Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/837213
www.postmagazine.com 8 POST JUNE 2017 BITS & PIECES PANAVISION UNVEILS NEW TOOLS FOR MILLENNIUM DXL 8K CAMERA WOODLAND HILLS, CA — Panavision (www.panavision.com) has revealed advanced new tools for its large-format Millennium DXL 8K camera at the Cine Gear Expo earlier this month in LA. Panavision debuted a set of fast, wirelessly controlled Primo Artiste lenses that cover the full 8K HDR im- age, an HDR OLED Primo Viewfinder, the new PX-Pro color spectrum filter and DXL Control — an iPhone app for remote camera control. "The DXL was designed based on feedback from veteran filmmakers who wanted a large format digital system to serve their vision, and these new tools extend that level of innovation," notes Panavision CEO Kim Snyder. "We are excited that the camera has been met with great enthusiasm for what it of- fers in terms of creative flexibility and progressive technology at the service of the artist." Featuring Panavision's premier large format optics and modular accessories, advanced 8K sensor technology from Red and unique col- or science and workflow optimization from Light Iron, the Millennium DXL became available in January. "Filmmakers have chosen the cam- era to shoot major motion pictures, commercials and TV shows," says Panavision and Light Iron senior VP of innovation Michael Cioni. "We've been listening to filmmakers and develop- ing top-notch capabilities for the cam- era, as well as fine-tuning what's next for its ecosystem. These savvy tools continue our solution-focused efforts to deliver the best in class." According to Panavision, its new Primo Viewfinder is the industry's first HDR OLED viewfinder. Designed, engineered and manufactured at Panavision, the Primo Viewfinder offers Panavision optics and proprietary me- chanics, an HDR OLED screen, 600-nit bright- ness, image smoothing, a heater and custom Panavision glass to limit eye fatigue and make it easier to focus in very bright or dark environ- ments. The viewfinder also boasts a theoretical contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. In creating the Primo Viewfinder, Panavision has made liberal use of customer feedback. "We have been extremely transpar- ent with our trusted customers and shown them iterations along the way," explains Cioni. "Their fingerprints go into this camera, because it's their hands that touch the buttons." Panavision also showcased a prototype of its PX-Pro color spec- trum filter, which ushers in a signifi- cant increase in color separation and dramatically higher color precision. The filters provide an infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) cut that improves color clarity and reduces noise and IR contamination, which can corrupt or distort digitally captured images. The Primo Artiste lenses, available by the end of 2017, are a full series of T/1.8 Prime lenses. The Artiste Series becomes the second series of Panavision lenses to include a fully internalized motor and complete meta- data compatibility. The essence of the Artiste concept is an innovative design that takes advantage of the aesthetic flexibility available within large format digital imagers, and the resulting look evokes a quality reminiscent of vintage optics. The Artiste lenses will initially come in eleven focal lengths (27mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 200mm, and 250mm) with expanded focal lengths available in 2018 New DXL Control software mirrors the camera menu system on the user's Apple device, allowing wireless camera control. The software is available now with a DXL camera rental, and was available to download for free from the iTunes store, earlier this month. Cine Gear attendees also had a chance to see Light Iron's post production solutions on display in a theater via an HDR Video Village Cart showcasing 8K HDR DXL footage. Light Iron representatives demon- strated how the system helps cine- matographers evaluate their images simultaneously in high dynamic range and standard, or low, dynamic range. Having access to both image specs while in production enables cinema- tographers to better prepare for post production color grading, given that distributors are frequently requiring both standard- and high-dynamic range deliverables. Light Iron color- ists were also on hand to discuss the finishing process as well as "Light Iron Color," which is the custom color science built into the DXL. See page 30 for our full report on cameras. MACH1 & SAMSUNG COLLABORATE TO BRING MACH1 SPATIAL AUDIO FORMAT TO SAMSUNG VR NEW YORK, NY — VR audio technol- ogy company Mach1 (www.mach- 1studios.com) announced that its patent-pending Mach1 spatial audio playback format is now available on Samsung VR. According to the company, Mach1's patent-pending suite of end- to-end VR audio tools and spatial sound format is the first spatial audio creation and playback format created specifically for VR. Mach1 is a Virtual Vector Based Panning (VVBP) system contained into a single multichannel deliver- able through already existing audio containers and codecs, leveraging traditional audio practices and keeping post production intact while enabling full 3DOF interactive spatial sound as well as 6DOF when integrated into a 3D Game Engine. It does not require any audio library or media engine and can function fully on top of any existing audio system or engine. The workflow tools allow au- dio professionals to work in their preferred DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to monitor, record, playback and produce true spatial audio mixes. In addition, Mach1 is focused on developing precise tools that enable audio engineers to ex- pand their knowledge and expertise while preserving traditional stan- dards, into interactive mediums like VR and AR. A 100 percent transpar- ent spatial audio format, Mach1 uses no additional audio effects to simu- late directionality at the expense of quality. What the engineer crafts is truly what is delivered and deployed, as is the case with traditional stereo or surround audio deliverables. The Mach1 spatial audio format launched last month on Samsung VR with FoxNext and RSA VR's Alien: Covenant In Utero, produced by Ridley Scott and directed by David Karlak. Alien: Covenant In Utero is the first VR film mixed and deployed on Samsung VR with Mach1's format. "Sound is a critical component of creating a truly immersive environ- ment within Alien: Covenant In Utero," says Brendan Handler, senior VP, new media & GM, FoxNext VR Studio. "Mach1's technology ensures that audiences gets the full spatial audio experience the filmmakers intended." "From the galactic ambiences and computer whirrs, to the alien clicks and human screams, we crafted a rich soundscape that really brings the viewer into the Alien world," says audio director and Mach1 inventor Dražen Bošnjak. "Mach1's advantage