Aurora Blades Mac OS

A Tutorial that shows how I got the Neverwinter Nights Aurora Toolset running on my Mac, via Wine.UPDATE. There has been an update to version 4.0 of Win. Aurora Blu-ray Player for Mac. Aurora Blu-ray Player for Mac is a quality Blu-ray media player for Mac OS X. It was specially designed for Mac users to enjoy protected and unprotected Blu-ray movies on their computer.

Aurora HDR
Developer(s)Macphun LLC
Stable release
Operating system
TypePhoto Post-Production
LicenseProprietary
WebsiteAurora HDR

Aurora HDR is photographicsoftware developed by Macphun Software for Mac OS X and Windows. MacPhun changed its name to Skylum in early 2018.

Aurora HDR is a High Dynamic Range (HDR) editing and processing tool released in November, 2015. It was made through a collaboration between software developer Macphun and HDR photographer Trey Ratcliff.[1] HDR image editing techniques are designed to overcome difficult lighting situations where highlights and shadows are prevalent in the same image, but have also been used to create highly processed, fanciful images as well.

By automatically aligning and merging multiple exposures of photos, Aurora HDR can create a single tone-mapped image. A collection of powerful editing and processing tools also allow for layered compositions and targeted areas of photo and graphic processing.

Versions and plug-ins[edit]

Aurora HDR comes in five different versions for two different operating systems. Versions, previous and current, include: Aurora HDR (optionally sold on the Mac App Store); Aurora HDR Pro; Aurora HDR Pro + training, Aurora 2017; and Aurora 2018. The software runs as a standalone or as a plug-in to host applications like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture. In early 2016, Aurora HDR was updated with support to run as an editing extension for Apple Photos for Mac.[2] In 2016 Macphun released the next version of Aurora HDR - Aurora HDR 2017 along with a Windows version. In 2018 Skylum released Aurora 2018 for Mac and Windows operating systems. [3]

Key Aurora HDR functionality[edit]

Aurora

Initial merging[edit]

Aurora HDR works on single images or multiple exposures, and initial merging options change depending on the number of images loaded. If a single image is provided to the software, only the 'Chromatic Aberration Reduction' option is available. If multiple exposures are selected, 'Alignment' and 'Ghost Reduction' options are revealed. Alignment should be checked if the multiple images were recorded while holding the camera by hand vs. a tripod. Ghost Reduction relates to minimizing the effects of moving objects in a multi-exposure merging process.[4] If you have moving objects, choose this function.

Interface[edit]

The user interface of Aurora HDR consists of the following:

  • Large preview window
  • Open & Export/Share
  • Zoom & navigation controls
  • Comparison controls
  • Undo/Redo
  • Cropping tool
  • Move (hand) tool
  • Brush
  • Layers
  • Histogram
  • Presets
  • Advanced tools

Presets[edit]

Presets are pre-installed one-click controls that apply a specific 'style' to the tone-mapped image. This style is created entirely by the use and modification of the Advance tools containing in the software. The Preset panel in Aurora HDR Pro contains 7 separate categories applicable to all types of photos: Trey Ratcliff's Signature presets, Basic, Realistic HDR, Dramatic, Landscape, Indoor, Architecture, each of which contain thumbnail graphics representing several or dozens of styles. In addition, users may designate a preset as a 'favorite' or create their own.

Tools[edit]

Aurora HDR comes with an extensive list of tools and functionality designed to help photographers edit their images using HDR techniques. The tools range from those that can help reproduce a natural, realistic look to those that enhance images towards a more fantasy-like direction. Each tool listed below has a unique set of controls to modify its effects.[5]

  • Tone Mapping
  • Tone
  • Structure
  • HDR Denoise
  • Image Radiance
  • Color
  • Details
  • Glow
  • Top & Bottom Lighting[6]
  • Tone Curve
  • Color Filter
  • Color Toning
  • Vignette

Layers, brushes and masking[edit]

Aurora HDR Pro features the ability to create up to 9 layers (4 in the Mac App Store version), and provides brushing and masking functionality common in many image-editing software programs. Layers can be automatically loaded with either (a) the previous layer, (b) a custom texture, (c) the original tone-mapped image, or (d) any one of the exposures in the bracketed set. Brushes and masking, including Gradient Masking are used to selectively apply or erase effects from the image. An advanced feature of the Pro version of Aurora HDR is to designate a layer as one that contains 'Luminosity Masking.'

