Free beta out now: Meet the next-gen Livegrade with version 7.0

In recent years, film productions that shoot with a range of camera systems simultaneously and must fulfill the requirements of multiple deliverables have become the rule rather than the exception. The associated, evolving demands have slowly pushed Livegrade to its limits—until now. We’re thrilled to release the beta version of Livegrade 7.0. Discover a reshaped, future-proof Livegrade that still feels familiar at heart!

Built on what works. Extended for what’s next.

Our community’s real-world feedback has always shaped Livegrade. We still want Livegrade to be the best for those who rely on it most. By listening closely, we have constantly learned more about the changing needs in usability and capabilities that have evolved from shooting with multiple cameras, intensified work with references, faster turnarounds, and the need to deliver across multiple formats over the last few years.

It didn’t take long to realize that Livegrade called for a more fundamental evolution than a standard update could offer. At the same time, we were equally committed to preserving the technical ecosystem and proven strengths of Livegrade when supervising and grading live images on set. Our goal was not to reinvent everything but to thoughtfully evolve Livegrade, where it needed to grow. 

Therefore, our team has gone above and beyond to modernize the technological foundation. Previously out-of-reach scenarios that could not be solved from your DIT Cart are now possible while Livegrade’s proven core functionalities are embedded, as you know and trust them. So, this is truly not your average update!

Major transformations in short

First, Livegrade v7.0 introduces significant enhancements that benefit every user. Standard functionalities feel smoother and more seamless when handling your everyday tasks on set. Four outstanding improvements that make your life easier from a usability perspective:

1. Smoother supervision, live grading, and recording of multiple camera feeds thanks to a modernized video engine.
2. Flexible multi-view options to build different grid layouts from both live signals and library shots.
3. An option to link grading nodes to enable fast, scene-wide look adjustments with minimal effort. Works in interaction with the new multi-views.
4. Managing HDR/SDR workflows has become more straightforward by creating only one comprehensive look per camera.

These universal enhancements will be incorporated into the standard feature set. Additionally, Livegrade v7.0 introduces powerful functionalities to expand the standard scope as needed. These will be packaged into optional extension modules, providing you with greater flexibility.

From a functionality perspective, they either drive your collaborative process with the DP and camera department, or enable workflow scenarios that were impossible before.  

1. Provide synced playback of different cameras, making it easy to review coverage and align creatively on the spot with your DP.  
2. Create independent views for the DP, yourself, or anyone else who needs to see the live-graded images, each showing exactly what’s relevant to their role.
3. Stream graded images via a local network to the DP’s iPad or via the internet to a remote splinter unit or production office, keeping them connected without expensive, extra gear.
4. Preview real-time green screen composites to help the DP master shots for VFX work.
5. Flexibly upgrade the number of your input and output channels for large-scale productions.

Before taking a closer look at the benefits and design of the future modules, let’s check out the key features that provide value to everyone.

New key features illustrated

Multi-view

As productions involve more and more camera signals and reference material, the previous single-image view in Livegrade made it challenging to maintain a clear overview. The new multi-view lets you display and adjust multiple live feeds, recorded shots, and references from the library, or even a mix of both. 

Multi-grade

Until now, synchronized grading of multiple shots with different perspectives was limited to a single camera setup. Editing an entire scene with shots from multiple cameras required tedious manual adjustments to each camera setup individually. With the new ability to interactively link nodes, which works hand in hand with the new multi-view, grading an entire scene consistently or quickly matching all A-camera and B-camera clips is now a breeze.

Dual pipeline looks

HDR is now widely adopted, but reliable SDR monitoring on set and a consistent SDR deliverable are still essential, especially with mixed monitoring setups across production and post. Previously, managing both HDR and SDR pipelines required two input slots and two separate looks per camera, which added complexity to the live grading process.
The new dual pipeline simplifies this workflow: only one slot and one comprehensive look per camera are now required. Each pipeline – HDR or SDR – can still diverge where needed, using different output transforms or pipeline-specific creative adjustments (such as a custom highlight treatment). Monitoring via LUT boxes and output devices can be switched flexibly between HDR and SDR, and when exporting looks or stills, you simply choose the appropriate pipeline, depending on the delivery requirements.

