Silhouette 2024 has received new machine learning tools

One of the most significant new tools in Silhouette 2024 is the Matte Assist ML node, which generates animated mattes that isolate objects from the background in footage. Users input a single frame with an alpha channel, and Matte Assist ML automatically extends the matte coverage across the entire project, matching the object's motion.

The alpha channel can be created using existing rotoscoping tools such as the PowerMatte node or the new EZ Mask node, which generates masks semi-automatically. Users draw rough strokes to define the foreground and background in the frame, and EZ Mask automatically generates mattes. Boris FX describes this combination as a fast way to create rough masks, temporary composites, or any tasks where "sub-pixel perfect rotoscoping is not required."
Additionally, the update introduces Retime ML, a new time manipulation node trained with artificial intelligence. The time manipulation effect can be adjusted using keyframes, and Boris FX claims it produces smoother results with fewer visual artifacts compared to older tools.

In Silhouette 2024, several new AI-powered tools enhance its capabilities significantly. One of the standout features is the Optical Flow ML node, which generates optical flow data from video footage. This can be utilized with existing rotoscoping nodes in Silhouette or with the new Auto Keyframe tool, which integrates flow data alongside manual animation inputs.
The Denoiser ML node, originally introduced in Silhouette 2023, has been updated with newer, "twice as fast" AI models, enhancing its performance in noise reduction tasks.
Improvements in workflow include support for Photoshop .abr brushes, facilitating creative flexibility directly within Silhouette. Nodes that interact with Boris FX effects plugins, such as Continuum 2024 and Sapphire 2024.5, have been updated to align with their latest versions. The Mocha tracking node within Silhouette has also been upgraded to integrate the core solver from SynthEyes, following Boris FX's acquisition last year. This integration has resulted in performance gains of "15-30% speed increase" when utilizing multiple GPU nodes, while the memory usage of rotoscoping nodes has been reduced by 33%.
Furthermore, the new Cache node caches all upstream nodes to disk, improving playback speed significantly by reducing the need for repeated processing.

Silhouette 2024 is available as a standalone tool for Windows 10 and higher, Linux, and macOS 12.0 and higher. It also functions as a plugin for Adobe programs and OFX-compatible tools like Nuke. Perpetual licenses for the standalone product are priced at $1,995, while the plugin version costs $1,095. Rental options include $150 per month or $795 annually for the standalone product, and $100 per month or $495 annually for the plugin.