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FPS and SpectraCal Announce CalMAN Support for Image AnyPlace and Introduce New Calibration Kit
Toronto, ON – (January 31st, 2012) – Flexible Picture Systems (FPS) and SpectraCal are pleased to announce full support for FPS’ Image AnyPlace and OmniScale product lines using SpectraCal’s CalMAN calibration software.
Starting at CalMAN version 4.5, available today, Image AnyPlace and Omniscale products will be supported as calibration devices as a standard part of the CalMAN software. Using Image AnyPlace as a calibration device, Pro AV Installers can precisely compensate for color, luminance and gamma factor inaccuracies in projection systems, by running CalMAN’s automated workflows, which precisely measure actual projector performance. Image AnyPlace’s 10 bit output LUTs are then programmed under CalMAN’s control to provide complete and accurate compensation across the projectors’ entire Luminance range.
Projection calibration becomes especially important in Edge Blending systems, where slight differences between projectors in a system become highly visible in image blend regions. Full calibration of a multi-projector Edge Blending system can be performed in a matter of minutes.
“There is no time when it’s more obvious how crucial accurate projector calibration is than when you’re trying to make blend zones disappear,” says Steve Wood, President of Flexible Picture Systems. “CalMAN makes the process fast and easy enough that everyone can do it.”
“Integrating CalMAN with Image AnyPlace brings calibration to the world of PRO AV projected displays,” says Joshua Quain, SpectraCal’s VP of Sales and Marketing.
The companies are further pleased to announce the introduction of the Image AnyPlace Calibration Kit as a standard item in FPS’ product catalog. The kit consists of a SpectraCal’s fast and accurate C6 colorimeter, the innovative and extensible AVFoundry digital video test pattern generator, and CalMAN 4.5 packaged conveniently in a carrying case. The Image AnyPlace Calibration Kit is intended as a toolkit item for Pro AV Installers. Installers purchase one kit and use it for multiple new installations and precision re-calibration of existing installations as projector bulbs age or are replaced. Dealer pricing for the Image AnyPlace Calibration Kit is $5,995, for sale immediately.
Flexible Picture Systems will be demonstrating a calibrated system at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam, January 31 - February 2, booth 7H172.
About SpectraCal: SpectraCal provides everything needed for ensuring image fidelity in video: the award-winning software CalMAN, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program. CalMAN Professional is the color calibration software used by nearly all professional video calibrators.
Contact: Joshua Quain
Joshua@spectracal.com
About Flexible Picture Systems: Flexible Picture Systems (FPS) is a manufacturing company in the business of providing high-end video and audio products for the professional AV and high-end Home Theater markets. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, FPS is the exclusive manufacturer and source of the Image AnyPlace brand of geometry correcting/edge blending switcher/scalers. Applications include simulation, Special Events, Houses of Worship, Digital Signage, Domed and Large Venue Theaters. Visit www.flexiblepicturesystems.com for more information.
Contact: Melinda DeNicola
Melinda@flexiblepicturesystems.com
Digital View Partners SpectraCal For Precision Monitor Calibration
(Morgan Hill, CA) – January 24 2012 – Leading LCD controller developer Digital View has announced a tie-up with calibration experts SpectraCal to offer support for the CalMAN automatic calibration tool on Digital View’s latest high performance LCD controllers.
Digital View’s partnership with SpectraCal offers their many LCD monitor builder and specialist display integrator clients a highly automated and simpler way to accurately calibrate their Digital View based LCD products.
CalMan software, with its easy to follow workflows, allows users to fully calibrate a display to conform with specific image specifications within 10 to 30 minutes, depending upon the scope of work. Interfacing via the serial RS-232 port on the Digital View LCD interface controller, the CalMAN software takes control of the gamma and image manipulation tools to automatically deliver the most accurate calibration result possible. The CalMAN software is compatible with all the major calibration probes and can be adapted to others if required.
“The partnership with Digital View brings one of the world’s leading LCD controller developers together with the very best in light science and process software engineering,” says Steve Jackson, Director of Business Development at SpectraCal. “We can now confidently tell our display partners that with Digital View and SpectraCal they are getting the best and most accurate image representation available in the market”.
