Convergent Design to Expand Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q Apple ProRes Record Frame Rates to 4K/UHD 60p, 2K/HD 240p
(Colorado Spring, CO - April 13, 2015) Convergent Design engineers are always working to expand the capabilities of the Odyssey family of monitor/recorders. Today the company announces that Apple ProRes 4K/UHD will be possible up to 60p and 2K/HD will be possible up to 240p. The new capabilities will be available for all currently supported Apple ProRes formats, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), Apple ProRes 422, and Apple ProRes 422 (LT).
“We are pleased to provide these capabilities at no cost to our clients,” said John Schell, Hardware Design Manager, Convergent Design. “While designing the Odyssey Family of Products three years ago, Convergent Design had a vision of a comprehensive solution for monitoring and recording. This vision pushed us to design a multi-generational platform to support cameras and formats not yet developed. The capability built into the Odyssey platform from the beginning allows us to continue to unlock new cameras, formats, and features, giving our clients new tools to express their creativity. The addition of 4K60p and 2K240p Apple ProRes shows the continuing vision of the Odyssey platform.”.
High frame rate material is useful both for creating slow motion material and more immersive content. Several networks and distributors are specifying 60p frame rates for UHD deliverables. Some cameras can only output higher frame rates in a RAW data format. RAW data at high frame rates consumes vast amounts of memory. Instead recording high frame rate material in Apple ProRes significantly reduces on set media needs, slashes offload times, dramatically simplifies post workflows, and shortens post schedules.
The first input format scheduled to be made available with the higher frame rates are the RAW data signals from the Sony FS7 and FS700 for clients utilizing the Sony FS Record Option on the Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7Q+. This will allow the recording of 4K RAW -> 4K/UHD/2K/HD Apple ProRes up to 60p, 2K RAW -> 2K/HD Apple ProRes up to 240p, and 4K RAW Burst -> 4K/UHD Apple ProRes up to 120p (available on the FS700). The new capabilities will be made available in a free future firmware update to all users who have purchased the FS700 record option.
Future support will include Canon C500/C300 MK2 4K RAW, Canon C500/C300 MK2 HD video (up to 120fps), Sony F5/F55 4K/UHD video, and others. All Apple ProRes frame rate expansions will be provided via free firmware updates. Current owners of Record Options will receive increased capabilities within their Record Options at no additional cost.
About the Odyssey7Q+
The Odyssey7Q+ is the most advanced, most capable, most versatile monitor/recorder in the world. The Odyssey7Q+ can record 4K/UHD/2K/HD via SDI and HDMI. It can record RAW (with Record Options), uncompressed DPX, and Apple ProRes. The Odyssey7Q+ features an OLED 1280x800 monitor with true blacks, accurate colors, extended color gamut and a 176 degree viewing angle. Along with the best image in the industry, the Odyssey7Q+ also features an extensive array of image analysis tools, including RGB waveform, RGB Histogram, False Color, Pixel Zoom with finger drag, three-mode Focus Assist and monitoring LUTs.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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Convergent Design Introduces Custom 3D-LUT Display and Routing to the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q Monitor/Recorders
(Colorado Spring, CO - April 13, 2015) Today Convergent Design announces that the upcoming April 2015 free firmware update for the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q will include fully integrated custom 3D-LUT functionality. Clients will be able to generate LUTs at no cost in DaVinci Resolve, load them into the Odyssey and match them perfectly in post. 3D-LUTs allow viewing of material with sample color, contrast and exposure corrections, while recording files in RAW or flat Log modes for the greatest range in post adjustment.
"Our implementation of 3D-LUTs is a first in the industry," explained Mike Schell, President, Convergent Design. "We accept the most popular form of 3D-LUT. The Odyssey can not only display the LUT on its OLED screen, but it can send the LUT out to other monitors via SDI and HDMI. The Odyssey can also send the LUT to its Image Analysis Tools such as the waveform and histogram. And all of these outputs of the LUT are individually selectable, so that clients can tailor their use of the system however they like. That’s incredibly powerful, replacing an entire cart full of equipment. The Odyssey7Q+ is a LUT box, router, engineering scope, monitor and recorder all in one, and we are providing this added performance at no additional cost."
