Totevision 703HD first impressions

[benn]

Yesterday I got finally my totevision 730 HD Monitor. I bought it at Spytown for 650 incl tax and transport. My first impression: Its a very good relationship between price and quality. The body makes a robust impression and the weight is OK. ( I cant imagine to work with a more heavy monitor on the camera, because it must became very instable with more weight) Inside rooms the brightness is absolute enough and for outside I have the Hoodman sunshade 700, which is OK. The colour is a little bit to much magenta, but I have to make a fine adjustment, probably I can improve that. For focussing it works very good.
A drawback is that the buttons are very tight and have a very bad contact , at first I thought they are jiggered (maybe they are). But than I used the remote control and everything works fine.
The input connector are fine, but I used only the Y,Pb,Pr connectors.
I power it with the tekkeon 3400 battery, but til now I can say how long it works.
More experiences I will collect in the next weeks
Benn

[augenblick]

Hallo Benn

Ich bin sehr interessiert an Deinen weiteren Ausführungen über diesen Monitor. Halte uns auf dem Laufenden. Danke
_____________________________

And for the rest of the world:

Hi Benn
I'm very interested in your further remarks on that monitor.
Keep us updated. Thanks

Peter

[Pierre Petit]

Any chance for some pics of your setup?

Thanks Ben

[benn]

Hello Pierre
I have no "setup" yet. I fiddle about the best way to work with. I need for three conditions: Out of the hand, means monitor simple on the camera
2. with DVtec HD rig, I must find out, and on tripod. Therefor I have to buy something for to fix it at the tripod. Suggestions are welcome
Benn

[texasmfp]

Does this monitor has image flip capabilities for 35mm adapter usage? How about reverse mounting holes? Thanks

[Sunstream]

OK, after a few shoots with my ToteVision 703HD, I can give some thoughts. Here is a link to some pics of the set up.
http://homepage.mac.com/sunstreamvideo/ToteVision/PhotoAlbum7.html
I purchased the Kit which includes the ToteBag, the long life battery and the shoe for attaching the monitor. Im not certain if the shoe comes standard, but if you get the monitor alone make sure that you request it! First of all let me start by saying that I have used a variety of monitors, including the Marshall. This monitor is not quite the Marshall, but it is not that far off, and for the price I am very very impressed. I looked at the Marshall but I just could not justify the price. For me this is a temporary solution until I get the Panasonic Monitor which I have been fortunate enough to see and it blows the Marshall away.
A couple of things about the ToteVision. It DOES have Blue gun, and it DOES have underscan (just NOT in HD mode) It is plenty sharp enough for focusing, and the color can be tweaked to your liking (although the menu is a bit cumbersome) It comes with a remote which is handy. The ToteBag is just OK, not offering much in the way of protection, but I like the fact that the battery has a fitted pocket. The Battery has been awesome. It lasts 6 hours. I also have the VidLED and its accessories work so very well with the ToteVision. I use HVX Batteries via the VidLED adapter to power the monitor, and I attach the battery to my tripod to keep weight off the camera.
The metal housing is strong and quite light. Unfortunately the BNC connectors are not attached to the housing, but to the board. That makes me a bit nervous, so I use L BNC connectors which I suggest. As far as mounting, there is a plate that you can get to attach to the 4 holes on the back that can then attach to anything, but the shoe works fine for me. You can easily drill two small holes in the top to attach the shoe in order to FLIP. NO, it does not signal flip internally. It is a bargain monitor.
Overall I am quite pleased with this monitor and you just cant beat it for VALUE! Of course, Im still planning on getting the real deal, the Panasonic, but for now this performs well.

[Pierre Petit]

Thanks for the pics Sunstream. Im also thinking about the panasonic.

Benn, to attach the monitor to the tripod maybe a clamp (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5166-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2915_2915_Super_Clamp_without.html )
and an arm (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5181-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2930_2930_Magic_Arm_with.html) would do the trick. I once did that to mount my macbook to my tripod. It works pretty well. Maybe a bit expensive tought.

[Sunstream]

There are a lot of great monitors on the horizon, thats the main reason I went with the best Value. I didnt spend so much that I'll wish I had waited. The Marshall is way overdue for an upgrade to compete against new monitors like the Panasonic, and the price of the current model will then be tumbling (soon). I went with the safe temporary fix.

[Pierre Petit]

Good choice. I'm still hesitating. The panasonic is way over budget for me but so tempting.
Btw, were did you get those angled bnc connectors? I'v been looking for those online without luck.

[benn]

Pierre, thats where I thoughjt about, clamps. Did you used the Manfrotto? Or are they only available in europe?
BTW I can agree with my young Totevision experience with everything sunstream wrote.
Benn

[Pierre Petit]

Yes i use the manfrotto. Also the arm i use is a cheaper version but i could not find the part number. Manfrotto sells all over the world somit should not be a problem. Its a bit bulky tough.

[Sunstream]

That arm is sturdy enough? You feel confident. Im not much for arms, I dont generally like things on my camera unless necessary. Sometimes though it is.

