News

Steinberg released a free Cubase Pro 8.5 trial version which is fully functional for 30 days. Cubase Pro 8.5 not only offers a smoother workflow and added creative tools, but also an innovative cloud-based collaboration system embedded in Cubase. Download the Cubase Pro 8.5 trial version now.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design announced the public beta of Fusion 8 Studio, the full version of the world’s most advanced visual effects and motion graphics software, is now available for download from the Blackmagic Design website for both Mac OS X and Windows.

A public beta of the free version of Fusion 8 was released earlier this year at SIGGRAPH. The new Fusion 8 Studio public beta builds upon all of the tools in the free version and adds advanced optical flow tools for retiming, image repair, color smoothing and morphing between different images, along with the ability to render at resolutions larger than Ultra HD. The Fusion 8 Studio public beta also adds advanced stereoscopic tools for converting 2D shows to 3D, support for 3rd party plugins, remote scripting, and Avid Connect, a plug-in that allows customers to use Fusion directly from Media Composer timelines.

Projects created with the free version of Fusion can be opened and finished in Fusion 8 Studio, regardless of which platform they were created on. Fusion 8 Studio also includes Generation, multi user studio software for managing assets, tracking versions, and doing shot-based review and approval.

In addition, Fusion 8 Studio public beta also includes render node software that lets customers install an unlimited number of Fusion render nodes on additional computers for free, saving them thousands of dollars in licensing fees. That means customers working on high end film and television projects in large multi user studios can now accelerate their workflow by distributing render jobs across an unlimited number of systems on their network.

Fusion has been one of Hollywood’s leading visual effects and motion graphics tools for over 25 years, and has been used on thousands of feature film and television projects, including blockbusters like The Martian, Thor, Live Die and Repeat, The Hunger Games trilogy, Grimm, Battlestar Galactica and more.

Featuring a powerful node based interface, Fusion makes it extremely easy to build sophisticated visual effects compositions very quickly. Nodes are small icons that represent effects, filters and other image processing operations that can be connected together in any order to create unlimited visual effects. Nodes are laid out logically like a flow chart, so customers won’t waste time hunting through nested stacks of confusing layers with filters and effects. Unlike timeline based applications, it’s easy to see and adjust any part of a project in Fusion by simply clicking on a node.

With a massive toolset consisting of hundreds of built in tools, customers can pull keys, track objects, rotoscope, retouch images, animate titles, create amazing particle effects and much more, all in a true 3D workspace. Fusion can also import 3D models, point cloud data, cameras or even entire 3D scenes from Maya, 3ds Max or Lightwave and render them seamlessly with other elements. Deep pixel tools can be used to add volumetric fog, lighting and reflection mapping of rendered objects using world position passes so customers can create amazing atmospheric effects that render in seconds, instead of hours.

“We have been Fusion users for years, and it’s great to see where the product is heading,” said Jeremy Nelson, Compositing Supervisor at Flash Film Works who’s credits include feature films such as Spy, Barely Lethal, Defiance and Clash of the Titans. “Now with Mac as well as Windows, it really opens up how we will use it across a networked facility or individually. I love the path Blackmagic is moving to here!”

“The response to Fusion 8 has been overwhelming! Now, with the public beta of Fusion 8 Studio, customers have even more tools to work on the highest end feature films, TV shows and commercials,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “What's really exciting is that, unlike other visual effects and motion graphics applications, Fusion 8 Studio customers working on large multi user projects get unlimited network rendering at no additional charge so they can turn shots around faster than ever before!”

About Fusion Licensing

Fusion 8 is available in two versions:

Fusion 8 for Mac and Windows is free for customers and is now available to download. Fusion 8 is a full professional 3D visual effects and compositing system that is suitable for independent effects, motion graphics, and broadcast design artists. Fusion 8 features integrated 2D and 3D compositing and motion graphics software with a massive toolset featuring paint, rotoscope, titling, animation, multiple keyers, an amazing 3D particle system, advanced keyframing, GPU acceleration, and support for importing and rendering 3D models and scenes from other applications. Customers getting started with Fusion can create projects with the free version and then open them in Fusion 8 Studio when they upgrade.

