Blackmagic Design is demonstrating an advanced light source technology at NAB 2022, designed to enhance the performance of its Cintel film scanners. The new light source significantly boosts scanning speeds and improves image quality, particularly for high dynamic range (HDR) films.
New Technology Details
The innovative light source consists of a grid of 576 high-power LEDs arranged in a square array, which are focused onto the film using a novel light cylinder. This setup increases the silicon area generating light by more than double compared to previous models, resulting in a much brighter illumination.
This enhanced light source allows for HDR films to be scanned at an impressive rate of 30 frames per second—up from the previous limit of 10 frames per second. The increased power means each frame receives tens of kilowatts of illumination during the scanning process, drastically reducing scan times.
Additional Features
In addition to faster scanning, the new light source includes a film inspection mode. By pressing and holding the stop button, users can adjust the light source for more directional illumination, making it easier to spot dust or scratches on the film. This feature is not available in current models, which use a diffused spherical light source.
The flexibility of the new light source is controlled entirely through software, giving users greater precision and control over their scanning process. This capability allows for thorough pre-scanning inspections to ensure the highest quality output.
Future Implications
Blackmagic Design CEO Grant Petty expressed excitement about showcasing this technology at NAB 2022, noting that it will be integrated into a new model of Cintel film scanner. The company is eager to gather customer feedback before finalizing the release.
The development represents another step forward in Blackmagic Design’s commitment to advancing digital film scanning technology, offering significant improvements for post-production professionals working with HDR films.