Adobe-iridas-224x89Since Apple introduced the much-maligned Final Cut Pro X, Adobe's Mac Video apps have reportedly enjoyed a 45% boost in sales. This is in all likelihood partially thanks to Adobe's offer of 50% off for Final Cut Pro users (Avid editors are also eligible). Perhaps as a result of this newfound confidence, Adobe has also purchased IRIDAS, a company known best for their high-end SpeedGrade color grading software.

Expect to see better color grading options in After Effects and Premiere Pro in the future, as well as more options for working with HDR, Stereo 3D, and RAW footage.


Press Release

Adobe Acquires IRIDAS Technology

Company Extends Leadership in Professional Video with the Acquisition of Premium Tools for Digital Color Grading and Enhancement

SAN JOSE, Calif. and AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Sept. 8, 2011 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced at the IBC 2011 Conference and Exhibition that it has acquired certain assets of privately held IRIDAS, a leader in high-performance tools for digital color grading and enhancement of professional film and video content, including stereoscopic technology. Color grading is an essential component of finalizing professional film and television content and is becoming an increasingly important part of modern content creation with the advent and rapid growth of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video.

With the addition of IRIDAS technology, Adobe® Creative Suite® Production Premium and Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection, the world’s leading video tools for professionals, are expected to gain a comprehensive set of tools so video editors can manipulate color and light for any type of content, including professional film and television. The addition of premier color grading tools exemplifies Adobe’s commitment and leadership in the digital film and video space.

“Adobe has set the standard for rich communication and collaboration across all media and we’ve been rapidly innovating on solutions for professional filmmakers,” said Jim Guerard, vice president and general manager for professional video and audio, Creative and Media Solutions Business Unit, Adobe. “The integration of IRIDAS’ leading color grading technology helps us continue to deliver high quality tools and redefines how professionals in the motion picture and video industry view, manipulate, enhance and produce their digital creations from script to screen.”

The addition of IRIDAS technology includes SpeedGrade, an award-winning toolset for Stereo 3D, RAW processing, color grading and finishing of digital content. IRIDAS offers the only non-destructive tools for primary and secondary color correction that are optimized for multi-core CPU and GPU performance, paralleling the industry-leading speed and efficiency of the Adobe Premiere® Pro and Adobe Mercury Playback Engine software.

“Joining forces with Adobe provides us with an amazing opportunity to get our technology into more peoples’ hands,” said Lin Sebastian Kayser, chief executive officer, IRIDAS. “Adobe has demonstrated real commitment to the professional film and video market with its recent releases and has a known track record of integrating acquired technologies. With the addition of our color grading technology I believe Production Premium can lead the HDR video and stereoscopic charge as the film and professional video industry evolves.”