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Odyssey 7/7Q Update: Higher Prores frame rates, new recording modes & more!

Written by Patrick Jong Taylor | Aug 21, 2014 9:00:00 AM
Conergent Design Odyssey upgrade

While many of us are patiently waiting for the Atomos Shogun 4K HDMI recorder, Convergent Design reminds us that they already have an SDI 4K and other recorders on the market, now made better with a recent firmware update.

I'm sure that many Sony A7s owners and Panasonic GH4 owners (at least the ones who didn't purchase the optional Panasonic DMW-YAGH Interface Unit) are excited about the upcoming Atomos Shogun, which, as of this writing, is still the only 4K HDMI recorder announced. If you're one of these people, your wait will continue at least a couple of months, as the Shogun is slated to arrive sometime in mid-October.

If your camera has SDI-out, however, you don't have to wait at all. Convergent Design's Odyssey 7Q will record your 4K footage right now. And due to a recent firmare upgrade (2.11.110) which affects the 7Q and its HD-only cousin, the Odyssey 7, your recording options just got better.

Here are some of the firmware update highlights for these popular combination recorder-monitors:

  • Higher Prores 422 HQ frame rates (1080p 50; 1080p 59.94)
  • Integrated deck control and scrubbing in play mode
  • Selectable pixel zoom drag
  • New POV RAW Recrod option for purchase or rent (7Q only)
  • Canon C500 high speed RAW (7Q only)
  • Sony FS700 4K2HD recording to 60p (7Q only)
  • Various other fixes and improvements (7Q only)

Check out the full press release from Convergent Design after the page break.


Press Release: Odyssey7 & Odyssey7Q Firmware 2.11.110 Released

Today Convergent Design releases a firmware update for the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q. This release adds features, improves current functions and fixes some previous issues.

Highlights of the new firmware include:

NEW FEATURES

Higher Frame Rates For Apple ProRes 422(HQ) In 1080p 

Apple ProRes 422(HQ) recording is now enabled in 1080p50 and 1080p59.94.

Integrated Deck Control And Scrubbing in Play Mode

Scrubbing through clips is now available both while the file is playing as well as when it is paused.

Selectable Pixel Zoom Drag Orientation

When using the finger drag function to select the section of the image visible in Pixel Zoom function, the drag orientation can be set to follow the finger move (drag the image) or oppose the finger move (drag the window).

NEW FEATURES – RECORD OPTIONS (Odyssey7Q Only)

New POV RAW Record Option Available For Purchase or Rent

The POV RAW Record Option is for various special function cameras with RAW output. The RAW data is captured as Cinema DNG files. The POV RAW Record Option is $1495 to purchase or $99/day to rent through the Convergent Design website.

The cameras currently supported include the IO Industries Flare 2KSDI and the Indiecam indieGS2K. Supported RAW formats for these cameras are as follows.

IO Industries Flare 2KSDI 2048x1080 23.98 – 60p 10-bit RAW

IO Industries Flare 2KSDI 1920x1080 23.98 – 60p 10-bit RAW

Indiecam indieGS2K 2048x1080 23.98 – 60p 10-bit RAW

Indiecam indieGS2K 1920x1080 23.98 – 120p 10-bit RAW

Indiecam indieGS2K 1920x1080 23.98 – 60p 12-bit RAW

Canon C500 High Speed RAW SupportCanon Cinema RAW “4K Half RAW” mode 4096x1080 is supported at 50p/60p and 100p/120p. The Odyssey7Q currently supports the original full frame height version of the Canon 4K half RAW, not the “4Kx1K” cropped mode. Only the highest frame rates in the Slow & Fast modes are currently supported.

Sony FS700 4K2HD Recording Up To 60p

FS700 4K RAW to HD Apple ProRes 422(HQ) is now available up to 60p (59.94). 50p is also available.

FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS

FIXED Time of Day timecode issue

FIXED Backward file compatibility during firmware updates

FIXED “Ticking” audio after 720p file recovery

FIXED Black dots in live image when overexposing or white-clipping

FIXED False-triggering when Odyssey set to camera trigger

FIXED Timecode triggering in 720p

FIXED False “Warranty Void” notice on some units from previous firmware

FIXED 1080psf audio sync issue in Playback

FIXED Pixel Zoom mode distorting of image on OLED

IMPROVED Touchscreen response

IMPROVED Touchscreen recalibrates by engaging F1 Lock button

Go to www.convergent-design.com/firmware-downloads.html to download the latest firmware, update instructions, firmware release notes, quick-start guides, and the latest Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q manuals.

An Odyssey SSD or Odyssey Utility Drive is required to perform the update.