Todd-AO invests in HD with eQ

Todd-AO has invested in a Quantel eQ, which will allow the facility to offer clients end-to-end postproduction, from editing to deliverables, all under one roof.
The eQ’s resolution coexistence means that HD and SD material can be edited on the same timeline, offering time saving efficiencies for clients. Creating deliverables also becomes easy as the eQ has the ability to play out any required format – another element which speeds up the postproduction process.
“Being an early adopter in a growth area will be advantageous for Todd-AO. We know the HD market is set for huge growth and whilst that growth is happening, we can use the eQ at SD and still create revenue from the machine,” said Sam Webb, Todd-AO Managing Director.
John Pearce, Senior Editor at Todd-AO, had never edited using Quantel kit before and was initially daunted by the interface. However, within three days of using the eQ, he was surprised at how quickly he grasped the logic of the machine.
“From editing to compositing to grading, I could easily move around the system. Its speed, resolution coexistence and reliability ultimately give me more time to be creative, which is value for money to our clients,” he said.
Similarly, Head of Telecine at Todd, Ray King, has spent his entire career using Pogle and da Vinci grading controllers but QColor – the specialist grading option on the eQ – has surprised him with its flexibility. He said: “I’m a traditional telecine colorist and, to be honest, have always been sceptical about software-based grading systems. QColor on eQ has proved me wrong with its versatility and feature set; the tracking in particular is outstanding.”
Webb added: “The broadcast market place is changing, but when you talk with producers it seems that there is still a huge amount of mystery that surrounds HD technology. It is important that post houses are in a position to educate and support clients as they wade through this technological learning curve.”
The facility first considered an eQ at NAB in 2004, but as Webb explained: “There were some clear issues at that stage; however this year was a completely different story as the Eiger software release has made a huge difference.”
The eQ is set to be installed on July 11.
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