The Pixel Farm announced the launch of the next version of its resolution independent, automated moving image review and clean up system, PFClean, at NAB 2008.
Fast becoming the tool of choice for DI facilities and Film restoration companies alike, version 4.0 has more than 1,000 new features and enhancements.
Improved media management, re-mastering and IO, smart folders, an enhanced timeline, improved Grain management and a new scripting UI take PFClean far beyond any other application in this market. PFClean now meets the demands of both the film and video market and its increasing prominence within the industry is further reflected by recent sales, which include Technicolor, Adlabs, Ocher Studios, Hoverlord, Deluxe and ARRI.
PFClean 4.0 software is now available as a 64-bit application for all platforms; Linux, Intel based Mac and Windows. Working with multiple resolution source material becomes much easier in v4.0 as new project templates allow multiple resolution sources to be worked on with a project and then re-mastered within the timeline to single or multiple output resolutions.
New tools in version 4.0 include a fully featured tracking system. With the new Tracking Manager, 2D feature tracks can be shared and utilized by many tools within PFClean. Masks can be attached to Trackers as can paint strokes. Trackers can also be used to improve motion estimation and image stabilization. Also included is a new De-fog tool which is designed to fix images damaged by X-Rays, pre or over exposure and other issues common to some regions.
Project and media management enhancements allow for wider infrastructure support with user defined Vault locations, making for much more flexible pipeline integration. Immensely beneficial to any facility having to deal with large volumes of work, PFClean 4.0 also introduces "Automations."
These are scripted operations that can be applied within PFClean to carry out common or complex tasks. In conjunction with new "Smart folders" within the application users can now set up an automated workflow without the need to use command line tools.
A completely reworked timeline provides multi-point editing features while improved Grain tools now include strength presets, added edge protection, de-grain presets and improved analysis of linear images. Many of the tools that have made PFClean so successful in the fields of DI and Restoration have been greatly improved in version 4.0, both in terms of speed and functionality.
In addition to the software only version, two new turnkey systems are available running an extended range of fully hardware-accelerated tools providing a massive tenfold increase in processing speeds. An entry-level system designed for resolutions up to 2K provides a cost effective platform to process both film and video for DI clean up and restoration. For those with greater demand, a larger system, working at 4K and above is available. Both systems can be extended using hardware accelerated processing nodes. The PFClean system has already been adopted in many demanding DI and Restoration pipelines all over the world as its popularity grows alongside its reputation.
Announced last year, version 4.0 turnkey systems offer an optional video IO module allowing for the direct ingest and layoff of SD and HD video material without the need to tie up other systems, providing a powerful workhorse for video restoration facilities.
"Our focus on workflow and ease of use pay off every day for our customers as they are able to deliver quality on time and on budget," said Richard Spohrer, MD, The Pixel Farm.
Shipping on May 1, 2008, PFClean 4.0 software is available for Linux, Windows and Intel based OSX for $16,000.
Annual support, including all upgrades is $4,000.
The entry-level turn-key system is $38,000, with the optional Video IO module costing $10,000.
Additional options include the Film Restoration Pack for $6,000 and the Video IO Module for $10,000.