Opening, file formats and exporting[edit]

Aurora HDR opens a variety of popular image file formats, including RAW camera files that are the native to specific camera manufacturers (e.g. Nikon's NEF and Canon CR2). It saves in a native file format (.mpau) which allows for the resumption of editing after saving and closing the file. The software exports in the following file formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, JPG-2000, TIFF, Photoshop, and PDF, and can also transfer images directly into Macphun's Creative Suite for further editing.

Sharing[edit]

The software permits sharing to image galleries like 500px, Smugmug and Flickr, plus social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Additionally Aurora HDR can send images via email or Apple Messages.

References[edit]

  1. ^http://www.stuckincustoms.com/trey-ratcliff/
  2. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2016-01-27.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link) CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/graphics-and-media-software/image-editing-software/macphun-aurora-hdr-2017-1329760/review
  4. ^https://www.slrlounge.com/school/motion-blur-vs-ghosting-the-difference-between-these-2-artifacts/
  5. ^http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/aurora_hdr_2017_review/
  6. ^http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/article/gjcxf6bn/when-to-use-graduated-neutral-density-filters.html

External links[edit]

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aurora_HDR&oldid=1012425102'

Released: March 13, 2020

System requirements: macOS 10.9 Mavericks through 10.15 Catalina


Revision History

Version 1.0 Build 58K BETA March 3, 2020
1. Aurora(n)-TB, Aurora(n)-TB3, Hilo-TB, Hilo-TB3 now have the sample rate and sync source read from the device upon driver load so the device retains the sample rate and sync source, not the driver. This prevents a cable disconnection from overriding the sample rate or sync source stored on the device.
2. Lynx Mixer > Settings > Advanced > Adapter Settings > Channel Mode now controls the number of channels shown for a classic Aurora 8-TB where previously it was fixed at 16-channels. Channel Mode in Lynx Mixer for classic Aurora 8-TB now allows 2 thru 16-channels to be selected.

Version 1.0 Build 58J BETA February 17, 2020
1. Added support for DB-ADAT connected to LM-DIG inside Aurora(n).
2. Added NControl to driver package.
2.1 Supports DB-ADAT.
2.2 Fixes issue with Mic Pre not showing Gain when in Hi-Z mode.
2.3 Fixes issue with About box not showing driver version info properly.
3. Changed to “Packages.app” for installer to allow for notarization on Catalina.
4. Added register update after card info write to prevent streaming issues after an EEPROM write.
5. Saves Hardware Payload Size in EEPROM instead of MixerState.xml so it is restored properly if the device is plugged in or turned on after the Mac has started.
6. Lynx Mixer now shows and can select clock sources for LM-DIG and/or DB-ADAT with Firmware 1.21 on Aurora(n).
7. Changed smallest Hardware Payload Size when on “Auto” to 8 (from 4).
8. Added NControl 1.0.0 to driver installation package. NControl will be installed into the /Applications folder and will automatically be launched if the user launches Lynx Mixer with an Aurora(n)-TB3 (which doesn’t support Lynx Mixer).

Aurora Blades Mac Os Download

Version 1.0 Build 58I BETA November 14, 2019
1. Fixed issue with CARDID read on driver load that might cause firmware updates to timeout.

Aurora Blades Mac Os X

Version 1.0 Build 58H BETA October 10, 2019
1. Fixed issue with Lynx Mixer not allowing mute changes for sources to anything other than Out 1&2 (introduced on 58G).