“Our controllers have longed been used in image critical applications, from radar to broadcast and medical,” says Neil Wood, President of Digital View Inc. “Adding CalMAN support now provides a simple way and cost effective route for our integrator partners to quickly ensure the necessary consistency their customers rely upon.”
The tie-up will also see a number of new products from the two companies. The first of which will be a workflow for multiple display matching in video wall applications. New interface technology from Digital View will combine with CalMAN to provide complete and simplified calibration for ‘tiled’ video applications - a process that has historically been both arduous and inaccurate.
SpectraCal and Digital View will be demonstrating the solution in January at ISE 2012, Amsterdam.
For more information contact:
Steve Jackson: Director of Business Development, SpectraCal: steve.jackson@spectracal.com
Monitor Calibration Solution for Geospatial Intelligence
(Seattle, WA) – January 17, 2012 – The first solution for calibrating PC monitors to the exacting standards required in geospatial intelligence work was released today. CalMAN Geospatial is an offshoot of SpectraCal’s flagship product CalMAN, the most widely sold video calibration solution.
Geospatial intelligence (GeoInt) viewing requires the greatest possible visual detail and utmost visual accuracy. CalMAN Geospatial ensures that each monitor is precisely calibrated to the standards required by geospatial intelligence agencies. Prominent among the standards is an Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF, also referred to in the industry as “Gamma”) that makes sure each gradient step between black and white has an Equal Probability of Detection (EPD).
Similar to the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function included in SpectraCal’s recently released medical calibration software CalMED+, the EPD curve used in geospatial intelligence requires extremely rigorous settings which the software calculates, tests, sets, and verifies.
“CalMAN Geospatial has been two years in the making,” says Christopher Greenway, CalMAN Geospatial Product Manager. “We worked very closely over a long period with a major launch customer to make sure we met the needs of the GeoInt community exactly.”
In addition to the EPD gamma curve, CalMAN Geospatial accurately calibrates RGB balance. This allows support of color as well as monochrome monitors.
Built around a highly customizable workflow architecture, the software uses a built-in pattern generator and monitor control client derived from SpectraCal’s CalPC product, and an auto calibration engine based on years of work in high definition video.
“Full RGB balancing across the whole grayscale can be accomplished in a few minutes by pushing a single button,” Greenway explains.
The software produces complete and full-featured compliance reports, which can be customized to display exactly the information a user requires, in tabular format or in any of a wide variety of graph types.
Users of SpectraCal’s other software products will not be surprised to find that CalMAN Geospatial offers support for an extremely wide range of calibration hardware, including most light and color meters available in the industry.
SpectraCal has also introduced a new colorimeter intended specifically for meeting GeoInt standards. Dubbed the Geo-6, the new meter is extremely fast, accurate and rugged, and is priced lower than previously available colorimeters.
CalMAN Geospatial takes advantage of all the hardware resources provided by the workstation, including both the industry standard Direct Display Control (DDC) interface and also direct access to the graphics adapter Look-Up Table (LUT). A unique client-server architecture allows the calibration of multiple workstations over the network.
More information is available from the SpectraCal web site: store.spectracal.com/geospatial.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal is the worldwide leader in image fidelity solutions. SpectraCal provides everything needed for calibrating video displays: award-winning software, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program.
For more information:
Christopher Greenway
SpectraCal, Inc.
3528 Bagley Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 588-0074
geospatial@spectracal.com
SpectraCal Announces Direct Calibration Connection for Sharp Elite
New CalMAN Support Added For The Sharp Elite
(Seattle, WA) – November 9, 2011 – Add Sharp Elite to the number of displays that can be directly controlled from leading video calibration software CalMAN.
This fall, Sharp brought back an iconic name in television by introducing Elite LED LCD TVs designed for discerning consumers who want the best home entertainment experience.
SpectraCal, makers of the award-winning CalMAN, today announced a version of CalMAN that allows direct access to the Sharp Elite’s calibration controls.