Markers

During a take, there are often moments you’d want to revisit later, whether to check a technical detail, such as a soft focus or camera movement or to mark specific frames as references for grading. In previous versions, the thumbnail frame was the only way to mark a particular frame in a recorded clip. Multiple marker types allow you to establish various reference points in a clip. Later, during playback, you can easily navigate back to these markers using keyboard shortcuts, Stream Deck, or Tangent actions.

Introduction of optional extension modules

Every production is different, and your tools should adapt accordingly. As mentioned before, with the official release of Livegrade v7.0, we plan to introduce a new approach: features for specialized or large-scale environments will be available as extension modules designed to flex with your production’s requirements. 

Start with Livegrade’s standard edition, which covers the most common production needs right out of the box and extends its functionality when needed. This brings a whole new level of flexibility and scalability for you, both in terms of features and licensing. We’ll share more details at the time of the official release.

For now, the beta version already gives you access to the features included in the outlined modules below, and it is ready for you to explore, test, and put through their paces. Additionally, we intend to create a separate module for virtual production workflows, which is not yet part of the beta version.

1. Multi-playback and audio

Livegrade generally supports simultaneous recording and individual clip playback. This extension builds on that foundation by enabling fully synchronized playback of multi-camera setups, including playback across multiple monitors and integrated audio. It gives you everything your DP and others in the crew need for a comprehensive review of a take and a full grasp of the scene (for example, multiple angles).

2. Outputs (incl. streaming)

Livegrade comes with SDI output options that are suitable for most DIT setups (like two-monitor carts) by default. But when your workflow demands more, like giving the DP an extra monitor away from the DIT cart, streaming a graded image to an iPad, or even checking the splinter’s unit progress via an internet stream, this extension covers you. It adds additional outputs, support for both local and internet streaming, and quick routing options that make it easy to manage and adapt your various outputs on the fly.

3. Key, mix, and overlay

Post-production possibilities may be nearly limitless, but precise work on VFX sets still matters. It starts with your DP’s work on set. Especially in green screen setups, realistic lighting, minimizing green spill, and a homogenous lit green screen are essential to achieving a convincing blend of foreground and background later. This module adds a key filter and a new, dedicated slot type (composite slot), giving you the tools to provide a real-time, graded composite of the VFX shot.

4. DIT I/O+ 

Some productions are simply bigger: more cameras, more monitors, more people involved. The DIT I/O+ module lifts the standard input amount and adds capacity for more additional SDI input sources as well as more outputs, including SDI output devices, giving you the headroom you need to scale up to extensive setups.

5. Virtual Production (not yet available in beta)

Additionally, we intend to create a separate module for virtual production workflows, which is not part of the beta version. Supposed to include all virtual production features available in Livegrade Studio 6.5.

Free beta download, feedback, and further notes

We want to make sure that the next generation of Livegrade is tailored to your needs, that the user interface is intuitive to use, and that all necessary information and features are easily accessible. Please take this opportunity to check out the free beta and share your feedback with us, as it will help us make the final version even better.

We’d love to hear about your overall experience, how you used and liked the new features, and your setup, including LUT boxes, video I/O devices, and signal routing. And, of course, share everything else that matters to you!

We’re excited to receive your thoughts and feedback via feedback@pomfort.com 

Please note:

• For all Livegrade subscribers and users with a temporary license, the beta is available for free throughout the entire beta phase. For all others, the free beta version expires after a 10-day trial period.
• When opening the beta for the first time, you can either choose between the standard feature set or activate all extension modules as well. This decision can be changed at any time by clicking “Show Welcome Screen…” in the Help menu.
• The beta is not feature-complete, and some functionality from previous versions (such as in-camera grading and virtual production) is not yet available. Please find a comprehensive list in the Knowledge Base. 
• Minimum system requirements: macOS 14.6 (Apple silicon) or higher.
• Refer to the documentation in the Knowledge Base to get started with Livegrade v7.0.