Autodesk ships RV 2021
Autodesk has released RV 2021, the latest version of the image viewer and shot playback system provided with its Shotgun production tracking system, adding support for Python 3.
The update moves RV to annual version numbering, and introduces a new system of ‘Available Previous Versions’ for studios who want to use a single build of the software throughout the course of a production.
A high-performance image viewer and playback system for VFX and animation production
Originally developed by Tweak Software and acquired by Autodesk in 2015, RV is a high-performance image viewer and playback system designed for VFX and animation work.
The main change in RV 2021 is support for Python 3.7.6, in line with the CY2020 spec for the VFX Reference Platform, which Autodesk adopted in RV 7.5 last year.
The update also deprecates Shotgun Review, the old combination of the Shotgun Media App, browser Overlay Player, and RV Desktop Media Player, also known as SG Review.
Autodesk has now relocated its “key workflows” – including the Import Cuts tool and the Python console – to “other parts of the review ecosystem”, as set out in this forum thread.
New annual version numbering and system of change-locked Available Previous Versions
RV 2021.0.0 also moves the software to annual version numbering – under the previous scheme, it would have been RV 8.0 – and introduces a new system of ‘Available Previous Versions’.
Studios wanting to use a single build of RV throughout the course of a production can now choose the latest Available Previous Version, which has been “locked to minimise breaking changes”.
The current Available Previous Version is RV 7.9. Autodesk plans to designate a new AVP once per year.
Pricing and system requirements
RV 2021.0 is available for Windows 10, CentOS 7.4+ Linux and macOS 10.12+. A floating or node-locked RV solo perpetual licence costs $299. Other standalone pricing is listed here.
A Shotgun subscription costs $30/account/month for an ‘Awesome’ account and $50/account/month for a ‘Super Awesome’ account, which provides extra security and support options. Both include RV.
Read a full list of new features in RV 2021 in the online documentation
Read more about Available Previous Versions of RV on the Shotgun forum