Before CalMAN, video calibration had been a complicated process of using on-screen menus with a remote control. And every display has different controls, called by different names, with different sets of effects and side-effects. With CalMAN, adjusting the display becomes as easy as adjusting the relative height of bars on a chart.
CalMAN directly communicates with the display, measures the result of the change, and zeroes in on the desired result.
“CalMAN makes it much faster and easier to perform much better video calibrations,” explains Derek Smith, SpectraCal’s founder and Chief Technical Officer.
In fact, some calibrations can be accomplished by pushing a single button.
CalMAN offers three levels of support for the Sharp Elite, starting with direct access to individual display controls, such as brightness and contrast adjustments, on the computer interface – no remote control required. Second, interactive charts allow the calibrator to set the display output to any desired standards. Finally the “one-button” CalMAN-AC™ automated calibration solution automatically adjusts all settings across multiple measurement points as a single operation.
Elite LCD televisions incorporate proprietary RGB+Y technology, which adds a yellow sub-pixel to the standard red/green/blue color palette. Sharp says that the addition of the yellow sub-pixel enables the reproduction of a much broader range of colors. In addition, RGB+Y create higher brightness using less power and more accurately depicts vivid yellows and vibrant golds.
But RGB+Y technology also poses the possibility of additional difficulty for the calibrator, difficulty with which CalMAN’s automated technology solves.
With its control over the display’s color management system (CMS), adjustments that used to require hours can be accomplished in minutes. "CMS work is notoriously complicated and difficult to get right," explained Derek Smith, SpectraCal CEO. "With CalMAN's DDC, you can create stunningly beautiful and accurate images – and you don't need a Ph.D. in physics and all day to make it happen."
The Sharp Elite was announced the winner of the 2011 HDTV shootout sponsored by Value Electronics last month.
"In the seven years since we've held the shootout, this is the first time an LCD won," said Robert Zohn, the shootout’s sponsor. Zohn explained that the Elite did "exceptionally well" at uniformity (including blooming) and off-angle viewing, which have previously been weak points for LED-based displays.
The Sharp Elite workflow will be included in the new CalMAN AutoCal™ (AC) add-on license, promotionally priced at $99 for the month of November. Buy the CalMAN AutoCal™ add-on license in November and also get the CalPC add-on license for free. Additionally, new CalMAN software purchases (all licenses) in November will have both AutoCal and CalPC add-on licenses included. (Expected early December release date for Sharp Elite workflow.)
Free evaluation versions of CalMAN are available for download from the SpectraCal web site.
For more information, please go to www.spectracal.com or contact sales@spectracal.com.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal Supports Retail X-Rite i1Display Colorimeter
CalMAN 4.4 first independent software to support X-rite’s colorimeter
(Seattle, WA) – October 12, 2011 – When X-rite introduced the ground-breaking i1 Display Pro in June, SpectraCal, Inc. was the first independent software vendor to announce support for custom OEM versions of the new colorimeter. Today SpectraCal deepened that support by also delivering support for X-rite’s own retail version of the i1 Display Pro.
CalMAN Version 4.4 DIY Edition, announced by SpectraCal today, will support any retail version of the i1 Display Pro.
The X-rite retail version of the i1 Display Pro had previously not been usable with any software other than X-rite’s.
“The retail i1 Display Pro provides the most powerful and least expensive entry level package we’ve ever been able to offer,” says Alex Nguyen, Marketing Manager at SpectraCal. “If you’ve been waiting for a great performing display calibration package within your budget for your media room or home theater, this is the kit for you!”
In the month of October, SpectraCal is selling the X-rite retail version of the i1 Display Pro, bundled with both X-rite’s software and CalMAN DIY Edition, for an introductory price of $379.
But Quain points out that you do not have to buy the X-rite meter from SpectraCal in order to use CalMAN.
“Wherever you buy your i1 Display Pro retail version, CalMAN will support it,” says Nguyen, explaining that this can make a huge difference in convenience to users in other parts of the world.
“Instead of having to import an i1 Display from the United States, sometimes at quite a cost, European users can now purchase a retail i1 Display locally at a great savings,” Nguyen says.
