Dolby Laboratories announced it its Dolby Professional Reference Monitor now displays content shot at a rate of 48 frames per second (fps).
For more information visit: www.dolby.com
Unedited press release follows:
Dolby Professional Reference Monitor Increases High-Frame-Rate Support
Las Vegas, April 13, 2012 – Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) today announced that the Dolby® Professional Reference Monitor has added support for content shot at a rate of 48 frames per second (fps). It already supports 60 fps, and expanded support for 48 fps is part of a set of new features that enhance the content-creation process and reduce the cost of ownership involved in postproduction. The software update with new features is planned to be available beginning next week.
Directors Peter Jackson and James Cameron have both advocated 48 fps capture and display for digital cinema. Dolby and ARRI® have produced a short film in 48 fps and high dynamic range that both companies will showcase at their booths (SU1212 and C6737, respectively) to highlight the detailed capabilities of the capture and display components of filmmaking. Shot using an ARRI Alexa digital camera, the film will be played on the Dolby Professional Reference Monitor.
“We’re excited to work with Dolby because the Dolby Professional Reference Monitor shows off highly detailed images that the Alexa captures so cleanly,” said Glenn Kennel, President and CEO, ARRI. “It elevates the content, making it look incredibly sharp and realistic.”
“This is the first time I’ve worked in 48 fps, and I can honestly say that the images are incredibly sharp and clear and the Dolby monitor displays them more accurately than I’ve ever seen,” said Rob Legato, the Academy Award®-winning visual effects supervisor who served as the director, director of photography, and colorist of this short film. “I undertook this project to experiment with high frame rate and high dynamic range, and have walked away truly impressed with the outcome.”
Dolby is also now providing postproduction facilities with Display Calibration Services, an inexpensive and convenient way to ensure that facilities maintain the most precise color accuracy and true black levels. Dolby is the only display manufacturer that currently offers an optimized calibration service. Its worldwide team is equipped to deliver the service when and where needed, with minimal downtime on the set or in the postproduction facility. Dolby Display Calibration Services will significantly reduce the cost of ownership by removing the need for facilities to buy expensive calibration equipment.
“Just as we provide calibration services to studios and mix rooms for audio, Dolby is now doing so for the Professional Reference Monitor. It’s an inexpensive and easy way for post facilities to receive the highest level of performance,” said Bill Admans, Director of Production and Postproduction, Dolby Laboratories. “Facilities rely on Dolby because we continue to innovate and bring new approaches to solve customers’ problems, enhancing the content-creation process.”
Some of the companies that have recently purchased the Dolby Professional Reference Monitor include:
• North America: Deluxe Creative Services Group, Los Angeles; Technicolor®, Toronto; and Light Iron®, Hollywood
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Envy Post Production, London; MPC, London; TwoFour54, Dubai; and Red Pepper Pictures, Johannesburg
• Asia Pacific: NAC, Tokyo; Gemini Labs, Chennai; August First Film Studio, Beijing; Movie Channel, Beijing; Soundfirm, Beijing and Sydney; Best & Original Production Ltd., Hong Kong; and Post Production Office Ltd., Hong Kong
Every Dolby Professional Reference Monitor comes with three years of software maintenance. New features also include support for the AMPAS® ACES workflow, which is required by studios for mastering feature films, and Image Systems Nucoda 3D LUT support to help with the color-managed workflow.
In addition to being shown at the Dolby booth, the Dolby Professional Reference Monitor is on display at the NAB Show® in the following locations:
ARRI (C6737)
Canon® (C4325)
Colorfront (Renaissance Hotel)
Digital Vision (SL6310)
DVS (SL6815)
FilmLight (SL2420)
flashscan8.us/MWA (SL9607)
NAC Image Technology (C8749)
THX® (SL14407)
About Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.