Schneider Optics, the American subsidiary of Schneider-Kreuznach, was presented with the Technology and Engineering Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) in January 2013. The company received the prize for its IRND (Infrared Neutral Density) filter technology for digital HD (high definition) video and film cameras. The Emmy committee gives the award to technology companies and individuals whose innovations improve the way audiences view television.
Schneider has developed its IRND technology to optimize digital HD cameras. Sensors in these cameras register both visible light and the near-infrared range. This can be beneficial in extending the color gamut of digital cameras to approximate that of traditional film, but often causes unwanted false colors or color shifts, preventing true color rendition in the blacks. “In keeping with our goal of providing cinematographers with the imaging tools they need, our engineering team came up with a convincing solution by designing the Platinum Series IRND filters. These provide for the proper balance of light striking the camera’s CCD or CMOS imager over the entire spectrum,” says Dwight Lindsey, CEO of Schneider Optics, Inc. As a result, the whole spectrum of visible light is used while the near-infrared range is filtered out. This eliminates unwanted false colors, even with varying focal lengths. Platinum Series IRND filters can be stacked without causing reflections. They can also be used as a standard ND filter with all HD video and film cameras.
Schneider offers its IRND filters in standard video and cine formats: 4 x 4 / 4 x 5.65 / 5 x 5 / 5.65 x 5.65 / 6.6 x 6.6 and in the diameters 138mm, 4.5” and Series 9. They are available in 0.3 / 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.2 / 1.5 / 1.8 and 2.1 densities.
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