With the launch of the PSU-1 (PSU stands for Pre-Screen-Unit) Vantage Film is offering a high-end product for today's video assist requirements on the set.

The PSU records the video assist signal from any motion picture camera on its hard discs. A smart simplified user interface allows easy operation of the unit. Playback of up to 400 fps is generated and shown in high quality on the integrated flat screen monitor. Since the PSU is interpolating the missing frames to simulate a high speed take from the original 25 fps video image sequence, the viewing is smooth and clear without shuttering, even at the maximum speed.

Linked to the film camera by the PSU-Shutter-Pilot the unit is starting automatically when the movement of the camera is switched on. Together with the video signal the actual speed (fps) of the camera will be recorded through the whole shot. The PSU uses this information to simultaneously create the playback. Four seconds after finishing the shot the PSU is ready to play the shot in its original recorded speed. As many additional frames as needed to simulate high or varying camera speed will be automatically computed by interpolation, since the PSU knows the original speed of the camera at any moment during the shot. The PSU also knows, if there was only a gate check and will not start to record in this case.

In order to use two cameras at the same time, you only have to connect the second camera to the PSU, too. The unit is able to record both video streams and speeds at the same time and will be ready for playback of both takes within not more than four seconds after finishing the shots.

Moreover you may enter different speeds or ramps manually over the PSU's touch-screen interface. In a few seconds you can set up new ramps and test and simulate different speeds before filming.

Additional monitors can be connected to the PSU. With the TV-out selector it is possible to choose the image that will be screened on the additional monitors.

An integrated anamorphic de-squeezer converts scope images into the 2.35 format, both on the integrated screen and the connected monitors.

All PSU software is programmed in C++ by Vantage Film's Digital Division, following an advanced contextual-design approach. The PSU operates under the Linux operating system. The system hardware uses dual Intel Pentium 4 Xeon DP CPUs, high-speed RAMBUS memory, and RAID-configured fast hard discs (10.000 rpm).

The mechanics, e.g. the housing, are built from scratch by Vantage Film. Quality electronic parts and connectors as well as the use of solid aluminium for all brackets guarantee safe and reliable operation even in rough conditions.

Vantage PSU® the state-of-the-art HDVR Combo!

Instructions for use are available as a PDF-File at the download area of this website.