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Silicon Imaging and CineForm team to shoot, edit and encode HD and 2K using
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processors HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 1 Silicon Imaging, with help from
CineForm(R) and Intel Corporation, today unleashed a 2K Digital Cinema
camera system set to revolutionize movie and HD production. The Silicon
Imaging SI-2K will shoot footage directly to disk, at either 1920x1080P HD
or 2048x1152 cinema resolutions running on motherboards integrated into the
camera or on laptop computers powered by Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo
processors. Captured footage is instantly editable using CineForm's
Prospect 2K(TM) real-time visualization and colorization software.
Afterwards finished projects can be directly encoded for theatrical
distribution to digital cinemas or on-demand Internet download.
"The transition to digital cinematography started when George Lucas
first shot 'Star Wars: Episode II' in HD," states Ari Presler, Silicon
Imaging CEO. "Today, we have completely eliminated the need for film or
tape and now offer the ability to shoot at even higher resolutions than HD,
edit while each shot is taken, and have a production ready for distribution
within weeks instead of months." The Silicon Imaging SI-2K is the first 2/3" digital cinema camera with
10-bit CineForm RAW(TM) and 12-bit uncompressed 2K direct-to-disk
recording. It offers unprecedented image quality, over 10 f-stop dynamic
range, a touch-screen interface and IT-friendly connectivity. It is also
the first to deliver in-context 3D color-corrected "look" visualization and
a complete raw post-production workflow. Unlike modern HD cameras, which develop and compress colorized imagery
inside the camera, the SI-2K streams images as uncompressed raw "digital
negatives" over a standard gigabit Ethernet connection. An Intel Core 2 Duo
processor-based computer embedded in the camera or tethered to a laptop up
to 300 feet away, processes the digital negatives, where they are
non-destructively developed and colorized for preview using the
cinematographer's desired "look" for the scene. The digital negatives and "look" metadata are simultaneously recorded
to a 2.5" notebook hard drive using the CineForm RAW(TM) visually perfect
codec. Up to 4 hours of continuous footage are captured on a single 160GB
notebook drive; this is the equivalent of 14 reels of 35mm film which has
an associated cost exceeding $25,000 for materials and processing. "The Silicon Imaging camera is truly amazing," states Cinematographer
Geoff Boyle. "The SI-2K MINI is small enough to be placed directly in a
scene for point-of-view shots, used on robotic arms for model photography
or incorporate two side-by-side for stereo 3-D. We used it on 'Mutant
Chronicles,' a Sci-Fi feature with over 1500 visual effect shots. We shot
flames and explosions using the 72fps slow motion mode and the recordings
display smooth tonal gradations and natural colors. Finally, the director
can immediately see full-resolution instant replays, without having to wait
for film dailies or color correction." CineForm's Prospect 2K software, optionally bundled with the SI-2K,
provides real-time, multi-stream editing of CineForm RAW files with look
metadata using Adobe Production Studio, and supports both Windows AVI and
Apple QuickTime formats. Further details on MacOS workflow including Final
Cut Pro will be disclosed in the coming weeks. "Together we are enabling a major paradigm shift in the entertainment
industry for the way films are shot and edited," states David Taylor,
CineForm CEO. "Our combined efforts allow CineForm RAW recording and
Prospect 2K editing to retain the many benefits of shooting raw, including
increased visual fidelity, while reducing costs during both production and
post, and encouraging faster project completion." "With the power of multi-core ready applications and Intel Core 2 Duo
processors, Silicon Imaging and CineForm have streamlined the digital
high-resolution movie-making workflow," said Elliot Garbus, general manager
of the Developer Relations Division, Intel Corporation. "This solution
promises cost- and time-saving benefits for cinematographers and directors
by utilizing the power of multiple cores." The SI-2K DVR with an embedded Intel Core 2 Duo processor and hot-swap
drive cartridge system plus the removable MINI camera head is $20,000 or
bundled with Prospect 2K for $22,000, with estimated shipment in January.
The SI-2K MINI is $12,500 and shipping in December. About Silicon Imaging Silicon Imaging, Inc. is a leader in IT-centric high-definition digital
camera and RAW workflow solutions. Silicon Imaging's products incorporate
disruptive technologies to deliver a new generation of products
outperforming traditional HD cameras while increasing flexibility and
lowering cost. Please visit http://www.siliconimaging.com. About CineForm CineForm, Inc. develops software products for use by media
professionals in high-resolution acquisition and post-production
applications. Powered by CineForm Intermediate, CineForm's acclaimed
products provide unmatched visual quality and real-time performance -
without the need for specialized hardware - while enabling an online
digital intermediate workflow that runs on affordable desktop PCs. Please
visit http://www.CineForm.com. For further information, contact Steve Nordhauser at 518-279-9098 or
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. This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com. SOURCE Silicon Imaging, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related links: http://www.CineForm.com http://www.siliconimaging.com
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