Press Releases: Latest News

Snell & Wilcox and da Vinci Integrate Popular Products in Creation of Piccaso CLD Virtual Telecine

Piccaso and 2K Image Processor Combined for Real-time Nonlinear Color Grading System

--

PASADENA, CA, October 23, 2002, SMPTE Convention, Booth #400 -- Snell & Wilcox and da Vinci Systems have entered into a strategic partnership for the integration of a real-time, nonlinear color grading system, the Piccaso CLD. The product incorporates technology from the Snell & Wilcox Piccaso nonlinear Grading and Conforming system and the da Vinci 2K multi-standard, multi-resolution image processor for SD, HD and Data color enhancement. The integrated Piccaso CLD provides a complete color grading system with nonlinear access to source material and integrated control of Snell & Wilcox' high-quality, real-time pan, scan, format conversion and re-sizing engine. It is designed to handle all high definition formats, including 24p and has an upgrade path to 2K resolution.

Using Piccaso CLD, pan, scan and zoom information can be created within the da Vinci 2K and then transferred to Snell & Wilcox' Splicer conforming system so that format conversion can take place away from the 2K suite.

Piccaso CLD was previewed at the SMPTE 2002 convention in Pasadena, starting October 23rd.

"With the increasing demand for multiple program versions, such as HD, standard definition, DVD, VHS and digital cinema, there's a real need now for increased flexibility within the telecine process," said Matt Straeb, vice president of marketing and product development, da Vinci Systems. "Using a virtual telecine like Piccaso CLD, operators can transfer all of the original master's color correction settings directly from the disk to easily create different versions - all in real time."

"With Piccaso CLD, post houses can color grade directly from a nonlinear workstation, improving the workflow through the facility," said John Shike, Vice President of Marketing, Snell & Wilcox, Inc. "What once took several transfers back and forth from the telecine can now be accomplished with just one transfer. And with its real-time operation and more efficient use of a telecine, it saves the operator considerable time. Color correction artists can spend more time on the creative process and less on the operation of various pieces of equipment. It also reduces the wear and tear on original film since users avoid unnecessary transfers."

Operationally, the 2K image processor from da Vinci serves as the user control surface for Piccaso CLD, while the Piccaso workstation from Snell & Wilcox functions as a video and data server and realtime re-sizing engine.

The complete Piccaso CLD solution will begin delivery in early 2003 with versions for HD and 2K Data resolutions.

Piccaso is a complete disk based, real-time non-linear color correction system designed specifically for HDTV, DTV and Digital Cinema applications and is used to achieve a visual balance between scenes shot at different times and from varying locales. Piccaso ensures that a programs coloring and lighting values match from frame to frame and evoke the specific look desired.

Used by top video postproduction facilities worldwide, The 2K is a real-time, multi-standard, multi-resolution image processor that can color enhance in standard definition, HDTV, and data up to 4000 x 4000 (data images greater than 2k are processed providing the colorist with real-time interactivity). The 2K is designed for the television and motion picture industries, and is perfect for film-to-tape, tape-to-tape and disk-to-disk.

David Cunningham, Press Relations Manager, Snell & Wilcox, Southleigh Park, Southleigh Park House, Havant, Hampshire, UK PO9 2PE, UK. Tel: +44 23 9248 9144 or Email: david.cunningham@snellwilcox.com.