VaricamLT: Monitor compatibility in 4k

S

Straw Man

Active member
Is anyone able to break down simply how the Varicam LT handles SDI-out monitoring when recording in 4k internally? Obviously most monitors are not 4k panels and you're going to be monitoring in HD, but I want to make sure there aren't compatibility issues I'm unaware of. For example some monitor not being able to handle a 4k signal to give you a downscaled HD version. Is this downscale always handled by the LT therefore working with any monitor that has an SDI input?

From the manual:

HD (1920×1080) is always output as the output from the <SDI OUT 1>/<SDI OUT 2>/<VF SDI> terminals regardless of the [MENU] → [SYSTEM SETTINGS] → [SYSTEM MODE] → [MAIN PIXEL] settings.

That seems like the answer to my question; just plug into SDI OUT 1 and the LT will send an HD signal to whatever SDI monitor I hook up. Right? Just being extra sure, as I'm new to 4k and don't make a rookie mistake. I'm looking at the ikan VX9w-S as a field playback monitor, as it seems to be a good bang for the buck and I'm not concerned about top of the line color accuracy and brightness since I've got the Panasonic EVF as my main.

I got spooked because I asked an Ikan guy on the phone and he gave me a weird answer about 12G-SDI and HDMI 4k. I assume he thought I meant I wanted to see a 4k image and didn't get my question.
 
The SDI outputs on the LT are always 1080 unless you set the camera to output Raw. It doesn't matter what resolution the camera is set to internally. The SDI outs are 3G SDI, which can only go up to 1080.

Panasonic COULD POSSIBLY enable Dual Link output which would let you connect two cables to a monitor for 4k. I don't know if the hardware is actually capable of that and if they have any plans to do so.

The EVA-1 is supposed to have a 6G SDI output which would allow 4k monitoring with one cable (at certain frame rates).

If the camera is set to output raw, then SDI 1 and 2 will only work with an Odyssey or Atomos at the moment. The VF SDI out will continue to output 1080 no matter what.

Finally, keep in mind that SDI 1 & 2 outputs will output PsF video when shooting 23.98 material. Most monitors can accept this just fine, but many converters have problems with this format.

I don't believe 12G SDI has been ratified by SMPTE so you'll only really see Blackmagic Design hardware with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top