The Pixel Farm released PFHoe, an extremely cost effective DV tracking application, for the Mac and Windows platform, aimed at DV hobbyists and budding CG artists. For the first time it is possible for those wanting to learn about match moving or experiment with matching computer graphics to video footage, to use cutting edge tools without the price tag to match.
Using core technology developed for PFTrack the leading tracking and analysis system PFHoe provides a tremendous amount of power via a very simple to use, intuitive interface. An import Wizard guides the user through importing and setting up the DV footage by explaining the parameters that are needed to successfully track a shot. The simple one click tool set provides an environment that will produce great results even for the most inexperienced user. Like its big brothers PFTrack and PFMatch, PFHoe is able to solve any kind of camera motion, including zooms and nodal pans
Richard Spöhrer, md of The Pixel Farm explains, With PFHoe we are delivering something we have wanted to do for a long time providing those who cant afford our professional systems with a great set of tools to either learn about camera tracking or produce their own projects. Building on our knowledge in the professional market we have included cutting edge technology and while PFHoe is limited to DV use, it is not, in any way, technologically limited. We are already seeing our products leap ahead of the competition in terms of functionality and PFHoe includes new technology that even professional systems twenty times the price dont have.
PFHoe also features additional tools, including a unique automatic lens distortion correction tool, support for importing mattes from third party applications, simple edit tools to modify tracking data and quality graphs to aid the user in making data editing decisions. Distortion corrected DV resolution footage can also be exported as a QuickTime or AVI for proper matching of 3D objects into the scene in third party compositing applications.
Camera data can be exported to common CG packages with 3D support via a range of plug-ins working under an API to facilitate future support of new applications. PFHoe comes with a single exporter, chosen when purchasing the software, with the option to purchase additional export format support as and when needed.
Shipping on Jan. 1, 2005, PFHoe will be available from the Pixel Farm Shop at www.thepixelfarm.co.uk for Mac OSX and Windows for £39/$76/56 with one of the following exports, 3ds max, Adobe After Effects, Maya, XSI, LightWave, Animation Master and combustion. Users can also purchase additional export plug-ins for £10/$20/15 per export. Additional export plug-ins will be added subject to demand.
The Pixel Farm was formed in 2002 to provide innovative solutions for digital compositing. Based in the U.K., with a very strong focus on research and development, The Pixel Farm work with customers on key projects to ensure PF products match the needs of the production environment.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