3D-LUTs are accepted in the form of .CUBE files (aka Image Cube). The free version of DaVinci Resolve can generate these LUTs. Using a free App that will be available on the Convergent Design website, the .CUBE LUTs are converted to a secure binary file, protecting a client’s personal designs. The converted LUTs are loaded into the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q via Odyssey SSD or Odyssey Utility Drive. Hundreds of 3D-LUTs can be organized into folders and stored on the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q. LUT-ted signals can be selected to view on the OLED screen, sent over two SDI outputs and an HDMI output, and applied to the Odyssey Image Analysis Tools. The application of the LUT to the signal can be selected independently for each output, allowing for a variety of uses.
A cinematographer can use an Odyssey7Q+ as an operating monitor with LUT applied, while sending a "flat" signal to an engineer over SDI 1 and a LUT-ted image to the director over SDI 2, and a LUT-ed image to the clients over HDMI. A DP could view a scene with the LUT applied while simultaneously viewing a waveform display in the corner showing the source signal. A window may appear blown out with a LUT applied but the source signal that is recorded shows detail in the highlights, so the DP knows that this part of the frame can be "pulled back" in post. Time, money and momentum are conserved on set by not stopping to adjust lighting and exposure.
Because the LUTs used in the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q are initially created in Resolve, what is seen on set will match what is applied in post, with the freedom to make adjustments as desired. A repository library for 3D-LUTs will be hosted on the Convergent Design website, to which all Odyssey users are invited to participate. 3D-LUTs stored on an individual Odyssey are protected so that no one can steal a client’s "secret sauce" look.
The new custom 3D-LUT monitoring and routing functions will be included in the upcoming April 2015 firmware update. The update is free and the custom 3D-LUT functions will apply to the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q models. A future firmware update will allow the 3D-LUT to be "burned-in" and recorded onto Apple ProRes files.
About the Odyssey7Q+
The Odyssey7Q+ is the most advanced, most capable, most versatile monitor/recorder in the world. The Odyssey7Q+ can record 4K/UHD/2K/HD via SDI and HDMI. It can record RAW (with Record Options), uncompressed DPX, and Apple ProRes. The Odyssey7Q+ features an OLED 1280x800 monitor with true blacks, accurate colors, extended color gamut and a 176 degree viewing angle. Along with the best image in the industry, the Odyssey7Q+ also features an extensive array of image analysis tools, including RGB waveform, RGB Histogram, False Color, Pixel Zoom with finger drag, three-mode Focus Assist and monitoring LUTs.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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Convergent Design Introduces Dual-Stream Functions on Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q Monitor/Recorders
(Colorado Spring, CO - April 13, 2015)
Convergent Design today announces that it will soon introduce Dual-Stream monitoring and recording functions on the popular Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q monitor/recorders. Dual-Stream monitoring with the option to record a single stream will be included as a free update in our April 2015 firmware release. Recording of two HD video streams simultaneously will be an extra cost Record Option available in an upcoming firmware release.
"We designed the Odyssey platform with a great deal of capacity and flexibility," explained Mike Schell, President, Convergent Design. "The ability to not only accept multiple HD video inputs but also display them at the same time is unprecedented in a small, on-camera monitor. Add to that the facility of also recording one of those HD signals in Apple ProRes and even the option of recording both signals simultaneously and it opens the possibilities for some unique applications that we are excited to share with our clients."
The first implementation of Dual-Stream functionality to be made available will be the ability to view two signals at once while recording one of them. The two HD video signals can be viewed as a pair of equally sized Side-by-Side images, as overlapping large and small images in a Picture-in-Picture configuration, or the two signals can be switched between full screen. HD video signals up to 1080p60, 1080i60, or 720p60 SDI or HDMI can be accepted. Frame rates and resolution must be matched between the two sources, but genlocking is not required.
Viewing two HD video signals at once can be useful for comparing and matching coverage. Using the Odyssey’s advanced Image Analysis Tools, it is possible to match the exposure, color, contrast and other aspects of the video signals, saving time in post. With the ability to record one HD video signal while also monitoring a second signal, it is possible for a cinematographer to use the Odyssey7Q+ or Odyssey7Q as an A-camera onboard recorder while also monitoring the activity of a B-camera. For cameras with dual outputs such as the ARRI ALEXA and the Sony F5/F55, it is possible to view a signal with menu information while recording a "clean" video signal.
In a future firmware update, the Dual-Stream Record Option will be made available. This Record Option will allow capture of two HD video inputs of the same resolution and frame rate to a pair of separate Apple ProRes files. Genlocking of the two inputs is not required. Later Convergent Design will also offer a Quad-Stream Record Option, which will allow recording of up to four HD video inputs, along with other functions such as Live Switching. Clients who purchase the Dual-Stream Record Option who wish to expand to the Quad-Stream Record Option when available will be able to do so without penalty, only paying the difference in price. The Dual-Stream Record Option is scheduled to be available for purchase for $995 or rental for $99/day.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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Convergent Design Combines All Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q RAW Record Options Into Odyssey RAW Bundle.
