I have had a couple conversations with people with questions surrounding the Maya Composite feature; what it is and what are the capabilities as compared to the Toxik 2009 software.
First yes it is true Maya Composite is based upon the Toxik technology. But with the Maya 2010 release, there are some very big changes to the workflow as well as added capabilities. It has everything that was in the Toxik 2009 software but also has a more shot centric workflow compared to a project workflow that was in Toxik. This project workflow still exists but it is not the default workflow but Maya Composite.
Maya Composite is not a Toxik “lite”.
The short centric workflow will be much more familiar to someone with experience using other compositing software from importing to rendering.
We tried to ease the learning curve by adding tool tips, essential learning videos, creating written tutorials (Maya Composite 101 and more to come) and a restructured online user manual.
Since Maya Composite is a feature of the Maya 2010 software, it will run on the same operating systems such as: Mac OS X® (32-bit) operating system, Windows® (32 and 64-bit), and Linux® (64-bit) operating systems.
Maya Composite supports multiple monitors in addition to the Python™ scripting language scripted actions can be run directly within the schematic view and browsers. This provides you the ability to extend and customize Maya Composite without leaving the creative environment.
The animation panel and the control you have over your keyframes has been vastly enhanced and improved file reading for EXR, Tiff, Targa, and Cineon formats, result in faster playback of image sequences.
There are several new macros included in Maya Composite such as the Color Warper, Colorize Material ID and Light Wrap.
Oh and one other really big difference between Toxik and Maya Composite is that Maya Composite is a feature of the Maya 2010 software which means you get the Maya Composite technology as part of the Maya 2010 software.
I hope that answers some of the questions you might have. If not please feel free to post them here and I will answer them ASAP.
Ken LaRue
Autodesk Application Engineer
Maya Composite / Toxik / Flame / Combustion
Training DVDs:
http://www.thestreetproductions.com
