| Version
|
Hardware
|
O/S
|
Release date
|
Price
|
Significant changes (selected)
|
| Flame/Inferno/Fire/Smoke/Backdraft Conform 2008 SP6
|
Flame (Tezro), Inferno (Onyx 350), Smoke (Tezro), Fire (Onyx 350), Backdraft Conform (Tezro)
|
IRIX 6.5.28
|
November 2008
|
|
- NTSC or PAL requires minimum 3 GB RAM
- HD or 2K film (Flame, Inferno), HD, 2K film or long-form editing (Backdraft Conform, Fire and Smoke) requires minimum 4 GB RAM
- 4K film requires minimum 6 GB RAM
|
| Inferno/Flame/Flint 2007 SP6
|
|
IRIX 6.5.28
|
November 2007
|
|
- NTSC or PAL requires minimum 3 GB RAM
- HD or 2K film (Flame, Inferno), HD, 2K film or long-form editing (Backdraft Conform, Fire and Smoke) requires minimum 4 GB RAM
- 4K film requires minimum 6 GB RAM
|
| Flame/Inferno/Fire/Smoke/Backdraft Conform 2008
|
Flame (Tezro), Inferno (Onyx 350), Smoke (Tezro), Fire (Onyx 350), Backdraft Conform (Tezro)
|
IRIX 6.5.28
|
September 2007
|
|
- NTSC or PAL requires minimum 3 GB RAM
- HD or 2K film (Flame, Inferno), HD, 2K film or long-form editing (Backdraft Conform, Fire and Smoke) requires minimum 4 GB RAM
- 4K film requires minimum 6 GB RAM
|
| Flame 2007 (SP3) Extension 1
|
- Octane V12 (Flame/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Tezro (Flame/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Onyx2 (Fire/Inferno/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Onyx 350 (Inferno/Fire)
- Onyx 3200 (Inferno/Fire)
|
IRIX 6.5.28
|
March 2007
|
|
- NTSC or PAL requires minimum 3 GB RAM
- HD or 2K film (Flame, Inferno), HD, 2K film or long-form editing (Backdraft Conform, Fire and Smoke) requires minimum 4 GB RAM
- 4K film requires minimum 6 GB RAM
|
| Flame 2007
|
- Octane V12 (Flame/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Tezro (Flame/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Onyx2 (Fire/Inferno/Smoke/Backdraft Conform)
- Onyx 350 (Inferno/Fire)
- Onyx 3200 (Inferno/Fire)
|
IRIX 6.5.28
|
August 2006
|
|
- NTSC or PAL requires minimum 3 GB RAM
- HD or 2K film (Flame, Inferno), HD, 2K film or long-form editing (Backdraft Conform, Fire and Smoke) requires minimum 4 GB RAM
- 4K film requires minimum 6 GB RAM
|
| Flame/Flint 9.5.1
|
|
|
August 2005
|
|
|
| Flame/Flint 9.5, Smoke 7.0
|
- IBM ZPro 6221/IBM APro 6224 (Smoke Linux)
|
|
June 2005
|
|
- First 64 bit release for IRIX
|
| Flame/Flint 9.2.3, Inferno 6.2.3, Fire/Smoke and Backdraft Conform 6.7.3
|
|
|
July 2005
|
|
- Last 32-bit release for IRIX
|
| Flame 8.5.6
|
|
IRIX 6.5.21f / IRIX 6.5.23f
|
April 2005
|
|
|
| Flame/Flint 9.2, Inferno 6.2
|
- IBM ZPro 6221/IBM APro 6224 (Flint Linux)
|
IRIX 6.5.23f, RHEL WS version 3.0 w/update 3 and DKU 1.2 (Flint Linux)
|
March 2005
|
|
- Last 32-bit release for IRIX
|
| Flame 9.0
|
|
IRIX 6.5.23f
|
October 2004
|
|
|
| Flame 8.5.4
|
|
IRIX 6.5.21f / IRIX 6.5.23f
|
September 2004
|
|
|
| Flame 8.5
|
|
IRIX 6.5.21f
|
December 2003
|
|
|
| Flame 8.3.2
|
Octane MXE, Octane2, Onyx2, Onyx 3200 with I-brick (no IX-brick), Tezro, Onyx 3200 with IX-brick, Onyx 350
|
IRIX 6.5.19f / IRIX 6.5.21f
|
September 2003
|
|
|
| Flame 8.3.1
|
|
IRIX 6.5.19f
|
September 2003
|
|
|
| Flame 8.3
|
|
IRIX 6.5.19f
|
June 2003
|
|
|
| Flame/spark 8/Inferno 5
|
O2 (spark), Onyx2 and Onyx 3200 (Inferno)
|
IRIX 6.5.16f
|
January 2003
|
|
- Support for non-Discreet framestores removed - requires purchase of Stone framestore storage (unless bypassed somehow)
|
| Flame/Flint 7.7.4 and Inferno 4.7.4
|
Octane MXE, Octane2, Onyx2 and Onyx 3000
|
IRIX 6.5.16f
|
December 2003
|
|
- Last version with official support for non-Discreet framestores (including file based framestores)
|
| Flame/Flint/spark 7.7.1, Inferno 4.7.1, Smoke/Fire 5.1.1
|
Octane MXE, Octane2, Onyx2 and Onyx 3000
|
IRIX 6.5.16f
|
October 2002
|
|
|
| flame/spark 7.6
|
|
IRIX 6.5.13f
|
January 2002
|
|
|
| Flame/flint 7.2
|
Octane2/V10
|
IRIX 6.5.11f
|
July 2001
|
|
- Introduced support for Octane2
|
| Flame/flint/effect 7.1
|
|
IRIX 6.5.11f
|
June 2001
|
|
|
| flint/effect 7.0.1
|
|
|
December 2000
|
|
|
| flame/flint/effect 7.0
|
Octane/MXE (Flame), Octane/SE (Flint)
|
IRIX 6.5.7f
|
July 2000
|
|
- 512 MB recommended for 601 resolution, 1 GB for HD and higher resolution
- FLEXlm 6.1
|
| effect/flint 6.1.3, inferno 3.1.3
|
O2 (effect), Indigo2 (flint)
|
IRIX 6.5.7f
|
March 2000
|
|
|
| Inferno 3.1
|
Onyx2 IR, Onyx IR
|
IRIX 6.5.3
|
May 1999
|
|
|
| Flame/Flint 6/Inferno 3.0
|
|
|
|
|
| Changes
|
|
https://web.archive.org/web/20010108150300/http://www.discreet.com/SITE/Products.nsf/c318c74baa221125852564cf006ecce2/39ac39e95ba6f108852566d3007e97af?OpenDocument
New features for inferno* V3.0 are:
New Keyer with 3D Visualisation
Improved Garbage Masks Including Tracer Technology
Localised Light Sources in Action
3D Deformations
