The LC-Tec Electronic Variable Diffusion (EVD) filter system is a really clever and interesting new product that allows you to electronically control the amount of diffusion that is being produced. If you are not familiar with LC-Tec, they are the company that is responsible for the electronic ND system that is found in many cinema cameras.
At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, LC-Tec was showing a prototype of this technology which is going to be very similar to the final product that is scheduled to be available to third-party manufacturers in Q2, 2025.
This is pretty impressive technology and from the demonstration I saw it worked really well. The principle of how it works is similar to that of electronic variable ND where you are applying a small electronic charge to glass to change its properties. Being able to do this allows you to dial in precise amounts of diffusion depending on your needs.
Now, LC-Tec is just a manufacturer and they don’t sell their products directly to the public, so an interested company could order their technology to use in their products. What was interesting was that they said they were looking into incorporating the technology directly into camera lenses.
Key features
- The LC-Tec EVD is designed to be mounted in a matte box and offers a continuous variation of diffusion strength.
- Cinematographers can adjust diffusion intensity during a shot for creative effects, a feature previously unavailable with modern cinema equipment.
- The EVD prototype consists of a 4” x 5.65” glass filter and a small controller box.
Another world first is the potential for the electronic diffusion to be applied at different strengths to selected areas of the filter, giving cinematographers high levels of control. For example, this localized diffusion could be used to bloom light sources without affecting the skin detail or subject, or conversely to soften skin detail white retaining the overall characteristics of the rest of the frame.
The diffusion can also be adjusted to preset values similar to how you would use conventional filters.
Currently, the prototype of the LC-Tec Electronic Variable Diffusion (EVD) filter system is matte box based, but LC-Tec is looking into making it in smaller, more compact versions.
Who is LC-Tec?
LC-Tec is a technology company specializing in optical components based on liquid crystal (LC) technology. It was founded in 1988 and is located in Borlänge, Sweden. They have over 25 years’ of experience in designing and manufacturing a wide range of LC-based products, including optical shutters, variable ND filters, polarization modulators, variable retarders, and information displays.
How much will it cost & when will it be available?
The PolarView-eND filter system is expected to be available to third-party manufacturers in Q2 2025.
