Odyssey7Q+ will support 4K 10-bit over HDMI

[Mitch Gross]

Our engineers have determined that the Odyssey7Q+ HDMI input will in fact fully support 10-bit video in all accepted resolutions. The support for this functionality will be included in the units shipping in the next few days. The camera needs to send it out such a signal of course. Cameras capable of sending 4K 10-bit video over HDMI include the Panasonic GH4 and the Sony FS7.

 

[Gary T]

Hi Mitch,

That's great news! Can you ask your engineers if the hardware is capable of 4:4:4 support at 1080P?

You also mention something in your letter about the 7Q+ having upgraded SDI capabilities, but I couldn't find anything on your site about this. Can you please provide some technical details?

Thanks again,
Gary

 

[Mitch Gross]

Hi Mitch,

That's great news! Can you ask your engineers if the hardware is capable of 4:4:4 support at 1080P?

You also mention something in your letter about the 7Q+ having upgraded SDI capabilities, but I couldn't find anything on your site about this. Can you please provide some technical details?

Thanks again,
Gary

I'll ask the engineers about the HDMI but I'm pretty sure the answer is no.

I'm reticent to release more info on the SDI connection as it is something specific that cameras are not currently using. If things remain that way (as we suspect they will), then the extra functionality will never be implemented and utilized by Convergent Design. But if I put it in print here then someone will start screaming that they want it right away (even though it is useless right now) and three years from now someone else will point it out as something CD talked about but never fulfilled. I wanted to be totally honest and note that there was this one other difference between the 7Q and the 7Q+, but please believe me when I state that it is inconsequential. If we somehow find a use for it a year from now I'll say "there it is" but we don't see that happening and don't want people mad.

 

[Mitch Gross]

That's great news! Can you ask your engineers if the hardware is capable of 4:4:4 support at 1080P?

Good news, one of the engineers informs me that it appears such a thing is theoretically possible.

Bad news, I can't think of a single camera that outputs it (was there something with the FS100 about this? can't recall). I did at one point talk to the guys developing the Open Source 4K camera, the Apertus Axiom, and this was brought up as a theoretical output. But as far as I know there isn't anyone sending out 4:4:4 in either 8-bit or 10-bit or anything else over HDMI. So, nothing here for us to record. But should such a creature come into existence some day and there was a demand, then I guess it is possible for us to do it.

 

[eddavid]

but maybe possible to grab 4444 pro res over sdi right? Like how the AJA Quad and the PIX 240 can do this - in 12 bit. I don't know though if the O7Q can do 12 bit though right?

 

[Mitch Gross]

but maybe possible to grab 4444 pro res over sdi right? Like how the AJA Quad and the PIX 240 can do this - in 12 bit. I don't know though if the O7Q can do 12 bit though right?

We can already record 12-bit in uncompressed DPX. We do so right now in 2K and HD, recording amazing RGB images out of the C500. We are working on a compressed 12-bit solution as well. When ready, it will be added in a firmware update at no additional charge. We had six firmware updates in 2014.

 

[Gary T]

Good news, one of the engineers informs me that it appears such a thing is theoretically possible.

Bad news, I can't think of a single camera that outputs it (was there something with the FS100 about this? can't recall). I did at one point talk to the guys developing the Open Source 4K camera, the Apertus Axiom, and this was brought up as a theoretical output. But as far as I know there isn't anyone sending out 4:4:4 in either 8-bit or 10-bit or anything else over HDMI. So, nothing here for us to record. But should such a creature come into existence some day and there was a demand, then I guess it is possible for us to do it.

That is great news Mitch and it was actually the FS100's RGB output that I am thinking about. Even though I have heard that the FS100 might not have a true 4:4:4 signal I've been hoping to give it a try. I almost bought a PIX240i before this latest generation of recorders came on the market based on the it's ability to record a HDMI 4:4:4 signal. I'm hoping the next generation of QHD cameras with output 4:4:4 HD signal. I suspect you have quite a bit on your to do list but would this be a lot of work since you already can do a 4:4:4 signal over SDI?

Congrats on the 7Q+! You've made it much harder for your competitors!

Gary

 

[eddavid]

We can already record 12-bit in uncompressed DPX. We do so right now in 2K and HD, recording amazing RGB images out of the C500. We are working on a compressed 12-bit solution as well. When ready, it will be added in a firmware update at no additional charge. We had six firmware updates in 2014.

Yes 6 firmware updates in one year that have made the O7Q the ultimate monster. Time to smoke a cigarette.

 

[lightstrum]

We can already record 12-bit in uncompressed DPX. We do so right now in 2K and HD, recording amazing RGB images out of the C500. We are working on a compressed 12-bit solution as well. When ready, it will be added in a firmware update at no additional charge. We had six firmware updates in 2014.

Good news. Me want