Bicubic Warping in Action
Advanced Batch
Real-time Colour Correction
Entirely New Text Module
Project Management
Zoomed-out Paint
New Keyer with 3D Visualisation
The new inferno* 3.0 keyer with 3D visualisation pulls extremely fast and accurate keys using proprietary algorithms. The modular keyer delivers the flexibility to create several keys in one process or add processes like histograms, blurs, edge tools, garbage masks, etc.
The "in-context" keyer also modifies any key while in the context of the scene - before processing. The 3D keyer delivers precise control of the matte extraction process, and the new UI visually represents the nature of the key with 3D graphic tools.
New user visualisation tool (3D histogram) based on 3D colour space
Difference matting integrated into keyer
Provides edge-keying and colour correcting capability
Provides selective or area-specific keying
Modular keyer for combining keys/mattes, with an unlimited number of layers
Keying for transparencies, reflections and shadows
In-context viewing of adjustments
Grain/degrain accessible through modular keyer
Unlimited number of primary and secondary colour corrections
Unlimited number of matte layers
More information about modular keyer feature:
ModularKeyerIntro.pdf
Improved Garbage Masks including Tracer Technology
The inferno* 3.0 garbage masks add to overall workflow and flexibility. Reduce tedious hours of rotoscoping, allow for regional or selective keying, bring additional matte extraction control and take advantage of user definable regions of softness.
Improved animation of garbage masks simplifies tedious tasks
Improved softness for more accurate blending
New selective multi-keyer module for improved edge-keying and rotoscoping
Integrated into keyer module
Fully animatable, spline-based and trackable
Localised Light Sources in Action
New localised light sources in inferno* 3.0 deliver much tighter control over lighting effects in a complex composite.
Selectively light individual surfaces in the Action module
3D Deformations
Tweak and adjust 3D models in context of the entire scene within the Action module and reduce project turn-around time by eliminating the need to export to a 3rd party package for re-rendering.
Use lattice-based three dimensional mesh for precise control of 3D model deformation
3D feature parameters are fully animatable
Bicubic Warping in Action
Create unprecedented 3D effects with minimal effort. Bicubic warping delivers additional control in creating realistic warping effects. A powerful magnet brush provides easy and effective manipulation of a bicubic shape.
Subdivide a bicubic into multiple meshes
Warp images directly within the Action module
Simulate deformed shadows for subjects inserted into the composite
Advanced Batch
A new advanced Batch module enables the Batch process to be viewed within the context of the entire scene. Batch eases the process of revisions with its procedural workflow for access to most major modules without pre-processing. Batch also provides multiple branch set-up for easy versioning.
In-context viewing with proxy views of intermediary and result clips
Node grouping
Real-Time Colour Correction
Experience near real-time processing of complex colour corrections - previously available only from traditional proprietary hardware-based systems.
Real-time preview of set-up, offset, gain, hue, saturation, gamma, contrast and colour curves
Interactive updating
Entirely New Text Module
Gain the power of an online character generator with the leading edge text manipulation module integrated directly within inferno* 3.0. The new workflow and feature set deliver additional speed and flexibility.
Redesigned workflow based on experienced customer feedback. New interface, new hot-keys, multiple level undo-redo and user-definable styles
Improved interactivity, text rendering quality and speed
Fully independent animatable axis control per character
Unlimited layers of animatable text with full scrolling and crawling
Support for non-latin1 fonts
Project Management
Experience enhanced project management with less UNIX command lines and shell scripts. Many projects can now share the same partition and set-up files. Transition from one user profile to another quickly and easily (hot keys, default preferences, etc.) for faster project turn-around.
Project set-up and user preference file management mechanism
Ability to create, select, archive and restore set-up and user preference files on a project by project basis
Zoomed-out Paint
View the entire image while performing detailed touch-ups with the zoomed-out paint tool rather than working on only a portion of the image at a time. This will simplify the task of full frame rotoscoping for film resolution work.