(Colorado Spring, CO - April 13, 2015) Convergent Design today announces that starting today, all of the five separately available RAW Record Options for the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q will now be combined into the Odyssey RAW Bundle. While the individual RAW Record Options totaled $6775 when purchased individually, the Odyssey RAW Bundle is only $995. A daily rental rate of just $99 is also available. Cameras covered by the Odyssey RAW Bundle include the ARRI ALEXA, Canon C500 and soon to be released C300 MK2, Sony FS7 and FS700, IO Industries Flare 2KSDI, Indiecam indieGS2K, and upcoming support for the AJA CION and IO Industries Flare 4KSDI. As new RAW cameras are supported by the Odyssey monitor/recorders, they will be added to the Odyssey RAW Bundle.
“The Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q support more RAW output cameras in more ways than any other device in the world,” noted Mike Schell, President, Convergent Design. “Depending on the camera, we record in the manufacturer’s native RAW format, encode into Cinema DNG, process and record in Apple ProRes, and can record up to 240fps. It’s an incredibly versatile and powerful machine, plus it is also an excellent portable monitor. By combining all of the RAW support functions into a single bundle, clients can now buy or rent access to a variety of the top cameras in the industry.”
The Odyssey RAW Bundle is available for purchase or rental on the Convergent-Design website. Note that the rental option means that the Sony FS7/FS700 RAW is now available for use without needing to make a full purchase.
Sony FS7/FS700 Cinema DNG RAW data recording:
4K (4096x2160) RAW 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
2K (2048x1080) RAW 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p, 100p, 120p, 200p, 240p
FS700 only: 4K RAW Burst (440 frames) 100p, 120p
Sony FS7/FS700 Apple ProRes recording:
4K RAW->4K Apple ProRes 24p, 25p, 30p (50p & 60p coming soon)
4K RAW->UHD Apple ProRes 24p, 25p, 30p (50p & 60p coming soon)
4K RAW->2K Apple ProRes 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
4K RAW->HD Apple ProRes 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
FS700 only: 4K RAW Burst->2K or HD Apple ProRes 100p, 120p (4K and UHD coming soon) (2K RAW->2K and HD Apple ProRes 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p, 100p, 120p, 200p, 240p coming soon)
ARRI ALEXA Classic (non-XT models)
16x9 ARRIRAW recording at all available frame rates
Canon C500/C300 MKII Canon Cinema RAW data recording:
4K RAW recording 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
QHD RAW recording 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
4K “half RAW” recording at 100p, 120p
Canon C500/C300 MKII Apple ProRes recording:
4K RAW->4K Apple ProRes recording 24p, 25p, 30p (50p and 60p coming soon)
QHD RAW->UHD Apple ProRes recording 24p, 25p, 30p (50p and 60p coming soon)
Note: C500/C300 MKII 2K 12-bit RGB video modes are supported without the Odyssey RAW Bundle
POV cameras Cinema DNG RAW data recording:
IO Industries Flare 2KSDI camera - 2K or HD 10-bit RAW 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
Indiecam IndieGS2K camera - 2K 10-bit RAW 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
Indiecam IndieGS2K camera - HD 10-bit RAW 100p & 120p
Indiecam IndieGS2K camera - HD 12-bit RAW 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p
Additional RAW camera support coming soon
AJA CION
IO Industries Flare 4KSDI
About the Odyssey7Q+
The Odyssey7Q+ is the most advanced, most capable, most versatile monitor/recorder in the world. The Odyssey7Q+ can record 4K/UHD/2K/HD via SDI and HDMI. It can record RAW (with Record Options), uncompressed DPX, and Apple ProRes. The Odyssey7Q+ features an OLED 1280x800 monitor with true blacks, accurate colors, extended color gamut and a 176 degree viewing angle. Along with the best image in the industry, the Odyssey7Q+ also features an extensive array of image analysis tools, including RGB waveform, RGB Histogram, False Color, Pixel Zoom with finger drag, three-mode Focus Assist and monitoring LUTs.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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Odyssey Monitor/Recorders to Support Certain 3rd Party SSDs
(Colorado Spring, CO - April 13, 2015)
Convergent Design today announces that Odyssey monitor/recorders will support the use of two models of Samsung SSDs. The Samsung 850 EVO 500GB and Samsung 850 EVO 1000GB SSDs will be allowed for use in the Odyssey7, Odyssey7Q, and Odyssey7Q+.
