[Peter Berg]

Well for most of the shots we want to use the in clip metadata for the look (with some minor tweaking). But for some other shots, we want more saturation. They set the saturation at .6 in the clip metadata so when I see it in my timeline it is pretty de-saturated. When I boost up the saturation from my panel I really don’t get much color back. I have to go into the separate RED config screen and the I really get more of the color back in the shot. Of course all the controls in the RED config screen don’t seem to work from my color panel.

Is everyone going back into the RED settings page on a shot by shot basis to get access to the RED RAW color information? I just figured that the Resolve could gain access to all the full RAW information in the regular color page.

-Peter

[Peter Berg]

But Jamie,

Those limitations are not that limiting. Alot of the TV documentaries that I color would not need any of those features. I think HD resolution would be perfect for most of the projects out there. I think you are not seeing that for many people the Free version will do everything they need to do and there will be no reason to go to the paid version. I know many clients and shops where the Free version would be more than adequate.

If it was just schools and people wanting to checkout the UI.. that would be one thing, but I see many people in my side of the business grabbing the Free copy and suddenly they are a DaVinci shop. I’m not that worried about the new competition (other than they can charge like $50/day to color grade) but I’m still confused how it makes good business sense for Blackmagic. But I guess not all corporate moves need to be logical.

-Peter

[Peter Berg]

Yes most of us know that the talent is much more important than the gear. But I still haven’t seen any good theories as to how it makes good business sense to give away Resolve for free. Guess Blackmagic is making a ton of money through decklink cards? Just want to be assured that it won’t erode the development cycle or support offerings.

I certainly wouldn’t work for free (except for a few charity projects here and there). Just wondering why Blackmagic would.

[Peter Berg]

Thanks for the update Peter. Good to hear that the existing hardware will still work on Resolve 8. Makes sense that if you now have multi-track timelines it might tax the system a bit more.

I am also glad to hear that AAF workflows have been improved. I would love to know what effects can now come through. It’s been a bit frustrating that many effects are being exported into the AAF, but Resolve was unable to read them (or read them wrong).

Can’t wait for more details on Resolve 8! Would be great if you had an event in LA to go over the new version and ask questions.

-Peter

[Peter Berg]

I have to agree with some of the thoughts here. I am excited that Blackmagic is developing the software and adding new features and fixes… that is great.

But I just don’t understand making DaVinci software free. Although I guess I didn’t understand the $1000 price point either. As a high school or college student, getting the full Resolve for free would be a dream come true. But trying to be the best grading system in the world and not charging for the software seems to be at odds. If a post production company can just download the software for free and stick an assistant editor on it to do the ‘grade’ (I can absolutely see this happening) they might think twice about going out to a colorist (one who has trained and worked on the craft of color grading).

One of my concerns is about tech support. I feel Blackmagic has some great guys in the support dept. but it seems to me that they might be a bit understaffed. If the user manual is a bit vague, and it’s tough to get direct tech support, how does that help the Resolve name? And now if we have hundreds or thousands of new users asking for support, I imagine it will be even more difficult to get support in the future. And will Blackmagic put more into the manuals, training and support department?

I am still a huge Resolve fan.. but I just don’t see what good comes to Blackmagic from giving away Resolve for free. I absolutely think a trial or training version has great value. Introduce the program to new people, let them kick the tires and try it out. But to pretty much give away a full version of the software… I just don’t get it. I didn’t think I was ‘old’.. but I guess I just don’t get the new thinking.

-Peter

[Peter Berg]

Hi,

I wonder if any of the Blackmagic staff could answer a few quick questions.

Will the system requirements for Resolve 8 change much? Will the Mac Config guide still be accurate? Will any of the older Mac Pro not really work anymore with Resolve 8? I read that Resolve will run on the newest Mac Pros. Will it still run pretty much the same as version 7 on the older models?

I know you can’t list all the new features, but is there any improved support for the AAF workflows? I am having some pretty big issues with the AAF workflow and hope it might be improved like the XML workflow.

thanks so much,
Peter

[Peter Berg]

I know for the EDL and AAF workflows Blackmagic doesn’t give many specifics about it. I read through the manual and it does not say which effects need to be removed and which will carry thorough (so far many do not). I just had to do lots of testing with trial and error to see what worked and what didn’t. A little frustrating. It would be great if they would let us know what effects we need to strip out (because they will through off the entire timeline, or keep it from linking to the media in the media pool) and which we can keep in.

-Peter

[Peter Berg]

Of course they are free to do whatever they want.. and I am 100% sure this will increase their user base by a huge amount. I’m just confused how it makes business sense. Sure they can sell some Decklink cards. But you really don’t need the $995 version if you are doing HD since the free version really does everything you need.

[Peter Berg]

I agree with what you say… but when they first announced Resolve, they did say they would be adding support for other grading panels and capture cards in the future. Why would they even say that? Maybe they changed their minds.. or are just spending the resources on making the software better (which is fine with me)

[Peter Berg]

Yeah pretty insane. You do need a decklink card and a monitor with HDMI but that is a pretty low bar for entry into DaVinci. I felt the name and the power of the software was worth the price and I switched over. I guess they will get more users if they give the software away for free.

Here’s my prediction for NAB 2012: Blackmagic announces a new rebate program for DaVinci resolve. If you download the free DaVinci Lite software, you are eligible for a $200 mail-in rebate.

-Peter