Mitch Gross
Veteran
Convergent Design has released Firmware 2016.06, the largest, most comprehensive ever offered by Convergent Design.
Twenty-three new features cover functions for Apollo, Odyssey7Q+, Odyssey7Q, and Odyssey7. Twenty-Two fixes and improvements to current functions also cover the same models. And there are new versions of two free software apps. Detailed release notes are included below. All of these updates are free to the owners of the Apollo and Odyssey products. Convergent Design continues to expand upon a product line first delivered to clients 2.5 years ago, including gifting features that were previously charged upgrades.
Of the many new features, fixes and improvements, while some were announced at NAB 2016, most are debuting with this announcement. Because this firmware is so expansive, Convergent Design has produced several videos to help illustrate and explain the new functionality. There is an overview of the new functions as well as four short instructional videos detailing specific functions. Additionally, because the functionality of Apollo was dramatically expanded, a new extensive Apollo Tutorial video is also available.
A Few Highlights:
Apollo
Quad-HD Double Master Recording
Capture files to two SSDs simultaneously for instant backup. Hand one off to production and hold the other for safe keeping.
Quad-HD A/V Align
Intermix cameras with different signal latency and keep both audio and video in sync. Mix cameras from different manufacturers and with different signal processing and compensate for their delays in outputting signals.
Quad-HD 3:2 Pulldown Removal
Intermix HD 3:2 Pulldown video cameras with 24p cameras. Mix cameras that output 24p as 1080i60 with embedded 3:2 pulldown and cameras that output 1080p24, all on the fly with matching timecode.
Quad-HD Live-Switch Dissolves
Three speeds of dissolves available in live switching. A shortcut button allows alternating between cuts and dissolves for a more professional live edit.
Odyssey7Q+/7Q RAW Bundle
RAW Bundle Grant
Current owners of individual options granted full RAW Bundle.
Sony FS5 RAW
Record in CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes. 4K60p, 4K120p Burst, 2K240p. Odyssey provides the most complete support of Sony FS cameras in the industry.
IO Flare 4K RAW
Record in CinemaDNG. 4K60p. The only portable RAW recorder for the IO Industries cameras.
Here is the complete list of the New Features, Fixes & Improvements, and Software updates in firmware 2016.06 for the Convergent Design Apollo, Odyssey7Q+, Odyssey7Q, and Odyssey7
DETAILED RELEASE NOTES
NEW FEATURES: APOLLO & APOLLO OPTION (ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q)
Dual-4K/Quad-HD: Multi-Stream Audio Meters
- Dual-4K: Audio meters are displayed for the first four channels of each input
- Quad-HD: Audio meters are displayed for the first two channels of each input
- Expanded controls & descriptions in Audio menu
Dual-4K: PiP Left/Right Selection
- Dual-4K Picture-in-Picture display can be lower-left or lower-right
- Select in DUAL menu
Dual-4K: 4K60p Apple ProRes Support (Apollo)
- Record single channel of 4K60p in Apollo
- NOTE: Function already available in Odyssey7Q+/7Q Apollo Mode
Quad-HD: Double Master Recording
- Simultaneously record identical files to both SSDs
- 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- 1080i 50, 59.94; 720p 50, 59.94, 60
Quad-HD: A/V Align
- Individually adjust frame delay to audio and/or video of each input
- Add up to four frames delay per video track
- Add up to seven frames delay per audio track
- Note: Not available when using 3:2 Pulldown Removal
Quad-HD: 3:2 Pulldown Removal Support
- 24p signals embedded within 1080i60 streams recorded as 1080p24
- Intermix 3:2 Pulldown signals (24p within 60i) with 24p/24psf signals
- Note: Not available when using A/V Align
Quad-HD: Markers During Record
- Set Markers while in Record
- During Record, MARKER button replaces Safe-Eject button
Quad-HD: Improved Focus Assist Access
- Option to switch HIDE button to FOCUS (Focus Assist) for easier access
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Dissolves
- Added dissolves (slow/medium/fast) in Live-Switch recording & output
- CUT/FADE shortcut button replaces * button during recording
- Dissolve speeds: Slow = 16 frames, Medium = 8 frames, Fast = 4 frames
- Select dissolve speed in QUAD menu
Quad HD Live-Switch: Audio-Follows-Video
- Live-Switch option to also switch audio source along with video source
