Iridas, a leader in direct-from-disk playback technologies, announced the release of FrameCycler Digital Daily System (DDS) 3.5, the most powerful edition yet of its uncompressed daily playback application. FrameCycler DDS 3.5 is built on Iridas new multi-platform architecture and is the first high-end facility review software to run on Mac, PC and Linux.
FrameCycler DDS 3.5 is an ideal tool for full-resolution digital dailies and client review sessions. The application works by streaming images direct-from-disk from a fast RAID array providing real-time playback at 2K for sequences of unlimited length. It reads and writes all industry standard file formats as well as IHSS, Iridas' own high throughput format. Along with a full set of sequence analysis tools and 3D LUT support, version 3.5 introduces new Advanced Timing controls, enhanced A/B channel functionality, support for high resolution files (4K and beyond) and more.
"We chose Iridas because they have the track record in the industry," said Tom Burns, Special Projects director at C.O.R.E. Feature Animation. "We run FrameCycler Professional on Macs at our San Francisco location. Here in Toronto we're using DDS on Linux and Windows systems. With FrameCycler's high resolution playback and image checking features, we know we have a reliable tool for evaluating our shots across all of our platforms."
"DDS was born from the need for film-resolution review of high-end vfx work on the MATRIX movies," said Iridas Coo, Patrick Palmer. "But it was immediately clear that this technology had a lot to offer in a whole range of settings: from client reviews to full film-screenings. FrameCycler DDS 3.5 is like having a high-end digital cinema in house, with all the analysis technology you could need built right in."
FrameCycler DDS 3.5 is available in five versions (SD, 1K, HD, 2K, and Infinite) and is available immediately for Mac, Windows and Linux. Licenses are transferable across platforms. Site licenses and educational pricing are also available. Upgrades from version 3.0 (FrameCycler DDS MP) are free.
IRIDAS will present FrameCycler DDS 3.5 at NAB, April 18-21, 2005 at NVIDIA booth #SL5501, at the Apple demo suites and at Iridas' demo suite at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Munich, Germany-based Iridas (www.iridas.com) first introduced uncompressed realtime playback in 2001. It continues to be a leading developer of resolution-independent playback and non-destructive color grading technologies for film, broadcast, entertainment and scientific research. IRIDAS' SpeedGrade, FrameCycler, DDS (Digital Daily System) and others applications are used by most major animation and post production houses, including Warner Bros. Feature Animation, Industrial Light & Magic, The Moving Picture Co., ReelFX and Lowry Digital.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
