cool new toy #1: nanoFlash

rs170a wrote on 7/10/2008, 5:37 PM

It won't be out until September but the nanoFlash ($3500 U.S. list) portable HD Recorder/Player from Convergent Design sure looks interesting.
It records video, audio and time code from an HD-SDI stream onto memory cards using 4:2:2 (MPEG-2) compression. The unit measures 4.2x3.7x1.4 inches and, powered by the camera battery, consumes less than 10W.
HD Studio did an article on it.
Detailed info is on the Convergent site.

Mike

Comments

farss wrote on 7/10/2008, 9:43 PM

Looks very good, although we'll probably get the full version.
The other similar but more expensive solution is the Wafian Cineform recorder.
Convergent Design make some great stuff, I have to say that as we've sold quite a bit of their gear :)
One concern is that Vegas doesn't seem to let me render mpeg-2 at 4:2:2.

Bob.

Coursedesign wrote on 7/10/2008, 11:05 PM

One concern is that Vegas doesn't seem to let me render mpeg-2 at 4:2:2.

I'm only aware of this higher level being available in top-of-the-line encoders like Cinema Craft (CCE), which also allow modifying parameters that even the midrange encoders can't touch. It really scratches all the itches...

CCE SP2 is nice, but $1950 is steep.

The less expensive but very highly capable $795.00 Cinema Craft MP encoder plug-in is evaluated in this review.

That's the only one I know about today that goes to MPEG_HL@422.

corug7 wrote on 7/11/2008, 8:42 AM

Bob,

I'm pretty sure all you have to do is switch the Mainconcept plug-in to High Profile under the video tab, then the sampling format is able to be changed. I just created a Program Stream with these settings without any problems.

I don't believe Main Profile allows for the 4:2:2 sampling format, although some encoders may allow you to skirt this.