The DIY Edition of CalMAN which supports the retail version of the i1 Display Pro is available for download from the SpectraCal web site for $199.
For more information, please go to www.spectracal.com or contact sales@spectracal.com.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal provides everything needed for calibrating video displays: the award-winning software CalMAN, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program. CalMAN DIY is the most popular color calibration software used video enthusiasts worldwide. SpectraCal is the number one supplier of technical training on calibration in the world. Please visit www.spectracal.com for more information.
About X-Rite
(NASDAQ: XRIT - News) X-Rite is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone LLC, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.
SpectraCal and Klein Instruments Announce K-10 Cinema Pro Optimized for Home Theater
Offered at introductory price of $4995 in October
(Portland, OR) – October 12, 2011 – Klein Instruments and SpectraCal announced today the K-10 Cinema Pro. The Cinema Pro is a new version of Klein’s heralded K-10 non-contact colorimeter, optimized for home theater video calibration.
By removing features unneeded in home theater calibration, Klein was able to create an instrument that is even more accurate than previous K-10s, while costing less
“The K-10 was designed to serve a wide variety of uses,” says Luhr Jensen, the K-10’s inventor. “By removing features the home theater calibrator doesn’t need, we’ve been able to create a version that is even more accurate at the measurements needed in the home theater, and also reduce the price.”
Among the features Klein removed in the Cinema Pro are the short focus aiming light option, the external aiming light switch, various calibration files not used in home theater, and Klein’s software utilities.
“The Cinema Pro edition is optimized for use with CalMAN,” Jensen says, referring to SpectraCal’s video calibration software CalMAN, the software solution used by nearly all professional home theater calibrators. “You don’t need the external switch when CalMAN lets you turn the laser on and off from software.”
To promote the introduction of the K-10 Cinema Pro, Klein Instruments and SpectraCal have teamed up to offer an unprecedented low price of $4995.
“Anyone who has ever had a chance to use a K-10 wants one,” says Derek Smith, SpectraCal’s founder and Chief Technology Officer. “In our calibration classes, people always hog the station with the K-10.”
In addition to offering extremely precise and repeatable readings, the K-10 Cinema Pro provides its results very quickly. Particularly in automated calibrations involving many measurements, the K-10 Cinema Pro’s speed makes a huge difference in the total calibration time.
“The only reason every calibrator doesn’t have one already is price,” says Joshua Quain, SpectraCal’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This special introduction price makes the K-10 Cinema Pro much more affordable and should allow people who haven’t been able to get a K-10 before to have the meter they really desire,” Quain said.
The K-10 Cinema Pro is available exclusively from SpectraCal.
For more information, please go to www.spectracal.com or contact prosales@spectracal.com
SpectraCal and basICColor Announce Highly Capable Colorimeter
DISCUS demolishes previous color meter price/performance benchmarks
(Seattle, WA) – September 6, 2011 – SpectraCal, Inc. and basICColor announced the DISCUS colorimeter, providing accuracy in colorimetry previously available only with much more expensive instruments.
“We were amazed when we measured the DISCUS in our calibration lab,” says Derek Smith, SpectraCal’s founder and Chief Technology Officer. “We didn’t think this level of sensitivity and repeatability was possible with such a moderately priced tristimulus device,” Smith said.
“We’re very pleased that SpectraCal has chosen the DISCUS to anchor its product line,” says Karl Koch, basICColor’s Managing Director. “CalMAN is respected around the world, and SpectraCal’s support of DISCUS will certainly speed its adoption in with professional video calibrators.”
basICColor created the DISCUS to bring affordable high-end accuracy to the pre-press proofing market, and turned to SpectraCal to introduce the instrument to professional video calibrators. basICColor appointed SpectraCal exclusive distributor in North America, and non-exclusive Master Distributor throughout the rest of the world.
“One look at the DISCUS makes professional video calibrators want to own it,” says Joshua Quain, SpectraCal’s VP of Sales and Marketing. The plane-parallel, anodized aluminum unibody chassis is extremely rugged and robust, and will hold up well to continuous daily use in the field by video professionals.