Paint on an entire film resolution image and view the full image directly on screen
|
|
| Flame 6.0
|
|
|
|
|
| Changes
|
|
http://www.discreet.com/SITE/Products.nsf/c318c74baa221125852564cf006ecce2/bd45bc4b99b88420852566d3007da4d7?OpenDocument
New features for flame* V6.0 include:
Optimised Colour Correction
Entirely New Text Module
Bicubic Warping in Action
Project Management
Grain Management Toolset
Full 12-Bit Support
Localised Light Sources in Action
Monitor Calibration Toolset
Flexible Display LUTs
Optimised Colour Correction
Experience near real-time processing of complex colour corrections - previously available only from traditional proprietary hardware-based systems.
Near real-time preview of set-up, offset, gain, hue, saturation, gamma, contrast and colour curves
Interactive updating
Entirely New Text Module
Gain the power of an online character generator with the leading edge text manipulation module integrated directly within flame* 6.0. The new workflow and feature set deliver additional speed and flexibility.
Redesigned workflow based on experienced customer feedback. New UI, new hot-keys, multiple levels of undo-redo, and user-definable styles
Improved interactivity, text rendering quality, and speed
Fully independent animatable axis control per character
Unlimited layers of animatable text with full scrolling and crawling
Easily customisable styles
Bicubic Warping in Action
Create unprecedented 3D effects with minimal effort. Bicubic warping delivers additional control in creating realistic warping effects. A powerful magnet brush provides easy and effective manipulation of a bicubic shape.
Subdivide a bicubic into multiple meshes
Warp images directly within the Action module
Simulate deformed shadows for subjects inserted into the composite
Project Management
Experience enhanced project management with less UNIX command lines and shell scripts within flame* 6.0. Many projects can now share the same partition and set-up files. Transition from one user profile to another quickly and easily (hot keys, default preferences, etc.) for faster project turn-around.
Project set-up and user preference file management mechanism
Create, select, archive and restore set-up and user preference files on a project by project basis
Grain Management Toolset
Grain matching is a key element to creating realistic imagery when using a combination of computer generated and live imagery. Degrain Tools preserve the image information while removing the grain to achieve better keying or image matching control. Regrain tools allow for specific film grain stock to be applied to a computer generated image for a more realistic film look.
Grain matching allows digital frames to be analysed and characterised in order to generate a synthetic grain texture pattern
Degrain tools allow frames of digitally scanned film images to have grain signature "noise" extracted from the image
Regrain tools use grain signature patterns from Eastman Kodak film stocks which can be applied to computer generated images
Full 12-Bit Support
Achieve film effects with more colour depth and more realism. Switching between resolutions and bit-depth on a shot-by-shot basis allows facilities to balance resources and time and provide the best quality shot.
Increased bit depth is available for the user to achieve a precise transition from density based film to digital pictures
Increase realism
Localised Light Sources in Action
New localised light sources in flame* 6.0 deliver much tighter control over lighting effects in a complex composite.
Selectively light individual surfaces in the Action module
Monitor Calibration Toolset
Reduce trial and error, and produce accurate colour results on print film with the new monitor calibration toolset in flame* 6.0. Make reliable creative decisions, eliminate the need for daily prints, and take on larger volumes of digital effects shots with a stable and accurate calibration toolset.
Calibrate the monitor to a specific gamma setting and gamma equalisation
A colour meter or optical sensor can be used and controlled from within flame* to ensure consistency
Flexible Display LUTs
The display LUTs in flame 6.0 enable users to view data in a particular colour space without converting data to that space.
Interactively switch between LUTs for viewing data of different colour spaces
View logarithmic data (e.g. Cineon) without converting to linear space
|
|
| Flint 6.0
|
|
|
February 1999
|
|
|
| effect/flint 5.5
|
SGI O2 and Indigo2 Impact
|
IRIX 6.3 (O2) and IRIX 6.2 (Indigo2)
|
June 1998
|
|
|
| Flint 5.0.5O2
|
SGI O2
|
IRIX 6.3
|
September 1997
|
|
|
| Fire 2.0
|
|
|
Demoed at NAB in April 1997
|
|
|
| Flame 5.0
|
|
|
Second half of 1996
|
|
| Changes
|
|
https://web.archive.org/web/19970419121427/http://www.discreet.com/dept/market/flamena.htm
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, April 16, 1996 - Discreet Logic Inc., based in Montreal, Quebec, today launched FLAME Version 5.0 with a new integrated 3D particle system. The new system will be demonstrated at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention (NAB), April 15-18. Discreet Logicís FLAME™ is a leading on-line system for high-end special effects creation for commercials, music videos, broadcast, feature films and interactive media, including the World Wide Web. The company anticipates that V5.0 will ship in the fourth quarter of calendar year 1996.
FLAME's new Version 5.0, available for both the Silicon Graphics Onyx® InfiniteReality™ and RealityEngine2™ graphics subsystem, takes the system to a new level of functionality. It offers a number of new features plus over 100 user-requested enhancements. New features include an integrated 3D particle system, a new Lens EFX™ module, a new edge detection module, a gestural desktop interface, and integration of the Stabilizer and Tracker with the Warper, Keyer and Paint. Enhancements have also been made to the Keyer, Batch system and archiving functionality.
Version 5.0 shows Discreet Logicís commitment to making FLAME the most powerful and productive special effects and compositing machine available, said Rudy Hassen, Partner in The Digital Lab. Of all the platforms we have worked on, FLAME and INFERNO continue to consistently outperform other machines in speed and productivity. The new optical effects capabilites on FLAME, combined with the power of Silicon Graphics' Onyx InfiniteReality, promise to allow us even more freedom in meeting deadlines with spectacular results.
