When Convergent Design brought their Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q to market, they combined the power of OLED monitoring and external 4K recording into one affordable unit. At NAB, Director of Communications Mitch Gross gave us a rundown on the new features of the 7Q, as well as some we can expect to see in the future, including 4-in-1 recording (to add to their 4-in-1 monitoring) that allows you to record four different sources at once.

Though that feature is still in the works, Convergent Design has announced that a new firmware update (v3.10.100) is now available. It adds some great new features and fixes to both the Odyssey7 and 7Q, the most exciting of which, however, is unequivocally 4K Apple ProRes recording support for the 7Q. We've got all of the new stuff listed below, but if you prefer to learn by watching Mitch Gross explaining it all as a puppet (who can honestly say they don't prefer that?), then check out this video by Ross Gerbasi.


New Features

  • Refreshed User InterfaceNewly simplified menus with easier, intuitive access to all functions.
  • HDMI Record TriggerStart/stop Odssey7 or Odyssey7Q on cameras supporting a trigger pulse over HDMI (Sony: FS700, FS100, a7S, etc., Canon: C100, 1DC, 5D mk3, etc.)
  • HDMI Timecode SupportFeed timecode to Odyssey7 or Odyssey7Q on cameras supporting timecode over HDMI (Sony: FS700, FS100, a7S, etc., Canon: C100, 1DC, 5D mk3, etc.)
  • Analog Audio InputRecord analog audio on Odyssey7 or Odyssey7Q via 3.5mm AUD IN port. Two- channel unbalanced or one-channel balanced input with gain adjustment from -99 to +44dB.
  • Headphone MuteOn/Off control for AUD OUT port.
  • Selectable Project Rate for HD Apple ProRes Recordings: In 1080p, Project Rate can now be set from 23.98 – 60fps or FOLLOWS INPUT.
  • Playback MarkersIn PLAY mode, reference up to 16 In & 16 Out points per clip. Used in conjunction with new CD APPLE PRORES TRANSFER UTILITY 1.4.4, a Final Cut Pro XML can transfer Markers to FCPX, FCP7, Adobe Premier and Resolve 10 & 1

New Features (Odyssey7Q Only)

  • 4K/UHD Apple ProRes Recording4K (4096×2160) Apple ProRes 422(HQ) at 23.98, 25 and 29.97 fps UHD (3840×2160) Apple ProRes 422(HQ) at 23.98, 25 and 29.97 fps Input via 4x SDI with full playback & scrubbing
  • 2K Apple ProRes Recording2K (2048×1080) Apple ProRes 422(HQ) at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94 fps
  • FS7OO 4K RAW to UHD Apple ProResWith SONY FS RAW Record Option, input 4K RAW from FS7/FS700 and record UHD (3840×2160) video in Apple ProRes 422(HQ) at 23.98, 25 and 29.97 fps. Capture in S-Log2, REC709 or REC709(800%).

Fixes and Improvements

  • Fixed HDMI input legalization
  • Fixed Image tearing with interlaced & PSF signals
  • Fixed Pixel Zoom image blackout when dragged to corner IMPROVED PLAY mode audio sync
  • Fixed PLAY mode for ARRIRAW 24p
  • Improved PLAY mode scrubbing of RAW recordings IMPROVED PLAY mode RAW playback artifacts

If you already own an Odyssey and want to download the new firmware (v3.10.100), as well as instructions and the latest Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q manuals, just head on over to Convergent Design. (Remember, you'll need an Odyssey SSD or Odyssey Utility Drive to get the update.) If you don't already own one, now might be a great time to snag one. The Odyssey7Q is still available at a discounted price of $1800, thought for a limited time, making it, as well as the $1300 Odyssey7 quite affordable for filmmakers wanting to find a OLED monitor/4K recorder combo on a budget.

Source: Convergent Design Firmware Downloads