Fusion 8 Studio, which is now in public beta, will be available for Mac and Windows for $995, with Linux to be released in Q1 2016. Fusion 8 Studio has all of the same features as the free version and adds advanced optical flow image analysis tools for stereoscopic 3D work, retiming and stabilization. Fusion Studio also includes support for third party OpenFX plugins, unlimited distributed network rendering and Generation for studio wide multi user collaboration to track, manage, review and approve shots when working with large creative teams on complex projects.

Availability and Price

Fusion 8 Public Beta and Fusion 8 Studio Public Beta are available today for download from the Blackmagic Design website free of charge for all current Fusion and Fusion 7 Studio customers.

Press Photography

Product photos of Fusion 8, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design announced a free DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update that adds support for the latest color science technologies, along with decoding of HEVC/H.265 QuickTime files on OS X, additional high dynamic range features and more. The DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update is available now for both DaVinci Resolve 12 and DaVinci Resolve 12 Studio customers, and can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design website.

Since last month’s release of version 12.1, Blackmagic Design engineers have been working hard to continue adding features professional editors and colorists need, as well as support for the latest formats with expanded color spaces and wide dynamic range. With this DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update, Blackmagic Design continues to improve the software and extend its lead in color, dynamic range and image processing, putting DaVinci Resolve far ahead of other color correction software.

DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update adds support for the latest Blackmagic and third party cameras while also delivering significant improvements to DaVinci Resolve color management. Customers get new support for HDR Hybrid Log Gamma, conversion LUTs for Hybrid Log Gamma, ACES IDTs for Canon C300 Mk II clips, and updated ST 2084 HDR color science. That means colorists have even better tools for finishing high dynamic range projects that are going to be distributed to the latest theaters with the latest projection systems like IMAX Laser and Dolby Vision. This also lets customer prepare content that is ready for next generation HDR 4K televisions.

In addition, the DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update adds support for NewBlue Titler Pro titles using Media Composer AAF sequences, improves ProRes 4444 alpha channel support by defaulting to straight blend mode, retains Power Window™ opacity and invert settings when converting to Power Curve windows, and more.

“We continue to be amazed by the incredible response customers have had to DaVinci Resolve 12,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “It’s quickly becoming the new editor of choice in Hollywood and is already used for color on virtually all major films, television shows and commercials! We are listening to professional editors and colorist and are working as hard, and fast, as possible to make sure it continues to be the world’s best editor and color correction software!”

What’s new in DaVinci Resolve 12.2

Decode support for HEVC/H.265 QuickTime video in DaVinci Resolve Studio on OS X

Support for HDR Hybrid Log Gamma using Resolve Color Management

Inclusion of Hybrid Log Gamma conversion LUTs

Updated ST 2084 HDR color science

ACES IDTs for Canon C300 MkII clips

Import support for NewBlue Titler Pro titles using Media Composer AAF sequences

Reveal in Media Storage now supports mattes

ProRes 4444 with alpha channel now defaults to straight mode

Power Window opacity and invert settings are now retained when converting to Power Curve Windows

Improved QuickTime render performance on Linux

About DaVinci Resolve 12

DaVinci Resolve 12 is the only software that lets customers edit, grade and finish projects all in a single tool. DaVinci Resolve lets professional editors work in a comfortable, familiar way while also giving them an entirely new toolset, along with DaVinci’s legendary image processing technology, that will help them cut and finish projects at higher quality than ever before. The familiar multi track timeline, customizable interface and keyboard shortcuts make it easy for editors to switch to DaVinci Resolve 12. Best of all, with DaVinci Resolve there is no monthly subscription, you don’t need to be connected to the cloud, and you don’t need to buy any proprietary hardware.

DaVinci Resolve Versions

DaVinci Resolve 12 is available for Mac, Windows and Linux computers with 3 versions available:

DaVinci Resolve 12 is free for customers to download and is a full professional editing and color grading system that is suitable for independent users working on SD, HD and Ultra HD projects. The free version supports all of the same file formats and has the same exact image quality as the paid version of DaVinci Resolve. The free version is designed for editors and colorists who need a dependable and professional tool to grow their business.

