continues to innovate HD, 2K and 3-D Cinema production with the launch of several new products and workflow
enhancements for the SI-2K digital cinema camera system. These include stereo-3D and multi-camera
frame-accurate synchronization and recording, a SI-2K with integrated film camera style optical viewfinder, an
OLED electronic viewfinder, MINI-Rig for ergonomic single-handed or shoulder mount camera operation, an
enhanced SI-2K with a modular and upgradeable enclosure, integrated CineForm RAW QuickTime
recording, and new software functionality, all refined by the feedback of the industry's top working
cinematographers, directors and camera operators.
configurations. A multi-camera controller can be used to power and synchronize up to nine of the SI-2K
cameras to create immersive videos for 360 degree projection venues or for creating background plates at up to
18K pixel resolution for use in special effects production. A push-button input initiates frame-accurate recording
on all recorders and enables instant playback or stereo compositing over the network. 3-D previsualization tools
are provided to overlay saved frame-store content in 3D anaglyph, aiding in the precise alignment of cameras.
An image flipping function enables live stereo-3D shooting and display with beam-splitter configured camera and
polarized display rigs.
Cinematographers and operators and can now view their scene directly through the lens of the camera without
any lag or flicker using a new model SI-2K MINI with an integrated P+S Technik optical viewfinder for instant
feedback of framing and focus. It is compatible with standard accessories for optical cine viewfinders found on
other film cameras including viewfinder extensions, a flexible 10x wide-angle eyepiece, and a heated eye-cup.
Currently being introduced with a B4-mount for 2/3″ high-quality digital cinema optics such as those from Ziess,
Canon, and Fujinon, the optical viewfinder will also be designed around a PL lens mount system in 1Q08 for
16mm and 35mm cine-lenses.
Silicon Imaging is also introducing a sharp 24-bit color OLED SVGA electronic viewfinder with adjustable diopter
for the SI-2K_ and SI-2K MINI_. Accepting computer VGA analog input and USB power, it is compatible with
commercial display ports found on off-the-shelf PC and notebook computers. When used on the SI-2K_ the
main interface can be displayed on the viewfinder screen while an additional HDMI port is available for
independent secondary display and external monitor viewing applications. An optional voltage regulator cable
enables applications involving higher-voltage inputs such as the Anton Bauer battery products and other
professional battery systems.
An SI-2K_ MINI-Rig system comprises a number of ergonomic benefits for working with the SI-2K MINI
system, and is composed of a highly modular set of building blocks to construct the ideal rig for each intended
use. Options include an integrated Anton Bauer battery mount, available options for mounting to Arri 16mm or
35mm base-plates or other base-plate systems, a shoulder rest, extendable handle bars and hand grips with
push-buttons for user-programmable functions or record start-stop, an electronic viewfinder support system.
SiliconDVR features a number of enhancements in it's on-set production tool-set, including direct CineForm
RAW recording to QuickTime and a new enhanced green and blue screen keying algorithm with easier end-
user control and higher-precision results. User settings from the keyer are saved in IRIDAS's .look format and
are compatible within the gamut of the IRIDAS SpeedGrade product line, enabling keys to be captured on-set
and moved seamlessly to post.
Finally, a number of enhancements have been added to the camera control system including the ability for
extended open shutters beyond five seconds to create light streak effects and also increase the sensitivity of the
camera in low light with no gain increase, play-list scrolling within the integrated player unit for quick and easy
review of recorded clips, an innovative user-definable multi-stage GPIO and right-click menu function, and
integrated monitoring and control of fan speed settings, processor temperature, and battery voltage for the SI-
2K_ camera system.
“Silicon Imaging, which first brought 2K direct-to-disk recording to the market, is now innovating content creation
for the emerging 3-D Digital Cinema and immersive entertainment market,” says Ari Presler, CEO of Silicon
Imaging. “This new content, along with its new delivery medium, will drive consumers back into theaters. The
sheer number of innovative features and capabilities added to the SI-2K cameras, since NAB, is a testament to
our commitment to this industry, our technological leadership and the flexibility provided by the software driven
architecture that we've placed at the core of our products. There is not a single camera on the market currently
available that can offer filmmakers such a comprehensive and flexible tool set, ranging from a visually lossless
RAW recording and integrated color management system to our new capabilities in the stereo and multi-camera
recording realm. We are providing customers with a powerful modular and upgradeable system with simply
limitless possibilities.”
Pricing and Availability
The SI-2KTM and SI-2K MINITM cameras along with the MINI-Rig system and OLED electronic viewfinder are
currently available and shipping. The price of the SI-2K is $28,500, and for the SI-2K MINI is $17,500. The
B4-mount version of the optical viewfinder system for the SI-2K MINI is slated for release in 4Q07 with a PL-
mount version available in early 2008. The OLED electronic viewfinder with diopter and mounting assembly is
$4,000.
Silicon Imaging will be in booth 11.630 with P+S Technik at IBC 2007.
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