DISCUS sensors are particularly capable of measuring deep blacks, and the dichroic glass color filters are far more stable than plastic filters.
To produce highly consistent measurements, the DISCUS tracks its internal temperature and applies a calibration adjustment to compensate for temperature variations. This gives the unit an operating range, without measurement deviation, of 10°C to 50°C.
The DISCUS can also measure ambient light. A wheel on the measuring side of the unit can be twirled between three positions: closed, open or open with the ambient light dome over the sensor.
The DISCUS is designed and manufactured in Germany. SpectraCal then enhances each DISCUS individually in their Seattle calibration lab, adding support for additional device types. Each DISCUS ships with a Certificate of Performance verifying its accuracy on each device type.
DISCUS support is included in the current version of SpectraCal’s award-winning CalMAN video calibration software, the de facto standard in the CEDIA industry. (CalMAN Commercial and Expert licenses support the DISCUS.)
The DISCUS will be demonstrated in SpectraCal’s booth 4961 at CEDIA Expo, the annual trade show of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, September 8-10.
The price of the DISCUS is $1995. Visitors to Booth 4961 can receive an introductory discount.
SpectraCal is building a DISCUS reseller network. Prospective dealers should call +1 877-886-5112 North America, or +1-605-274-6055 international.
For more info, please go to www.spectracal.com/DISCUS, or contact prosales@spectracal.com.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal provides the tools needed to create and maintain image fidelity in video, including the award-winning video calibration software CalMAN, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program. CalMAN is the color calibration software used by nearly all professional video calibrators. SpectraCal is the number one supplier of calibration training in the world. Please visit www.spectracal.com for more information.
About basICColor GmbH
basICColor is a leading manufacturer of color management software and offers a complete range of products from ICC profiling to quality control and color workflow automation. basICColor´s engagement in softproofing for the graphic arts industry led to the conclusion that there are no high-quality but affordable monitor colorimeters in the market. Thus basICColor entered the field of hardware design and presented the basICColor DISCUS which was awarded the Photokina Star at its debut in 2010. More information can be found at www.basiccolor.de.
SpectraCal and Entertainment Experience Announce Next Generation Image Processor
eeColor image processor with 3D LUT exploits advances in color science to include the viewing environment and viewer’s experience
(Seattle, WA) – August 30, 2011 – SpectraCal, Inc. and Entertainment Experience announced the eeColor image processor, providing unprecedented control over video images.
Leveraging over 35 years of research in visual color science by experts from Kodak, universities, and Hollywood film production, eeColor produces “the brightest and most colorful moving images that I have seen,” says Mark Fairchild, Director of the PhD Color Science Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Jason Turk, chief engineer at AVScience says eeColor is “like nothing else on the market.” eeColor adds “a vibrancy to the colors that I have never seen to date,” Turk says.
Derek Smith, SpectraCal’s founder and Chief Technology Officer, explains that this is partly because eeColor for the first time allows full use of displays’ ever-expanding capabilities.
“Manufacturers have been hard at work expanding the color capacity of their displays,” Smith says, “But to achieve image fidelity, we’ve had to turn all the expanded capacity off. With eeColor, you can now make full use of the expanded color gamut current displays allow, while still maintaining accurate flesh tones,” Smith explains.
eeColor utilizes proprietary technology based on newly understood physics of adaptive vision.
“The purpose of video calibration is to improve the experience of the humans who view the content,” says Tom Schulte, SpectraCal’s Market Development Manager. “But traditional calibration leaves out the human factors and room lighting.” Schulte explains that eeColor for the first time incorporates the human visual system and human experience into the calibration.
eeColor is the first product to bring 3D Look-Up Tables (LUTs) to the home theater market. As used here, “3D” has nothing to do with depth perception, funny glasses, and blue-skinned creatures; it refers to number of axes of color control over the video image. Previous video processors had only had one axis of control, a “1D LUT.”
“Professionals who create content have long known they need a 3D LUT to give them complete control over the image,” says Joshua Quain, SpectraCal’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “But this is the first time the viewer has ever been given the same level of control.”
