Convergent Design Adds Features to Apollo Monitor/Recorder/Switcher
By Jim Bask
Convergent Design announces new features for the Apollo Monitor/Recorder/Switcher. The new A/V Align feature allows the synchronization between multiple cameras to be shifted. Each input can be adjusted for delay individually, and then video and audio delay separately adjusted. This allows for the mixing of brands and models of cameras that can introduce varying amounts of delay to the video and audio outputs. A simple touchscreen interface allows the inputs to be quickly and easily adjusted, and the system will remember the settings for future use. A/V Align is designed to save hours of tedious work in post, manually syncing the audio and video tracks for each clip.
In Live-Switch mode, Apollo adds dissolves to what was previously a cuts-only switcher. Three dissolve speeds are available and the operator can switch between cuts and dissolves during recording via a touchscreen button.
Two SSD slots provide extended record times or the option for recording identical files simultaneously to both SSDs. Double Master Recording provides an immediate safety copy of the files. A client can leave with an SSD as soon as the shoot wraps, while the DP retains a copy.
Eight-Channel Audio is now enabled for Apple ProRes recording. The eight-channel audio is for embedded audio tracks via SDI or HDMI. It is available in all resolutions, including Dual-4K and Quad-HD. Apple ProRes HQ/422/LT are also supported. There are numerous additional new features and improvements in the upcoming firmware update, and a new edition of the CD Apple ProRes Transfer Tool with its own new functions.
Apollo features a touchscreen interface with a 7.7-inch OLED panel for viewing true blacks and accurate colors. It includes two SDI outputs, one HDMI output and monitor outputs for switched or quad view.
“Apollo is unique,” says Convergent Design’s President, Mike Schell. “It already had capabilities beyond what any other device delivers. We knew we could do more and we listened carefully to our clients. So in addition to some features we already had in the works, we’re introducing some unique functionality requested by the people in the field using our product. Our new Align function is unlike anything anyone has ever offered before.”
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