Blackmagic design eGPU Pro - not yet finished product

External Graphics Processing Unit” is an idea that has been around for years, and in the R&D departments of video card manufacturers for even longer. The general concept involves hooking up a regular laptop to an external graphics card through a single cable, which can then take all of the load off your laptop’s internal GPU and put it on the more powerful extension instead.

Blackmagic Design has announced the new eGPU Pro, a Thunderbolt 3 equipped external GPU powered by a Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics processor. The original eGPU was only just released in July 2018 which uses the Radeon Pro 580 graphics card.

Will you buy Blackmagic design eGPU Pro?

In its current form: probably not (yet).

Being a Blackmagic Design product designed in collaboration with Apple, Davinci Resolve automatically recognises the eGPU and supports it, offering increased performance. But it is still an unfinished product.

Pros :
Sleek design• Super quiet • Pass-through charging for MacBooks with USB-C. Good gpu.

Cons :
Expensive • Non-replaceable graphics processor • Many apps aren't optimized for eGPU • Most apps don't support hot-plugging • eGPU support for macOS High Sierra and Mojave varies •

What’s missing in Blackmagic design egpu pro for digital cinema colorists?

We would like to see Decklink capture and playback cards built in with egpu pro.

For more information about Blackmagic egpu pro.

Pixelhouse music video production "Sa’at Bansaha" by Magra B

PIXELHOUSE MUSIC PRODUCTION

Pixelhouse production, dubai has recently launched Pixelhouse music to promote local and international music artist, filmmaker and creative talents. Now, Artists and Labels can benefit from our services to promote their music. We work closely with independent musicians and recording companies to develop their multimedia projects.

We can manage the whole production process. Our team can work on a screenplay provided by the Customer. Otherwise, we can write a tailor made script. Our filming crew develops that into high quality video content that really matches the song.

We offers customized solutions to suit different music projects. We can handle a wide range of productions. Our video crew specializes filming singers, musicians, bands, or even orchestras performing. We supply locations, lighting kits, props, actors, and all the personnel and the equipment required to shoot music videos.

We also film live music events, concerts and shows. Our services include live streaming and broadcasting. Pixelhouse productions provides music video production in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE.

Please feel free to contact us for any of our services. For more information please visit www.pixelhouse.ae

Credits :- Singer - MAGRA B Featuring - WALAA TAHA Cinematographer & Colorsit - SUDIP SHRESTHA Editor - EMSHAD AL HAQ 2nd Camera - HASHMI Production Assistant - PRASAD PRIYADARSHANA Camera Assistant - HAKIM LOMALA Art Director - SHRUTI OZA Sylist - SUSANNA OSEYAN Production Manager - AJMAL PM Music Composer - MAGRA B Lyrics - AHMED FARED Music Arranger - FEELO Sound Engineering - OMAR SALAH Song Mastering - JASSEM MOHAMED Recorded at - STUDIO AL WATAN Artistic Production - AHMED AL HARMAWEY

Color Grading for Netflix

Color Grading: Dolby Vision / HDR

Netflix Originals are mastered, packaged, and delivered in the Dolby Vision format. From this package, we derive Dolby Vision, HDR10, and SDR streams for Netflix customers to enjoy.

Color grading suite requirement

• Professional HDR monitor (Dolby-Vision certified, >1000 cd/m2)

  • Sony BVM-X300 (30 inch, 4K)

  • Dolby Pulsar (42 inch, HD)

  • Canon DV-2420 (24 inch, 4K)

  • Other HDR reference monitors as certified by Dolby for Dolby Vision HDR grading

• Professional SDR monitor

  • Rec.709, BT.1886 / Gamma 2.4, 100 cd/m2

• Color grading software with Dolby Vision support

  • Filmlight Baselight

  • DaVinci Resolve

  • Nucoda FilmMaster

  • Autodesk Lustre

  • Quantel Rio

• Content Mapping Unit (CMU) System (per Dolby specification)

• Dolby Vision License

  • Activates CMU and color grading plug-in

• Dolby Vision Training

What to deliver for netflix?