FLAMEís real-time interactivity, based on the exceptional power of the Onyx, provides the immediate feedback required for true on-line experimentation and client-driven design. The new Onyx InfiniteReality system delivers a substantial speed improvement compared to FLAME on Onyx RealityEngine2 systems. FLAME is specifically optimized for the video, graphics, multi-processing and I/O power of Onyx InfiniteReality.
FLAME on Onyx InfiniteReality is an outstanding example of what we can accomplish with the combined strength of Discreet Logicís software engineers and Silicon Graphics advanced graphics and imaging technology, said Phil Neray, Discreet Logic's Director of Product Marketing for FLAME and FLINT. The system demonstrates the power of open systems in providing easy, incremental upgrade paths to the latest technology available, and gives our new Version 5.0 upgrade all the more impact.
Our mandate is to pioneer spectacular visual effects for our clients, said Dan McNamara, Editorial Manager of Industrial Light & Magic. It's why they come to us -- to take them to ìplacesî never before pioneered. To achieve this, we use a number of cutting-edge tools, including FLAME, where we leverage its advanced tools and feature set to focus our artists on creating innovative effects rather than engineering them.
FLAME Version 5.0 Features Include:
3D Particle System: The 3D Particle System can be used to create realistic effects such as fire, haze and waterfalls, as well as to model physical forces such as wind and gravity. FLAMEís Particle System is fully integrated with its Action module, enabling artists to create elaborate effects that can be combined with live-action and 3D animation sequences. The Particle System is a 3D implementation with support for user-specified particle emitters and force generators, and hardware-based rendering for optimum performance.
Lens EFX: FLAMEís new Lens EFX module enables artists to create cinematic-quality sequences with real-world lighting and lens effects, including lens distortion, lens flares and chromatic aberration, in addition to previously supported glow functions.
Gestural Desktop Interface: The new gestural desktop interface allows artists to arrange clips on their desktops using intuitive pen-based gestures in addition to menu-based commands. Functions supported include move, cut, copy, replace, insert and splice.
Edge Detector: FLAMEís new edge detection feature is based on advanced image processing algorithms that automatically extract shape outlines from a sequence of images. The outlines can them be used to define initial morph shapes, tracking points, or simply to create interesting painterly effects in combination with FLAME's integrated paint system.
Integration of FLAMEís Tracker with Warper, Keyer and Paint: The Tracker enables one, two or four-point tracking to be performed by compositing one image over another and animating it according to motion in the background clip. Multiple tracker points can be used to rotate, scale or four-corner position the foreground layer seamlessly into the background. In the new release, the Warper and Tracker are fully integrated, enabling complex morphs to be precisely tracked with moving objects in a clip. The new release also integrates the Paint and Keyer module with the Tracker, enabling multiple, spline-based shapes or garbage mattes to be automatically tracked throughout a sequence.
Enhanced Keyer: The keyer has been enhanced to support particularly complex keying situations such as those involving shadows, transparency and reflections. Gaussian blur is also now supported for enhanced blending.
Enhanced Batch Capabilities: Batch is a powerful visual interface for building complex effects, represented by trees of connected operation nodes that link the output of one module to the next. Batch allows a history of processes to be created and recorded, then easily edited and replayed, without having to recreate the effects from scratch. In the new release, Batch has been enhanced with support for additional functions, including Action layers, the Warper, Stabilizer/Tracker, Difference Mattes and SPARKS plug-in functions.
Enhanced Archiving: The archiving system has been enhanced for faster performance, and increased useability and reliability. In addition, FLAME now supports the Viewgraphics Dataview option from Viewgraphics, allowing users to archive digitally-encoded RGB data onto high-speed, high-capacity D1 or D5 component digital videotape recorders.
Availability and Pricing
The company anticipates that version 4.4 for Onyx InfiniteReality is expected to ship in the first half of 1996. Version 5.0, for both Onyx InfiniteReality and RealityEngine2 systems, is expected to ship in the second half of calendar year 1996. Software upgrades will be available free-of-charge to customers with valid maintenance contracts. Also, in a separate V4.5 release, the company anticipates that archiving enhancements will be available for the Onyx RealityEngine2 and will ship in the first half of calendar year 1996.
|
|
| Flint 5.0
|
|
|
Fall 1996
|
|
| Changes
|
|
https://web.archive.org/web/19970419121435/http://www.discreet.com/dept/market/flintna.htm
DISCREET LOGIC DEMONSTRATES REAL-TIME, ON-LINE POW
OF FLINT ON INDIGO2 IMPACT AT NAB 96
New Power-Packed V5.0 Upgrade Adds Bevy of New Features and Over 100 Enhancements
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, April 16, 1996 - Discreet Logic Inc., based in Montreal, Quebec, today announced that FLINT™ for Silicon Graphics® Indigo2 IMPACT™ platform is now shipping and will be showcased on the exhibition floor at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention (NAB), April 15-18. The company also announced a Version 5.0 upgrade, which offers a number of new features and over 100 user-requested enhancements and the company anticipates that it will be available in the fourth quarter of calendar year 1996.
The two announcements solidify FLINT's position as a high-performance desktop system by offering a number of strategic and economic benefits to digital artists and production managers. These benefits include an enhanced level of performance optimization for FLINT on Silicon Graphicsí advanced graphics and imaging subsystem, resulting in real-time visual response and D1 input and output.
