One innovative technique developed at xRez Studio is the integration of digital elevation models (DEM) with high-end 3d rendering and gigapixel images. Another innovation we have developed is to integrate time lapse sequences with DEM data, allowing new, inventive cinematography where a virtual camera can dolly deeply into the image while lapsing in time. Continue reading “Digital Terrain Rendering”
FullDome Theatre Production
Digitally projected full dome theaters are a new and growing form of immersive cinematic presentation for small audiences. There are thousands of these theaters worldwide (see an incomplete list here), and many are domed planetariums that have been retrofitted w/ high resolution digital projectors that “stitch” multiple projections together into one large surround image, allowing very high resolutions at 4 or 8k. Continue reading “FullDome Theatre Production”
High-End Visual Effects Production
With skillsets culled from 15 years of producing feature film visual effects in major effects facilities, we have high level expertise in concept design, digital environment creation, lighting and rendering, matte painting, compositing, and photogrammetry. We have experience from companies such as Digital Domain, Sony Imageworks, Rhythm & Hues, Dream Quest Images, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. Continue reading “High-End Visual Effects Production”
Gigapixel Panoramic Photography
xRez Studio has been one of the pioneers in digital gigapixel photography, moving it from academic exercises into a viable production methodology for use in multiple applications and markets. Continue reading “Gigapixel Panoramic Photography”
National Geographic Magazine Illustration
National Geographic Magazine contracted xRez principal Eric Hanson in 2006 for an artwork assignment to create the pull-out poster insert for the April 2006 issue commemorating the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. A mix of 3d modeling and matte painting techniques were used to create this hypothetical west coast city, while illustrating some of the core science of earthquake dynamics and urban infrastructure preparedness. Continue reading “National Geographic Magazine Illustration”
Calit2 HIPerWall
A standard way to view a gigapixel image is with a zooming interface on a conventionally-sized computer monitor. An alternative method, though rarified, is to display and span the image across a large mosaic of montiors arranged into a single grid. Continue reading “Calit2 HIPerWall”
6Sight Print
One highly compelling method to reveal the vast level of detail contained in a gigapixel image is to print it in a large format over a very long length. xRez Studio displayed a 28 foot x 4 foot gigapixel print at 300 dpi of Yosemite Valley, at the 6Sight 2008 Future of Imaging conference in Monterrey. The image shown was sourced from a 150,000 pixel render from Maya and Mental Ray, having been derived from several hundred images shot during the Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project in 2008.
PMA 2009 Print
One highly compelling method to reveal the vast level of detail contained in a gigapixel image is to print it in a large format over a very long length. xRez Studio displayed a 40 foot x 5 foot at 300 dpi gigapixel print of Yosemite Valley, dubbed the “AIE Mega-Print” at the Photo Marketing Association 09 conference in Las Vegas. Continue reading “PMA 2009 Print”