The unique eeColor architecture allows loading custom eeColor tables to optimize specific viewing conditions. For example, eeColor tables can be easily downloaded into the eeColor processor to support outdoor viewing, games, sports, and fluorescent lighting, and others.
SpectraCal’s award-winning CalMAN video calibration software, the de facto standard in the video industry, has been substantially enhanced to support eeColor. With the appropriate CalMAN license, eeColor calibration is automated.
The eeColor processor will be demonstrated in SpectraCal’s booth number 4961 at CEDIA Expo, the annual trade show of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, September 8-10.
Offered exclusively through SpectraCal, the eeColor processor lists for $1595. From now through September 10, the eeColor can be purchased at an introductory price of $1195. SpectraCal will also sell add-on eeColor tables for unique content and lighting.
SpectraCal is building a reseller network of CEDIA professionals for eeColor. Prospective dealers should call +1 877-886-5112 North America, or +1-605-274-6055 international.
For more info, please go to www.spectracal.com/eecolor, or contact prosales@spectracal.com.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal provides the tools needed to create and maintain image fidelity in video, including the award-winning video calibration software CalMAN, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program. CalMAN is the color calibration software used by nearly all professional video calibrators. SpectraCal is the number one supplier of technical training on calibration in the world. Please visit www.spectracal.com for more information.
About Entertainment Experience
SpectraCal and X-Rite Announce Next Generation SpectraCal C6™ Colorimeter
Developed by X-Rite and customized for SpectraCal, the SpectraCal C6™ reads up to 5x faster, measures more accurately at lower light levels, and offers greater versatility than its predecessor, the Chroma 5.
(Seattle, WA) – July 5, 2011 – SpectraCal, Inc. and X-Rite Incorporated are proud to announce two new professional colorimeters –the SpectraCal C6™ and an OEM i1Display – both customized versions of X-Rite’s recently released i1Display Pro device.
SpectraCal, the leading developer of video calibration software and training, in conjunction with X-Rite, the leading developer and manufacturer of color measurement instrumentation and software, teamed up to optimize high quality and well priced colorimeters tailored specifically for customers concerned with optimum picture quality in critical viewing environments, such as post-production video, digital signage and medical markets.
The C6™ is designed to meet the exacting demands of professional video calibrators who use the Expert and Commercial versions of SpectraCal’s award-winning video software CalMAN. The OEM i1Display is designed for general use. It is based on similar technology to the C6™ and will be supported in all versions of CalMAN.
The professional calibrator was of high importance for the C6™ solution. “At SpectraCal, we have contact with our customers every day, and used their feedback to develop the C6™ as an excellent replacement for the Chroma 5,” said Jeff Murray, President of SpectraCal Inc.
“Through our worldwide training program and educational initiatives, we gained insight into what matters most to our professional video calibrators. We compiled a list of our customers’ needs in a color analyzer and then worked with X-Rite, building on the new i1Display platform, to completely satisfy our customers’ requirements” Murray said.
“X-Rite is pleased to extend our long term partnership with Spectracal with our most technologically advanced colorimeter. We're confident that the speed and accuracy of this customized i1Display device will enhance the calibration process and deliver the quality results demanded by Spectracal's discerning customers,” said Sonia Megert, Vice President Marketing of X-Rite.
What sets the C6™ apart from similar hardware is its increased accuracy, low light level performance, lightning fast speed improvements, and expanded display support (up to 64 SPDs addressable in the hardware) for existing and future display types with CalMAN video calibration software. Additionally, the C6 ™ includes a certificate of calibration (NIST Traceable) from SpectraCal Laboratories in Seattle, Washington.
“We believe our customers will be pleased with the incredible accuracy and fast performance that the C6™ offers” explains SpectraCal’s Director of Marketing Joshua Quain. “The C6™ will allow a professional calibrator to get in and out of a customer’s project faster than before and without compromising the quality of their work” continued Quain.
