Announced back in October and as of last week shipping worldwide, Convergent Design‘s brand new Apollo portable multi-camera recorder/switcher has been awaited by many professionals working in the broadcast world. Some of the main features of the Apollo are that it can simultaneously record up to 4 x Full HD video signals, along with a fifth channel of either a Live-Switch between the four or a Quad-Split reference view. Convergent Design’s Apollo can also function as a four-channel live switcher while simultaneously recording the four isolated HD video signals. The Apollo also ports the same beautiful 7.7-inch 1280 x 800 OLED touch screen monitor from its brethren – the Odyssey7Q+ 4K Raw recorder.
The size of a small tablet and able to run for hours on a camcorder battery, Apollo is truly portable and the only device of its kind that can both record multiple HD camera feeds as well as live-switch between them. It’s a production studio in the palm of your hand.
All cameras stay in perfect sync with matching timecode. A single SSD contains all of the multi-camera media, dramatically reducing turnaround time for post. There are two SSD slots on Apollo, allowing for twice the record time or (coming soon) mirror recording for safety backup. Just like the Odyssey family, the Apollo utilises industry-standard 2.5” SSD media, which can be either manufactured by Convergent Design, available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities, or qualified 3rd party SSDs such as the Samsung 1TB 850 EVO.
Mitch Gross from Convergent explains the features of the new Apollo below.
“Apollo is designed to answer many modern production needs.” said Convergent Design President Mike Schell.
“Field producers can take it on location, record from any four HD cameras, view a quad-split playback on the way home and drop all four cameras in perfect sync into a single timeline to dive immediately into an edit. Reality programs shot in cramped cars with tiny cameras can slip Apollo in the glove box or under a seat. A concert performance can be captured by recording four camera ISOs along with recording a Line Cut that can also be sent to a large live display at the venue.
Live-streamed events can be covered with four-camera switching without having to bring in a large flypack. Apollo can also be used as a secondary recorder/monitor; using our battery & wireless video receiver bracket makes for a great handheld Director’s Monitor. And Apollo’s advanced built-in Image Analysis tools can be used to match the cameras during setup. Apollo addresses many modern multicamera field production needs in a single 1” thick device.”
Using the CD Apple ProRes Transfer Tool, recordings can be exported as separate Apple ProRes files with matching timecode and file names, or in the future as a single multi-camera QuickTime file that drops directly into the timeline of supporting NLEs.
Convergent Design Apollo Highlights and Features
- 7.7″ 1280×800 OLED Touchscreen Monitor
- Four Input Switching and Recording
- Records to Convergent Design SSDs
- Compatible with Select Samsung SSDs
- HD Recording over SDI or HDMI
- ProRes Recording
- 3G-SDI Inputs/Outputs, HDMI In/Out
- Image Analysis Tools
- Built-in LUTs & Custom 3D LUT Support
- Program Camera Indication
Additional functions are planned for release in the first quarter of 2016, including two-channel 4K/UHD video recording, DNxHD recording, and cascade interconnect between up to three Apollos for up to twelve HD channel or six 4K/UHD channel simultaneous recording. According to the latest Convergent Design press release these and other additional functions will be made available via a free firmware update. A remote keypad control unit will be offered along with a rack mount and other accessories.
Apollo is available now through Convergent Design’s worldwide dealer network for $3995 US, with an SSD to USB3 adapter, a 5-pack of SSD mounting handles, and a universal AC power supply included. Owners of the Convergent Design Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7Q+ can purchase an Apollo Option for their devices as an upgrade for $1795.
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