BlackboxFX is a sister company of xRez, acting as a collaboration with ace 3D artist Ethan Summers. BlackboxFX’s mission is to employ highend creative visual effects talent toward socially meaningful projects, both in the entertainment, scientific, and environmental action sectors. (...)
Read the rest of BlackboxFX (90 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: 3d Animation, BlackboxFX, Scientific Visualization, Visual Effects, xRez Studio

One highly compelling method to reveal the vast level of detail contained in a gigapixel image is to print it in large format over a very long length. Based on our 2008 Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project, xRez Studio printed a continuous 40 foot x 5 foot print at 300 dpi for exhibition at Siggraph 2008.(...)
Read the rest of Large-Format Gigapixel Printing (190 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Gigapixel, Gigpixel Print, HP z6100PS 60, Los Angeles Convention Center, Maya, Mental Ray

xRez principal Greg Downing has been at the forefront of photogrammetry technique for some time, having worked on the seminal ImageModeler while at RealViz. Later consulting and working with major effects studios, Greg has applied photogrammetry in several major feature films, including “Spiderman 3″, and “I Am Legend”.(...)
Read the rest of Sparse/Dense Photogrammetry (150 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: I am Legend, Image Modeler, Panorama, Panoramic Image Modeling, Photogrammetry, PhotoModeler, Photosynth, Point Cloud, Spiderman 3

One problem surrounding the needs of cultural heritage research is the acquisition of static on-site photography, which may limit perceived detail in the artifacts later upon inspection. One method which allows re-lighting of artifacts post-shooting is HP Labs researcher Tom Malzbender’s work in polynomial texture mapping, or PTM. (...)
Read the rest of Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) (98 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Cultural Heritage Imaging, feature extraction, Normal Map, Polynomial Texture Mapping, PTM, Rock Art

xRez Studio has long utilized infrared capture of gigapixel panoramic scenes, using modified digital camera backs. Used primarily for aesthetic reasons, IR can also be used in service of cultural heritage documentation work, helping reveal hidded details. Similarly, color matrix de-correlation software such as Jon Harman’s excellent Dstretch has been employed by xRez Studio to help analyze Native American rock art on the Colorado Plateau.

(...)
Read the rest of Multi-Spectral Imaging (0 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Digital Infrared, Dstretch, IR

A revolution is currently underway in digital photography with time-lapse capture. Showcased in earlier films such as Koyannisquatsi and Baraka by DP Ron Fricke, filmmakers had to previously rely on cumbersome large-format film-based techniques, where film cameras were advanced incrementally. (...)
Read the rest of Time-Lapse Photography (117 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Baraka, Koyannisquatsi, Ron Fricke, Time-lapse

One emerging technology with great promise is spherical video, which is an extension of spherical panoramic imagery, but displaying full rate playback of live footage. Spherical video solutions have been available for some time, but lack resolution and quality. One alternative xRez Studio is developing is spherical animation, using emerging panoramic players to deliver interactive pre-rendered sequences for online or site-specific purposes. (...)
Read the rest of Spherical Animation (151 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Spherical Animation, Spherical Video

High Dynamic Range imagery (HDRI) is creating a revolution in digital photography, where the full tonal range of a scene’s lighting can be faithfully captured and recreated. xRez Studio has been at the forefront of this technology development, interacting with key researchers Paul Debevec and Greg Ward. (...)
Read the rest of High Dynamic Range Imaging (166 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: HDRI, High Dynamic Range Imaging

One innovative technique developed at xRez Studio is the integration of digital elevation models (DEM) with high-end 3d rendering and gigapixel images. Another innovation we have developed is to integrate time lapse sequences with DEM data, allowing new, inventive cinematography where a virtual camera can dolly deeply into the image while lapsing in time. (...)
Read the rest of Digital Terrain Rendering (75 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Camera Mapping, DEM, Digital Terrain, LIDAR, Projection Mapping, Terrain

Digitally projected full dome theaters are a new and growing form of immersive cinematic presentation for small audiences. There are more than 100 of these theaters worldwide, and many are domed planetariums that have been retrofitted w/ high resolution digital projectors that “stitch” multiple projections together into one large surround image, allowing very high resolutions at 4 or 8k. (...)
Read the rest of FullDome Theatre Production (217 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Crossing Worlds, Dome, DomeFest, Fulldome

With skillsets culled from 15 years of producing feature film visual effects in major effects facilities, we have high level expertise in concept design, digital environment creation, lighting and rendering, matte painting, compositing, and photogrammetry. We have experience from companies such as Digital Domain, Sony Imageworks, Rhythm & Hues, Dream Quest Images, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. (...)
Read the rest of High-End Visual Effects Production (314 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Foundry Nuke, Maya, PTGui, Renderman, Visual Effects

xRez Studio has been one of the pioneers in digital gigapixel photography for the last five years, moving it from academic exercises into a viable production methodology for use in multiple applications and markets, while at a price point comparable to conventional professional photography. (...)
Read the rest of Gigapixel Panoramic Photography (330 words)

©xRez Studio, 2010. | Permalink | |
Post tags: Gigapan, Gigapixel, Panoramic Photography, PixOrb, Rodeon