- Affects audio source to Live-Switch recording and output
- Select in Audio menu
- Audio fade-out/fade-in transition is 21 milliseconds to smooth audio cuts
Quad-HD Live-Switch: OLED Monitor-Only Switching
- Switch OLED view without affecting Live-Switch recording or output
- Select OLED view using Lower Toolbar QUAD/A/B/C/D buttons
- NOTE: Monitor-Only Switching affects SDI A & SDI B outputs unless they are set to Preview (SDI A Out) & Program (SDI B Out)
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Single-Tap/Double-Tap Switching
- Switch inputs with a single tap or use double-tap Preview/Program mode
- Select between single-tap/double-tap in QUAD menu
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Expanded SDI Monitor Output Options
- SDI A Out selectable between Quad-Split view or Preview
- SDI B Out selectable between Quad-Split view or Program
SDI A Out options in Output menu:
- LUT OFF (Quad-Split view with no LUT applied)
- LUT ON (Quad-Split view with LUT applied)
- MIRROR OLED (Quad-Split view with Preview/Program and other overlays)
- LIVE-SWITCH PREVIEW (Preview input selection)
SDI B Out options in Output menu:
- LUT OFF (Quad-Split view with no LUT applied)
- LUT ON (Quad-Split view with LUT applied)
- MIRROR OLED (Quad-Split view with Preview/Program and other overlays)
- LIVE-SWITCH PROGRAM (Program input selection)
NOTE:
- When either output is set to Mirror OLED, LUT application mirrors OLED
- When SDI A Out is set to Live-Switch Preview, LUT is not applied
- When SDI B Out is set to Live-Switch Program, LUT application mirrors OLED
Quad-HD Quad-Split: Timecode Burn-In
- Timecode window is baked into the Quad-Split recorded image
NEW FEATURES: ODYSSEY RAW BUNDLE (ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q)
Odyssey RAW Bundle Grant
- Owners of individual RAW options granted full Odyssey RAW Bundle
- Log in at account on CD website for Activation code
- Odyssey7Q+/7Q Rental options are now Odyssey RAW Bundle and Apollo
Dual-HD Recording
- Record two HD video signals simultaneously in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT)
- Two SSDs required (one recording per SSD)
- Matching timecode (input A, input B, Odyssey-generated or LTC)
- Resolutions & frame rates must match
- No Genlock required
- 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- 1080i 50, 60
- 720p 50, 60
Sony FS5 RAW Support
- Record RAW in CinemaDNG from the Sony PXW-FS5
- Record RAW -> Apple ProRes from the Sony PXW-FS5
- Note: Set FS5 to Picture Profile S-Log2, Color Mode S-Gamut/3200 or S-Gamut/5500
- 4K FS RAW -> 4K CinemaDNG 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 2K FS RAW -> 2K CinemaDNG 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 120, 200, 240
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 4K CinemaDNG 100, 120
- 4K FS RAW -> 4K Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> UHD Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> 2K Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> HD Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 2K FS RAW HS -> 2K Apple ProRes 100, 120, 200, 240
- 2K FS RAW HS -> HD Apple ProRes 100, 120, 200, 240
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 4K/UHD Apple ProRes 100, 120
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 2K/HD Apple ProRes 100, 120
IO 4K RAW support
- Record RAW in CinemaDNG from the IO Industries Flare 4K
- 4K RAW -> 4K CinemaDNG 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
NEW FEATURES: ALL MODELS (APOLLO, ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q/7)
8-Channel Audio Support
- Record 8-channel SDI embedded audio in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT)
- Up to 32 channels in Apollo Quad-HD (8 channels per video input)
- Up to 16 channels in Apollo Dual-4K (8 channels per video input)
- Up to 8 channels in Odyssey 4K/UHD/2K/HD
- SDI embedded only, HDMI & Analog In limited to 2-Channel audio
- Audio meters display first two channels per input (first four channels per input in Apollo Dual-4K)
- Audio Out & HDMI/SDI embedded out use first two channels of video input
- Note: 8-channel audio not available in RAW, RAW->Apple ProRes, DPX, or Apple ProRes 4444 modes
Focus Assist Noise Reduction
- Improves legibility of Focus Assist
- Does not affect recorded signal
- NOTE: Enhance mode removed
Embedded SDI Record Trigger Pass Through
- Passes through SDI record trigger signal from various cameras to SDI outputs
