In the pro video world SDI is the standard and has been for some time. Every year more high end cameras with not so great internal codecs and are used by pros are released with HDMI outputs only. This is frustrating for several reasons.
The main one is the connection is poor. The cable isn’t secured like an SDI locking barrel connector. It simply plugs in. It’s also fragile and can easily snap off inside the camera.
The other is no real standardized protocol for triggering an external recorder and passing timecode. This is a bigger problem. it’s not fun duel recording the camera and the external recorder. I always do because sometimes things can go wrong with external recorders and I need some insurance. The C100 and Sony FS100 and FS700 work great with Atomos recorders. Both Sony and Canon worked with Atomos so the recorders via HDMI pass timecode and trigger start and stop making using them a much better experience.
Now Atomos has released a new HDMI protocol standard and is giving it away for free to anyone that wants to add the feature to the device. I think this is a brilliant move by Atomos. They took the lead so camera manufactures didn’t have to develop it and it becomes a new standard making it easier for Atomos to get reliable functionality with their recorders regardless of the camera manufacturer.
Here is a list of cameras that are compatible with Atomos recorders.
Hopefully Panasonic will add this new Atomos protocol for HDMI to the GH4with a new firmware update.
Click here to Download press release (PDF) from Atomos
Additionally to help HDMI become more robust Atomos has new cables and adapters. Below is a quote from the Atomos press release.
“Initially we developed these cables purely to support the Ninja Star, our lightweight, pocket size ProRes recorder”, said Jeromy Young, “but after consulting with our user base we soon discovered no one had yet developed a complete range of HDMI cables purely for ProVideo users in our space Available from August 15th the range of HDMI cables includes a right angled HDMI micro to micro/mini and full coiled cables in lengths of 30cm (45cm extended). HDMI mini to full and full HDMI to full HDMI connections in lengths of 30cm to 50cms (65cms extended). Prices range from $19.95 to $29.95, for the full list of options sees www.atomos.com”
Some interesting developments to make our lives a little easier. I like that!
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