Serious colorists don't use a mouse; they use a much more capable hardware control surface based around three trackballs that control lift, gamma, and gain. These hardware devices are important because they give the colorist control over multiple push-pull adjustments at the same time. Such surfaces have traditionally run $25k or more, but Tangent Devices managed to get this triple-trackball interface down in price to $1,500 with their Wave Control Surface released last year. Now they've created a brilliant virtual version using the iPad's multi-touch screen. Here's a video of the interface in action, and instructions to get the free application:
Here's how to get the free app, which works with Apple Color. First, download vWAVE-Lite. I'll relay the rest of the instructions from ProVideo Coalition:
Then you have to go on to Tangent Devices website. Click on Products and choose vWave-Lite. There is a link to provide your email and Tangent Devices will email you the information to download the 3.8 Tangent Color Support Package. When you get the email, download the linked app (along with a pdf Quickstart Guide and manual, if you want) and follow the simple instructions to install it. Once the app is installed, you launch Apple Color and one of the first dialog boxes you’ll see is the Control Surface Dialog. From the pulldown menu, select Tangent Color Plugin v3.8. As long as your Mac running Color is on the same network as the WiFi that your iPad is using, they will automatically be linked!
I don't have an iPad (yet), and I don't use Color (I'm a Magic Bullet user). Anyone had a chance to give this a shot yet?
[via ProVideo Coalition]
