SmallHD Shares Firmware 2.0 Update

SmallHD has released a set of free features for its brand new Sidefinder, as well as 501 and 502 Full HD 5-inch on-camera monitors – via firmware upgrade version 2.0. The new firmware unlocks the ability to output video containing an embedded 3D LUT to other devices downstream using HDMI, SDI or both at the same time.

"Firmware 2.0 really provides more flexibility and efficiency on the set," says SmallHD CEO Wes Phillips. "It helps you communicate your creative vision through the sharing of the looks on other displays, and more importantly, it can really help you impress your client."

SmallHD's new, compact 500 Series monitors and Sidefinders deliver 1920x1080 resolution images on 5-inch screens. The monitors were initially launched with features like framing guides, focus assist, false color and zebra exposure indicators, as well as 3D LUT import capability. High-end features like Waveform, Image Capture and Audio Meters, DSLR Scale, and Anamorphic De-squeeze were later added in version 1.2.

Version 2.0 adds a new set of high-end features, especially for the 502 monitor and 502 Sidefinder, such as the option to convert signals from HDMI to SDI, and vice versa. Using either an HDMI or SDI input, these 502 displays can now output both HDMI and SDI at the same time, providing flexibility for monitors and/or recording devices downstream. Shooters may choose to send the SDI stream to their B camera operator, while connecting HDMI output to a wireless transmitter to send to the video village for the client.

In addition to dual simultaneous outputs, a look or 3D LUT can now be sent downstream via SDI and HDMI. 3D LUTs typically come from color grading applications and are used by SmallHD monitors to provide an idea of what a live shot will look like as a finished product. Using a 500 Series product, downstream LUTs can be assigned independently of what is being viewed on the display due to the innovative pages system of presets. A specific output page shows what signal and LUT is being sent downstream, freeing the operator to set up tools on other pages to check focus and exposure without impacting the downstream signal.

Other tools include RGB Parade, which shows a waveform for the three primary colors in the video signal; SDI metadata can now be accessed and displayed on the monitor; adjustments to brightness and contrast can now be made in the settings menu; and the customisable settings and pages mentioned above can be saved as a "profile" onto an SD card. Profiles can be installed on other 500 Series monitors on set to match them all up, or stored for future use with a specific camera type.

The free Firmware 2.0 update for the 500 Series is available via SmallHD's website.

www.smallhd.com

(JP)