FLINT on Indigo2 IMPACT changes the world of post production by placing a serious set of real-time, on-line tools in the hands of smaller post houses who previously couldn't afford an on-line system, said Phil Neray, Discreet Logic's Director of Product Marketing for FLAME™ and FLINT. The power of Silicon Graphics' desktop platform and graphics subsystem will help us to reach a segment of the market where artists are developing innovative content for new media, multimedia, CD-ROM and interactive games, as well as locally distributed commercials and videos.
Real-Time Graphics
FLINT is optimized for the graphics and video power of the Indigo2 IMPACT, offering digital artists enhanced graphics and texture processing. FLINT utilizes the Indigo2 IMPACTís advanced texture processing hardware to provide interactive real-time feedback during operations such as warping, lighting, displacement mapping, painting and compositing of 2D and 3D elements. FLINT on Indigo2 IMPACT delivers significantly faster performance than with the previous Extreme platform, particularly with respect to key FLINT functions such as Action, the Warper and Paint.
ìIím a believer in FLINT and am amazed by its incredible interactive speed on Indigo2 IMPACT, said Pedro Torres of Pedro Torres y Associates in Mexico City. This system gives us the real-time power we need to interactively create world-class effects and do all of our on-line finishing in-house. With FLINT on IMPACT we're attracting business that would normally go to the big facilities.
Real-Time Burst Mode Input/Output (I/O)
FLINT now supports real-time burst mode I/O of D1 video for the first time. This significantly accelerates productivity by allowing full resolution, non-compressed video material to be quickly and efficiently brought into the system, manipulated by the artist, and then written to video tape in final form. With the burst-mode approach, workstation RAM is used as a buffer between VTRs and the workstation, supporting up to 15 seconds of CCIR-601 video for 256 MB of memory, and 26 seconds for 384 MB of memory. A second pass is used to perform colour correction on the acquired clips.
Also, FLINT now supports new third-party devices such as the Ciprico 6900 disk array and the ProntoVideo DDR, in addition to previously supported devices from Abekas, Accom, Hewlett-Packard and Sierra Labs.
FLINT on Indigo2 IMPACT is the ideal complement to FLAME and FIRE, said Paul Grace, Director of Rushes (U.K.). We can use the real-time speed of FLINT to prepare and pre-visualize effects with the client, and use FLAME for the truly demanding special effects jobs that can't be done any other way.
Since its introduction, FLINT has proved to be a viable solution for large and small post production facilities alike. FLINT has been leveraged in a variety of capacities, including as a standalone visual effects system, as a pre-visualization station that complements the company's INFERNO™ and FLAME™ visual effects and compositing systems, and also in tandem with FIRE™, the companyís new on-line, non-linear digital video editing system. Tasks such as colour correction or image stabilization and tracking can be done on FLINT and then imported into FLAME or INFERNO™ for final finishing.
To clarify differentiation between FLINT and FLAME, FLINT delivers real-time on-line capability in an affordable system based on the mid-range Indigo2™ platform, continued Neray. FLAME on the Onyx® InfiniteReality™ system delivers the high-end multi-processing, graphics and I/O power required for the most demanding special effects and compositing jobs. Therefore, the two systems meet the complementary needs of post production facilities, and we can expect to see the systems used in tandem or as standalone systems.
FLINT Version V5.0 Upgrade
FLINT V5.0 offers a number of new features and over 100 user-requested enhancements including: an integrated 3D Particle System; new Lens EFX™ functions such as lens flare and lens distort, a new edge detection module; Gestural Desktop functions that allow artists to manipulate clips using intuitive pen-based gestures rather than menu commands; integration of the Stabilizer/Tracker with the Warper, Keyer and Paint; and enhanced Batch Processing. The V5.0 upgrade includes the same features as in the newly announced FLAME V5.0 upgrade and INFERNO V2.0 upgrade.
Availability and Pricing
Version 4.4 for Indigo2 IMPACT workstations is currently shipping, and supports both Silicon Graphics' Indigo2 High IMPACT™ and Indigo2 Maximum IMPACT™ configurations with the texture memory upgrade. Version 5.0 is expected to ship in the second half of calendar year 1996. Software upgrades will be available at no cost to customers with valid maintenance contracts. Complete FLINT systems based on the Indigo2 IMPACT workstations start at under $100,000 (U.S.). Hardware upgrades from existing Silicon Graphics Extreme™ systems are available starting at under $25,000 (U.S.). FIRE compatibility is planned to be supported in V5.0 in the second half of calendar year 1996.
|
|
| Inferno 2.0
|
|
|
Fall 1996
|
|
| Changes
|
|
http://www.discreet.com/dept/market/inferno.htm
DISCREET LOGIC EXTENDS FILM MARKET PRESENCE
WITH NEW POWER-PACKED INFERNO VERSION 2.0
Integrated Visual Effects System Penetrating High-End Post Production Arena
with Enhanced Flexibility and Resolution-Independence
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, April 16, 1996 - Discreet Logic Inc., based in Montreal, Quebec, today announced Version 2.0 of INFERNO™, offering tools specifically developed for film or higher resolution and quality video projects. INFERNO is an advanced production system designed to address the needs of film special effects artists while remaining compatible with video post production. Version 2.0 offers a feature-rich set of enhancements to the system developed based on client input, and also supports the new Onyx® InfiniteReality™ system from Silicon Graphics, Inc.
