Polar HQ
Polar HQ is a versatile scanning platform designed for a wide range of applications, with a primary focus on high-quality archival film digitization. Polar HQ combines modular flexibility, pristine image quality, and exceptionally reliable handling for damaged and fragile film.
The low-noise, high-sensitivity sensor, combined with advanced Triple-Flash HDR technology, provides exceptional dynamic range, revealing fine detail in challenging, high-density, or severely faded film stocks.
With a variety of archive-specific options, Polar HQ is designed to handle even the most fragile and damaged film with unmatched care and precision. Its sophisticated film-transport system and imaging technology ensure safe and accurate digitization of compromised film. At the core of Polar HQ lies the adaptable Smart Motion Gate, featuring a customized skid and pressure plate engineered for the precise handling of damaged or delicate film stock. The system supports a variety of interchangeable format kits for different types of film condition for the 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film formats, ensuring maximum flexibility across projects. Developed in collaboration with leading film archives, Polar HQ can digitize film rolls that conventional systems are unable to process - setting a new standard for archival film scanning.
• NEW: Advanced Sensor Low-noise, high-sensitivity sensor with exceptional dynamic range for challenging, high-density, or severely faded film stocks.• Optical Pin Registration (OPR) Pixel-precise frame positioning and touch-free image stability, even with warped or damaged film.• Up to 8K RGB-IR Resolution Outstanding spatial detail and color fidelity across legacy film gauges.• Smart Motion Gate System Capstan-driven, low-tension film handling, specifically for fragile archive material.• Exceptional Handling of Compromised Film Gate inserts and format kits specifically designed for severely degraded or damaged film stocks.• Universal Formats Supports film gauges from 8 mm to 70 mm.• Full-Immersion WetGate Fully liquid-immersed scratch concealment for 8 mm to 35 mm film stocks.• Digital Optical Sound Extraction High-fidelity optical sound captured simultaneously during the scan.• Infrared Channel (Dirt Matte) Simultaneous IR-channel capture supports automated restoration of dust and scratches.• Internal Storage High-speed internal storage enables scanningoperations independent of external bandwidth constraints.
Case Studies:
The Swedish Film Institute: Recovering OCN of Ingmar Bergman's Wild Strawberries
The Swedish Film Institute employed Polar HQ to recover the original camera negative of Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries (1957); despite missing perforations and width shrinkage, the scanner completed a stable, four-hour transfer that eliminated the need for extensive manual restoration.
Archivio Luce (Cinecittà): Digitizing multiple severely damaged film reels
Archivio Luce (Cinecittà) in Rome used the Polar HQ scanner to digitize multiple severely damaged film reels, including a 1938 animated title previously considered too fragile to handle.