Recommended Tool Order in DRS™NOVA

DRS™NOVA is a full suite of semi-automated, automated and manual tools for restoring both specific and general defects. When using the toolset, the order in which you apply fixes will have an impact on the outcome. While some projects will require you to work in a different order, these are some recommendations for the generally safest and most effective use of the tools.

##History v Full Frame Tools
NOVA tools are grouped into two general categories:

  • History Tools - DRS™, Paint, Scratch and AutoFilter - These tools make changes to specific regions of each frame and all history is saved for possible undo via Get Original Values
  • Full Frame Tools - 3 Layer Registration, Stabilization, Dewarp, Flicker, Grain and ImageFilters - These tools affect the entire frame and do not maintain an undo history. To make non-destructive changes that can be reverted, use the versions feature.

In general, it’s best to use the Full Frame Tools before using the History Tools. This is because our History keeps a copy of the original pixels for use with Get Original Values. So, for example, if you make a DRS™ fix then later run a Flicker pass on that same material, your Original Values will be the still-flickering pixels.

Stabilization, Dewarp and 3-Layer Registration

In general, you should begin with these three tools, as these will create the best foundation for the remaining tools. For example, AutoFilter will have more accurate data to work with on a Stabilized shot than an unstable one.

Flicker

Once your shot is stable and registered, you can apply Flicker Correction.

##Grain and ImageFilter (Aperture Correction)
There are two schools of thought on the Grain tool - some people choose to use it before using the History Tools, others prefer to wait until the end after all the dust and scratches have been fixed. Grain is often used with the Aperture Correction Filter to offset any softening that may occur from removing grain.

##AutoFilter
Once you move on to fixing spot defects, you should begin with AutoFilter. Most people choose to run a conservative pass and leave any large or challenging defects for the other tools. You can also run a more aggressive pass and undo any artifacts with Get Original Values as you work through the shots with DRS and/or Paint.

##Scratch
Use the Scratch tool to remove any large or persistent scratches.

##DRS™ and Paint
DRS™ and Paint are the most interactive of the tools and can be used to fix any number of problems including dust and debris, mold, tears, any edge artifacts caused by Stabilization or Dewarp and more. Generally, these will be the last tools you use, and you can simultaneously QC the material and undo any artifacts or unacceptable results from the other History tools.

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