X-Rite Announces Color Finale Support for ColorChecker Passport Video

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., December 2, 2015 – X-Rite Incorporated, a global leader in color science and technology, and its subsidiary Pantone LLC, today announced that Color Finale from Color Grading Central is the first color grading solution for video to fully support X-Rite’s new ColorChecker Passport Video target. When the target is included in shot setup, the Color Finale plug-in for Apple’s Final Cut Pro X can automatically perform color corrections to adjust for color temperature issues, variances among cameras and other color biases that can occur during video shoots. This reduces color correction time and improves overall color quality, allowing filmmakers to more quickly get to an ideal color balance for their desired creative look. Support for the larger classic size ColorChecker Video is planned for a future release.

"We are very excited to be the first color grading solution for video to support the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Video targets,” said Denver Riddle, President of Color Grading Central. “By simply inserting the ColorChecker Passport Video into the frame prior to the ‘take,’ Color Finale removes all of the guesswork from color correction in post so that filmmakers can feel confident that they are achieving a good color-accurate starting point from which they can then apply a creative look."

Color Finale supports two modes of operation, according to Riddle, who explained, "For users that have a very basic understanding of color spaces, we’ve provided default options that make Color Finale easy to use for great results without requiring an in-depth knowledge of color management. For more experienced users, we’ve provided additional color space and camera support beyond the defaults for even greater accuracy. We will be releasing a FREE update for Color Finale users adding support for the chart during a public beta period. We will be looking for feedback from users using the chart with Color Finale that will allow us to improve the solution even further, accommodating more camera types and adding additional features in future updates."

ColorChecker Passport Video

ColorChecker Passport Video, now available from Color Grading Central and other X-Rite partners, delivers all-in-one pocket-sized convenience in a rugged hard case with four different targets:

• A color reference for evaluating specific chromatic colors aligned with video production, including skin tones, gray balance and highlights and shadows.
• White balance for creating a consistent neutral white point, eliminating the need to correct each frame later.
• 3-step grayscale target that includes white highlight, 40 IRE mid-tone gray and saturated black references.
• A focus target that facilitates center and edge focus.

"For nearly 40 years, photographers have depended on the X-Rite ColorChecker brand for optimum results," said Liz Quinlisk, Global Marketing Director, Photo & Video, X-Rite. "Now we are bringing that same level of confidence to the world of video with a fully functional and very affordable color target solution. Color Grading Central is the first of many color grading and video editing solutions that will be supporting these targets as we move into 2016."

Color Grading Central offers a fully functional risk-free 7-day trial of the Color Finale plug-in for Apple Final Cut Pro X.

For more information about X-Rite solutions for photo and video, please visit www.xritephoto.com and www.xritevideo.com. For more information about solutions from Color Grading Central, including Color Finale, visit www.colorgradingcentral.com.

About X-Rite
Founded in 1958, X-Rite, Incorporated is a global leader in color science and technology. With its wholly owned subsidiary Pantone, X-Rite employs more than 800 people in 11 countries. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Mich., with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia and service centers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. X-Rite Pantone offers a full range of color management solutions used by manufacturers, retailers, printers, photographers and graphic design houses to achieve precise management and communication of color throughout their processes. X-Rite Pantone products and services are recognized standards in the printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles and medical industries. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com. For the latest news, information and conversations, connect with X-Rite on LinkedIn, Vimeo, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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©2015 X-Rite, Inc. All rights reserved. X-Rite is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2015. All rights reserved.