Sound Devices PIX240 - A Camera's Best Friend

By David Jeffries
DP/Technical Specialist
Ohio HD Video & Cine Rental

Often times cameras' internal recorders limit the amount of information you can take from your shoot. More often than not, you will end the day without using the full capabilities of your camera. 


SoundDevices is making the post-production process easier while retaining the most information from the camera with their PIX 240.  This outboard recorder with a built-in monitor allows a user to record directly to an SSD drive or Compact Flash media in very high qualities and direct-to-edit formats.

The PIX-CADDY allows for triple-interface connectivity to the SSD drive including USB 3.0, Firewire 800, and eSATAp; all of which are bus powered making them very versatile for offloading.

The PIX currently supports two codecs: 

-Apple ProRes (Proxy/LT/422/422HQ 10-bit)
-Avid DNxHD 36, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8- and 10-bit

Video inputs include both HD-SDI and HDMI and will cross convert to one another and will output to both simultaneously.  This is a great feature when using a camera that only supports HDMI and you need to feed multiple monitors.  The unit will also Up, Down and Cross Convert 480i 525i, 720p, 1080i and 1080p signals.


In the latest firmware, SoundDevices added more controls including False Color, Zebra Stripes, 1:1 Pixel Mapping, and a Peaking Filter to further allow these recorders to double as camera monitors.

Pros:
-Direct-to-edit, 10-bit files.
-Record triggering using timecode, or through SDI flags for a variety of camera systems.
-Clear identification of when the unit is recording.
-Monitor picture controls and features to assist with exposure and focus.
-Can support up to 8 channels of audio over an SDI line.
-Unit includes two analog XLR inputs.
-Will serve as a highly accurate timecode and genlock generator.
-Powered through Sony L-Series batteries, D-Tap, or AC power supply.

Drawbacks:
-Screen resolution is only 800x480
  -While the resolution is less than that of an HD monitor, it still has an excellent picture.
-If mounting to a camera, the unit can be a bit heavy.
  -When using (2) Sony InfoLithium L-Series batteries the weight comes to about four pounds.

There are not many functions this outboard video recorder cannot do (and they keep expanding its functions).  It will be sure to speed up your production and post-production times, while utilizing the maximum output capabilities of your camera.


For more information about the Sound Devices PIX240 or to inquire about a rental please contact Ohio HD Video & Cine Rental.

Nexto Video Storage Pro+ NVS2525 makes field data easier to wrangle

Ohio HD Video has just added a really cool device for everyone who has been struggling with a data solution for the field. Weather you shoot Compact Flash, SD Cards, SxS or P2 solid-state cards this one button back-up solution may be your answer.

The Nexto Video Storage Pro+ NVS2525 is designed to back up a 32GB SxS or P2 card in seven minutes, at up to 80MB per second. It then performs verification, comparing the file on the card to the file on the hard disk to make sure the data is copied accurately (this takes the same time again). At the end of each backup, it automatically generates an html-based Index file containing a decoded frame and metadata that can be viewed in any web browser.

For reviewing footage as thumbnails or to preview video clips, the NVS2525 has an LCD screen and can preview XDCAM EX or many other formats including Convergent Design nanoFlash files, HDV and most Panasonic DVCPro, AVCHD and AVC-Intra files.

It allows users to plug in a second eSATA or USB hard drive to generate a second copy without needing a laptop. It can also burn back-up folders to a Blu-ray drive.

If video files contain a bad sector they might not load onto a computer for editing, so the NVS2525 recovers bad sectors to make a useable file. Although a few frames may be lost, the rest can then be used.

The NextoVideo Storage Pro+ NVS2525 is now available for your next shoot @ Ohio HD Video & Film Rental