Reference monitor maker Flanders Scientific used the SMPTE conference to showcase some new capabilities for its LUT box called BoxIO. LUTs are used to create calibrated “looks” that can transform content from a proprietary Log format, RAW data or common compression format for display on the monitor. This save time on-set or in post production facilities by being able to quickly get a good visual idea of the content with the desired starting grade.
LUTs can also be used to calibrate the display, which is what was being showcased at SMPTE. Specifically, Flanders was showing a preview version of SpectraCal’s CalMan software that allows patch integration through BoxIO as well as direct upload of 1D or 3D LUTs. Also on display was the current version of LightIllusion’s LightSpace CMS with integrated BoxIO test patch generation and direct LUT upload. This feature is handy for calibrating displays that do not have a built-in LUT capability.
BoxIO is also now available with a new frame callback feature. Frames captured in BoxIO’s own RAW format can now be displayed over SDI and DP as full resolution, full bit depth images. This feature has many potential uses including review of reference stills in on-set environments, display of complex test patterns, and preview of new looks on previously captured content.
BoxIO comes equipped with 2 x 3Gbps SDI inputs, 2 x clean SDI loop throughs, 2 processed SDI outputs, and 1 mini-DisplayPort output. The DisplayPort output mirrors the processed SDI output allowing for LUT application on DP as well as SDI outputs. The DP output is compatible with HDMI and DVI devices using an inexpensive passive connector. Clean loop through SDI outputs mean BoxIO isn’t limited to being an “end of chain” device. Both clean and processed SDI outputs cleanly pass incoming ancillary data. All inputs and outputs offer full 12-bit signal support.
Users need one BoxIO box to support 4K/30 4:2:2 but two are required to support 4K/40 at 4:4:4 or 4:2:2. Single channel solution allow storage of 16 33x33x33 sized 3D LUTS while the dual-chanel solution can store up to 31 17x17x17 sized 3D LUTs. – CC
