Convergent Design has just announced a new option for the Odyssey 7/7Q+ and Apollo, called Titan. Titan takes a 4K or UHD video signal and then super samples it down to a HD image, and that the same time it allows you to extract two HD windows within that same frame. This allows you to take a 4K or UHD signal from a single camera and capture three different frames, and have them all recoded in HD ProRes (up to 422 HQ), all in time code sync, and all to the same media.
What is even more impressive is that you can live switch between all three angles and not only record that live switch, but record all three of the separate frames as well. Titan allows you to view the separate angles, but if you switch to the main 4K/UHD signal you can then choose the region where you want to take the two HD frame extracts from. This is extremely useful as you can choose exactly the frame you want and also change it at anytime during your recording. You can also do a pan within the image in real time and have that recorded or used during a live switch by just dragging your finger across the screen. Convergent Design also has plans to release a joystick control to allow you to pan and move the cameras remotely. This will plug into the remote port on the Odyssey or Apollo.
If you are using the HDMI input on the Odyssey or Apollo, you will be limited to UHD and frame rates up to 29.97p. If you are using the 6G SDI input or Dual Link 3G SDI, or Quad link 3G SDI, you can input up to 4K 60p. If you do input a 4K 50/60P signal your extract windows will be limited to 720p. This is adventatious for sports productions who want to record in higher frame rates. The 720p extract also means that the window will be smaller, giving you more room to pan around and get a tighter shot.
You can record in ProRes 422 LT, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 HQ codec. According to Convergent Design they will also be introducing Avid’s DNxHD range of recording options in the future. Titan will allow you to record up to 2 hours and 4 minutes in ProRes 422 HQ on a single 256GB SSD.
A lot of Titan’s functionality could easily be replicated in post, but if you are a solo operator, or working in an environment where fast turn arounds are needed it is extremely useful. As a solo operator I could get three frames from a single camera in real time and all time code synched. It also allows me to frame up an interview for example so I know exactly what my other frames will look like, instead of having to wait until I bring into a NLE to see. The ability to also live switch on location saves an awful amount of time if I need to turn the material around quickly. If you are setting up a B cam, or a locked off camera somewhere, Titan will be a very handy addition.
For owners of the Sony FS5, FS7, F700, Titan will also support their 4K RAW output without you needing to purchase the Convergent Design RAW bundle.
Convergent Design is also going to introduce the ability to create EDLs in the same firmware release that enables Titan support on the Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ and Apollo. That firmware is expected to ship either late September or early October. The Titan option will retail for $1295 US. Convergent Design will have an introductory offer where Titan will be available for $995 US. While this is not exactly cheap, for solo operators and small productions, the time reductions for getting fast turn around material out will make Titan seem like a very worth while investment.