- Regardless of trigger source, output trigger is ARRI/Canon/Sony standard
In/Out Marker Range Limiting
- Use In/Out Markers to limit range of playback in unit
- Starting play from an In marker will automatically stop at Out Marker
- Select LOOP in Playlist to repeatedly play only the selected In/Out range
NEW FEATURES: ODYSSEY7
Overlays Output On/Off
- Switch on/off OLED overlays to HDMI & SDI outputs
- Select in Output menu
FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS
Apollo
- FIXED Rare file corruption issue
- FIXED 1080p60 signal detection issue
- FIXED Occasional audio delay on SDI & HDMI outputs
- IMPROVED SDI B output carries embedded audio
- IMPROVED Source Naming added to XML file
Odyssey RAW Bundle
- FIXED Rare Canon RAW -> Apple ProRes frame issue
- IMPROVED Sony FS RAW -> Apple ProRes 240p drive spanning enabled
- IMPROVED Sony FS7 4K FS RAW -> 4K/UHD Apple ProRes debayer color fringing issue (yellow artifact at sharp edges)
- IMPROVED Playback Scrubbing artifacts of RAW recordings
- Odyssey7Q+/7Q
- FIXED DPX support for Sony F35
- IMPROVED DPX now supports 1080p60 over HDMI
- IMPROVED Playback of 4K Apple ProRes
- IMPROVED Playback scrubbing artifacts in 4K Apple ProRes
- IMPROVED Reduced display latency in single input HD Apple ProRes
All Devices
- FIXED Guides interaction with Hide function
- FIXED HDMI signal detection from computer sources
- FIXED Timecode issue with HDMI source in Time-of-Day mode
- IMPROVED Device boot-up time
- IMPROVED SDI/HDMI Record Trigger from Panasonic DVX200
- IMPROVED SDI/HDMI Record Trigger from Sony FS5/F5/F55
- IMPROVED Playback without an input connected
- IMPROVED Increased power draw efficiency
SOFTWARE
CD Apple ProRes Transfer Tool v2.4
- For Apollo multitrack recordings, added option to select tracks for offload
- Fixed Windows issues
- Windows and Mac versions available
CD LUT Converter 1.3
- To prevent formatting issues, in the Project and Notes fields these characters are no longer allowed: < > ' " &
- Windows and Mac versions available
Visit the newly-improved Convergent Design website to download the 2016.06 firmware along with manuals, new software apps and to view the new videos.
Twenty-three new features cover functions for Apollo, Odyssey7Q+, Odyssey7Q, and Odyssey7. Twenty-Two fixes and improvements to current functions also cover the same models. And there are new versions of two free software apps. Detailed release notes are included below. All of these updates are free to the owners of the Apollo and Odyssey products. Convergent Design continues to expand upon a product line first delivered to clients 2.5 years ago, including gifting features that were previously charged upgrades.
Of the many new features, fixes and improvements, while some were announced at NAB 2016, most are debuting with this announcement. Because this firmware is so expansive, Convergent Design has produced several videos to help illustrate and explain the new functionality. There is an overview of the new functions as well as four short instructional videos detailing specific functions. Additionally, because the functionality of Apollo was dramatically expanded, a new extensive Apollo Tutorial video is also available.
A Few Highlights:
Apollo
Quad-HD Double Master Recording
Capture files to two SSDs simultaneously for instant backup. Hand one off to production and hold the other for safe keeping.
Quad-HD A/V Align
Intermix cameras with different signal latency and keep both audio and video in sync. Mix cameras from different manufacturers and with different signal processing and compensate for their delays in outputting signals.
Quad-HD 3:2 Pulldown Removal
Intermix HD 3:2 Pulldown video cameras with 24p cameras. Mix cameras that output 24p as 1080i60 with embedded 3:2 pulldown and cameras that output 1080p24, all on the fly with matching timecode.
Quad-HD Live-Switch Dissolves
Three speeds of dissolves available in live switching. A shortcut button allows alternating between cuts and dissolves for a more professional live edit.
Odyssey7Q+/7Q RAW Bundle
RAW Bundle Grant
Current owners of individual options granted full RAW Bundle.
Sony FS5 RAW
Record in CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes. 4K60p, 4K120p Burst, 2K240p. Odyssey provides the most complete support of Sony FS cameras in the industry.
IO Flare 4K RAW
Record in CinemaDNG. 4K60p. The only portable RAW recorder for the IO Industries cameras.
