LogInThe open-source Windows port of xSTUDIO is now available thanks to Epic Games and Ahead.
Epic Games and AHEAD.IO have unveiled the official open-source Windows version of xSTUDIO, DNEG's media playback and review application specifically designed for professionals in the film and TV post-production industries, with a particular focus on Visual Effects and Feature Animation sectors.
Originally introduced to the Academy Software Foundation as an open-source project in early 2023, xSTUDIO has been crafted to cater to a wide array of review scenarios, whether they occur on set, in the office, during remote reviews, or across teams of interconnected users. The application's high level of customization allows it to function as a standalone player or be seamlessly integrated into existing pipelines through plugins and Python scripting APIs.
While initially made available as an open-source project for Linux, this recent release marks a significant milestone in making xSTUDIO a versatile cross-platform solution for the open-source community. The ultimate goal, the team noted, is to transform xSTUDIO into a playback and review solution suitable for various workflows.
According to the team, the collaboration between Epic Games and AHEAD.IO to develop the Windows port signifies the continuous evolution and increasing adoption of xSTUDIO. This application is an essential component of the Academy Software Foundation's Open Review Initiative (ORI), which seeks to build a unified open-source toolset for playback, review, and approval of motion pictures and related professional media.
"Accelerating the development of open standards and investing in open source software is foundational to building the open metaverse," said Sebastien Miglio, VP of Product Management and Engineering at Epic Games. "We are thrilled to contribute the Windows port of xSTUDIO to the open source community and, by extension, to all creators and storytellers."
"We are grateful for the opportunity Epic has given us to actively contribute to the expansion of a unified open-source playback and review workflow," added Alex Santo, Founder of AHEAD.IO. "Our mission is to lend a hand to transform xSTUDIO into an even more feature-rich powerhouse allowing creatives across different communities to share their ideas, annotations, and reviews. We're looking forward to collaborating with other studios to build new functionalities. We're thrilled to work towards reaching this objective of the Academy Software Foundation's Open Review Initiative."
"The vision for xSTUDIO from the outset was to create a tool that enables seamless collaboration for everyone working in the media creation industries," commented Chas Jarrett, Creative Director at DNEG. "Following DNEG's release of xSTUDIO as an open-source project, the open-source Windows port from Epic Games and Ahead is the next step in sharing this modern, flexible, and feature-rich application with a wider community of content creators. I am delighted to see the increased adoption of xSTUDIO as a common playback and review toolset across industries, and its success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the talented developers in DNEG's technology team."
"We are excited to see xSTUDIO expand thanks to the combined development efforts of DNEG, Epic, and Ahead," said Erik Strauss, Chair of the Academy Software Foundation's Open Review Initiative and Director of Production on Unreal Engine at Epic Games. "Bringing xSTUDIO to the Windows platform unlocks new communities of users across multiple industries and is a welcome addition as we continue to grow the open-source review ecosystem."
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