P+S Technik ready at IBC to bring the analog and digital world closer

The Weiscam HS-2 multipurpose camera; the recorder for the ARRI3, 16Digital SR Mag; the SI-3D system that uses two Mini SI-2K cameras for stereoscopic production; the field recorder for 3D; the Freestyle Rig (whose prototype was presented last year at the IBC and which is now in series production); and the SteadyFrame scanner, are just some of the new features that P+S Technik will present at IBC 2010.

The Weisscam HS-2 multipurpose camera now includes new features to enhance creativity, becoming the new Weisscam HS-2 MK II. In this new version P+S Technik has optimized image quality with the innovative black reference adjustment with noise reduction and black stabilization with a greater extended dynamic range in low light areas. In addition, it will now be possible to work with variable frame rates at high and normal speed between 720, 1080 and 2K in RAW and HD.

It should precisely be noted that the workflow in both RAW and HD captures and plays back uncompressed RAW. Also new are predefined and customizable recording modes for setting up different segments to ensure latitude and flexibility on set.

The camera also has Dual Link HD-SDI outputs and can record and monitor at the same time at 12 bit RAW and 10 bit via HD-SDI (RAW in HD-SDI).

Other new features include the extended 36GB memory, allowing for longer recording times, and the optimized electronic viewfinder with an integrated DVI interface. Of course, the new Weisscam SA-2 MK II is compatible with all 35mm camera lenses and accessories.

16Digital SR Mag

This year, P+S Technik will come to Amsterdam with a great leap forward in the digital revolution: the 16Digital SR Mag that aims to fill the gap between film and the digital world. This recorder, attaches to the ARRI SRIII, is designed with documentaries, independent film production in mind, and will undoubtedly be especially interesting for training and rental environments.

The 16Digital SR Mag's 2/3” CMOS sensor captures cinematic quality in native HD resolution at 10 bit RAW and 4:2:2 HD in CineForm format.

Digital image capture in a camera with opto-mechanical components will allow operation very close to film. This proposal is a simple, fast and reversible way to save on the investment in 16 mm equipment.

Additionally, RAW and HD support via HD-SDI outputs in 1920x1080 ensures complete flexibility. Instead of the annoying flickering of VideoAssist in PAL or NTSC, its HD-SDI output offers clean monitoring. The 16Digital SR Mag offers multiple frame rate settings in 1080 at 24, 25, 30 fps (including 23.98fps and 29.97 fps) and can be switched between 59.94 and 50 Hz.

P+S Technik ships the 16Digital SR Mag with PSRushes software that offers a complete workflow solution for digital dailies processing.

On the other hand, it should be noted that it is possible to configure it from a laptop or even from a mobile device such as an iPad or iPhone.

SI-3D stereoscopic

At IBC 2010 we will also be able to see the SI-3D system that uses two Mini SI-2K cameras, offering filmmakers integrated tools to control and adjust the camera alignment and change parallax between the two points of view. All controls are accessible through a simple touch screen interface. Data is processed in stereo from one system, eliminating the need for a separate stereo processor to mix the two stereoscopic display signals.

This system allows recording and playback in 2K DCI and stereoscopic HD RAW in 50/50, side-by-side formats... It has dual screen outputs, virtual parallax adjustment (Flip, XY Shift and rotation), and uncompressed recording at 12 bit and Cineform RAW QT.

For its part, the new P+S Technik field recorder allows recording, monitoring and reproducing stereoscopic 3D. Still in prototype, it has an Intel QuadCore CPU, removable RAID-SSD drive, an 8-inch touch monitor, as well as HD-SDI output. It also has an analog video output for the user interface display. Two V-mount batteries allow replacement during field operations. This recorder will support CineForm encoding with and without compression.

Freestyle Rig

The new Freestyle rig whose prototype was presented last year at the IBC is now in series production, achieving great success around the world. Made of carbon fiber used in Formula One, this rig is emerging as a good combination of load capacity, stability, shape and weight.

The carbon fiber structural parts offer not only characteristics perfectly suited for Formula One, but also especially for Steadicam and for shoulder applications. P+S now has a complete range of ergonomic mounting accessories that allow the rig to be used on the shoulder or on a steadicam, crane or dolly.

Designed for constant balance, the platform always keeps the weight of the cameras (up to 7 Kg.) in perfect balance when adjusting the base.

SteadyFrame Scanner

Finally, P+S Technik will also show at IBC 2010 its new SteadyFrame universal format scanner, designed for digitizing large quantities of 16 and 35 mm film in a short time, with high quality and without damaging the film. Ultimately, it is designed to operate profitably with low maintenance.

The film feed system allows for quick and easy exchange between formats. Its smooth sprocket, registration pin transport system and excellent image stability guaranteed by ERP (punch recognition system) software are some of the key features.

Replacing mechanical image stabilization modules with software based pattern recognition algorithms offers several important advantages: the careful manipulation of cine files throughout the entire process, the handling of different perforation patterns (3perf, 2perf), perforation types and tones (e.g. BH, KS, CS1870) and the respective film types (positive, negative and intermediate) on any base whether nitrates or cellulose-based acetate.

It also has the option of automatic splice repair (DSR) and optional optical and magnetic sound precision reader (SCM).