Offered exclusively through SpectraCal, the C6™ can be preordered immediately for delivery during mid to late July. As an introductory offer, from now through July 31, the C6™ can be purchased at an opening price of $595 ($695 after July 31, 2011) and the OEM i1 Display $245 ($295 after July 31, 2011). Additionally, Chroma 5, 4, and 3 owners can upgrade to the C6™ with a limited time trade-in program. To order or get more info on the C6™ please go to www.spectracal.com/c6, contact prosales@spectracal.com, call +1 877-886-5112 North America, or +1-605-274-6055 International. For additional details on the OEM i1 Display go to http://consumer.spectracal.com.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal provides everything needed for calibrating video displays: the award-winning software CalMAN, a wide range of colorimeters and spectrophotometers for accurate color measurement, the best available test pattern sources, and a comprehensive education program. CalMAN Commercial is the color calibration software used by nearly all professional video calibrators. SpectraCal is the number one supplier of technical training on calibration in the world. Please visit www.spectracal.com for more information.
About X-Rite
(NASDAQ: XRIT - News) X-Rite is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone LLC, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.
Thinklogical Premiers New Product Integration with SpectraCal to Provide Color Correction Technology
06/09/2011 – Milford, CT
Thinklogical’s VelocityKVM and DVI Receivers Now Provide Key Capabilities for Video Wall Applications
Thinklogical, a worldwide provider of fiber optic infrastructure, extension and routing systems for the Pro A/V industry, will be showcasing color correction technology in their line of VelocityKVM and DVI fiber optic receivers at InfoComm 2011(Booth 2779). Thinklogical has successfully partnered with SpectraCal to develop seamless product integration for color correction. This new feature provides an efficient, cost-effective advantage when deploying Thinklogical systems in a Pro A/V environment.
Display optimization and calibration is critical in achieving and maintaining the integrity of the original content as the cinematographer, videographer, or graphic artist intended. The video wall benefits from these features, both as a big picture device and as a multi-image display. Thinklogical’s Velocity receivers are deployed in a variety of video wall applications, as well as specialized displays in the military and control room markets that require accurate color display.
“We understand that video wall applications require a high degree of color accuracy,” states Kevin Keefe, Vice President of Engineering.” We partnered with SpectraCal because they had a keen understanding of the elements in a display that require adjustment and how each element inter-relates to the others. Through our research and development we were able to integrate SpectraCal technology into our receivers, which is ultimately cost-effective and easy-to-use.”
Thinklogical’s Velocity KVM and DVI receivers are able to achieve accurate color correction through an external spectrometer which receives incoming video signals. Once accurate color correction is established the resulting Look Up Table is downloaded to Thinklogical’s Velocity receiver (which supports 3D LUT). This feature makes color correction manageable, with fewer points of failure, while being highly accurate.
About Thinklogical
Thinklogical is the leading manufacturer and provider of fiber optic KVM/video extension solutions, and fiber matrix routers and switches. Organizations worldwide rely on Thinklogical’s products and solutions for optimal performance in secure visual computing environments. Through pioneering next generation fiber optic extension, switching, and server management technologies Thinklogical helps customers reduce cost and simplify the management of complex computing infrastructures. Thinklogical sells directly and through integrator and VAR channels and is privately held and headquartered in Milford, Connecticut. For more information, contact us at www.thinklogical.com.
Phabrix Generator/Monitor/Analyzers Now Available From Spectracal and Integrated With CalMAN + Spectracolor Software.
05/05/2011 - Sioux Falls, SD
SpectraCal announces the availability of the Phabrix line of 3G/HD/SD-SDI test signal generator, monitor and analyzers.
At NAB this year (April 11-14), SpectraCal announced that the Phabrix line of handheld SDI test and measurement instruments are now being sold and supported by SpectralCal. The Phabrix instruments provide 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI portable video and audio test signal generation in multiple 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 color spaces, plus signal monitoring and analysis. These instruments are compact, easy to use solutions for professional studio and outside broadcast engineers, production and post production technicians, manufacturing engineers, and lab engineers.
Available Phabrix SDI handheld test and measurement instrument models include:
- PHABRIX SxA with SD thru 3G SDI test signal generation, monitoring and analysis, embedded audio generation and testing, plus AES audio testing and monitoring.
