Gemini 4:4:4 - Avid DNxHD Support

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Friends,

Here is a press release that we will be sending out tomorrow.

We are announcing it here on DVInfo.net first.

Convergent Design to add Avid DNxHD to Gemini 4:4:4 Recorder

(27-February-2012, Colorado Springs, CO USA) Convergent Design will soon enhance the award-winning Gemini 4:4:4™ recorder with the addition of the Avid DNxHD® codec. Expected sometime in 3rd quarter 2012, the upgrade will be available via a free firmware upgrade to all registered users.

The Avid DNxHD codec implementation will support 1080p24/25/30, 1080i50/60, and 720p50/60 at bit-rates of 220, 145, or 36 Mbps. The recorded Quicktime® (.mov) files will be compatible with a wide range of NLE programs, including Media Composer™, Premiere, Vegas, Edius, and Final Cut Pro.

Gemini 4:4:4 users can continue to enjoy the ultimate quality of uncompressed RGB 4:4:4 (with Log support) for high-end productions such as feature films, commercials, green-screen, VFX, or stock footage, with the option to switch to the highly regarded Avid DNxHD codec for less demanding work, such as television, corporate, or web media. Avid DNxHD offers greater record times, smaller file sizes and faster transfer speeds. For example, using two 1.8" 512GB SSDs, users can record, without interruption, up to 1.4 hours of 1080p24 RGB 4:4:4 uncompressed or an amazing 12 hours of this same format in YCbCr 4:2:2, compressed at the highest quality. The transfer time for 60 minutes of this video (to a fast RAID) using the upcoming Gemini Thunderbolt SSD adaptor, will be 32 minutes for uncompressed or a blazingly fast 4 minutes for the compressed version.

Sporting a high-bright 5.0" LCD and winner of four prestigious awards, Gemini 4:4:4 continues to lead the industry in terms of weight, size, and power. The addition of Avid DNxHD coupled with 3D support and the anticipated certification of ARRI® ALEXA ARRIRAW (both extra-cost options, expected in March), enhances Gemini 4:4:4 as the most portable, full-featured recorder on the market.

The Gemini 4:4:4 production kit includes the rugged milled-aluminum Gemini Recorder, SSD transfer station, and associated cables housed in a custom fitted hard case. Utilizing leading-edge technology, Gemini 4:4:4 costs up to 75% less than most competing solutions, while providing equal or better quality.

See Gemini 4:4:4 in action at your local authorized Convergent Design dealer, at CABSAT booth S1-A10 (28-Feb to 1-Mar); at NAB booth C9918 (16-19 April); and at Cinegear Expo booth S220 (1-2 June).

Learn more by visiting Convergent Design | Professional Video Recorders | Gemini 444, nanoFlash, nano3D or by calling: Dan Keaton ++803-278-0941 or Amber Cowles at ++720-221-3861.


Avid, Avid DNxHD, and Media Composer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. Quicktime is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. ARRI is a registered trademark of Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co.

[Chris Medico]

Excellent news Dan.

That is going to make for a powerful piece of gear. Having a choice of reasonable compression up to uncompressed in one box is great. You will be able to tailor the recording format to the needs of the project.

Looking forward to when its available.

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Chris,

Thank you very much!

[Eugen Oprina]

Dan,
Are you also planning to add ProRes encoding to Gemini in the near fututre?
Thanks,
Eugen

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Eugen,

We considered adding ProRes.

One of the reasons we held back was the uncertainty caused by Apple's switch from Final Cut Pro 7, to Final Cut Pro X.

For Final Cut Pro users, one can easily download and install the Avid DNxHD codecs. These are available free. And Avid DNxHD is a very well respected codec.

Then one can easily use the Avid DNxHD codec in Final Cut Pro, Compressor and other programs.

And one can mix and match ProRes and Avid DNxHD clips on the same timeline.

But, I hope everyone understands, we try hard to listen to our customers.

[Eugen Oprina]

Thank you very much Dan for your prompt answer.
I"ll make some tests tomorrow with DNxHD footage and FCP X to see how it works.
Another short question, when are you planning to upgrade Gemini for dual stream 3D recording and what would be the price for this?
My best,
Eugen

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Eugen,

Yes, we have announced a 3D Option for the Gemini 4:4:4.

This will record two stream of video, with this option, provided that the two cameras are gen-locked.

The 3D Option is $1,995.

The two streams of video, can be two separate cameras, not in a 3D configuration, provided the cameras are genlocked.

And to be clear, only one Gemini 4:4:4 (with the 3D Option) is required, not two Gemini 4:4:4's.

[Emmanuel Plakiotis]

Dear Dan,
Will it support Dnxhd444 and/or 1080p50/60?

[David C. Williams]

Even 4:2:2 1080/60P uncompressed would be fantastic, but that in DNxHD and it would replace many HD-SDI recorders such as the Ki Mini and Samurai even at the extra cost for Sony F3 owners.

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Friends,

Yes, when we releease our free Avid DNxHD firmware upgrade for the Gemini 4:4:4, it will include the ability to record 1080p50, 1080p59.94 and 1080p60.

We have not yet promised Avid DNxHD 444. We need to obtain a license from Avid to include this flavor.
We will announce this if we determine that we can implement it.

[Emmanuel Plakiotis]

I think 444 is a must for many future buyers.
Also you mean 50/60p with DNxHD, not uncompressed?

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Friends,

We expect to have an announcement on full uncompressed 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, and 1080p60 for the Gemini 4:4:4 soon, some time this month.

1080p29.97 and 1080p30 are implemented and tested in a new firmware release which is scheduled for release this month.

1080p50 and above are in work and may be included in the same firmware release.

Our roadmap includes support for 1080p50, 1080p59.94 and 1080p60 in Avid DNxHD also.