Strata (http://www.strata.com) has released Strata Design 3D SE in the Mac App Store for US$49.99. It provides the essentials for getting started in 3D design, with 3D modeling and texturing tools, advanced lighting features, environments, and Strata's Raydiosity rendering engine.

Users can create from scratch or choose to utilize prebuilt scene templates, models, textures and effects, or import models from other 3D modeling programs and download sites like Google 3D Warehouse. Strata Design 3D SE was developed using a large subset of the tools and the same user interface found in Strata's professional 3D modeling and animation software, Strata Design 3D CX.

Strata 3D University extends the Strata Design 3D SE offering with professional online video training in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering, allowing subscribers to learn Strata Design 3D SE at their own pace. A subscription the Strata 3D University starts at $0.99 cents for the first two weeks of training and increases to $14.95 per month for an ongoing subscription at www.strata3duniversity.com .