Film and TV restoration is the meticulous process of repairing and enhancing old or damaged visual media to return them to their original quality or better.

At a glance

● Semi-Automated Restoration Phoenix

● Manual Restoration MTI/PF Clean/Diamant

● After Effects and Dark Energy

How we work

Silver Salt can restore the LOG DPX files up to 8K resolution with 16bit colour depth. However, for cost effectiveness, it is usually assumed that we down sample the DPX files to 4K resolution, keeping the 16bit colour depth, which is the workflow chosen by many of our clients.

In our experience, no single restoration software offers a complete solution. As a result, we provide a variety of carefully chosen restoration tools to complement the skills of our team of experts.

Phoenix – DVO Dry Clean is a resolution independent motion estimated and automated dirt and scratch remover for dirt, dust, sparkle and scratches, this is combined with manual checking and comparison for artefact free dirt clean up. In addition, it has powerful image stabilisation and conform tools.

After Effects – a digital visual effects motion graphics and compositing application, it can be used for keying, tracking, compositing and animation. Useful for more complex repairs or versioning.

MTI – this resolution independent repair tool allows us to detect and remove, automatic and manual, frame by frame dirt, film damage issues with precision and speed.

PF Clean – like the MTI, it is a resolution independent tool which allows us to detect and remove, automatic and manual, frame by frame dirt, film damage, flicker, chemical stains, negative sparkle and scratches and has the ability to interface with infra-red dirt maps generated by Digital ICE semi-automated dirt removal. Extensive manual toolset.

Diamant – Resolution independent software for manual and semi-automatic repair of damaged frames and image stabilisation, it’s superb on flicker repair. Next generation YCM registration capability, AI tools are also available to assist with superior detection of dirt and sparkle and more complex fixing of these defects. Strong tools for de-warping of shrunken film.

Dark Energy – grain management tool that enables sophisticated grain management without loss of image detail or the introduction of image artefacts. This is a client-led process and is not performed by default.

Our manual restoration tools such as Diamant/PF Clean/MTI allow extrapolation of parts of images from other frames. Temporal and spatial tools with the ability to add grain to the fixes and the ability to adjust brightness and contrast. All our operators have years of experience using these software options. The ability to manually fix a film without leaving any trace of an artifact is a skill that takes time to master. It’s one of the most creative parts of the restoration process.

Find out how we can manage this for you to the highest of standards –

call Mark on +44 (0) 7493 136542 or complete the contact form.