Convergent Design Announces Apollo Portable Multicamera Recorder/Switcher

Today Convergent Design announces Apollo, the industry's first truly portable HD multicamera recorder/switcher. Apollo 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. Apollo can also function as a four-channel live switcher while simultaneously recording the four isolated HD video signals. The size of a small tablet and able to run for hours on a camcorder battery, Apollo is truly portable and the only device of its kind that can both record multiple HD camera feeds as well as live-switch between them. It's a production studio in the palm of your hand.

All cameras stay in perfect sync with matching timecode. 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. Apollo is designed to answer many modern production needs.

Using the new Apollo Media Manager App, recordings can be exported as separate Apple ProRes files or as a single multicamera QuickTime file that drops directly into the timeline of supporting NLEs such as Final Cut Pro-X.

Apollo is designed to answer many modern production needs. said Convergent Design President Mike Schell. Field producers can take it on location, record from any four HD cameras, view a quad-split playback on the way home and drop all four cameras in perfect sync into a single timeline to dive immediately into an edit. Reality programs shot in cramped cars with tiny cameras can slip Apollo in the glove box or under a seat. A concert performance can be captured by recording four camera ISOs along with recording a Line Cut that can also be sent to a large live display at the venue. Live-streamed events can be covered with four-camera switching without having to bring in a large flypack. Apollo can also be used as a secondary recorder/monitor; using our battery & wireless video receiver bracket makes for a great handheld Director's Monitor. And Apollo's advanced built-in Image Analysis tools can be used to match the cameras during setup. Apollo addresses many modern multicamera field production needs in a single 1 thick device.

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. Manufacturer's list is $3995, with 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.

Apollo Features/Specs at a Glance

(subject to change, planned for initial release)

Monitor

Four HD Streams

Switched/Quad View

Image Analysis Tools

Custom 3D-LUTs

SDI and HDMI I/O

Record

Apple ProRes

4x HD + Quad/Live

Single File

SSD Media

Embedded Audio

Switch

No Genlock Required

Touchscreen Interface

2x SDI/1x HDMI Output

XML EDL for Post

Compact/Lightweight

Play

Switched/Quad View

Output to HDMI/SDI

Intuitive Controls

Playlist/Scrubbing

Clip Markers

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

Other Specs

7.9 x6.1 x1 / 20x15.5x2.5 cm

1.2lbs. / 560g

Under 20w power draw, 6.5-34v with battery mounts available

Two 2.5 SSD slots (Convergent Design SSDs or qualified 3rd party models)

Magnesium case / Gorilla Glass cover / stick-on/peel-off screen protector

No fans or vents

Additional features in free firmware update

Dual 4K/UHD recording (Apple ProRes in 24p, 25p, 30p)

DNxHD recording

Record XML file Edit Decision List from Live Switch

Remote keyboard control pad

Audio delay

On-screen source naming

Cascade interconnect for 12-channel HD / 6-channel 4K recording

More Information For additional information about Apollo, please visit the Apollo microsite at Convergent-design.com/apollo

For more news and information from Convergent Design, please visit our blog

Click here to download the Apollo brochure (PDF)

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