Dolby Vision VDM (Video Display Master)

• 16-bit TIFF frame sequence

  • Color Space: P3 D65, PQ (ST.2084), full-range

• Dolby Vision XML file containing accurate metadata*

* Please ensure that all XML metadata is accurate, including Color Encoding, Mastering Display, and Aspect Ratio. Please use Dolby's metafier validation to ensure that there are no errors in the metadata.

Netflix approved camera, codecs and specs

Netflix Camera Requirements

4K UHD Resolution:

• Camera must have a true 4K UHD sensor (equal to or greater than 3840 photosites wide).

Recording Format:

• Minimum of 16-bit Linear or 10-bit Log processing
• Bitrate of at least 240 Mbps (at 23.98/24 fps) recording
• Recording format must be set to either:
  • RAW (uncompressed or lightly compressed sensor data)
  • COMPRESSED (Log Gamma - i.e. S-Log3, V-Log, CanonLog3, REDLogFilm, BMDLog, LogC, etc.)
• No looks or color corrections should be baked into the original camera files.
• Files must maintain all metadata (i.e. Tape Name, Timecode, Frame Rate, ISO, WB, etc.)

Black Balancing:

• If applicable, black balancing of camera sensors should be done daily, when the camera is at normal operating temperature.  See specific black balancing instructions in the camera operating manual.

Aspect Ratio / Framing:

• Aspect ratios greater than 2.00:1 must be evaluated and discussed with Netflix for approval.
• Framing chart must be shot before principal photography begins, and processed through the dailies pipeline which will be shared with editorial, post-production, and VFX.

Secondary Cameras:

• Any cameras other than the primary camera (crash, POV, drone, underwater, etc.) must be approved by Netflix.
• Test footage should be shot and provided to dailies and post-production to ensure compatibility with primary camera.

NETFLIX 4K Approved Camera List – April 2018

• Canon:
  • C700
  • C300 Mark II
  • Canon C500
• Panasonic
  • VariCam 35
  • VariCam LT
  • AU-EVA1
  • Varicam PURE
• RED:
  • Weapon (Dragon) 6K
  • Weapon 8K
  • Weapon 8K S35 (Helium)
  • 8K Monstro
• Panavision DXL
• Sony
  • VENICE
  • F65
  • PMW-F55
  • Sony FS7
  • Sony F5
  • HDC-4300
  • PXW-Z450
• ARRI Alexa 65
• ARRI ALEXA LF
• Blackmagic Design
  • URSA Mini 4.6K
  • URSA Mini Pro 4.6K

ADOBE AI COLOR GRADING AND IT MATTERS

ADOBE AI COLOR GRADING

Adobe has introduced a Color Match feature, powered by its artificial intelligence engine Adobe Sensei. Color Match is able to take the color and light values from a reference image and then apply them as editable color adjustments to the current shot, all while intelligently adjusting for skin tones. 

With Color Match, it takes just a few clicks and adjustments to match the colors of various video clips. For broadcast-quality content, the Video Limiter ensures color grading meets broadcast standards. 
 

ADOBE SENSEI

Adobe Sensei is the magic behind the world's best digital experiences. It powers intelligent features across all Adobe products to dramatically improve the design and delivery of digital experiences, using artificial intelligence and machine learning in a common framework. 

Color grading for tv commercial

Color grading web/tv commerical

COLORIST- SUDIP SHRESTHA

PIXEL HOUSE PRODUCTION DUBAI

For color grading services in middle east- Dubai, UAE  
Please contact - www.pixelhouse.ae

Fundamentally different EPICOLOR

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be perceived as the future for software, but not everyone realises how much AI can do for color grading right now.

Lets talk about fundamentally different EPICOLOR

Even the best cameras in the world only record the incoming light and "see" color-shifts in a scene that would be imperceptible to the naked eye if observed in person

Based on an algorithm called Xe8472® which simulates the human brain visual system, the so-called Color Constancy it automatically corrects professional video to make it look natural and realistic without tedious manual correction

This technology is a first of it's kind and is the result of 15 years of research and development

for more info please visit - www.epicolor.film

Davinci Display for external monitor without using extra hardware

Davinci DIsplay

DaVinci Display is a virtual display for DaVinci Resolve. The main purpose of the application is to mirror the preview and allow to place it anywhere in your desktop. It enables you to have a picture preview in the external monitor without using extra hardware like Decklink or Unltrastudio.

