Codex Digital (www.codexdigital.com), specialist in high-resolution media recording systems, has formed a technology partnership with leading software developer Glue Tools (www.gluetools.com) to deliver a fast and easy workflow into Final Cut Studio, Apple’s industry-leading video production suite, from a wide range of High Definition and data-mode digital motion picture cameras.
Glue Tools’ new Codex Log & Transfer Toolkit was developed in response to market demand, and allows any material recorded by Codex systems to be quickly converted to Apple ProRes 422 file format for Final Cut Pro editorial. Glue Tools will showcase the new product ‘live’ with a Codex Recorder and an ARRIFLEX D-21 camera at its NAB Booth (#SL1716).
Codex Digital systems bridge the traditional gap between production and post-production, by providing a fast and efficient workflow for image files and metadata. Codex’s original HD 2K 4K Recorder, Portable field recorder and Transfer Station, all deliver new opportunities for single and multi-camera production, plus powerful workflow capabilities between set and post-production. Recent productions to use Codex systems include Disney’s Alice In Wonderland directed by Tim Burton, and ‘live’ show by stand-up comedian Dane Cook for HBO.
Glue Tools, a leading integration software developer for Final Cut Studio, has developed “Toolkits” for a range of image formats including Cineon, DPX, Vision Research’s Phantom Cine, and most recently the ARRIRAW format from ARRI. Other products in development will tackle areas such as camera control, and improved editorial functionality.
The new Codex Log & Transfer Toolkit delivers full integration between Codex systems and Final Cut Studio, allowing editors to ingest footage, complete with audio and metadata, directly from Codex equipment in Apple’s ProRes 422 format. A key feature is a simple push-button interface that automatically draws footage from the Codex and converts it to Apple ProRes 422.
For example, DPX and ARRIRAW footage can be ingested from the Codex Recorder into Final Cut Pro as either Apple ProRes 422 or Apple ProRes 422(HQ). The ingest process maintains the highest image fidelity at 10-bit when converting to either of the ProRes 422 formats. Metadata is also extracted out of the Codex system, on a shot by shot basis, and then attached to the project as well as the Apple ProRes 422 movie, so that this vital information survives inside the project.
In practice, any camera that can be recorded by Codex systems can easily access a Final Cut Pro editorial. These include HD and data-mode cameras from Iconix, Panasonic, Panavision and Sony, as well as the ARRIFLEX D-21.
“Production and post have traditionally been separate, artificial activities,” said Codex Digital co-founder Paul Bamborough. “We bridge that gap, making production and post seamless. With Glue Tools’ new toolkit for Codex, you can now capture compressed or uncompressed, rapidly make that material ready for a Final Cut Studio workflow and deliver it more conveniently than ever to whoever needs it in production or post.”
Robert Monaghan, CEO of Glue Tools said, “People have been struggling to make workflows that really work, and calling on us to provide a solution – especially with ARRIRAW material. Our new Codex Log & Transfer Toolkit breaks down workflow barriers and makes things ridiculously simple and fast, with precious little noodling required by the end user.”
Adrian Widera, strategic and business development at ARRI, commented, “There is increasing demand for file-based and raw data workflows, which are not yet as standardised as workflows for film or tape. We are glad to work with experienced partners like Codex and Glue Tools to offer straightforward workflow solutions for our ARRIFLEX D-21 film style digital camera. These easy-to-use solutions reduce complexity and the potential for failure, allowing our customers to focus on the more creative aspects of realising their vision.”
Glue Tools expects to ship the new Codex Log & Transfer Toolkit during Q2 2009. For more information visit www.codexdigital.com and www.gluetools.com.