A new third generation optical soundtrack camera developed by NT takes Dolby SRD digital data to a whole new level with improved quality, extended print life, and cost savings for end-users. The camera was designed, engineered and built in-house by NT with the aim to get a Dolby DQI of 90 always.

“Implementing new technologies, developing improvements, this is what keeps NT at the forefront”, says  Peter Bulcke, NT COO. “We are constantly striving for excellence in all product and service areas.”

NT’s latest version of their highly successful optical sound camera series exposes the Dolby® SRD digital data with a proprietary process that is more precise than previous methods. This procedure increases the Dolby® DQI score during soundtrack playback resulting in fewer drop outs and reversions to the analog track.

The new process offers cost saving benefits to end users because higher DQI scores can help extended a release print’s life by avoiding replacement due to read errors. As a consequence the audience will only seldom experience the reversion to analog.

The NT digital YCM process takes the DI data and digitally splits it out to separate YCM files. These matched and registered separations are then printed at the same resolution as the original data source onto three individual black and white film separations. The resulting B&W film is processed using archival quality standards and specifications. YCM separation masters won’t fade and offer high resolution when properly stored.

Shawn Jones, NT CTO further explains the process. “We’re using an advanced digital technology to generate the YCM color separations. Our method records the digital data directly to YCM color separation masters. We don’t use the Digital Intermediate negative as the source. Our resulting product is much closer to the original data”.

NT also offers a proof of performance demonstration by performing a recombined test. The three YCM’s are individually printed to a color check print. This check print should match the answer print as produced at the conclusion of the DI process. Digital YCM separations are superior to traditional contact printing which can produce film movement. Plus, YCM’s produced from data have no dust, dirt, or scratches.

In the near future NT will also be performing traditional YCM processing from original camera negative. All steps of exposing the film, producing a dupe negative and B&W processing will be performed in house. NT can also preserve sound elements.

For more information regarding YCM separations and pricing please contact:

Gary Galvin
gary@ntpicso.com
(323) 957-4200
1400 North Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA  90028

Completely designed, engineered and built in-house by NT engineers, the new router unit provides improved accuracy and fidelity for our clients.  Drifting, inherent to all things analog, has been eliminated because the router is based on new digital technology. This reduces the requirement for daily calibration and maintains quality throughout the day, improving quality control, saving time and money.

“If there is a way to improve our service then we do the necessary research and development in-house”, says Peter Bulcke, COO, reflecting NT’s commitment to quality customer service.

The custom-built router is already operational in NT’s premier QC Theater in Santa Monica and will soon be installed in all NT audio rooms making it easier for customers to QC their film prints, audio and video elements.