How much does it cost?
US$ 25.00

Click HERE to download free trial:
 

Color grading Bahrain music videos

Recently I color graded four music videos for Bahrain media production company. You can share if you like the videos.

VFX & Color Grading- Pixel House Production Dubai.
Colorist - Sudip Shrestha.

Best windows laptop for Davinci Resolve 14

Best laptop for color grading in Davinci Resolve 14

Blackmagic design recommended laptops for color grading in Davinci Resolve 14.

Dell Precision 7720

Approx US$ 3200.00

Intel Core™ i5 or i7 processors
32GB minimum system RAM
NVIDIA Quadro P4000; 8GB GDDR5 GPU
512GB SSD minimum system hard drive
http://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/productdetails/precision-17-7720-laptop

HP ZBook 17 G4 Customised Mobile Workstation

Approx US$4500.00

intel Core i7 processor
16GB minimum system RAM
Quadro P5000 with Dreamcolor display
1TB System drive
http://store.hp.com/us/en/ConfigureView?catalogld=10051&urlLangId=&langId=-1&storeId=10151
&catEntryId=1661652&quqntity=1

Davinci Resolve 14 for mac system shopping guide

COMPUTER

Apple MacPro
Late 2013 model,
12 Core Dual D700 GPU 2.7GHz
Intel Xeon E5 12 Core processor 32GB system RAM recommended
1TB PCIe-based internal flash storage Dual AMD FirePro D700 GPUs

Apple iMac with Retina Display
Mid 2017 27”Retina 5K model, quad-core i7 4.2GHz Intel Core i7 processor
32GB system RAM recommended
TB Internal SSD storage
Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of VRAM

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
id 2017 15” model, quad-core i7
3.1GHz Intel Core i7 processor
16GB system RAM
512GB PCIe-based SSD
Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB VRAM

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
End 2016 15”model, quad-core i7
2.6GHz Intel Core i7 processor
16GB system RAM recommended
512GB PCIe internal flash storage
Radeon 450 with 2GB VRAM

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
Early 2015 13”model, dual-core i5
2.9GHz Intel Core i5 processor
16GB system RAM recommended
512GB PCIe internal flash storage
Intel Iris Graphics 6100 

Apple MacBook
Limited performance for more than HD ProRes Mid 2107 12”, dual-core i5
1.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor
8GB system RAM
512GB PCIe internal SSD storage
Intel HD Graphics 615

Apple Mac Mini
Optional Central Database Server
Late 2014 model, dual-core i7
3.0GHz Intel Core i7 processor
16GB system RAM
512GB PCIe internal flash storage
Intel Iris Graphics 5100 

Blackmagic Design Capture and Playback Card

• UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3
• UltraStudio 4K
• UltraStudio Express
• Mini Monitor
• Mini Recorder

UI Monitor

• LG Ultrafine 27” 5K Display 
• Dell UltraSharp 27” Ultra HD 5K monitor 

Color Grading panels

• DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel
• DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel
• DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel
• Avid Artist Color
• JLCooper’s Eclipse CX
• OxygenTec ProPanel
• Tangent Devices Element Bundle
• Tangent Devices WAVE
• Tangent Devices Ripple

Shooting and Grading STEEL SCULPTURES

STEEL HAS TO LOOK STEEL

Shot on Red’s Scarlet camera, we encountered a number of unique challenges from a dop point of view.  We had to use limited lighting due to 360 degree reflection from the steel sculptures.  

DOP & COLORIST - SUDIP SHRESTHA
PIXELHOUSE PRODUCTION

Before and After grading 

COLOR GRADING MOMENT TV SHOW SEASON 2 - FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ARAB WORLD

The moment is the first of its kind on the Arabic screen in terms of content and image.

About Moment TV Show - Season 2

The 15 minute tv show aims to address the ignorance of knowledge, by informing viewers about the latest scientific and technological advancements, simplifying them and explaining complex concepts in an entertaining and creative way. 

The program targets all age groups and seeks to explore the future through the huge practical discoveries made by scientists and inventors in different countries of the world.