DaVinci Resolve 12 Studio is $995 and has all of the same features as the free version, but also adds support for multiple GPUs, 4K output, motion blur effects, temporal and spatial noise reduction, 3D stereoscopic tools, remote rendering, and collaboration tools that let multiple users work on the same project at the same time. DaVinci Resolve 12 Studio is recommended for professional studios and collaborative workgroups.

DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel is $29,995 and includes the Linux, Mac and Windows version of DaVinci Resolve 12 Studio, along with the award winning DaVinci Resolve hardware control surface. Designed with input from professional colorists, the DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel lets colorists manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously, giving them more control and creative options than is possible with a standard mouse and keyboard.

Availability and Price

The DaVinci Resolve 12.2 update is available for download from the Blackmagic Design web site free of charge for all DaVinci Resolve customers.

Press Photography

Product photos of DaVinci Resolve 12, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Chaos Software released another big update to V-Ray for 3ds Max that will render most scenes up to 20-50% faster. V-Ray 3.3 for 3ds Max also introduces new variance-based adaptive sampler –?a new algorithm that makes renders quicker to setup and removes the need to set subdivisions for lights and materials. This makes it much easier for users to get high-quality, predictable renders.

More New Features

– Ray-traced Rounded Corners –?for perfectly smooth edges at render time

– New Sky Model and Aerial Perspective –?for realistic natural-looking environments

– Triplanar Mapping –?for simple, UV-less textures

– Improved V-Ray Clipper with Render-time Booleans?–?for cutaways using any arbitrary mesh

– Stochastic Flakes –?for more realistic materials like snow, sand, and car paints

Many features have been updated as well, including better global illumination and GPU rendering with V-Ray RT. This update is free for all V-Ray 3.0 for 3ds Max customers.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design has announced that its Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K was deployed at the 2015 European Short Course Swimming Championship, held in Netanya, Israel, as part of a specialist 3D motion robotic cable system developed by DynamiCam.

As the lead overhead camera for live broadcasts, the Micro Studio Camera was part of a major multi camera OB set up, devised by sports specialist Mizmor HD Productions, with a live program mix produced for more than 20 international EBU broadcast partners, including the BBC, RAI TV, MTVA, ORF, NOS, TVE and SVT.

The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K was rigged in a 3D motion robotic cable system over the Olympic size, ten lane facility, in order to deliver a ‘pool top’ view of the action, which is a broadcast prerequisite of the European Swimming Association. The solution features a 360 degree gimbal held in place by lightweight winches and cabling, together with stabilization, to deliver a greater range of camera angles than other rail rig solutions.

“The Micro Studio Camera delivered outstanding results,” reveals Ziv Bezalel, head producer at Mizmor Productions. “Not only did the solution give us a top shot of the pool, but it also gave us the flexibility to use a more dynamic range of movement to track competitors, which helped to enhance the overall excitement of the races.”

A pilot for the gimbal and camera operator worked side by side to coordinate shots, with the camera operator using the Micro Studio Camera’s CCU software over a fiber connection to control parameters including iris, shutter speed, white balance and gain control.

“Remote camera control is essential for any multi camera broadcast environment, especially when you are mixing signals from a wide variety of cameras, as we were at the Championship,” continues Ziv. “The more parameters that we have control over, the better the images we are able to produce. The ATEM CCU also allows lift, gamma and gain control for individual color control, so the team was able to ensure the same level of consistency from the Micro Studio Camera 4K that we were achieving across the rest of our OB production.”

“We recognized that a number of small HD and Ultra HD cameras offering superb image quality coming into the market, and designed our solution to place these compact units into an alternative, lightweight cable system for live events as well as stadium and venue AV installations,” explains Enosh Cassel, DynamiCam. “As soon as we saw the capabilities of the Micro Studio Camera, we knew that it would be the perfect partner for what we had in mind; combining broadcast quality images with interesting and unusual camera angles, which bring an added creative dimension to live sports broadcasting.”

Press Photography

Product photos of Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K and all other Blackmagic Design products are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.