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Film recorder
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} {{More footnotes|date=October 2012}} {{Short description|Device that copies content from a computer system to film stock}} [[File:Arrilaser film recorder.jpg|thumb|Pair of Arrilaser film recorders]] A '''film recorder''' is a [[graphical output device]] for transferring images to [[photographic film]] from a [[digital data|digital]] source. In a typical film recorder, an image is passed from a host computer to a mechanism to expose film through a variety of methods, historically by direct photography of a high-resolution [[cathode-ray tube]] (CRT) display. The exposed film can then be developed using conventional developing techniques, and displayed with a slide or motion picture projector. The use of film recorders predates the current use of [[video projector|digital projectors]], which eliminate the time and cost involved in the intermediate step of transferring computer images to film stock, instead directly displaying the image signal from a computer. [[Motion picture film scanner]]s are the opposite of film recorders, copying content from film stock to a computer system. Film recorders can be thought of as modern versions of [[kinescope]]s. ==Design== ===Operation=== All film recorders typically work in the same manner. The image is fed from a host computer as a raster stream over a digital interface. A film recorder exposes film through various mechanisms; flying spot (early recorders); photographing a high resolution video monitor; electron beam recorder ([[Sony HDVS]]); a CRT scanning dot (Celco); focused beam of light from a [[light valve]] technology (LVT) recorder; a scanning laser beam (Arrilaser); or recently, full-frame LCD array chips. For [[color]] image recording on a CRT film recorder, the red, green, and blue channels are sequentially displayed on a single gray scale CRT, and exposed to the same piece of film as a [[multiple exposure]] through a [[filter (photography)|filter]] of the appropriate color. This approach yields better resolution and color quality than possible with a tri-phosphor color CRT. The three filters are usually mounted on a motor-driven wheel. The filter wheel, as well as the camera's [[shutter (photography)|shutter]], [[aperture]], and film motion mechanism are usually controlled by the recorder's electronics and/or the [[device driver|driving software]]. CRT film recorders are further divided into analog and digital types. The analog film recorder uses the native video signal from the computer, while the digital type uses a separate display board in the computer to produce a digital signal for a display in the recorder. Digital CRT recorders provide a higher resolution at a higher cost compared to analog recorders due to the additional specialized hardware.<ref name=IW-890306>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GzoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT66 |title=Product Comparison: PC Film Recorders |author1=Capen, Tracey |author2=Douglas, Sally J. |page=51 |date=6 March 1989 |magazine=InfoWorld |accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref> Typical resolutions for digital recorders were quoted as 2K and 4K, referring to 2048×1366 and 4096×2732 pixels, respectively, while analog recorders provided a resolution of 640×428 pixels in comparison.<ref name=PCM-890228>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9wwQdu9dei0C&pg=PA199 |title=From Screen to Slide—Affordably |author=Fersko-Weiss, Henry |date=28 February 1989 |page=199 |magazine=PC Magazine |accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref> Higher-quality LVT film recorders use a focused beam of light to write the image directly onto a film loaded spinning drum, one pixel at a time. In one example, the light valve was a liquid-crystal shutter, the light beam was steered with a lens, and text was printed using a pre-cut optical mask.<ref name=PCM-890228 /> The LVT will record pixel beyond grain. Some machines can burn 120-res or 120 lines per millimeter. The LVT is basically a reverse [[drum scanner]]. The exposed film is developed and printed by regular photographic chemical processing. ===Formats=== Film recorders are available for a variety of film types and formats. The [[35 mm movie film|35 mm negative film]] and [[transparency (photography)|transparencies]] are popular because they can be processed by any photo shop. [[Large format|Single-image 4×5 film]] and 8×10 are often used for high-quality, large format printing.<ref name=PCM-890228 /> Some models have detachable [[film holder]]s to handle multiple formats with the same camera or with Polaroid backs to provide on-site review of output before exposing film.