- PHABRIX SxD with dual-link SDI inputs and outputs to support 3G level A and 3G level B. Provides SD thru 3G SDI test signal generation, monitoring and analysis, and embedded audio generation and testing.
- PHABRIX SxD with SD thru 3G SDI test signal generation, monitoring and analysis, embedded audio generation and testing, plus eye and jitter diagrams with cursors and histogram functions for detailed measurements.
These instruments are unique in that never before have handheld SDI testing instruments combined three toolsets in the one handheld product - Generator, Analyzer and Monitor. The Phabrix handheld SDI test and measurement instruments, with USB and Ethernet connectivity, are also integrated with CalMAN Pro Monitor Calibration Software and the SpectraColor Image Calibration Software that was previewed at NAB, for automatic test pattern selection during software controlled measurements and display calibration adjustments.
About SpectraCal
SpectraCal is dedicated to the attainment of the perfect picture on screen. With decades of experience spanning electronic cinema, home theater, commercial AV, and digital signage, the company focuses on display optimization through calibration. Achieving and maintaining the integrity of the original content as the cinematographer, videographer, or graphic artist intended. To this end, SpectraCal considers the variables of the display, the screen, and the environment with the effects that each play in the attainment of the goal. Understanding that displays out of the box cannot perform at their peak and will not produce that “perfect” picture, SpectraCal has developed software and hardware solutions to permit the beginner to the expert in display calibration to optimize images in their unique environments.
For more information contact SpectraCal at: 1-877-886-5112 • +1-605-274-6055 Voice • www.spectracal.com • sales@spectracal.com
Automatic Calibration of 2011 Panasonic HDTV Models
05/03/2011 - Los Angeles, CA
SpectraCal Demonstrates Autocalibration at Panasonic Press Briefings
Automatic calibration of Panasonic’s 2011 HDTV models was announced today by Seattle-based software vendor SpectraCal.
New workflows in SpectraCal’s award-winning video calibration solution CalMAN automatically calibrate the 2011 Panasonic displays via Viera Net IP connectivity.
“First, picture controls such as brightness, contrast, color, and tint are available directly from inside CalMAN, without needing a remote control,” Chris Greenway, CalMAN Product Manager said.
“Second, CalMAN’s Interactive Charts allow you to say what results you want, leaving CalMAN and the display to work together to achieve those results,” Greenway explained.
“Finally,” Greenway said, “you can just push a single button and watch CalMAN perform a complete eleven-point white balance calibration.”
Calibration results are stored in the ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Configuration) day and night memories.
SpectraCal Chief Technical Officer Derek Smith said that Panasonic engineers worked very closely with SpectraCal to ensure optimal results. “Panasonic provided us with unprecedented access to controls for optimizing these displays,” Smith said.
The results for the installer, Smith explained, are faster and easier calibrations with better results.
“You can set an option to specify how long you want CalMAN to work,” Smith explained. “The default option is a quick calibration, but you can crank it up if you want and bring it close to perfect,” he said.
SpectraCal will be demonstrating the new Panasonic workflows at press briefings in Los Angeles on May 4 and New York on May 10.
SpectraColor Suite for Production and Post Production
4/11/2011 - Las Vegas, NV
SpectraCal Shows New Hardware and Software for Film Industry at NAB
A new suite of creative tools for managing color in the creative industries was announced at NAB 2011 in Las Vegas this week by SpectraCal.
Called SpectraColor, the hardware and software helps creative professionals achieve consistent, accurate video images, from image creation through finishing to distribution.
SpectraColor characterizes and calibrates monitors, displays, and projectors, and matches them to each other, to industry standards, or to creative requirements.
“Anyone who makes critical image decisions based on electronic displays needs SpectraColor in order to ensure predictable image output results,” explains SpectraCal’s Market Development Manager Tom Schulte.
SpectraColor’s ColorMap software allows users to create and manipulate custom Look-Up Tables (LUTs) to compensate for monitor characteristics or to achieve desired visual effects.
The ColorBox is a hardware appliance that applies the LUTs to video streams in real time.
“Using this hardware/software combination provides users complete control over all the characteristics of their video images,” explains Schulte. “They can m
