SmallHD v. TV Logic

dregenthal

dregenthal

Veteran
I've read both threads (group buys) on the SmallHD and TV Logic and can't make a decision (although I think I'd be happy with either one, I'm looking at the SDI model).
There does not appear to be a "clear winner" between the two.

Does anyone know if there is a comprehensive feature comparison chart anywhere on/between these two?

Thanks.
 
I looked at the features both monitors have at this point in time and went with the TV Logic. The waveform, vectorscope and HDMI-SDI conversion sold me. The SmallHD is user-updateable, which is awesome, but I'd rather have the features now than wait on a firmware update I can install myself.

Both are great monitors. We used the SmallHD on "Verse" which was crucial for setting focus marks (the witness marks were off and we all know the AF100's focus assist isn't terribly precise).
 
I thought TV logic will be charging for firmware upgrades now? SmallHD also has a firmware upgrade procedure also.
 
In Canada anyway, updates are NOT free from TV Logic. Then again, you can argue that there seems to be very little updates from them anyway because the monitor is already near peak performance. SmallHD updates are done by the user for free. As a side note, smallHD is amazing at responding to questions.
 
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I never saw a thread about a SmallHD group buy, but I bought one anyhow.

Most features and potential firmware upgrades have already been mentioned in comparison of TV Logic and SmallHD. The SmallHD is the clear winner as far as a firmware upgrade goes. There are several here who can testify to the SmallHD's capabilities. One point that may seem minor to some, but I admit played a small role in my decision, is that SmallHD bodies are machined from a single block of aluminum.
 
Terry, I was able to secure a Dvxuser price from SmallHD recently a few days ago. Might have been after you bought it.
 
Heero said:
Terry, I was able to secure a Dvxuser price from SmallHD recently a few days ago. Might have been after you bought it.
Click to expand...

I placed my order on Wednesday which is, apparently, the same day you posted the thread about the SmallHD group buy. I just received my order today. I made a phone call to SmallHD and explained the situation to Reed who refunded 10% of my total order which was a good chunk as I had ordered gobs of accessories along with the monitor. They took care of me and I have a great monitor to boot. Thanks for the heads up on the group buy... (which I still don't know how I missed it to begin with).
 
I can testify! Updating it is super simple with the included USB dongle, and rumors are that most of what the tvlogic has over it currently won't be that way for long.
 
Does the tv logic monitor work with 24psf from the camera, meaning can you record to something like the nano and still get a working feed to the monitor? This does not currently work via hdmi for the small HD
 
vcfilms said:
Does the tv logic monitor work with 24psf from the camera, meaning can you record to something like the nano and still get a working feed to the monitor? This does not currently work via hdmi for the small HD
Click to expand...

Is smallHD aware of this this issue?
 
Taylor Rudd said, "we all know the AF100's focus assist isn't terribly precise".


Footage through my Zeiss ZF lenses looks amazing, but I must agree that the 'FA' on the AF100 isn't as good as my Marshall LCD70P-HDMI. I'd like to upgrade my monitor. No Focus in Red in the smallHD, but I love it's form factor, look and USB firmware update option. Obviously if this was the primary focus monitor on Verse then it's more than sufficient for precise focus. The TV logic monitor has the focus assist, scopes and HDMI-SDI conversion and that makes it very attractive for only $51 more (group buy price), but I don't like the 'pay for firmware updates" option.

I'm torn and need some advice from real world users, as it has been difficult to choose between the two.
 
Sherlock256 said:
I don't like the 'pay for firmware updates" option.
Click to expand...

That's not entirely true - the 'cost' of upgrading TVLogic's firmware is through shipping/driving the monitor to a facility where they have the hardware to perform the upgrade, and any associated downtime due to shipping.

Having said that, I'm curious how SmallHD is coming along in matching at least some of the features (WFM, peaking, etc.).
 
I'm not sure of the exact name of the feature, but I used a combination of some line-detection/edge enhancement mode and 1:1 pixel zoom to take marks with the SmallHD. Though I think true peaking/focus in red will be nice.

It's a toss up. Don't buy something that doesn't do exactly what you need it to do right now.
 
mkfotos.com said:
That's not entirely true - the 'cost' of upgrading TVLogic's firmware is through shipping/driving the monitor to a facility where they have the hardware to perform the upgrade, and any associated downtime due to shipping.

Having said that, I'm curious how SmallHD is coming along in matching at least some of the features (WFM, peaking, etc.).
Click to expand...

FYI, smallHD are indeed working on adding scopes but will require you to send in the unit for upgrade. I have no info wether this will be free or not (my hunch is that there will be a fee for this) but at least they are going that direction.
 
Taylor Rudd said:
I'm not sure of the exact name of the feature, but I used a combination of some line-detection/edge enhancement mode and 1:1 pixel zoom to take marks with the SmallHD. Though I think true peaking/focus in red will be nice.

It's a toss up. Don't buy something that doesn't do exactly what you need it to do right now.
Click to expand...

Ahhh.. wisdom that can't be argued with! One step closer to a decision. Thanks.
 
wbrock001 said:
I can testify! Updating it is super simple with the included USB dongle, and rumors are that most of what the tvlogic has over it currently won't be that way for long.
Click to expand...

TV Logic won't be sitting on their hands when it comes to firmware updates. They do not charge for updates, I've had them update my 7" TV Logic since 2008 for free--but yes you need to pay for shipping to and from Preco in Burbank. TV Logic has a lot of extra features right now that are very useful to me, like 2:35 markers in any color, thickness and opacity outside of the aspect area, zoom to 90% in 10% increments, fully adjustable focus in red, scopes that have a blended background or opaque, more logical menu structure for my taste. False color aids, 1:1 pixel mode in quadrants, user aspect ratio, HDMI to HD-SDI converted output. The rental houses that I compete with have bought TV Logics right after I did in the SF Bay Area. Both have their pluses and minuses, but the TV Logic is doing what I need it to do right now.
 
I'm leaning toward the TV logic based on the features above and more. I also like the fact that the HDSDI is on the bottom of the monitor. Any chance somone could post an image of the monitor connected to your AF-100. I'd like to see a real version rather than a CG monitor.
 
No Focus in Red in the smallHD, but I love it's form factor, look and USB firmware update option.

I'm torn and need some advice from real world users, as it has been difficult to choose between the two.[/QUOTE]


Small Hd does have focus assist, but its in white not red. The also have customizable image scaling, full RGB color controls, false color, and 1:1 pixel mapping just to name a few. Just the fact that they have 3G/HD/SDI, HDMI, Component, Composite, USB, and IR Port made this purchase future proof. I looked at Marshall monitors for days online, talked to several Marshall dealers but was not able to demo a unit in Houston Area. I also didn't like the fact I had to pick between HDMI, SDI and other configurations. I finally pulled the trigger on a DP6 SDI after Small HD suggested I try the monitor and if I didn't like it I could return it within a couple days. Here is a link to there feature's on video page http://videos.smallhd.com/
 
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