Here is the complete list of the New Features, Fixes & Improvements, and Software updates in firmware 2016.06 for the Convergent Design Apollo, Odyssey7Q+, Odyssey7Q, and Odyssey7
DETAILED RELEASE NOTES
NEW FEATURES: APOLLO & APOLLO OPTION (ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q)
Dual-4K/Quad-HD: Multi-Stream Audio Meters
- Dual-4K: Audio meters are displayed for the first four channels of each input
- Quad-HD: Audio meters are displayed for the first two channels of each input
- Expanded controls & descriptions in Audio menu
Dual-4K: PiP Left/Right Selection
- Dual-4K Picture-in-Picture display can be lower-left or lower-right
- Select in DUAL menu
Dual-4K: 4K60p Apple ProRes Support (Apollo)
- Record single channel of 4K60p in Apollo
- NOTE: Function already available in Odyssey7Q+/7Q Apollo Mode
Quad-HD: Double Master Recording
- Simultaneously record identical files to both SSDs
- 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- 1080i 50, 59.94; 720p 50, 59.94, 60
Quad-HD: A/V Align
- Individually adjust frame delay to audio and/or video of each input
- Add up to four frames delay per video track
- Add up to seven frames delay per audio track
- Note: Not available when using 3:2 Pulldown Removal
Quad-HD: 3:2 Pulldown Removal Support
- 24p signals embedded within 1080i60 streams recorded as 1080p24
- Intermix 3:2 Pulldown signals (24p within 60i) with 24p/24psf signals
- Note: Not available when using A/V Align
Quad-HD: Markers During Record
- Set Markers while in Record
- During Record, MARKER button replaces Safe-Eject button
Quad-HD: Improved Focus Assist Access
- Option to switch HIDE button to FOCUS (Focus Assist) for easier access
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Dissolves
- Added dissolves (slow/medium/fast) in Live-Switch recording & output
- CUT/FADE shortcut button replaces * button during recording
- Dissolve speeds: Slow = 16 frames, Medium = 8 frames, Fast = 4 frames
- Select dissolve speed in QUAD menu
Quad HD Live-Switch: Audio-Follows-Video
- Live-Switch option to also switch audio source along with video source
- Affects audio source to Live-Switch recording and output
- Select in Audio menu
- Audio fade-out/fade-in transition is 21 milliseconds to smooth audio cuts
Quad-HD Live-Switch: OLED Monitor-Only Switching
- Switch OLED view without affecting Live-Switch recording or output
- Select OLED view using Lower Toolbar QUAD/A/B/C/D buttons
- NOTE: Monitor-Only Switching affects SDI A & SDI B outputs unless they are set to Preview (SDI A Out) & Program (SDI B Out)
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Single-Tap/Double-Tap Switching
- Switch inputs with a single tap or use double-tap Preview/Program mode
- Select between single-tap/double-tap in QUAD menu
Quad-HD Live-Switch: Expanded SDI Monitor Output Options
- SDI A Out selectable between Quad-Split view or Preview
- SDI B Out selectable between Quad-Split view or Program
SDI A Out options in Output menu:
- LUT OFF (Quad-Split view with no LUT applied)
- LUT ON (Quad-Split view with LUT applied)
- MIRROR OLED (Quad-Split view with Preview/Program and other overlays)
- LIVE-SWITCH PREVIEW (Preview input selection)
SDI B Out options in Output menu:
- LUT OFF (Quad-Split view with no LUT applied)
- LUT ON (Quad-Split view with LUT applied)
- MIRROR OLED (Quad-Split view with Preview/Program and other overlays)
- LIVE-SWITCH PROGRAM (Program input selection)
NOTE:
- When either output is set to Mirror OLED, LUT application mirrors OLED
- When SDI A Out is set to Live-Switch Preview, LUT is not applied
- When SDI B Out is set to Live-Switch Program, LUT application mirrors OLED
Quad-HD Quad-Split: Timecode Burn-In
- Timecode window is baked into the Quad-Split recorded image
NEW FEATURES: ODYSSEY RAW BUNDLE (ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q)
Odyssey RAW Bundle Grant
- Owners of individual RAW options granted full Odyssey RAW Bundle
- Log in at account on CD website for Activation code
- Odyssey7Q+/7Q Rental options are now Odyssey RAW Bundle and Apollo
Dual-HD Recording
- Record two HD video signals simultaneously in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT)
- Two SSDs required (one recording per SSD)
- Matching timecode (input A, input B, Odyssey-generated or LTC)
- Resolutions & frame rates must match
