Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

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Emilian Dechev

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Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostWed Apr 19, 2017 1:33 pm

Hi BM, any chances to include a waveform function to the Video Assist monitors?

I think that could be the most important function for many DPs.
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roger.magnusson

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostWed Apr 19, 2017 2:44 pm

Agreed. I'd like RGB parade and vector scope too, perhaps even more than a waveform. SmallHD and Atomos both have them and they're very useful.
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostWed Apr 19, 2017 2:58 pm

+1
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Ben Mart

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostFri Apr 21, 2017 11:15 am

+2

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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostFri Apr 21, 2017 4:11 pm

Would be great, but these are features of more expensive monitors useually. BM has their waveform monitors set up in their "Broadcast" line, like the Duo Monitors. A waveform/Vector scope needs to be well executed, and requires some processor power in the monitor to store and execute the monitor correctly. A poorly done waveform is next to useless. Not sure the VA has the processing power to pull it off.
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Gene Kochanowsky

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostFri Apr 21, 2017 4:36 pm

Maybe the VA 2.0?
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roger.magnusson

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostFri Apr 21, 2017 4:46 pm

Golden opportunity for a disruptive company to be disruptive. :-)
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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostFri Apr 21, 2017 4:55 pm

Yes, yes it is... :mrgreen:
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Uli Plank

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostSat Apr 22, 2017 6:41 am

I second the point about processing power. There are some cheapo monitors around with waveform, but it's close to useless being too crude and unprecise. Looks more like a marketing gimmick. Admitted, the one from Atomos ain't bad, but it's also more costly.

So, if it can't be done right, we have to relate it to the price point of the VA.
No, an iGPU is not enough, and you can't use HEVC 10 bit 4:2:2 in the free version.

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roger.magnusson

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostMon Apr 24, 2017 5:50 pm

Coming in June! At least on the 4K.
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Uli Plank

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostMon Apr 24, 2017 6:13 pm

Woohoo!
No, an iGPU is not enough, and you can't use HEVC 10 bit 4:2:2 in the free version.

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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostMon Apr 24, 2017 6:19 pm

Yes, Grant has announced scopes are being added to the VA 4K.
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Emilian Dechev

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostMon Apr 24, 2017 8:33 pm

So, yeah, well, hm, what about the customers with the smaller monitor?

Would it be safe to assume, that the software needed to code-in the new functions is far more complex to do for the 5" monitor, than for the 7"? :D
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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostMon Apr 24, 2017 9:23 pm

The 5-inch HD VA has a smaller Video processor board, which may or may not supoortmadding the code needed for scopes. I was not sure the VAHD would support LUTs, but it does, and got them after the 4K model, so it is anyone's guess if the HD monitor will get scopes later too.
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 2:06 pm

SmallHD has just announced a $500.00 monitor with lots of bells and whistles.
No recorder.

I think it is a shot across the BMD bow.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2017/04/25/s ... -nab-2017/

https://www.smallhd.com/community/focus-monitor
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rick.lang

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Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 4:31 pm

Leon, does look great, but so far no precise information about anything. What are the nits? What is the resolution? Maybe next month they'll be more open about it. And doesn't this take HDMI only? (Or am I mixing that up with another monitor?)

Always suspect when someone markets a product for DSLRs.


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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 4:45 pm

No, your are right Rick, this new monitor is HDMI only, aimed at DSLR cameras, with its built in hot shoe swivel mount. It looks like a dumbed down version of the 501. Looks like it would work nicely on the Micro Cinema setup for general shooting setup, for example, but not on a camera with SDI on,y connections. It does look interesting.
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 8:01 pm

Hi Rick
I am afraid that I am like Pavlov's dog.
When I hear the words "waveform monitor" I start to salivate.
It comes from having been a lighting person at a time when any electronic hardware was very expensive.

So I apologize for the confusion.
The idea that one can own an HDMI monitor with a waveform, gotta go my mouth is watering.
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 8:16 pm

Leon, there is a SmallHD 501 for sale on the BM User site for $500, it has full scopes too, and more...
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Denny Smith
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 9:18 pm

Thanks Denny

I am going to send positive vibes into the universe.
I am sure, no...... certain, wait............ positive that BMD will update the 5"VA to have a waveform.

My life will then be complete.
All I will need then is to learn how to use the BMPCC.

Thank goodness BMD has not come out with a new one.
There is hope for me yet.

Look out JB I am after your jobs!

Oh, I do love April. :roll:
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 9:30 pm

By the way.

SmallHD has a new range of monitors for outdoor use, not the 501/502 or the 701/702.

They are based on a new bright panel.
Different shape. I had a chance to see them at a launch at the Vitec store in the L.A. area.

Very pricey.

http://store.smallhd.com/503-Ultra-Brig ... ld-Monitor

http://store.smallhd.com/703-Ultra-Brig ... ld-Monitor
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 9:33 pm

Leon, the new SmallHD 5-inch HDMI monitor just announced also has the super bright outside display for under $500!
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Denny Smith
SHA Productions
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 10:04 pm

Denny!
Don't you get me salivating again.

Soon I will be drooling. Then it is off to the funny farm.

I will stay with the BMD 5" VA. It is a recorder and converter and still a very good deal.

I came up with my own swivel device like the new SmallHD some time back.

Maybe I will draw a waveform pattern on the screen with a chinagraph pencil and pretend.
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
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rick.lang

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 10:37 pm

That SmallHD 703, 7" and 2000 nits, would make such a useful addition to my 22 lbs Mini 4.6K rig. Likely take it to 25 lbs when you include the weight of cables and a pivoting arm.


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Leon Benzakein

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostTue Apr 25, 2017 11:41 pm

rick.lang wrote:That SmallHD 703, 7" and 2000 nits, would make such a useful addition to my 22 lbs Mini 4.6K rig. Likely take it to 25 lbs when you include the weight of cables and a pivoting arm.


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Ah,yes!
But think of all the money you will save not going to the gym.
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
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Denny Smith

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Re: Video Assist Monitor - any chances for waveform ?

PostWed Apr 26, 2017 1:05 am

It is still lighter than the 35lb (+/- a few pounds) ENG camera I hauled around! :roll:
Cheers
Denny Smith
SHA Productions

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