home.
The update also introduces a new MOV Reader intended to replace the old mov32 Reader/Writer, which is being deprecated in line with Apple’s removal of support for 32-bit apps in macOS Catalina.
Foundry says that the new system should improve performance and item labelling when importing or exporting .mov files, and adds support for AAC Audio when importing .mov, .mp4 or .m4a files.
Nuke Studio 12.2: experimental new real-time synchronous review system
Nuke Studio users also get Sync Review, a new synchronous real-time shot review system along the lines of RV Sync, cineSync or the latest versions of ftrack.
It enables users in multiple locations to review and annotate footage collaboratively, with everyone having access to live playback and viewer controls, and the option to adjust soft effects or toggle between versions.
The maximum number of users and playback resolution is only limited by hardware and bandwidth: Foundry says that it has tested the system internally with eight people at a time.
Work on Sync Review has been accelerated in response to the number of artists working from home during COVID-19 restrictions, so the feature is still officially in beta.
Functionality due in future updates includes syncing the A/B buffer for side-by-side shot comparisons.
In addition, Nuke Studio can now write DNxHR MXF files, bringing it in line with the functionality introduced in Nuke 12.1.
Pricing and system requirements
Nuke 12.2, NukeX 12.2 and Nuke Studio 12.2 are available for 64-bit Windows 10, CentOS 7.4+ Linux, and macOS 10.14+.
Both node-locked and floating licences of Nuke cost $4,988. NukeX costs $9,928 and Nuke Studio costs $10,758. Rental pricing is also available.
Read an overview of the new features in the Nuke 12.2 family on the product website
Read a full list of new features in the Nuke 12.2 family in Foundry’s online release notes