Archive for June, 2007

Vcom3D Introduces Sign SmithTM Studio 3.0

Friday, June 29th, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Cindy Barson
Vcom3D, Inc.
P 407.737.8488 x121
E cindyb@vcom3d.com

VCOM3D INTRODUCES SIGN SMITHTM STUDIO VERSION 3.0

Orlando, FL, June 29, 2007 — Vcom3D, Inc. brought Sign Smith Studio to the world of educators, researchers, and developers in late 2002. Studio is the world’s first system for creating animated sign language. In the summer of 2007, we take it one step further. Sign Smith Studio Version 3.0 will have the best of everything. The user interface is crisp and intuitive. The behavior controls provide the user with a simplified approach to adding facial expressions, gaze, mouthing or lip-synching and adding in co-signs. The pièce de résistance is the new export to video feature.

Sign Smith Studio Version 3.0 will give the user a process to export to QuickTime movie, Windows Media Player video, or AVI in just a few clicks. From here, the possibilities are endless – making Vcom3D true to its promise to “Author Once; Use Everywhere”.

The Sign SmithTM Studio authoring tool was designed to provide educators, instructional system designers, and anyone who creates content the tools to bring the magic of 3D characters that communicate through sign language to the PC. No previous animation or programming experience is required. Signed English translations are automatically generated. Authors who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) can create content that incorporates the signs, facial expressions, mouthing and eye gaze that are integral to communicating in ASL. The SigningAvatar® animated characters communicate your multimedia in sign language.

“Sign Smith Studio is very beneficial in the educational environment for creating curriculum-based signed text, developing transliterating skills, providing greater access for families to ASL and increasing comprehension of English print,” says Julie Longson, Instructional Technology Specialist at Gallaudet University. “I believe this is opening more doors to accessible digital communication for deaf people.”

“Research has determined that the average Deaf or Hard of Hearing high school student reads at a fourth grade level. For these learners, it is critical to provide sign language access to education, training materials, and the Web. Our Sign SmithTM products fulfill that need with engaging animated 3D characters who communicate using sign language. It is our focus to offer tools to help equalize education, training and employment opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” says Carol Wideman, President and CEO of Vcom3D, Inc.

About Vcom3D, Inc.
Vcom3D, a software tools and technology company based in Orlando, Florida, develops award-winning Sign SmithTM products that utilize engaging animated 3D characters who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) or Signed English (SE), and deliver rich, full access to Deaf and Hard of Hearing users. Vcom3D’s Sign SmithTM Studio authoring tool assists developers of educational resources, training courses and Internet websites in making their content accessible to Deaf learners. The company also provides Vcommunicator authoring tools and run-time software with characters that communicate through lip-synched speech, body language and action. These characters act as online virtual mentors and in role-playing simulations that improve learning outcomes.

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Vcom3D, Inc. Launches Latest Revolutionary Software Applications

Friday, June 29th, 2007

ORLANDO, FL., June 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Vcom3D is pleased to announce the release of the Vcommunicator® Authoring Suite and Sign Smith StudioTM 3.0 on June 29, 2007. Each tool provides users, regardless of computer animation or modeling experience, the ability to quickly and cost-effectively animate 3D characters for a variety of training and media applications. The release marks the initial commercial availability of the Vcommunicator Studio software which has previously been delivered to the U.S. Military.

“We’re very excited to debut these latest versions of our flagship products,” says Carol Wideman, Vcom3D’s Chief Executive Officer. “With their ability to simplify life-like virtual character creation, our global pre-release testers have hailed these products as vital for any company that develops training, web-based or mobile content.”

The foundation of the Vcommunicator Authoring Suite is Studio 2.0. This standalone product quickly and affordably develops 3D characters and animations which result in engaging media that readily establishes direct and meaningful connections with both internal and external audiences. Files are also exportable to a variety of applications and platforms including mobile devices, fulfilling Vcom3D’s promise of “Author Once, Use Everywhere!”

In addition to Studio, which also automatically lip-syncs multi-lingual recorded voices with the characters, the Vcommunicator Authoring Suite includes Gesture Builder 2.0, a tool that enables the creation of project specific gestures for use in both Vcommunicator Studio 2.0 and Sign Smith Studio 3.0 gesture libraries. These libraries already include over 175 pre-programmed gestures and over 3000 individual signs.

Sign Smith Studio, the world’s first system for creating animated sign language, debuted to educators, researchers, and developers in 2002. With the release of Version 3.0, new features include, among others, improved handshapes and the ability to export to QuickTime, Windows Media and AVI formats in just a few clicks.

Founded in 1997, Orlando-based Vcom3D, Inc.’s vision is revolutionizing education, training and communication accessibility. The company has established itself as a leader in providing multi-cultural, life-like characters for enhanced learning through the creation of patented technologies in 3D simulation and virtual human technology. Schools, families, corporations and government agencies use Vcom3D’s applications for language/culture familiarization, training, and educational mentoring. Collaborations with law enforcement, defense and educational organizations enhance the applications to better engage and interact with users. For more information, please visit www.Vcom3D.com.

CONTACTS:
Scott Everhart
Vcommunicator Authoring Suite
407-737-7310 x122

Cindy Barson
Sign Smith Studio
407-737-7310 x121