An interview from the 2016 National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas with Amber Cowles of Convergent Design. Convergent Design started as a manufacturer of SD/HD signal converters and evolved the product line to include video recorders, RAW data video capture devices and professional monitors. Convergent Design’s progressive technology design means that each new device includes the features and technology of the ones that preceded it. In this interview Amber showcases the new Convergent Design Apollo, the first truly portable Multicamera Recorder/Switcher.

Apollo is a portable multichannel monitor/recorder. 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.

The Apollo Media Manager App exports separate Apple ProRes files with matching timecode or a single multi-stream QuickTime file that drops directly into the timeline of supporting NLEs such as FCP-X. Only one SSD is needed to contain all of the media, allowing Apollo’s dual SSD slots to be used for either extended record times or mirror recording backup. Apollo utilizes industry-standard 2.5” SSDs from Convergent Design or qualified 3rd party models.

These features will be included in the next free firmware update to the Apollo and Odyssey7Q+/Odyssey7Q with Apollo Option.

A/V Align allows the synchronization between multiple cameras to be shifted. Each input can be adjusted for delay individually, and then video and audio delay separately adjusted. This allows for the mixing of brands and models of cameras that can introduce varying amounts of delay to the video and audio outputs. A simple touchscreen interface allows the inputs to be quickly and easily adjusted, and the system will remember the settings for future use. A/V Align can save hours of tedious work in post, manually syncing the audio and video tracks for each clip.

In Live-Switch mode, Apollo adds Dissolves to what was previously a cuts-only switcher. Three dissolve speeds are available and the operator can switch between cuts and dissolves during recording via a touchscreen button.

Two SSD slots provide not only for spanning for extended record times. With the firmware update there is also the option for recording identical files simultaneously to both SSDs. Double Master Recording provides an immediate safety copy of the files. A client can leave with an SSD as soon as the shoot wraps, while the DP retains a copy.

Eight-Channel Audio is now enabled for Apple ProRes recording. The 8-channel audio is for embedded audio tracks via SDI or HDMI. It is available in all resolutions, including Dual-4K and Quad-HD. Apple ProRes HQ/422/LT are supported. There are numerous additional new features and improvements in the upcoming firmware update, and a new edition of the CD Apple ProRes Transfer Tool with its own new functions.

For more information please visit: www.Convergent-Design.com