Pixel Cube is a remote DIT solution for productions that cannot include a DIT on set. It’s a robust automated service that does a lot more than copy and back up media.
The Pixel Cube was released in January and is built as a service. However, they are selling the Pixel Cube to DITs so they can rent their services to productions. In Munich, where they are based, you can rent the Pixel Cube for €150 per day. That is a very competitive price compared to having a DIT on set.
How It Works
The Pixel Cube is built into a hard case with a Mac Mini inside. The card readers and labeling for each camera type can be configured for production.
There are no buttons or menus to set. You simply insert the card into the reader and wait until the Pixel Cube tells you it’s finished offloading. When you insert the card, the label changes color to yellow, and when it’s finished, the label turns green. That’s it. Now, the Pixel Cube starts doing its thing by making backups and sending proxy files to the cloud for review on either a computer or iPad.
Pixel Cube uses several different software tools to make the DIT expereinace work seamlessly such as OTTOMATIC, FDX, and LockitNetwork.
I think it’s a very interesting idea and very cost-effective for production.
Like I mentioned, the Pixel Cube isn’t designed and marketed as a tool most people will purchase but as a tool for working DITs to add to their services. If you’re interested in purchasing a Pixel Cube, contact them via their website, and they can configure one for your needs.
