BlackMagic
BlackMagic uses advanced neural net algorithms to automate the task of colorizing images. It allows you to select the "type of object" within the image to be colored, then the software makes all the calculations to place realistic-looking color in place of the monochrome image.
Rendering tools included with BlackMagic are: Selector, Eraser, Smart Paint-brush, Selection-paint, and Magic Touch-paint. It is available in three editions: Home, Business and Professional. All three have the essential neural net capability, but the Home Edition supports a maximum processing resolution of one million pixels. The Business Edition goes to 4 megapixels and the Pro version supports processing at any resolution. The more expensive editions also have additional functionality, tools, and palettes.
Comment
Adding color to black-and-white photographs is specialist task, once undertaken only by trained colorists who spent all their time tinting pictures with fine brushes and a steady hand.
Developed in Australia, BlackMagic is genuine "expert software" in being able to make intelligent guesses about the correct way to colorize water, skies, faces and so on, and to apply the color so that it looks reasonably natural. It is especially good at imparting a "Thirties Hollywood" look to B&W portraits with fully saturated colors and lively hues.
Tech info
- OS: Windows 95 onward
- Price level: (Home Edition) $40; (Business) $100; (Professional) $200
NeuralTek
Since 1992, Australian company NeuralTek has created useful solutions based on artificial neural nets. It has an installed base of 100,000 units spread across 50+ countries.
From the same vendor:
- Aryabhatta
- NeuroFeed
- SceneScape
- SketchMatrix
- XtremeVision
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