Is it possible to record the two channels of audio from SDI/HDMI as well as the two channels from the Nanoflash audio input jack simultaneously into a single file with four channels of uncompressed audio?

Dear Gints,

We are researching this.

If at all possible, we will be adding this feature. This is not a promise, but this is our goal.

Dan,

I think this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum, but I don't remember where it was so I'll ask again here.

Is CD planning to add the third and fourth audio channels via the SDI stream in an update soon? For cameras that allow access to all four channels discretely, not being able to transmit all four channels to the nano is serious problem.

Honestly, it isn't often that I record something different to all four channels, but it does happen occasionally. What does happen quite often is that I set manual levels with no limiter on channels 1 & 2, while channels 3 & 4 are set to record the same thing with limiters and/or auto level as a safety measure.

Remember that audio through HDMI is lossy compressed sound. If you dig mp3 sound you will dig HDMI audio.

A better solution for a new rev. of the nanoflash would be stereo mini inputs that could be used for "balanced" audio inputs. Obviously this would require a hardware change inside the unit as well.

Dan,

I think this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum, but I don't remember where it was so I'll ask again here.

Is CD planning to add the third and fourth audio channels via the SDI stream in an update soon? For cameras that allow access to all four channels discretely, not being able to transmit all four channels to the nano is serious problem.

Honestly, it isn't often that I record something different to all four channels, but it does happen occasionally. What does happen quite often is that I set manual levels with no limiter on channels 1 & 2, while channels 3 & 4 are set to record the same thing with limiters and/or auto level as a safety measure.

Dear Steve,

Short Answer: Yes.

Long Answer: Yes, we are actively working on it, it is very high on our priority list.
We have some technical hurdles to overcome, so stay tuned.

Thanks, Dan!

Remember that audio through HDMI is lossy compressed sound. If you dig mp3 sound you will dig HDMI audio.

A better solution for a new rev. of the nanoflash would be stereo mini inputs that could be used for "balanced" audio inputs. Obviously this would require a hardware change inside the unit as well.

Dear Andrew,

Sorry, but HDMI sound is not MP3 quality audio.

HDMI supports a wide range of audio bit-rates, word-lengths, etc.

Here is a link to a discussion of HDMI.

HDMI - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI)

Hi Dan,

I stand corrected. Apologize for any confusion caused.

Dear Andrew,

No problem at all.

I was trying to word it so it would not sound harsh, I hope I didn't.

Our audio is actually very good quality. 24-bit, 48K.

Just a quick update on the planned 8-channel audio support, which is planned for a December release. It now looks likely that we can add two channels of analog audio to the two channels of HD-SDI embedded audio, thus creating a 4-channel recorder. We may be able to also add the HDMI audio channels, but cannot promise this just yet.

Best-

Amazing. You are building a unique recording machine.

Mike,

Thanks for the update. FYI, I wonder why you guys are spending time trying to make 8 channel audio recording available through the SDI stream. I don't know of many sources that would be able to provide more than four. If you're speaking of cameras and VTRs, I think that's the limit.

Even though HD can handle more than that (up to 16, I think), 8 channels might be overkill for 99% of the applications. Of course, I'm sure there are audio guys who are mixing multiple channels of audio and then embedding them into an SDI stream, although I have never seen it happen.

The only reason I bring it up is because I wondered if it is harder to embed eight channels than four. If it's no harder, then you might as well go crazy, eh? I'm just saying that most of us would be happy with four... I hope I reflect the feelings of the general production community accurately. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm off-target here. :-)

Mike,

Thanks for the update. FYI, I wonder why you guys are spending time trying to make 8 channel audio recording available through the SDI stream. I don't know of many sources that would be able to provide more than four. If you're speaking of cameras and VTRs, I think that's the limit.

Even though HD can handle more than that (up to 16, I think), 8 channels might be overkill for 99% of the applications. Of course, I'm sure there are audio guys who are mixing multiple channels of audio and then embedding them into an SDI stream, although I have never seen it happen.

The only reason I bring it up is because I wondered if it is harder to embed eight channels than four. If it's no harder, then you might as well go crazy, eh? I'm just saying that most of us would be happy with four... I hope I reflect the feelings of the general production community accurately. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm off-target here. :-)

Hi Steve-
We're getting requests from some of the networks for 8-channel audio to support 5.1 Dolby encoding. Assuming our new approach works OK, it's not any more difficult to go from 4 to 8 channels of audio. We know it's an overkill for most applications, but we do have some customers that require the extra capacity.

Best-

Mike,

I know you guys are trying to please everyone with the amazing nano and XDR. It's great that you've got the attention of the networks with this little wonder.

Thanks,
Steve

Dear Steve,

I was speaking with a major studio yesterday.

They wanted a minimum of 6 audio channels. Less than 6 was a deal breaker.

Luckily, we were already working on our 8-Channel audio feature.

Hello Mike,
I would love to be able to work with 8-channel audio for live events this would allow us to do the final mixdown in post.

Just a quick update on the planned 8-channel audio support, which is planned for a December release. It now looks likely that we can add two channels of analog audio to the two channels of HD-SDI embedded audio, thus creating a 4-channel recorder.


Yay! and Bravo!

David
AllinOneFilms.com

Now I'm wondering about the use as a multi-track audio recorder. I've done a lot of those multi-camera shoots where we could have used more channels to record audio than were available on any or all of the VTRs available.

So, the questions are:
How does one get multi-channel audio into the nano (or FlashXDR) via the SDI input without using a camera to do the embedding? Are there inexpensive multi-channel audio embedders available?
Will an embedder add the necessary info for the SDI stream so that a video source isn't necessary?
Can the nano record audio without video now through the analog input?

Sorry about the elementary questions. Embedding and de-embedding isn't something I've done without the help of a camera, which does all of that for me.

Dear Steve,

The nanoFlash is not designed as a stand-alone multi-track audio recorder.

The major limitation is that we require video to record audio. Obviously we could change this in the future, but we are working on other features at this time.

The plan is to record up to 8 channels of audio from the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI, but have not confirmed this fact at this moment).

And we plan to be able to add the 2 channels of analog audio to supplement the audio coming in via the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI).

Most cameras send two channels of audio over the HD-SDI or HDMI.

Some higher end cameras send four or more channels over the HD-SDI.

HDCam SR tape decks and other high-end sources can send many channels of audio over HD-SDI.

HD-SDI audio embedders can add multiple channels of audio to an HD-SDI signal.


We expect the most common cases will be a camera with two or four channels of audio being sent over HD-SDI, which we can supplement with our analog audio inputs (24-bit/48K/2 channel/mic or consumer line level) to create 4 or 6 channels.

Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection.

With our 100/140/180 Mbps Long-GOP modes, one can record and playback exceptional quality video for projection. There are quite a few advantages to have all all solid-state, no-moving parts, reliable playback device such as the nanoFlash.




For your questions:

1. Yes, there are HD-SDI audio embedders available, but we need a video signal also, at least at this time.

2. We need video along with the audio.

3. No.

I hope this helps.

Dan,

Thanks for all of the extra info besides just the short answer... very helpful, as always.

Steve

"Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection."

If the theater chains ever finally make the change to digital projection, can you imagine the cost savings of using compact flash cards and a nano flash for playout?
-no more film stock costs
-no more production of multiple 35mm copies for distribution
-no more shipping of reels 2 ways
-no more physical film damage or degraded viewing from repeated runs through the film projector mechanical path
-lower maintenance costs of projection equipment with the removal of mechanically moving parts
-possibly an encryption method at both ends to foil piracy?