Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 11, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Pandora’s most important innovation at the IBC (stand 6.101) is Yoyo: This is a network of two Macs in which Pandora calls the first Mac “Yo#1” and the second “Yo#2”. The two Yos connect between the storage area network (SAN) and new or old “Pogle” machines. Pogle is Pandora’s designation for its Linux-based control systems. The first Yo reads image data (normally DPX) from the SAN and converts it in order then to pass it, together with an EDL and other metadata, to the Pogle. After the Pogle machine has processed the image data, it flows through the second Yo, which converts the data from the proprietary format back into an image sequence, and back into the SAN.
This process makes it possible to work on the image material on one or more computers while grading is already running simultaneously on another. If several clips have already been cut together, the Yoyo system uses the EDL to pass a complete virtual clip containing the complete timeline to the colour-grading system.
YoYo is to be available immediately, although Pandora has not yet provided any pricing information.
Another important innovation is a new software module that enables the use of CDL files (Color Decision List) with the Revolution hardware. The CDL file format records nine colour parameters that can be applied across systems. With these files, which were standardised by the American Society of Cinematographers and work similarly to an EDL, looks can be defined at an early stage of production without knowing the target system. Any software that supports this format and can, for example, also run on a laptop on set can be used for this purpose.
According to the manufacturer, the module is also available immediately, although Pandora does not yet name a price here either.
Pandora had already announced the software-based Revolution image processor, which uses a dedicated hardware accelerator, at the last IBC. It has meanwhile already been on the market for some time. At IBC 2006, it can be seen in the complete workflow with YoYo. Prices are available from resellers.
Further Links:
- Pandora
