In fact -- Odyssey users can think of Apollo as an answer to the much desired quad recording option for the OLED 7Q/7Q+ recorders/monitors -- except without the 4K recording. However, Convergent Design is offering 7Q/7Q+ users Apollo functionality through a paid upgrade.
The Apollo has several features that are exciting new additions to CD's already popular line of recorder/monitors. It can simultaneously record up to four HD video signals, along with a fifth channel of either a live-switch between the four or a quad-split reference view. Users can also utilize the Apollo as a four-channel live switcher, while recording four individual HD video signals simultaneously. You're not going to see a difference in terms of size and weight between the Apollo and the 7Q/7Q+, which means that this thing is highly portable -- a feature that was missing in similar products until now.
Convergent Design is also offering the Apollo Media Manager App, with which "recordings can be exported as separate Apple ProRes files or as a single multicamera QuickTime file that drops directly into the timeline of supporting NLEs such as Final Cut Pro-X."
Here is a list of Apollo's specs and features:
Recording
- HD video recording, up to four signals simultaneously
- 1080p24 / 1080p30 / 1080i60 / 720p60 (60hz territories)
- 1080p25 / 1080i50/720p50 (50hz territories)
- Apple ProRes HQ/422/LT
- Record four HD signals and one quad-split view
- Record four HD signals and one live switch
- Up to four SDI inputs or three SDI & one HDMI
- Embedded audio or analog input
- Loss of any signal does not interrupt recording of other channels
- Apollo Media Manager App outputs four separate files or one master multi-camera QuickTime for simplified post
- Dual SSDs allow spanning (long record time) or mirroring (simultaneous backup)
- 3.5 hours recording time at highest quality [2TB of 4x HD signals & live switch, 1080p30, Apple ProRes 422(HQ); 8.5 hours in Apple ProRes 422(LT)]
Switching/Monitoring
- No Genlock required
- Touchscreen interface
- Monitor outputs for switched or quad view
- Two SDI outputs, one HDMI output
- Preset or Custom Monitoring LUTs
- Image Analysis tools: False Color, Focus Assist, Histogram, Pixel Zoom, Spot Meter, Vectorscope, Waveform, and Zebra
- 7.7” OLED panel for true blacks and accurate colors
Other Specs
- 7.9”x6.1”x1” / 20×15.5×2.5 cm
- 1.2lbs. / 560g
- Under 20w power draw, 6.5-34v with battery mounts available
- Two 2.5” SSD slots (Convergent Design SSDs or qualified 3rd party models)
- Magnesium case / Gorilla Glass cover / stick-on/peel-off screen protector
- No fans or vents
Additional features in free firmware update (Early 2016)
- Dual 4K/UHD recording (Apple ProRes in 24p, 25p, 30p)
- DNxHD recording
- Record XML file Edit Decision List from Live Switch
- Remote keyboard control pad
- Audio delay
- On-screen source naming
- Cascade interconnect for 12-channel HD / 6-channel 4K recording
If you want to learn a little bit more about what the Apollo has to offer, News Shooter was able to ask Mitch Gross of Convergent Design about the Apollo, and you can hear their conversation below:
Convergent Design is selling the Apollo for $4000 and will start shipping in December. Click here to learn more about the Apollo.
Source: Apollo