“Our own Odyssey SSDs offer levels of performance and reliability that were previously unavailable,” said Mike Schell, President, Convergent Design. “We had to spec our own high performance media directly from the SSD manufacturers. Our extensive testing has shown that Samsung now has made two consumer SSDs that meet the performance standards we require for the Odyssey monitor/recorders. We are happy to open the option of this inexpensive media to our clients.”
Odyssey SSDs offer a variety of qualities, detailed in the Convergent Design White Paper “Why to Trust Your Footage to Convergent Design Odyssey SSDs…”, (http://www.convergent-design.com/product-resources/106-why-to-trust-your-footage-to-convergent-design-odyssey-ssds.html). Features such as fast & consistent read & write speeds, both across the entire memory and across the lifespan of the SSDs, exceptionally long-life usability of the media, built-in power-loss protection, low power draw and robust reliability of construction are the hallmarks of the Odyssey SSD design. Convergent Design’s extensive testing of the two supported Samsung SSDs has found them to share in these qualities.
Access to the use of these two Samsung 850 EVO SSDs is expected to be made available with the May 2015 free Odyssey firmware update. Only the Samsung 850 EVO 500GB and EVO 1000GB SSDs, along with the Odyssey 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB SSDs, will function in the Odyssey monitor/recorders. SSDs load and mount into the Odyssey monitor/recorders with a latching handle. Odyssey SSD handles will be made available for purchase through the Convergent Design dealer network.
Odyssey SSDs are certified to work in Odyssey monitor/recorders. Convergent Design tests and sells these SSDs, so the company has oversight to warranty their performance. The Samsung 850 EVO 500GB and 1000GB SSDs are qualified to work in Odyssey monitor/recorders. While multiple samples have been extensively tested by Convergent Design, since we do not directly sell this media Convergent Design cannot warranty individual SSD performance. Convergent Design Customer Support is available to our clients 24/7, but we may not be able to successfully support 3rd party product to the same extent as our own products.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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Convergent Design Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q Will Support Canon C300 MKII With 4K60p in both RAW and Apple ProRes, HD120p Support in Apple ProRes
Las Vegas, NV (April 14, 2015) Convergent Design today announces the most complete support of any monitor/recorder for the new Canon C300 mkII camera. The Odyssey7Q+ and the Odyssey7Q will, with the new Odyssey RAW Bundle, allow recording in 4K & UHD in RAW up to 60p as well as 4K & UHD processed and converted to Apple ProRes up to 60p. 4K "half RAW can also be recorded up to 120p. Without the Odyssey RAW Bundle, the Odyssey monitor/recorders can record 1080p video up to 120p, as well as 12-bit or 10-bit 4:4:4 RGB video in Uncompressed DPX up to 60p. Direct capture of 4K & UHD ProRes is also possible up to 30p.
"We have supported the Canon Cinema RAW format for years," notes Mike Schell, President, Convergent Design. "Our Gemini 4:4:4 was one of the first recorders to support the Canon Cinema RAW data signal. The Odyssey7Q and then the Odyssey7Q+ expanded that support to higher frame rates and added Apple ProRes conversion to the mix. We currently offer the only device in the world that can record 4K/UHD60p RAW, 4K/UHD60p Apple ProRes, 4K120p "half RAW", 1080p120 Apple ProRes, and 12-bit 4:4:4 RGB up to 60p, all from the Canon C300 mkII. That represents a level of integration and support unequaled in the industry."
While other systems may be able to record 4K30p, the dual-link 3G-SDI connectivity available on the Odyssey monitor/recorders interfaces directly with the outputs of the C300 mkII. Dual-link 3G-SDI is also required for 1080p120 and 12-bit 4:4:4 60p. No other monitor/recorder has the level of connectivity and functionality with the Canon C300 mkII.
The C300 mkII internal recording is limited to 4K30p. The Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q can record 4K60p in both RAW data and Apple ProRes. No other recorder has this functionality. 4K60p is quickly becoming a required deliverable for major networks and distribution channels.
3D-LUTs are fully integrated in the Odyssey, including the new C-Log2 for the C300 mkII. Custom LUTs can also be applied to the video and RAW outputs of the camera on the Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q. And Convergent Design recorders are the only ones to offer full integration of the Canon metadata file naming in both RAW and video outputs.
About Convergent Design
Founded in 2000, Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. Convergent Design products are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sold through our worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Convergent Design Master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
