Cycling '74 Announces Video/Matrix/3D Graphics Extensions to Max

Jul 03, 2002

Cycling '74 has announced its latest product, Jitter, a set of video, matrix, and 3D graphics objects for the Max graphical programming environment.

Jitter provides an unprecedented level of modularity in graphics processing applications. It includes over 120 new objects for describing and manipulating matrix data -- any data that can be expressed in rows and columns, such as video and still images OpenGL-based 3D geometries, text, spreadsheet data, particle systems, voxels, or audio.

Jitter will be useful to anyone interested in real-time and interactive video/3D graphics, data visualization, custom video effects creation, video rendering, and numerous classroom applications, and will dramatically expand the possibilities for Max/MSP owners.

Although the architecture is general, Jitter is highly optimized for use with video data. Jitter includes a robust set of mathematical operators, keying/compositing, analysis, colorspace conversion and color correction, alpha channel processing, spatial warping, convolution-based filters, as well as less traditional video processing objects. Users create modular video processing "patches" out of Jitter components and matrix patch cords in the same way that Max/MSP users create custom audio and MIDI applications.

Jitter includes support for Apple's QuickTime architecture, including the recording and playback of all QT supported file formats, editing operations, import/export capabilities, integrated real-time QT effects, video digitizing, QTVR, file format conversion, and support for QuickTime audio in the Max/MSP environment.

The use of a single, generalized matrix data format (of up to 32 dimensions and up to 32 channels or planes) allows for transcoding data for cross-media experimentation. Text may be interpreted as an image, video images converted to 3D geometries, audio turned into particle systems, video data played as audio. These are only a few examples of the creative power and flexibility of the Max/MSP/Jitter environment.

Jitter supports digital video (DV) camera control as well as input and output via FireWire and provides multiple monitor support for performance situations. Jitter users can develop and share their own unique programs and algorithms, and create standalone visual applications just as they currently do with Max/MSP. A free Runtime version will be available that runs any application created with Max/MSP. Jitter includes a complete set of objects, documentation, tutorials, and a number of useful examples.

Jitter 1.0 is scheduled to be available in August 2002. For existing Max/MSP users, an upgrade to Jitter will cost $395. A bundle with Max, MSP, and Jitter will be available for $850. Educational discounts will be available - contact Cycling '74 for details.