INFERNO works at higher bit depth per colour channel (up to 12 bits) and higher spatial image resolution, than standard video resolution. The system also features a complete set of film-specific tools including grain/noise management, monitor calibration and enhanced I/O routines. INFERNO provides seamless support for high-resolution data handling with standard film formats fully-integrated.
We're looking forward to pushing the boundaries of our artists' creativity with the brilliance of INFERNO on the equivalent of steroids, said Dean Winkler, President of Post Perfect. We expect Onyx InfiniteReality to deliver a new level of speed and interactivity which will enable our clients and staff to focus on the creative aspects of the project rather than on the technology.
Global Adoption of INFERNO
We've optimized INFERNO for digital film artists, and since it's launch in October, we've seen adoption of our system in leading-edge studios worldwide, said Sarah Priestnall, Manager, Product Marketing for Film at Discreet Logic. As the film medium gains momentum, facilities are asking for open architecture digital film tools with depth, scalability and the flexibility to move easily to different resolutions. With INFERNO, we're addressing these issues and are leveraging input from our clients, artists and engineers to evolve and maximize the potential of the product.
INFERNO is ideal for video post-production houses expanding into the areas of film, theatrically-released commercials or location-based entertainment. Film post houses currently using a combination of systems such as FLAME™ and proprietary software can easily upgrade to INFERNO to effectively handle film projects. Because INFERNO is fully scaleable and compatible with Discreet Logic's FLAME or FLINT™ systems for visual effects, and clip-compatible with FIRE™ for non-linear editing, projects can be prototyped on these systems and then processed at higher resolution or colour depth using INFERNO.
Over the past 12-15 months, weíve seen significant growth in the market for theatrically released commercials and other productions that require archiving for re-release and syndication, or later release on alternate mediums such as HDTV, said Norm Stangl, President of Spin Productions in Toronto. Because of INFERNO's flexibility and high resolution -- and the ease of converting between resolutions -- it is clearly a growth tool for our facility as compared to more dedicated systems. As we extend and build our film business by offering 1K resolution as an alternate for our commercial clients going from D1 to 35 mm, as well as high res for feature films, we can continue to support the existing marketplace.
The System: Features and Functionality
INFERNO leverages the feature-set incorporated into Discreet Logicís suite of visual effects and compositing tools, and then takes it a step further for film work. This feature-set, accessible through an integrated, intuitive gestural interface, includes a state-of-the art Keyer, Warper, Action module, SoftClips™, Stabilizer, Tracker, Paint, Rotoscoping, On-Line 3D and digital audio capabilities. INFERNO also has the option to read and write high-resolution images to D1 using the Viewgraphics Dataview card, enabling third-party users to take advantage of the speed of D1 for high-resolution data transfer and archiving.
INFERNO is designed to be used in conjunction with RIOT™, Discreet Logicís advanced image management toolbox, which the company anticipates shipping in the second half of calendar year 1996. RIOT is a specialized toolbox for controlling a number of aspects of film scanners, recording and image management, including colour correction. Complementing INFERNOís capabilities, RIOT provides a link to film scanners, recorders and other devices, and helps prepare clips for processing.
INFERNO offers the following features and capabilities in addition to compositing:
Film-Specific Tools: INFERNO features essential film production tools, including full grain management capabilities, including degrain, regrain and match grain, enabling digital artists to achieve seamless composites. The system offers greater image integrity by sampling each component at 12 bits per colour channel. This enhanced dynamic range provides INFERNO with the data required for pristine keys and composites, as well as the greater accuracy needed in film production.
Resolution Independence: INFERNO operates at 8 or 12 bits noncompressed 4:4:4 resolution for NTSC, PAL, HDTV, or film, enabling digital facilities to offer clients a wider range of production capabilities and services. The system provides full support for video, video-to-film, film-to-video, or film-to-film production cycles.
Monitor Calibration: INFERNOís monitor calibration tools ensure the image integrity and accuracy that digital artists require. Secure that what they see on the monitor is what audiences will see on the screen, artists can make critical decisions with more confidence.
Optics: INFERNOís Optics module enables artists to create cinematic-quality sequences with real-world lighting and lens effects, including lens distortion, lens flares and chromatic aberration.
Particle System: INFERNOís Particle System is fully integrated with the Action module, enabling artists to create elaborate atmospheric effects that can be combined with imported live-action and 3D animation sequences. The Particle System is a 3D implementation with support for user-specified particle emitters and force generators, and hardware-based rendering for optimum performance.
Anamorphic Viewing: This feature enables footage shot and compressed by an anamorphic lens to be viewed uncompressed in wide-screen as it would appear in final projection. This is vital for film resolution work.
Availability and Pricing
Version 1.4 for Onyx InfiniteReality is expected to ship in the first half of 1996. Version 2.0 is expected to ship in Fall 1996. Software upgrades are available free-of-charge to customers with valid maintenance contracts.
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| Fire 1.0
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- Onyx RealityEngine2 deskside or rack system, with either two 250 MHz CPUs or four 250 MHz CPUs.
- Deskside with 256 MB of RAM, two RM4 Boards, RealityEngine2 GFX and Sirius Video real-time I/O board.
- FIRE will offer one and two video stream options, and requires a minimum of one 27-minute STONE 3050.
- More CPUs and more storage can be added, depending on the requirement of the client.
