HDRI Prep vs Screen Forge
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HDRI Prep
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HDRI Prep is a small utility for use in visual effects for creating HDRI bracketing sets for RICOH THETA 360 cameras, specifically, the V, Z1 and X. (If you don't know what all that is than this app probably isn't for you.) Different bracket settings are needed for different production situations. The THETA cameras does do multi-image exposure bracketing that you can set with the iPhone THETA app, but modifying them is painfully slow and difficult and you can't save sets and reuse them later. I wrote this to fill that need and speed up use of the THETA on set for taking HDRIs. With HDRI Prep you can: • Define brackets as X number of photos (3 to 19, always odd numbers) taken X stops apart (1 to 3) rather than setting each photo’s parameters individually • Pick the camera and you can set the Aperture, ISO and Color Temperature for all the photos at once with the settings limited to what the camera can actually execute • Pick a Center Shutter Speed and the bracket extends exposures equally higher and lower • Custom name brackets, organize by show, drag and drop reorder them, move between shows, and duplicate them as needed • View the photos taken read from the camera Quickly modify the Camera’s speaker volume and time it takes to auto-sleep (up to 60 minutes so watch your battery) HDRI Prep is not intended to be a full featured replacement for other THETA iPhone apps. It is designed only to fill a hole in the current functionality of the official THETA app (and what 3rd party apps I've played with): to make a library of Bracket settings, a method of organizing them, and a way to call them up and use them quickly on set. As such you will find it is missing various functions of the official THETA app. Those extended features may be added at some later date, but I make no promises. I recommend using it in conjunction with other apps as needed. Some limitations of the app: • Currently this only works with a direct Wifi connection to the camera (camera hosting Wifi) and it assumes the ip address is 192.168.1.1. • Image viewing is minimal. You can see what is on the camera (heads up, it's slow to load) but I am leaving the downloading and deleting of images up to other apps. You can use the official THETA app or you can manage them on a Mac using Image Capture (you're on your own with Windows). • Be aware that adjusting the camera shutter sound volume and the sleep delay time writes these changes to the camera, overwriting any previous camera setting. If you change the sleep time to 10 minutes it will stay that way even when HDRI Prep isn't connected or running. • If you want to see a live count of the images as they are taken you can actually switch to the official THETA app after beginning a capture. I hope to add this to my interface in the future.
Screen Forge
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The Ultimate Screen Preparation Tool for VFX Screen Forge is a powerful tool designed for filmmakers using iPhones and iPads to shoot scenes where screens will later be replaced in VFX. Whether you’re using Chroma Key or other screen replacement techniques, Screen Forge helps you set up your screen for seamless post-production integration. Key Features: • Multiple Background Colors – Select from a range of colors to match any scene’s needs. • Tracking Markers – Choose from various marker types to ensure precise alignment in post-production. • Touch References – On-screen ‘Keyboard’ and ‘Phone’ guides help actors interact naturally with virtual interfaces. • Single Tap Track Marker – Custom markers for precise tap and drag tracking (not compatible with multiple touches). • Custom Size & Opacity – Adjust tracking markers to balance visibility, reflections, and removal ease in VFX. • Tips for Beginners – Get practical guidance on optimizing your screen for VFX. • Brightness Adjustment Chart – Fine-tune screen brightness to match scene exposure for optimal results. • Focus Chart – Ensure sharp focus on the screen during filming. Designed for both beginners and professionals, Screen Forge simplifies screen preparation, making your VFX workflow smoother and more efficient. Disclaimer: Screen Forge is a pre-production tool and does not generate VFX or final composites. It assists filmmakers in setting up screens for filming, while actual VFX work should be done using professional post-production software. Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.dotcine.com.br/screenforge-privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Screen Forge at Free against HDRI Prep's $9.99. Screen Forge also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). HDRI Prep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Screen Forge is free to download; HDRI Prep costs $9.99 up front. Screen Forge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. HDRI Prep asks for nothing beyond the download.
HDRI Prep ships an update every 6 months, Screen Forge monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and May 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HDRI Prep | Screen Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Squirrel FX LLC | JOSE F DA SILVA NT |
In-app purchases
HDRI Prep
No in-app purchases
Screen Forge
- Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
- Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year
Questions
Is HDRI Prep free?
Is Screen Forge free?
Do HDRI Prep or Screen Forge have ads?
Which is updated more often, HDRI Prep or Screen Forge?
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