Program presented by Yasser Hareb

Watch Moment Season 1 if you have missed

MOMENT TV SHOW SEASON 2
DIRECTOR - AREF HAREB
PRESENTER - YASSER HAREB
DOP - VOLODYMYR USYK
SHOT - RED DIGITAL CINEMA
COLORIST - SUDIP SHRESTHA
30 EPISODES - 

Color Grading a tv show SADEEM in Pixelhouse

Sadeem is a 30-episode documentary that aims to inform viewers of the successes of humanity in all areas of life and how their efforts have enabled them to uncover some of the mystery of the universe, focusing on the giant step towards Mars, United Arab Emirates.

Color Grading Sadeem TV show

Shot in Sony FS7
Colorist - Sudip Shrestha
PIXELHOUSE PRODUCTIONS, UAE

Colour grading is enhancing the raw image that was shot on film or digital media to present to an audience on different formats. It is the bridge between the camera and the screen. There is a technical translation aspect to it, as well as allowing for a creative side of the process. The cinematographer has a chance here to enhance the image for the audience to enjoy the intended vision of the film or program. Colour grading has replaced the ‘colour timing’ process that was previously done in a film laboratory.

The role of the colourist is to help enhance that image and to be the cinematographer’s ‘hands’ by understanding his vision and making sure the audience will see the program or film in the way the cinematographer intended it be viewed. The colourist has a responsibility to convey the cinematographer’s intent. Obviously we (colourists) give creative input and have the technical know-how to carry out this process.

TIME TO PRAY - COLOR GRADING IN PIXEL HOUSE

Short film "TIME TO PRAY" - Color grading in Pixelhouse Production, Dubai, UAE

Shot in Canon 5D Mark 3

Director of Photography - Sara Munif
Colorist - Sudip Shrestha - www.pixelhouse.ae
Editor - Dania Mousa
Producer -Al Hanoof Al Jasmi
Director - Ahmed Al Kuwaiti

Grading SAMA in Davinci Resolve 14

Short film "SAMA" graded in Davinci Resolve 14 Beta.

Shot in - Canon 5d mark 3 and Sony A7s Slog2.

Director of Photography - Peter Moussa
Colorist - Sudip Shrestha - www.pixelhouse.ae
Editor - Peter Moussa, Hind Anabtawi
Producer - Taline al Rasheed
Director - Hind Anabtawi

BEST COLORIST FOR MUSIC VIDEO NOMINEE - AICE2017 TEAL & ORANGE MADNESS

AICE is the marketing communications trade association whose members are independent creative editorial, design, visual effects, color grading and audio post production companies. It is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of these companies and the essential role their services play in the media creation process.

2017 - BEST COLORIST FOR MUSIC VIDEO NOMINEES

Colorist: Josh Bohoskey 
LEAF- NADA
The Mill

Colorist: Jaime O'Bradovich 
Beyonce - HOLD UP
Company 3

Colorist: Adrian Seery
Sia - The Greatest
MPC

TEAL & ORANGE MADNESS CONTINUES

Color Grading Monitor in budget - HP Z31x DreamColor Studio Display

HP Z31X Dreamcolor Studio Display - US $3999.00

HP has now unveiled its latest additions to the DreamColor lineup, targeted at the professional colorist and editors.

The DreamColor Z31x features support for multiple working color spaces, and the display's color gamut covers 100% of sRGB, 100% of Adobe RGB, 99% of DCI-P3, and 80% of BT.2020. It can also handle multiple frame rates, including native support of 60 Hz, 50 Hz, and 48 Hz (which would be exactly double the 24fps frame rate of film).

The HP Z31x is designed with the features demanded by industry-leading digital creators: an integrated KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch, True 2K viewing, markers and masks, and much more. The built-in KVM of the HP Z31x can switch between two computers with a quick keyboard shortcut, allowing the user to share one display, keyboard and mouse between two computers. Many artists have two computers, a Linux® box with their animation/compositing app and a Windows® box with Adobe® Photoshop or internet access.

What next big thing we need in color grading softwares?

Blog for the color grading software developers - Assimilate Scratch, Baselight and Davinci Resolve.

1- ROTOBRUSH TOOL FROM ADOBE AFTEREFFECTS.

2- PF TRACK /MOCHA TRACKING

3- SIMPLE COLORIZE TOOL OF ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

NOTE - VIDEO USED IN THE BOLG IS JUST FOR DEMO PURPOSE.