What are "Power Windows"?
 

Hello, all. I was reading some articles on "American Cinematographer" magazine, and they talk about transfering 35mm film to a Digital Intermediate to do color correction and all sorts of effects. So far, so good.

Then they start talking about "power windows", and how they can manipulate the lighing of particular scenes, and even create shadows that aren't there, for dramatic effect.

Can anyone explain how this works? I've been searching online, but all I get are links to MS Windows software, or car windows that open at the push of a button! ;)

A second question would be: Is there anything like "power windows" available for use on desktop NLEs (Final Cut Pro, specifically) that would let me do this on DV footage?

Thanks in advance!

The term "Power windows" comes from the DaVinci color corrector (I think)... but people use it generally now.

A power window isolates a part of the image so you may manipulate it without affecting the rest of the image.

You could do a similar thing in FCP by copying your footage on the timline and using masks.

-Luis

I think you can compare them to selections or masks. As Luis
also said, it indicates what parts of the images you want to
change.

The term seems to come indeed from DaVinci software / hardware.
I've seen numerous demo's from them @ IBC and they where the
only ones to always talk about power windows.