Grass Valley, CA (October 7, 2020) – AJA Video Systems today announced free v4.0 firmware for the FS-HDR real-time HDR/WCG converter and frame synchronizer featuring a new Colorfront Engine™ TV Mode, v1.4 BBC HLG LUTs, and more.
The Colorfront Engine TV Mode provides new color and camera correction essentials, adding Knee Point and Knee Slope controls to better manage highlights and roll-off in SDR and HLG conversions, greatly enhancing the image output. With this mode, more HLG image information is accessible for use in SDR down-conversions, and SDR expansion into HLG can be more thoughtfully managed. More than a simple curve, the new mode is powered by an algorithm based on the human visual system that maintains the source color relationships of the original material though the transform process. To protect the color fidelity of SDR brand colors used in graphics or in-camera, SDR to HLG and HLG to SDR transforms facilitate seamless round-tripping.
For professionals looking to take advantage of the latest BBC HLG LUT improvements, FS-HDR v4.0 also includes new v1.4 BBC HLG LUTs and a new LUT 9 for HLG to SDR display-light conversions. Additional enhancements include support for a wider range of camera metadata management schemes to streamline the pass-through of camera and lens metadata through FS-HDR to downstream devices for on-set applications, and the ability to configure the HDR components of the SDI output VPID on a channel-by-channel basis, which has proven vital to workflows that require a consistent VPID.
"HDR production is in a constant state of change. As more HDR workflows are implemented, we’re working alongside customers in the field, taking notes and envisioning new features we can build into firmware releases like v4.0. We’re excited to bring FS-HDR users powerful new features that will simplify their day-to-day production challenges," said Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems.
FS-HDR is a versatile 1RU, rack-mount universal converter/frame synchronizer for real-time HDR transforms as well as 4K/HD up/down/cross conversions. Fusing AJA’s production-proven FS frame synchronization and conversion technology with video and color space processing algorithms from the award-winning Colorfront Engine, FS-HDR matches the real-time, low-latency processing and color fidelity demands that broadcast, OTT, post production and ProAV environments require.
Pricing and Availability
FS-HDR v4.0 is available now as a free download from AJA’s support page. For more information about FS-HDR, visit: www.aja.com/products/fs-hdr.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