[benn]

I ordered a Manfrotto clamp plus the manfrotto adjustable arm. It will arrive next week, than I can report if its sturdy enough together. The principle seems to be good, because you can attach the clamp as well to the tripod as to a Monopod. I know the clamps, they are really sturdy. Arm cost 125 Euro, clamp 30 Euro
Benn

[shortnstout]

So I tried out my Totevision 703 monitor. Right now I'm not all that impressed and I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I feel like the images might look better on my HVX's lcd. I don't find it THAT much easier to focus with the Totevision than using the HVX with Focus Assist, but I had a very hard time getting the color and contrast to be acceptable on the Totevision. I have many questions:
(1) I was using the Y, Pb, Pr connectors that came with the HVX. Is there a better way to connect it? I've noticed that when I select component with the buttons it says 480/60i; I can't get that to change to anything else, and I've noticed that when I press the "mode" button on the front of the monitor nothing ever happens/changes. (2) I tried for a while to get the color right with the RGB balance and tried the PC/Game/Movie modes but I'm confused. The images look washed out to me. What settings are you using? (3) I also noticed that the image is slightly squeezed and I can't change that....
Please help.
Thanks!

[soarprod]

Check to make sure that your hvx is set to hd out through the component connection and not 480p.

[benn]

Yes, I think soarprod gave the right suggestion. I dont have the probs with the 703 like you described. At most I see that the colours are actually a little bit washed out. But I dont think its a monitor for colour correction, its a monitor for focussing and that works very well.
Benn

[SPZ]

There are a lot of great monitors on the horizon, thats the main reason I went with the best Value. I didnt spend so much that I'll wish I had waited. The Marshall is way overdue for an upgrade to compete against new monitors like the Panasonic, and the price of the current model will then be tumbling (soon). I went with the safe temporary fix.


Sunstream, where did you buy your package, with camera shoe and battery mount?

[shortnstout]

thanks benn and soarprod, that very well might be the problem. I never thought of that. When I'm back to my camera/monitor I'll check that out and post my findings (hopefully, after I kick myself!).

[Sunstream]

You can get the "703HD KIT"
anywhere that sells ToteVision, you just have to request the "Kit"! It will include the shoe and the ToteBag, as well as the Battery. Otherwise you can order the accessories from most anywhere that sells the Monitor. Try calling or e-mailing ToteVision and they will tell you the nearest place that you can get it.
http://www.totevision.com/Second/ToteVision%20-%20Parts%20&%20Accessories.htm

[Abaddon]

I just set up my Totevision and so far it's pretty cool.

I just find it hard to get the best colors out of it as everything looks kinda flat. I was trying to get the image as close to that of the camera monitor, but can't seem to do it. So I may have to use the camera monitor fr color and contrast accuracy and the Totevision for focus and overall viewing.

If anyone has been able to get a kick ass image on the screen, please share your settings.

[Abaddon]

Okay, so i've been been messing around with this thing some more and I've found that when I use the component connection, I get a sharper image but flat color and when I use the CVBS (RCA to BNC single cable), I get nice colors but not the cleanest image.

When using CVBS, there are a lot more color, brightness, tint, etc. settings available. With component, there's really only brightness and contrast.

[benn]

Thats interesting. What kind of adapter is available between the Panasonic cable and the CVBS? I dont have any, thats why I couldnt try it.
Benn

[shortnstout]

I'm also curious about how you used the CVBS with the panasonic. Any updates on that and how to get the best image out of the 703. I solved my problem of res thanks to you guys, I stupidly had my HVX set to AV out 480 instead of HD. 720p and 1080i look pretty much the same though- which do you guys use? Also, have you noticed the image on the 703 is a bit squished- like not perfectly 16:9?
The monitor is finally good enough for focusing though, so thanks!
sns

[Sunstream]

Yes it is an interesting thought. 480 out of the cam does the processing in camera, and 720 or 1080 out does the processing in the monitor - because small LCDs are 480 resolution, thats all you are going to get out of it in either 720 or 1080 so they will look the same.
The image is in fact 16:10. So it is a little squeezed. There are quite a few 16:10 data monitors out there (most) so that is something that we have to adjust for. Fortunately it's not bad. The Marshall is true 16:9 as is the Panasonic (which I have used and LOVE) If you are looking for the best representation of size and color, your gonna have to pony up to the Panasonic.
As far as the color, S-Video is very good, I use it quite a bit. It is a matter of the HD processing. There is much less processing in an S-Video signal so its going to look best. I usually have them BOTH hooked up (I can look at footage recorded on the Firestore through the S-Video as well) Component HD is a little sharper so I plug the component cable in, which takes priority, for heavy focus adjustning on the fly.

[shortnstout]

Yeah, perhaps that is why I was confused before. I figured 480 was all I was gonna get. But now I've switched the camera AV-out to HD and there is a HUGE difference. I'll try the S-video trick. Just ordered the PLCD-2 and the Tekkeon 3450 battery. Any one know if you could use the Tekkeon to power the monitor and a vibrating GG on a 35mm adapter at the same time?

[benn]

The PLCD-2 i a very good decision for the Totevision with the tekkeon 3400 (50).
You can do what you want with this bag, you can easily wear it around your neck as well as fixed at the tripod handles as I do in the moment. Very good investment.
To power both is for sure a good idea, but you must have a cable with to plugs at the one side (Y cable). If you can get it somewhere, tell us.
Benn

BTW With the tekkeon 3400 you have to remove the cable from the tekkeon, even if there is no power user at the other side. Because it will discharge the Battery. Thats a little bit fiddly thing inside the bag. it would be better if the tekkeon cable would be angled.

[Pierre Petit]

I put a few pics online for the totevision and plcd2 combo.
Feel free to have a look (http://matahd.com/HVX_200/HVX-Petrol%20PLCD2%20Totevision%20combo.html)

[Spartacus]

Just a bumb for all those looking for a LCD solution for their HVX.

[mcvideo]

im thinking of buy the tota 703 after reading the posts. thanks for sharing.