Version 1.0 Build 58G BETA September 20, 2019
1. Driver and all applications are 64-bit and notarized by Apple for Mojave (10.14) and Catalina (10.15) and up.
2. Changed interface for FWUpdate to 64-bit. Older versions of FWUpdate will no longer function.
3. Sample offset fixed for Aurora(n)-TB. Added one sample for play and one sample for record.
4. Now includes Hilo Remote 1.0.19.
4.1. Hilo Remote no longer automatically resizes the window based on the number of channels.
4.2. Added “Advanced” menu option of connection method is Thunderbolt which may contain the following menu options depending on hardware configuration:
4.2.1. Added “Adapter Settings” dialog to allow adapter settings previously only available with Lynx Mixer to be changed with Hilo Remote.
4.2.2. Please note: This setting is for advanced use and normally should never need to be changed by the end user. Added “Hardware Payload Size”. This should normally be left on “Auto” to allow the driver to determine the payload size (see note 5 below).
4.2.3. Please note: This setting is for advanced use and normally should never need to be changed by the end user. Added “Show PCIe DMA Completion Latency”. This option will temporarily display the PCI Express DMA completion latency on the toolbar while streaming. This setting is not saved so each launch of Hilo Remote will have this option unchecked. The latency value can be used in conjunction with the Settings > Advanced > Hardware Payload Size to insure glitch free streaming. The current maximum value will be displayed in both microseconds and samples (adjusted for the current sample rate). The Hardware Payload Size should always be double the worst-case latency number in samples. The software buffer size should always be a minimum of 4 times the Hardware Payload Size.
5. Changed how the Hardware Payload Size is automatically calculated. The default values are 8 samples for 44.1kHz and 48kHz; 16 for 88.2kHz and 96kHz; and 32 for 176.4kHz and 192kHz. If Advanced > Hardware Payload Size is set to “Auto”, each time the streaming is stopped, the driver evaluates the computers performance and may set a new default Hardware Payload Size if the driver based on the that performance measurement. This may result in either a higher Hardware Payload Size being selected, or a lower Hardware Payload Size depending on the speed of the computers PCIe DMA Completion Latency value.
6. In Lynx Mixer: Changed “Hardware Buffer Size” to “Hardware Payload Size” to keep it from being confused with the software buffer size. This should normally be left on “Auto” to allow the driver to determine the payload size (see note 5 above).
7. Please note: This setting is for advanced use and normally should never need to be changed by the end user. In Lynx Mixer: Added “Show PCIe DMA Completion Latency”. This option will temporarily display the PCI Express DMA completion latency on the toolbar while streaming. This setting is not saved so each launch of Lynx Mixer will have this option unchecked. The latency value can be used in conjunction with the Settings > Advanced > Hardware Payload Size to insure glitch free streaming. The current maximum value will be displayed in both microseconds and samples (adjusted for the current sample rate). The Hardware Payload Size should always be double the worst-case latency number in samples. The software buffer size should always be a minimum of 4 times the Hardware Payload Size.
8. In Lynx Mixer: Added the ability to change the Sync Source on the Aurora(n)-TB. Please note that Firmware 6.4 is required on the LT-TB for this to function properly.

Version 1.0 Build 58E BETA March 1, 2019
1. Driver and all applications are now notarized by Apple for Mojave (10.14) and up.
2. Changed name of Hilo with LT-TB from “LT-TB” to “Hilo-TB”.
3. All applications are now 64-bit to avoid warning on Mojave.
4. Transmit FIFO full check now performed for internal MIDI connection on LT-TB.
5. Sample offset fixed for LT-TB 5.5 firmware.

Version 1.0 Build 58D November 14, 2017
1. Added support for Aurora(n) with LM-DIG board.
2. Fixed issue for startup scene on certain configurations.
3. Driver now supports macOS 10.9 to macOS 10.14.

Version 1.0 Build 58C June 2, 2017
1. Added support for Aurora(n)-TB.

Version 1.0 Build 58B May 16, 2016
1. Added work-around for issue with DMAV2PLUS that would occasionally cause dropped samples on input.
2. Added support for fixed recording timing DMAV2PLUS firmware:
AES16e: 14.1
LT-TB: 6.2
E44/E22: 2.1
3. Added support for non-mixable integer format. This allows applications to bypass the Float32 to SignedInt32 conversion (which is bit-perfect, so there is no sonic difference either way).
4. Includes Hilo Remote Version 1.0.12.
5. Added new signing certificate for OS X 10.9 and up.
6. Driver now supports OS X 10.9 to OS X 10.11.

Version 1.0 Build 58 August 27, 2015
1. Added support for DMAV2PLUS for AES16e/LT-TB/E44/E22.
DMAV2PLUS supports the following features:
– Smaller transfer sizes to reduce latency to under 1ms round-trip (96kHz, 32 sample buffer)
DMAV2PLUS is supported with the following firmware:
AES16e: 14.0
LT-TB: 6.0
E44/E22: 2.0
2. Added new controls in Lynx Mixer to support DMAV2PLUS. Settings > Advanced > Hardware Buffer Size. This settings should be left at ‘Auto’ unless you are working with Lynx Technical Support on a specific issue. Changing this control sets the amount of audio buffered in the hardware. The smaller the number the faster the CPU must respond to interrupts before audio breaks up.
3. Includes Hilo Remote Version 1.0.11.