<ref name=PCM-890228 /> ==Uses== Film recorders are used in [[digital printing]] to generate master negatives for [[lithography|offset]] and other bulk [[printing]] processes. For preview, archiving, and small-volume reproduction, film recorders have been rendered obsolete by modern [[Computer printer|printer]]s that produce photographic-quality hardcopies directly on plain paper. They are also used to produce the master copies of [[film|movie]]s that use [[computer animation]] or other [[special effect]]s based on [[digital image processing]]. However, most cinemas nowadays use [[Digital Cinema Package]]s on [[hard drive]]s instead of film stock. ===Computer graphics=== Film recorders were among the earliest [[computer graphics]] output devices; for example, the [[IBM 740]] CRT Recorder was announced in 1954. Film recorders were also commonly used to produce [[photographic slide|slide]]s for [[slide projector]]s;<ref name=IW-890306 /> but this need is now largely met by [[video projector]]s that project images directly from a computer to a screen. The terms "[[presentation slide|slide]]" and "slide deck" are still commonly used in [[presentation program]]s. ===Current uses=== Currently, film recorders are primarily used in the motion picture [[film-out]] process for the ever increasing amount of [[digital intermediate]] work being done. Although significant advances in large venue video projection alleviates the need to output to film, there remains a deadlock between the motion picture studios and theater owners over who should pay for the cost of these very costly projection systems. This, combined with the increase in international and independent film production, will keep the demand for film recording steady for at least a decade.{{Fact|date=January 2022}} ==Key manufacturers== Traditional film recorder manufacturers have all but vanished from the scene or have evolved their product lines to cater to the motion picture industry. [[Dicomed]] was one such early provider of digital color film recorders. [[Polaroid Corporation|Polaroid]], Management Graphics, Inc, MacDonald-Detwiler, [[Information International, Inc.]], and [[Agfa]] were other producers of film recorders. Arri is the only current major manufacturer of film recorders. *[[Kodak]] Lightning I film recorder. One of the first laser recorders. Needed an engineering staff to set up. *Kodak Lightning II film recorder used both gas and diode laser to record on to film. *The last LVT machines produced by Kodak / Durst-Dice stopped production in 2002. There are no LVT film recorders currently being produced. LVT Saturn 1010 uses a LED exposure (RGB) to 8"x10" film at 1000-3000ppi. * LUX Laser Cinema Recorder from Autologic/Information International in [[Thousand Oaks]], [[California]]. Sales end in March 2000. Used on the 1997 film [[Titanic (1997 film)|“Titanic”]]. *[[Arri]] produces the [[Arrilaser]] line of laser-based motion picture film recorders. *MGI produced the ''Solitaire'' line of CRT-based motion picture film recorders.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=How "Toy Story", or Jurassic Park's SFX were printed on Film - MGI Solitaire 16 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqZ3lrFEo0Y}}</ref> *Matrix, originally ImaPRO, a branch of [[Agfa]] Division, produced the ''QCR'' line of CRT-based motion picture film recorders.<ref>{{cite AV media |title= Exploring the hardware used to produce Romeo & Juliet: Sealed with a Kiss |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVYT3nKPp2k}}</ref> *[[CCG Digital Image Technology|CCG]], formerly [[Agfa]] film recorders, has been a steady manufacturer of film recorders based in Germany. *In 2004 CCG introduced [[Definity (film recorder)|Definity]], a motion picture film recorder utilizing LCD technology. In 2010 CCG introduced the first full LED LCD film recorder as a new step in film recording. *[[Cinevator]] was made by Cinevation AS, in [[Drammen]], [[Norway]]. The Cinevator was a real-time digital film recorder. It could record [[Color motion picture film|IN]], [[List of motion picture film stocks#Intermediate film|IP]] and [[35mm movie film|prints]] with and without [[Sound-on-film|sound]] *[[Oxberry (company)|Oxberry]] produced the Model 3100 film recorder camera system, with interchangeable pin-registered movements (shuttles) for 35 mm (full frame/Silent, 1.33:1) and 16 mm (regular 16, "2R"), and others have adapted the Oxberry movements for [[Cinemascope|CinemaScope]], 1.85:1, 1.75:1, 1.66:1, as well as Academy/Sound (1.37:1) in 35 mm and Super-16 in 16 mm ("1R"). For instance, the "Solitaire" and numerous others employed the Oxberry 3100 camera system. ==History== Before video tape recorders or [[VTR]]s were invented, TV shows were either broadcast live or recorded to film for later showing, using the [[kinescope]] process. In 1967, CBS Laboratories introduced the [[Electronic Video Recording]] format, which used video and telecined-to-video film sources, which were then recorded with an electron-beam recorder at CBS' EVR mastering plant at the time to 35mm film stock in a rank of 4 strips on the film, which was then slit down to 4 {{convert|8.75|mm|abbr=on}} film copies, for playback in an EVR player. All types of CRT recorders were (and still are) used for film recording. Some early examples used for computer-output recording were the 1954 [[IBM 740]] CRT Recorder, and the 1962 [[Stromberg-Carlson]] SC-4020, the latter using a [[Charactron]] CRT for text and vector graphic output to either 16 mm motion picture film, 16 mm microfilm, or hard-copy paper output. Later 1970 and 80s-era recording to B&W (and color, with 3 separate exposures for red, green, and blue)) 16 mm film was done with an EBR (Electron Beam Recorder), the most prominent examples made by [[3M]]), for both video and COM ([[Microform|Computer Output Microfilm]]) applications. [[Image Transform]] in [[Universal City, California]] used specially modified 3M EBR film recorders that could perform color [[film-out]] recording on 16 mm by exposing three 16 mm frames in a row (one red, one green and one blue). The film was then printed to color 16 mm or 35 mm film. The video fed to the recorder could either be [[NTSC]], [[PAL]] or [[SECAM]]. Later, Image Transform used specially modified VTRs to record 24 frame for their "Image Vision" system. The modified [[1 inch type B videotape]] VTRs would record and play back 24frame video at 10 MHz bandwidth, at about twice the normal NTSC resolution. Modified 24fps 10 MHz Bosch [[Fernseh]] KCK-40 cameras were used on the set. This was a custom pre-[[HDTV]] video system. Image Transform had modified other gear for this process. At its peak, this system was used in the production of the film "[[Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl]]" in 1982. This was the first major pre-[[digital intermediate]] [[post production]] using a film recorder for film-out production. In 1980 film recorder was made in [[Saint Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television|LIKI]] in USSR.<ref>* {{Cite journal |author = М. В. Антипин, И. С. Голод, В. А. Кныш, В. А. Коновалов, Ю. С. Косарский, О. П. Макаров |editor= |format= |url= |title= Метод и аппаратура для перевода изображения с магнитной ленты на киноплёнку с помощью лазеров |type= журнал |orig-year= | agency = |edition= «[[Техника кино и телевидения]]» |location= |date= 1982 |publisher= |volume= |number= 11|pages = 3–9 |series= |isbn = |issn = 0040-2249 |doi = |bibcode = |arxiv = |pmid = |ref= Техника кино и телевидения |language= ru |quote= }}</ref> In 1988, companies in the United States collectively produced 715 million slides at a cost of $8.3 billion.<ref name=PCM-890228 /> ===Awards=== The [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] awarded an [[Academy Award|Oscar]] to the makers of the Arrilaser film recorder. The Award of Merit Oscar from the [[Academy Scientific and Technical Award]] ceremony was given on 11 February 2012 to Franz Kraus, Johannes Steurer and Wolfgang Riedel.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2012/january/technical_oscar_forarriandfraunhofer-pressreleasejanuary272012.html |title=Technical Oscar for ARRI and Fraunhofer |date=27 January 2012 |publisher=Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques |accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://phys.org/news/2012-01-oscar.html |title=Developers of film recorder to receive Oscar |agency=Associated Press |date=6 January 2012 |publisher=Phys.org |accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref> Steurer was awarded the [[Oskar Messter]] Memorial Medal two years later in 2014 for his role in the development of the Arrilaser.