I-Movix: slow motion in the fast lane
If you really want to observe fast-moving objects, slow-motion video is the answer. But achieving this is trickier than it sounds. A very young company from Mons is making big waves in the media industry with its breakthrough hyper-slow-motion technologies.
By Katherin BROWN
The story
started a few years ago when policeman Laurent Renard, a passionate technology
amateur, received a call from a film director friend about a troublesome
slow-motion camera. Laurent got involved and learned how much the system needed
improving.
Professional video technology generates 60 images every second (25 for film). But producing a smooth sequence of slowed-down movement requires more images. Typically, slow-motion cameras shoot 180 images per second. Certain models can reach 1,000.
But these systems suffer from major drawbacks. Slow-motion filming generates vast amounts of data. Difficulties in processing and storage meant that only short sequences could be filmed with long delays before viewing. Also, slow-motion filming doesn’t work well under dim lighting. These drawbacks translate into higher media production costs.
Quick adaptors
I-Movix is set to change all this. Its new Sprintcam Live® can shoot a breathtaking 5,000 images per second. Clever data handling results in simpler information storage and real-time monitoring without delays. This allows film crews to shoot longer scenes and broadcasters to show instant, high-quality slow-motion replays. Sprintcam® is also surprisingly light-sensitive. This permits slow-motion filming even under dark conditions, for example during evening stadium events.
Sprintcam® wowed the audiovisual industry at the NAB Show in Las Vegas last April The annual convention of America’s National Association of Broadcasters is the largest trade fair for image and sound technology. In fact, Sprintcam® won the Technological Innovation Prize awarded by the industry press.
How did this fledgling seven-person company beat out the world’s electronics giants? Nathalie Vinchent, I-Movix Chief Financial Officer, explains: "The big companies are completely focused on the next big thing: high definition television. As an SME, we have flexibility and can adapt quickly. Unlike a large company with a complicated structure, at I-Movix Laurent can exploit his own ideas. Some of our developers wear a double hat – researcher and marketer – so products evolve quickly. Moreover, our Chief Technical Officer, who is Japanese, has formed excellent relationships with our key Japanese suppliers".
© Dynamisme Wallon, 12/2007
Localisation : Mons
Founded in : 2005
Activity : specialises in developing high-speed digital cameras with built-in memory, high-speed digital video servers and broadcast integration.
Employees : 7