Stereo3D Toolbox 3.0 adds real-time playback
updated 10:35 pm EDT, Tue April 12, 2011
Version 3 has auto-calibration, parallax inspector
3D developer Dashwood Cinema has announced an update to its stereoscopic 3D mastering software, Stereo3D Toolbox 3.0. The set of nine plug-ins can align stereoscopic videos, reduce ghosting and adjust parallax, among other options. The plug-ins are built on Noise Industries' FxFactory platform and work with Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Express. Version 3.0 introduces streamlined code that speeds up operation, including faster previews and real-time playback on supported hardware.
New to v3.0 are multi-input management options for multiple-interaxial rigs, parallax inspection and depth analysis tools. Custom anchor points are now available for keystone/tilt/rotation disparity correction. Many features have been brought from Dashwood's just-announced Stereo3D CAT system, such as Dashwood 3D Chart auto-calibration.
The suite requires Mac OS X 10.5 and a supported graphics card; it works with a minimum of Final Cut Studio 2, After Effects CS3 or Final Cut Express 4. The suite costs $1,500, with a discount to $1,200 during the NAB show through April 18. The current shipping product is the older v2.0 release, with version 3.0 -- a free upgrade for 2.0 owners -- to launch in the second quarter.
