NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom, 04/07/2008 - The film and video Pre-Grade tool of choice gets significant workflow enhancements, new hardware accelerated tools, video IO with full 64-bit crossed platform support.

The Pixel Farm announce 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 over a 1000 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.

“We have come to rely on PFClean heavily in our workflow” Danny DeVincent, Director Digital Imaging, Cineric Inc., New York.

PFClean 4.0 Software
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 utilised 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 stabilisation. 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.

PFClean Systems
In addition to the software only version, two new turnkey systems are available running an extended range of fully hardware-accelerated tools providing a masssive 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 it’s popularity grows alongside it’s 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.

“With Version 4.0, PFClean stands head and shoulders above anything else on the market. The Pixel Farm not only offer the most feature complete solution, we offer it across all platforms and also provide the only application in this field with a fully hardware-accelerated toolset. Our customers tell us again and again PFClean offers them the ability to extend and develop their business. Our focus on workflow and ease of use pay off everyday for our customers as they are able to deliver quality on time and on budget.”
Richard Spohrer, MD, The Pixel Farm

About PFClean
With a flexible and non-destructive workflow, PFClean allows creative decisions to be made within a colour calibrated environment, right up until final delivery. Hardware-accelerated processing means tasks such as grain reduction and matching, as well as clean-up and colour correction cease to be time consuming operations.

The PFClean batch/command line system, introduced in v2.5, can be used as a stand-alone application to automatically clean footage, utilising the full range of PFClean tools or as an extension to a current PFClean system, so adding extra processing power. Additionally, with a fast interconnect, adding an extra node is as simple as ‘plug and play’.

PFClean is the most advanced application in its class, once again confirming The Pixel Farm as a leader in innovative software for VFX and postproduction.

Availability and Shipping
Shipping on 1st May 2008, PFClean 4.0 software is available for Linux, Windows and Intel based OSX for £8,000, €12,000, $16,000.
Annual support, including all upgrades is £2,000/€3,000/$4,000

The entry-level turn key system is £19,000/€28,000/$38,000, with the optional Video IO module costing £5 000/€7 500/$10 000.
Options:
Film Restoration Pack £3 000/€4 500/$6 000.
Video IO Module £5 000/€7 500/$10 000.

About The Pixel Farm
Formed in 2002, The Pixel Farm focuses on the integration of ‘Best of Breed’ technologies to provide collaborative and innovative products for digital composting. Based in the UK and with a very strong focus on research and development, The Pixel Farm works with closely with its customers to ensure PF products match the needs of the production environment.

By utilising its industry experience and working with some of the best researchers and developers in the world, The Pixel Farm ensures it is always one step ahead of the competition.