SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Peace River Studios announced today a PixOrb(tm) motorized spherical VR head that greatly improves the process of creating panoramic and spherical photographs. PixOrb is a fully automated tripod head that uses computer-controlled motors to operate a camera while rotating in any direction. The result is a spherical photographic record of any scene. Spherical photography expands the field of view beyond even panoramic boundaries, creating fully immersive experiences enabling the viewer to look up at the ceiling of a cathedral or down at a canyon floor.
PixOrb will be formally announced January 8, 2003 at the San Francisco Marriott, Golden Gate A1 room International QuickTimeVR Association product showcase from 6-10pm.
John Borden, President of Peace River Studios, comments, "With the release of PixOrb, an incredible variety of immersive imaging, 3D and cinematic content can be created in the field. I have put it through its paces in the remote canyons in Utah shooting high-resolution, multi-level panoramas and moving time-lapse film sequences, and it runs like clockwork in difficult conditions."
Borden continues, "We believe that in addition to remote immersive recording, PixOrb will be useful in commercial markets including: automotive, travel, mapping, real estate and security."
Photographers currently create spherical images using special manual tripod heads that precisely position the camera for each of the dozens of photographs required. Alternately, photographers employ wide-angle lenses on high cost scanning cameras. Today's announcement provides a new photographic system that is automated, affordable and high resolution.
PixOrb's automated, battery-operated features enable efficient image capture in time sensitive shooting situations, remote locations and tight quarters including car interiors and airplane cockpits. Smooth and quiet operation is suitable for natural settings and wildlife photography. PixOrb can also be connected to a computer for extensive customization of its motion control routines. PixOrb also has applications in special effects photography such as high dynamic range imaging, time-lapse photography, and film and video repeatable motion control.
Peace River Studios reseller Channel360.com, offers PixOrb bundled with RealViz Software products http://www.Channel360.com/pixorb including RealViz Stitcher; for panorama and spherical VR image production, RealViz ReTimer; motion effects software, which create in-between frames for slow and fast motion effects and ImageModeler for creating 3D scenes with photographs. Channel360.com provides professional Immersive Imaging solutions to studios, educational institutions and corporations.
PixOrb is available from Peace River Studios http://www.PeaceRiverStudios.com/pixorb. Peace River Studios designs and manufactures the 3Sixty Panoramic Camera Mount, ObjectMaker motorized filming system, TrailRail automated dolly system and the GyroPro camera Stabilizer. Peace River Studios products are used on-location by PBS, National Geographic and independent producers in diverse locations including Egypt, Antarctica and Mount Everest. Peace River Studios is a production company that uses its specialized equipment for their unique projects in motion picture, TV and public space exhibits.