- No Genlock required
- 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- 1080i 50, 60
- 720p 50, 60
Sony FS5 RAW Support
- Record RAW in CinemaDNG from the Sony PXW-FS5
- Record RAW -> Apple ProRes from the Sony PXW-FS5
- Note: Set FS5 to Picture Profile S-Log2, Color Mode S-Gamut/3200 or S-Gamut/5500
- 4K FS RAW -> 4K CinemaDNG 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 2K FS RAW -> 2K CinemaDNG 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 120, 200, 240
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 4K CinemaDNG 100, 120
- 4K FS RAW -> 4K Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> UHD Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> 2K Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 4K FS RAW -> HD Apple ProRes 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94
- 2K FS RAW HS -> 2K Apple ProRes 100, 120, 200, 240
- 2K FS RAW HS -> HD Apple ProRes 100, 120, 200, 240
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 4K/UHD Apple ProRes 100, 120
- 4K FS RAW Burst -> 2K/HD Apple ProRes 100, 120
IO 4K RAW support
- Record RAW in CinemaDNG from the IO Industries Flare 4K
- 4K RAW -> 4K CinemaDNG 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
NEW FEATURES: ALL MODELS (APOLLO, ODYSSEY7Q+/7Q/7)
8-Channel Audio Support
- Record 8-channel SDI embedded audio in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT)
- Up to 32 channels in Apollo Quad-HD (8 channels per video input)
- Up to 16 channels in Apollo Dual-4K (8 channels per video input)
- Up to 8 channels in Odyssey 4K/UHD/2K/HD
- SDI embedded only, HDMI & Analog In limited to 2-Channel audio
- Audio meters display first two channels per input (first four channels per input in Apollo Dual-4K)
- Audio Out & HDMI/SDI embedded out use first two channels of video input
- Note: 8-channel audio not available in RAW, RAW->Apple ProRes, DPX, or Apple ProRes 4444 modes
Focus Assist Noise Reduction
- Improves legibility of Focus Assist
- Does not affect recorded signal
- NOTE: Enhance mode removed
Embedded SDI Record Trigger Pass Through
- Passes through SDI record trigger signal from various cameras to SDI outputs
- Regardless of trigger source, output trigger is ARRI/Canon/Sony standard
In/Out Marker Range Limiting
- Use In/Out Markers to limit range of playback in unit
- Starting play from an In marker will automatically stop at Out Marker
- Select LOOP in Playlist to repeatedly play only the selected In/Out range
NEW FEATURES: ODYSSEY7
Overlays Output On/Off
- Switch on/off OLED overlays to HDMI & SDI outputs
- Select in Output menu
FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS
Apollo
- FIXED Rare file corruption issue
- FIXED 1080p60 signal detection issue
- FIXED Occasional audio delay on SDI & HDMI outputs
- IMPROVED SDI B output carries embedded audio
- IMPROVED Source Naming added to XML file
Odyssey RAW Bundle
- FIXED Rare Canon RAW -> Apple ProRes frame issue
- IMPROVED Sony FS RAW -> Apple ProRes 240p drive spanning enabled
- IMPROVED Sony FS7 4K FS RAW -> 4K/UHD Apple ProRes debayer color fringing issue (yellow artifact at sharp edges)
- IMPROVED Playback Scrubbing artifacts of RAW recordings
- Odyssey7Q+/7Q
- FIXED DPX support for Sony F35
- IMPROVED DPX now supports 1080p60 over HDMI
- IMPROVED Playback of 4K Apple ProRes
- IMPROVED Playback scrubbing artifacts in 4K Apple ProRes
- IMPROVED Reduced display latency in single input HD Apple ProRes
All Devices
- FIXED Guides interaction with Hide function
- FIXED HDMI signal detection from computer sources
- FIXED Timecode issue with HDMI source in Time-of-Day mode
- IMPROVED Device boot-up time
- IMPROVED SDI/HDMI Record Trigger from Panasonic DVX200
- IMPROVED SDI/HDMI Record Trigger from Sony FS5/F5/F55
- IMPROVED Playback without an input connected
- IMPROVED Increased power draw efficiency
SOFTWARE
CD Apple ProRes Transfer Tool v2.4
- For Apollo multitrack recordings, added option to select tracks for offload
- Fixed Windows issues
- Windows and Mac versions available
CD LUT Converter 1.3
- To prevent formatting issues, in the Project and Notes fields these characters are no longer allowed: < > ' " &
- Windows and Mac versions available
Visit the newly-improved Convergent Design website to download the 2016.06 firmware along with manuals, new software apps and to view the new videos.
