Welcome to Skywork's new archive website. We are constantly evolving and improving this fully searchable catalogue of our HD video footage. We welcome any feedback you may have.
Help and Support
Most of your queries may be answered by looking at the following Frequently Asked Questions list. The Skyworks team is on hand to help you, however, during UK working hours. If you would to speak to the skyworks team, please visit the contact page for more details.
What is Skyworks Ltd?
Skyworks Ltd. Is an independent television production company specialsing in HD gyrostabilised aerial footage. Established in 2001 Skyworks has produced over a 90 factual and documentary programmes for the BBC, ITV, Discovery and the Smithsonian Networks amongst others. Skyworks Ltd. Currently holds more than 500 hours of HD aerial footage filmed in western Europe (UK, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy).
Does Skyworks supply other copyrighted material?
Currently Skyworks only licenses HD aerial footage of which we own the copyright.
Do you have a stills service?
Skyworks Ltd focuses primarily on licensing moving footage, but as all of Skyworks Ltd. HD aerial footage is filmed in progressive mode we can supply clients with frame grabs and stills. Please contact us for assistance.
What if I can't find what I want?
You can conduct research via the search page. Each clip provides a description of the shots, location details and other keywords to assist you in finding the best footage for your needs. If you are still having difficulty, please contact us and we will be happy to conduct the research for you.
Can I search the database in different languages?
At present, the database is available in International English. Where possible we endeavors to offer alternative spellings for all major locations.
How can I play video from this site?
To play the videos on the site you need Flash (Version 8 or later) and QuickTime (version 6 or later).
Does the material contain sound?
No.
What internet browser is recommended for use with this site?
This website supports all major browsers, including IE 6 and 7, FireFox, Mozilla and Safari.
Why do I need to register?
Registering allows you to use the advanced features of this site, including free download of viewer files, use of the clip bins to store media you have searched for, as well as use our shopping basket facility.
How do you guarantee the safe keeping of the information?
We store your user information in a secure database, and never give out any of your details to any commercial third party for any reason whatsoever.
What is a Clip Bin?
Clip Bins can be used to collect your clips so that you can easily view or download clips you have searched for. You can invite others to view the contents of your Clip Bins.
What is a Gyrostabilised system?
Cineflex's high performance gyro-stabilized CineflexV14 HiDEF camera system is ultra flexible, lightweight and can operate at up to 200 mph with a 560mm zoom lens extended 2x to its full 1120mm! Designed around Sony's HDC-950 and the new HDC-1500 cameras, the Cineflex© HiDEF utilizes top-quality lenses including Canon and Fujinon's HD zooms. It has the ability to record images digitally, giving pilots more air time, as they don't have to stop and land to change film.
Key Benefits:
Key Benefits:
- Small (14.5" diameter) and light (45 - 72 lbs., depending on payload)
- 5 axis gyro-stabilized gimbal
- +/- 45 degree roll
- Fully stable in Azimuth, Elevation and Roll
- Full Digital Servo and Control System
- Dual 32 bit proprietary DSP technology
- Payload options are flexible:
- (1) High Definition Video
- (2) High end broadcast video with Serial Digital Interface, component and composite video
- Powerful zoom lenses, with motorized 2X extenders.
- On-screen annotation
- Camera formats: 2/3" 3CCD color
- Capable of recording 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 formats
- Aspect ratios: 16:9 and 4:3, switchable
- Gain settings: -3dB to + 42dB, switchable
- Custom control panel features
- Auto/Manual rate adjustments
- Camera set-up controls
- Variable zoom speed
- Multi-function joysticks
What format does Skyworks film?
We film all of our gyrostabilised aerial footage on a Sony HDCAM-SR 980 camera, uncompressed 4:4:4 at 25 progressive frames per second. Our frame size is 1920X980 and the aspect ratio is 16:9.
What is progressive recording?
It is the process of recording or displaying a frame in its entirety. The alternative to progressive recording is interlaced recording where a frame of video is split into two separate fields. Progressive images are generally more "filmic", wheareas interlaced footage gives a more "video" feel.
What is uncompressed 4:4:4?
4:4:4 indicates the pattern of the colour sampling rate. In this case the sampling rate of the chroma values is equal to that of the luminance values. 4:4:4 is the highest possible sampling rate for video at the moment. It gives a colour depth greater than the human eye can see!
What is colour sampling?
It is the amount of recording of chroma information in comparison to the amount of luminance recorded. The human eye recognizes black and white more readily than colour so colour is often sampled (recorded) less than luminance in order to save space on tape or computer drives. Colour sampling is usually expressed in the form of X:X:X where the first X represents the luminance sampling and the next two numbers indicate the chroma sampling.
What are chroma and luminance?
Chroma represents the saturation, intenrsity or purity of a colour, while luminance is the amoun ot white light that is mixed with the colour information.
What is frame rate?
It refers to the rate at which a take is shot. The rate at which frames are recorded or displayed per second.
What is Frame size?
The horizontal and vertical pixel sizes of a video frame. Our 1080p25 footage means that we film images at 1920x1080 pixels.
What is Aspect Ratio?
The relationship between the width and the height of a recorded or displayed image. For standard defition television is 4:3.
What are your rates?
Pricing depends on several key factors:
- how the footage will be used: TV, feature film, corporate video, multimedia application, CD-ROM, DVD etc.
- countries in which the production/product be shown
- duration of the licence required
- how much footage is being used. For further information on prices or for a specific quote for a project, please contact us.
Can I view before purchasing?
Yes, we make available to our clients as much of our HD gyrostabilised footage as possible. We digitise, catalogue, select and upload footage to our website as soon as it becomes available after filming.
How can I see the footage if it isn't on the website?
How do I order material?
To order the material, either submit your clip bin to send the list of your clips to us, or contact us directly.
Do I own the footage once I purchase it?
No, you are only licenced to use the footage in the project or programme you have specified when purchasing.
