PORTKEYS has announced MOVNORM OS, a new UI system for its monitors. It is available as a completely free firmware update that works with the PT6, LH7H, LH7P, and LH5PII (V3).
The new MOVNORM OS is compatible with select PORTKEYS HDMI-only models. For other high-end PORTKEYS monitors with HDMI and HD-SDI video input/output ports, the company will launch an upcoming firmware update called CINENORM OS that will be available in a few months time.
It is good to see a company that makes affordable monitors release an entirely new UI system, especially for existing legacy products. Normally a new UI only comes out with new products.
The MOVNORM OS has been completely redesigned from the ground up after gathering feedback from PORTKEYS users around the world. This new operating system features a revamped and easier-to-use UI, which is claimed to be more straightforward to use, with fewer gestures, and a faster way to navigate inside the monitor’s menu system.
To enter the menu, you simply touch the screen, and the bottom toolbar appears. You then have direct access to six of your favorites and user-customizable monitoring tools. You will also find a brightness adjustment slider to adjust your monitor’s backlight level. Users can also configure their custom function buttons directly from the main menu in the bottom right corner.
On the top right corner, there is a new status bar that pops up if you click on the battery icon. This status bar indicates the monitor’s battery level, the HDMI input connection configuration, and shows you if a 3DLUT is active and/or currently displayed to the HDMI output. Also, the status bar indicates if a compatible camera is connected to your PORTKEYS monitor and, if so, the battery level of the connected camera.
The bizzare stretching leg feature has also been added to the PORTKEYS LH7P, LH7H, PT6, and LH5P II (v3). What this does is that when you are shooting vertical content, the stretching leg tool allows you to set a line and elongate the image below that line. The stretching leg tool is handy for live-streaming shooting scenarios because you can output the modified image via the monitor’s HDMI output.
For the PORTKEYS LH7P and LH5P II (v3), MOVNORM OS also improves the Camera Control’s UI and adds new features. To access the Camera Control menu, all you have to do is swipe up or down on the screen to enter or exit it. Also, you can access Camera Control via the status bar in the top right corner.
More Controllable Camera Models
In addition to the MOVNORM OS system, PORTKEYS has also added support for more camera models:
- The PORTKEYS LH7P adds WiFi and Bluetooth support for many new cameras,including the Canon EOS R5/R6/R6 Mark II/R8, the Panasonic BGH1/BS1H, the Sony A7M IV, and the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K. Furthermore, the BMPCC 4K/6K/6K Pro, Sony Sony A7S III, A7 IV, A7M III, A7R V, A7R IV, A1, A9II,A7C, FX3, FX30, RX0, RX10, ZV-1, ZV-E10 are still supported.
- The PORTKEYS LH5P II (v3) adds WiFi and Bluetooth control for the Panasonic BGH1/BS1H, the Canon EOS R5/R6/R6 Mark II/R8, the Sony A7M IV, and the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K. The LH5P II (v3) can also control many different Sony, Canon, Panasonic, BMD, and ZCAM E2 cameras via an optional LANC, USB-C, or Mini/Micro USB cable.
Increased Sony Camera Control Features
MOVNORM OS also adds many new Camera Control features for Sony cameras and users, including a memory card status display, so it is easy to view how much recording time you have left in your camera.
The Rec trigger button has been redesigned and can now be placed at the bottom left/middle/right, with the addition of a recording time indicator next to the Rec trigger that shows you for how long you’ve been rolling.
MOVNORM OS also features a focus mode selection frame, a zoom adjustment menu, and even the possibility to assign a camera parameter shortcut (ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, etc.) to one of the four monitor’s physical function buttons. All the features and functionalities you previously has with the old OS are still there, including Touch Focus, ISO/Shutter/Aperture/White balance adjustments, etc.
The MOVNORM OS is a free update for all existing users and can already be downloaded on Portkeys’ website support page (https://www.portkeys.com/support/).