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Announced September 1995 and shipping April 1996
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| Changes
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https://web.archive.org/web/19970419121418/http://www.discreet.com/dept/market/firenab.htm
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, April 16, 1996 - Discreet Logic Inc., based in Montreal, Quebec, today announced April availability for FIRE™, its revolutionary new non-compressed, on-line, non-linear digital video editing system. FIRE features powerful editing tools and a unique gestural interface, providing a complete editing solution for the professional. It is one of the first open-architecture video editing systems to harness the power of the Onyx® graphics supercomputer and combine it with a state of the art database to give users direct, integrated access to video and audio material.
Since itís announcement in September, 1995, the product has seen demand worldwide with premier post production facilities, including: Avenue Edit (Chicago, IL), Cinesite (London, U.K.), Cutters (Chicago, IL), Dennis Hayes (New York), Digital Domain (Venice, Calif.), Finish (Boston, MA), Hallmark Entertainment (Englewood, CO), Hawthorne Communications (Fairfield, IA), Juntunen Video (Minneapolis, MN), The Mill (London, U.K.), MTV3/FOR (Helsinki, Finland), Multi Video Group/Rhinocerous (New York), Omnicom (Australia), Smoke & Mirrors (U.K.), Swell Pictures (Chicago, IL).
With FIRE, we aim to change the face of on-line video editing today and add back in the creative elements and storytelling that have migrated into the off-line arena, said Steve Kreth, Manager, Product Marketing for Video and Audio at Discreet Logic. With FIRE's unique gestural interface and elegant integration of robust tools all in one place, the on-line editor can once again be the master craftsman of the finishing process.
FIRE operators edit with a new gestural interface, meaning with direct manipulation of pictures and shots rather than relying on the keyboard. Therefore, the process is more intuitive and efficient. This type of editing eliminates having to make keyboard commands to trim, reassemble or remove shots, although these commands are supported. With gestural editing operators simply select shots and drag them using a pen interface into a storyboard. All data information associated with the pictures moves at the same time.
Our decision to purchase FIRE was a decision based on where weíll be a year, and two and five years from now, said John McGrath, General Manager for Cutters. Our success has been maximized by having the best tools available for those creative people to work on. And thatís where I see the benefit of the Discreet Logic toolset -- FLAME, FLINT, FIRE. Itís the toolset that allows our creative talent to explode. And FIRE brings a toolset into Cutters that we can take to our clients and say this allows us to improve your product and if that give us a step up on the competition, that's great.
FIRE is the natural progression for an on-line editor -- it's like having a big toolchest and its just up to the operator how he actually achieves the final effect and which process he goes through, said Dave Smith, Senior Editor at The Mill. With the gestural editing, it's so much easier -- to be able to actually move the shots around and assemble them in some kind of storyboard format is a really useful way of editing. It is editing.
FIRE offers on-line editors a sophisticated toolset which specifically addresses the new and expanding requirements needed for online finishing. Key features and benefits include: the EditDesk™, a large work environment that includes a clip library, a timeline and storyboard capabilities; SoftEdits™, which enable editors to make uncommitted transitions that can be modified at any point in an edit; advanced editing tools with image enhancing capabilities such as colour correction, keying and character generation; special effects capabilities that bring 2D effects into a 3D world; professional audio capabilities, including up to 32 tracks of audio with real-time level EQ and cross-fades for simultaneous audio and video editing; one or two streams of realtime video option; industry-standard EDLs and OMF support.
In addition, FIRE offers exceptionally strong audio support with its RIVER™ and STREAM™ systems, which include audio tools for dialogue, sound effects, mixing and music soundtrack finishing. Audio abilities range from scrubbing and timeline editing with waveform display, to advanced tools such as EQ, pitch shifting, and time compression/expansion for complete in-suite finishing when needed. Users have options that range from 4 to 32 realtime audio tracks.
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| Onyx RE2 256Mb Video IO
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| Fire on a 256 Mb memory is experiancing Dropped Frame problems when using input clip. I found out that the CPU 0 in this configuration is overloaded. A complete fix is in Fire 1.1.2 but these step also need to be implemented.
1. In the /etc/rc2.d/S99s+w_init file:
Add an entry to start distributed parity task on CPU 1 & 2 the command to put is :
echo "Stone+Wire"
case $1 in
'start' )
npri -h 31 $SW/swr-ptask 1 2
The line "npri -h 31 /usr/sw/swr-ptask 1 2" is not normally in the file.
2. Edit the /var/sysgen/system/irix.sm.
Look for the section where the NOINTR command is describe.
You need to verify that a line
NOINTR: 2
is in the file. The manual info say "NOINTR: 1 2 3" but is not a good idea on a 256 MB system since it put a lot of stuff on CPU 0.
3. Run systune
The command 'systune -i' can be used to modify kernel variables. Don't modify anything just for the fun of it, The system might fail to restart. In this case, you can use systune and set nbuf to 6000 and tlbdrop to 1000.
% su
# systune -i
Updates will be made to running system and /unix.install
systune-> nbuf = 6000
nbuf = ***
Do you really want to change nbuf to 6000 (0x1770)? (y/n) y
In order for the change in parameter nbuf to become effective,
reboot the system
systune-> tlbdrop = 1000
tlbdrop = 100 (0x64)
Do you really want to change tlbdrop to 1000 (0x3e8)? (y/n) y
systune-> quit
# autoconfig -vf
# reboot
No one should rlogin on the Onyx when fire is running, at least not during VideoIO.
All the other directive from the manual should be followed.
