Blackmagic has added some much-needed functionality to the Video Assist 4K, a 7″ 1080p external monitor/recorder with SDI and HDMI in/out introduced at NAB 2016. One of the big features in the newest 2.2 firmware update is false color, which should be helpful for setting exposure correctly, or for situations where you might have trouble seeing the monitor.
In addition, Blackmagic has expanded support for the Avid DNxHD and DNxHR codecs, including some options that are wrapped in a .MXF file type to avoid reliance on the .mov format. In all, you’ll now be able to record in DNxHD 220, 145 and 45 bit rates, and DNxHR HQ, SQ, LB formats.
Finally the Video Assist 4K gives more options for focus peaking color, including red, green, blue, black, white or traditional focus peaking indicators, and also allows you to turn off the auto-rotate feature, which previously could get very annoying.
The 2.2 update will be available from the Blackmagic website next week.