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.arri.com/corporate/press/english/english_single/johannes-steurer-receives-oskar-messter-medal/7581/ |title=Johannes Steurer receives Oskar Messter Medal |date=14 May 2014 |publisher=Arri |accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref> ==See also== * [[Film-out]] * [[Tape-out]] * [[Grating light valve]] ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{External links|date=December 2024}} *[http://www.cinevation.net Cinevator] *[http://www.arri.com Arri] *[http://www.lasergraphics.com Lasergraphics] *[http://www.definity35mm.com Definity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227190145/http://www.definity35mm.com/ |date=27 December 2019 }} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20050910042954/http://www.ccg-germany.com/produkte/filmrecorder/index.html CCG] *[http://journal.smpte.org/content/75/3/191.abstract smpte.org EBR] *[https://books.google.com/books?id=TOMOmmrvwCcC&dq=Electron+Beam+Film+Recorder+3m&pg=PA125 The History of Television, 1942 to 2000, By Albert Abramson, Christopher H. Sterling, page 125] * [http://www.kobef.com/?p=1227 Cinmatographe Recorders, Posted on 27 December 2011 ] *[http://iamyouentertainment.com/uncategorized/film-recorder.html Film Recorder 4 July 2011]{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} *[http://indianapolisrumorbulletin.suzannepeebles.com/2011/12/03/movie-recorder/ Movie Recorder] *[http://www.digital-photography.org/film_recorders_product_reviews/film_recorders_reviews.html LVT Rhino Image Recorder, 2008] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070621175054/http://www.btinternet.com/~roger.beckwith/bh/tapes/pm.htm The Philips-Miller Film Recorder, Early Audio Recorders] *[http://internetmark.cindybug.com/cinematographe-terme-conseill%EF%BF%BD/ Cinematographe Terme Conseill Film recorders]{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} *[http://journal.smpte.org/content/82/3/188.abstract smpte.org A Short History of Television Recording: Part II, Albert Abramson] *[http://www.motion.kodak.com/motion/Hub/Itp/kennel.htm kodak.com IMAGICA Film Recorder Rewrites the Speed Limit] *[http://geology.wwu.edu/dept/resources/dfr/films.html Digital Film Recorder recommended film types] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120316072042/http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/pfilmrec.html Using the Polaroid Film Recorder, from marietta.edu] *[http://www.imapro.com/filmrecorders.htm Film Recorders] *[http://www.dslreports.com/faq/9204 What is a film recorder? dslreports.com] *[http://joshuamosley.com/tutorials/lfr/ Lasergraphics Film Recorder] *[http://www.prepressexpress.com/pages/filmoutput/filmoutput/faq.html film output faq] *[http://www.editorsguild.com/v2/magazine/Newsletter/MayJun02/digital_intermediate.html editorsguild.com DI work, The Editors Guild Magazine, Vol. 23, No. 3 – May/June 2002] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120419193914/http://www.lasergraphics.com/us/pages/producer4specs.htm Lasergraphics specs] *[http://artandtech.osu.edu/350/350amy/filmrec.html CREATING 35mm SLIDES WITH THE FILM RECORDER – Polaroid 8000 and Polaroid 7000] *[http://www.sfexaminer.com/news/2012/01/developers-film-recorder-receive-oscar SFE Developers of film recorder to receive Oscar]{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} *[https://books.google.com/books?id=vGgymugduCsC&dq=Lightning+II+film+recorder&pg=PA283 Visual effects in a digital world By Karen E. Goulekas, page 283] *[http://www.ezslides.com/4k8k.htm 4K VERSUS 8K IMAGING ] *[http://www.kodak.com/US/plugins/acrobat/en/motion/newsletters/inCamera/oct99/scan.pdf A brief history of scanning and recording by C Glenn Kennel, director of technology for Cinesite’s Film Scanning and Recording and Digital Mastering divisions.] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20111102031647/http://www.pgreen.co.uk/filmrecording.htm Film recording from pgreen.co.uk] *[http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/video_lux_laser_cinema/ Lux Laser Cinema Recorder: Get Speed and Quality with Laser Recorders, Jan 1, 1999 12:00 PM, Tom Thill ] *[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-07-me-6316-story.html Autologic Terminates New Activities on Laser Recorder, 7 March 2000|BARBARA MURPHY] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20111103191901/http://www.lightillusion.com/recording.htm Light Illusion on Film recorders] *[http://wwwdata.forestry.oregonstate.edu/helpdesk/services/howto/lundeen/filmrecorder.html How to Use the LFR Plus Film Recorder from Oregon State University] *[http://pdf-esmanual.com/books/161/solitaire_cine_iii_flx_specifications.html Solitaire Cine III FLX Specifications] *[http://www.imapro.com/filmrecorders.htm imapro.com film recorders] *[http://www.jackandsuedrafahl.com/magazines/web_articles/Focus%20on%20Imaging/Film%20Recorders.pdf Focus on Imaging, December, 2001, Film Recorders in the 21st Century by Jack and Sue Drafahl] *[http://www.digital-slides.com/info.html Difference in resolution 4k and 8k with examples] [[Category:Computer graphics]] [[Category:Film and video technology]] [[Category:Computer printers]]
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