Fire 1.1.1 will still drop a few frames more than with fire 1.1.2 if there are implemented but the will help right now. It is also important to run Stone&Wire driver 2.53 or above. 2.47 had a bug that cause more dropped frames. It is not related to the speed of the array but complex memory access pattern between fire and the driver. To check the current driver:
strings /unix | grep -v "swr\.c"
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| Flint 4.4I
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Indigo2 High/Maximum Impact, IP22 R4400 CPU
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IRIX 5.3 All Indigo2 IMPACT
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| Patches shipped on CD-ROM:
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| 736: SCSI driver fixes (affects tape drives)
763: SCSI tape fixes (required for archiving to SCSI tapes)
1112: Impact Video (only needed if you have Impact Video)
1141: Impact Video (same)
1148: Impact Video (same)
1223: Impact Graphics OpenGL fixes (very important) (beta)
1255: Kernel rollup
1271: Impact Graphics X server fixes (very important) (beta)
1344: Video capture performance for machines with 384Mb of RAM
Useful patch upgrades:
1255->1268: not crucial, but kernel rollup patches tend to be important
763->1283 : will allow DLT drive to be used as archiving device
1223beta->1223, or even better 1332: patch 1332 will fix some problems with Flint running out of memory ("Out of swap space" messages) on High Impact.
1271beta->1271: patch 1271 has since been superceeded by patches 1543 and 1798. Do NOT upgrade to these new patches: otherwise, your Wacom tablet will stop working.
Useful additional patches:
1391: rpc.lockd fixes (only needed if you have NFS)
1477: NFS rollup (strongly recommended if you have NFS, not needed otherwise)
1548: hinv recognizes all Impact graphics
1529: TCP/IP networking rollup (only needed if your machine is on a network)
Additional notes:
At this point, Flint 4.4I should be considered obsolete: all users should have upgraded to at least Flint 4.4.1I, the followup maintenance release.
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| Flame 4.0.2
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Onyx RealityEngine2, IP19 R4400 CPUs
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IRIX 5.3
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Date compiled December 20 1995
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| Patches shipped on CD-ROM:
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| 208: RE2 fixes
479: hinv knows about ASO sound hardware
487 or 1116: kernel rollup patch (very important)
720: Sirius fixes
763: SCSI tape fixes (required for archiving to SCSI tapes)
852: SCSI controller fixes for disks (needed for disk arrays)
Useful patch upgrades:
208->918: fixes infamous "gray bar" problem
479->1548: most recent version of hinv, knows about more hardware types
487,1116->1268: very important for real-time operation, 1268 also fixes problems with Vigra driver being rejected from kernel everytime you reboot
720->1147: most recent version of Sirius patch
763->1283: will allow DLT drive to be used as archiving device, adds support for DLT4000/7000
852->1122: most recent version of Onyx/Challenge SCSI patch
Useful additional patches:
1391: rpc.lockd fixes (only needed if you have NFS)
1477: NFS rollup (strongly recommended if you have NFS, not needed otherwise)
1529: TCP/IP networking rollup (only needed if your machine is on a network)
1591: flashio retry fix (could fix rare booting problem on machine with 250MHz CPUs)
Additional notes:
Proper video I/O operation requires the kernel rollup and Sirius patches to be installed. Note that when installing a kernel rollup patch, changes to /var/sysgen/system/irix.sm are likely to be overwritten: thus in particular the "NOINTR: 2" ("NOINTR: 1" on a machine with 2 CPUs) line which is added to that file to help real-time operation needs to be put back and the kernel reconfigured after a kernel rollup patch is installed.
Patch 918 solves the infamous "gray bar" problem, where under some circumstances the upper part of an image would not be drawn correctly, possibly corrupting the image being manipulated with gray values from the background color. Unfortunately, patch 918 clashes with X server patches for RealityEngine2 (1187, 1441,1579, 1799), which together with patch 665 can prevent a possible system crash when the tablet is initialized and the pen is on the tablet. Since the tablet problem is predictable and preventable, the recommended and supported configuration is to install patch 918 and not the X server patches.
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| Flint 4.0.2/4.0.3
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Indigo2 XZ/Extreme, IP22 R4400 CPU
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IRIX 5.3
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| Patches shipped on CD-ROM:
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| 294: Galileo fixes
308: SCSI driver fixes (affects tape drives)
314: Video Library fixes for Galileo
438: Incorrect rendering of textured, transparent polygons
453: Z buffer cannot be used after some graphic operations
763: SCSI tape fixes (required for archiving to SCSI tapes)
Useful patch upgrades:
308->736: newer version of wd93 SCSI driver patch
453->1149: newer version of Z buffer graphics patch
763->1283: allows DLT drive to be used as archiving device
Useful additional patches:
1268: Kernel rollup patch
1391: rpc.lockd fixes (only needed if you have NFS)
1477: NFS rollup (strongly recommended if you have NFS, not needed otherwise)
1529: TCP/IP networking rollup (only needed if your machine is on a network)
Additional notes:
Indigo2 XZ/Extreme systems with the 250MHz CPU module must run "IRIX 5.3 with 175MHz CPU and 2MB Cache Support", or base IRIX 5.3 with a kernel rollup patch at least as recent as 766. Users which are running this newer version of IRIX may experience problems installing some older patches: inst will complain about version mismatches. You will need to "set rulesoverride true" to get these patches to install (which you should usually never have to do). In particular, this affects patch 438, which is needed for proper graphics operation of Flint.
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| Flint 2.6
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October 1994
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| Flame 2.0
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2 November 1992
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