Convergent Design Announces Apollo Portable Multicamera Recorder/Switcher

by DCS | Nov 11, 2015 | News | 0 comments

Convergent Design has announced Apollo, a portable HD multicamera recorder/switcher that 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. The ability to function as a four-channel live switcher while simultaneously recording the four isolated HD video signals keeps cameras in perfect sync with matching timecode, and a single SSD contains all of the multicamera media, dramatically reducing turnaround time for post. There are two SSD slots on Apollo, allowing for twice the record time or mirror recording for safety backup. Apollo utilizes industry-standard 2.5” SSD media, either manufactured by Convergent Design or qualified 3rd party models.

Additional functions are planned for release in the first quarter of 2016, including two-channel 4K/UHD video recording, DNxHD recording, and cascade interconnect between up to three Apollos for up to twelve HD channel or six 4K/UHD channel simultaneous recording. These and other additional functions will be made available via a free firmware update. A remote keypad control unit will be offered along with a rack mount and other accessories.

Apollo is scheduled for release in December 2015 with an MSRP of $3995, including an SSD to USB3 adapter, a 5-pack of SSD mounting handles, and a universal AC power supply included. Owners of the Convergent Design Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7Q+ will be able to purchase an Apollo Option for their devices as an upgrade for $1795.

Specs:

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