Press Releases

P+S Technik

15 Feb 2010

Launch of a milestone in 3D rig technology: The Freestyle Rig

The brand new 3D mirror rig is especially designed to offer a maximum of creative choice for camera movement in 3D production. By using patented Carbon technology, also used for Formula1 race cars, the best combination of load capacity, stability, form and weight was achieved. Designed for constant equilibration, the rig is always keeping camera weights in perfect balance when wireless adjusting the stereo base. Integrated motors for stereo base and convergence adjustment optimize weight and are compatible with available wireless remote control systems. A wide range of professional lenses and cameras up to a 7 kg per camera setup can be carried by the Freestyle Rig. A range of ergonomic mounting accessories prepare this rig for steadicam, shoulder, crane and dolly use.

At IBC 2009 P+S TECHNIK showed the prototype of a very lightweight and easy-to-balance Freestyle Rig that can be used even with heavy cameras and on the shoulder. It's universal, so it mounts to all recent stabilising systems and accommodates full-size digital cinema cameras as well as digital broadcast cameras up to 7 kg each without additional parts. It can be used in regular and goofy mode. Nonetheless, the setup is always in balance, even adjusting the interaxial or stereo base on the fly. Wireless controlled integrated motors are included and responsible for precise fine adjustment of the three dimensional effect in the image, thus it is also perfectly suited for live productions. No wonder it has won the Best of IBC 2009 award immediately.

Since then the prototype of the Freestyle Rig has been optimized in many aspects thanks to the longtime experience and competence of P+S TECHNIK as designer and manufacturer of 3D stereo rigs and of Philippe Bordelais as Steadicam operator and Stereographer. This background paired with groundbreaking Formula One carbon technology has made these features possible:
• Maximum stiffness and dimensional stability even under heat
• Lightweight, slim and compact design for unmatched mobility and portability
• Integrated motorization for steady optimal balance
• Maximum ease-of-use although completely adjustable
Functional design and selected materials were employed with the goal to reduce the weight of the rig itself to an absolute minimum. The chassis and the mirror box of the Freestyle Rig will be delivered by a German carbon specialist - well-known in the motorsports sector as manufacturer of carbon fibre monococques to Formula 1 racing teams. Structural parts made of carbon fibre provide not only characteristics perfectly adapted for Formula 1, but also for steadicam applications: Minimal weight due to special lightweight construction techniques combined with maximum stiffness and durability. The main features of this technology are the very high stiffness, dimensional accuracy and high-class surface quality of the produced laminate, as well as the high temperature resistance (up to 240 degrees). That means the Freestyle Rig can be subjected to the very most extreme conditions without being warped or even harmed (e.g. high, low or changing temperatures, high impact stress, high weight of cameras etc.).
The Freestyle Rig offers a high-class professional solution for creative images by opening the realms of camera movement for stereoscopy. Lightweight construction and on-set functionality form a perfect unit: The Freestyle Rig from P+S TECHNIK.
The Freestyle Rig is available from now on and the first units have already been sold to customers all around the world. Price of the basic unit is 39.000 Euro.

Adjustment Options
Interaxial distance
By adopting the interaxial the 3D depth of the 3D shot can be adopted. It is very important to calculate the right interaxial in order not to exceed the limits of human vision.

Angulation
By adopting the angulation (convergence) between the two cameras, the position of the 3D object relative to the screen can be adopted.

Height, tilt, roll and backward/forward adjustment
These four features are tools for fine adjustment of the rig to compensate for size of and misalignments in the camera, etc.

Motorization
All 3D Stereo Rigs offered by P+S TECHNIK can be motorized using a standard lens control system. Setups have currently been tested with Cmotion and Chrosziel lens control systems. Further tests to certify other systems are planned.