LOS ANGELES—For the past decade and a half, I have been working as a cinematographer in the world of film and television production. With a diverse resume of projects ranging from films to commercials and music videos, I understand the importance of using equipment that is flexible enough to handle whatever is thrown my way while consistently delivering high-quality recording to the client. This is why I rely on Video Devices’ PIX-E7 4K recording monitor and PIX-LR audio interface for my backup recording and playback needs.

The PIX-E7 can be used for monitoring and playback on set.A TOOL FOR EVERY JOB

I was first introduced to Video Devices while searching for monitor options for my ARRI ALEXA Mini. I was looking at small form factor HD options when someone told me about the PIX-E7. At the time, I was doing testimonial commercials where there was one person speaking and the director was handling the audio levels, so the PIXE7 was the perfect fit. Having the monitor and the PIX-LR, so we can also monitor the sound level and quality, was ideal. It’s rugged and flexible for my various project needs.

The 4K-compatible PIX-E7 offers a full suite of precision-monitoring tools, SDI and HDMI I/O, plus the ability to dual record high-quality, edit-ready Apple ProRes files and low data-rate H.264 files. Video Devices’ custom USB-based SpeedDrive media enclosure provides an inventive storage solution that houses an industry standard mSATA solid-state drive up to 1 TB in size. The PIX-E7 was also designed using Sound Devices’ signature build quality with an LCD protected by damage-resistant Gorilla Glass 2 and a robust die-cast metal chassis.

DIRECTOR FRIENDLY

For my work on the recently completed independent feature “Solver,” I incorporated the PIX-E7 and PIX-LR into my rig. Since playback on the ALEXA Mini can sometimes be challenging, I knew I needed the PIX-E7. I used the PIX-E7 for director monitoring and playback, and it worked great. In addition, the monitoring capabilities of the PIX-E7 are just fantastic. Every director that has looked at it has loved it.

In addition, I also like PIX-E7’s impressive suite of monitoring tools, including TapZoom, which provides unrivaled focusing speed. The PIX-E7’s range of scopes, including waveform, vectorscope, and histogram, are extremely helpful and easy to use, as is the PIX-LR’s audio functions. Directors are put at ease with the PIX-LR’s big play button. I also really like the color contrast, easy viewing and ability to playback, so that my clients can watch.

For me, the PIX-E7 is ideal for my needs and makes my job easier.

Cinematographer Mike Moghaddam began his career in Atlanta. He has been nominated for two regional Emmys for commercials and is a proud member of IATSE Local 600 International Cinematographers Guild. He can be contacted attherealmogy@gmail.com.

For more information, please visitwww.videodevices.comor call 608-524- 0625.

REEDSBURG, WIS.—Firmware Version 3.00 for Video Devices’ Pix-E series of 4K recording monitors is now available, offering new capabilities like the H.264 codec. Additional features now available as part of the updated firmware includes the ability to simultaneously record an Apple ProRes and H.264 files.

The addition of the H.264 codec also includes an applied LUT baked into the H.264 mp4 file and saved through an SD card. The master ProRes 4K file is saved to the Video Devices’ SpeedDrive without an applied LUT.

The Pix-E system will now automatically scale a 4K ProRes recording to 1080p for recording H.264. Both recordings also include audio, as many as eight channels for ProRes and two with h.264.

Users can download the free firmware v3.00 upgrade for Pix-E here.

REEDSBURG, WIS.—Pix-E recording monitor users now have a new audio interface to work with, as Video Devices has announced it is now shipping the Pix-LR. An optional accessory, the Pix-LR provides the Pix-E5, Pix-E5H and Pix-E7 monitors with XLR inputs and outputs. It also features mic preamps from Sound Devices, LED metering, and transport and gain controls.

The Pix-LR is able to be mounted to the bottom of a Pix-E series monitor by a 1/4-inch 20 thread screw. The audio interface is constructed from die-cast aluminum and derives power from the monitor it is attached to, reports Vide Devices. It also features two gain controls and illuminated, 23-segmented LED metering.

Additional features for the Pix-LR include XLR-3F connections, analog mic-level inputs, and two three-pin XLR-3M connections for analog outputs. High-quality limiters with LED indication and high-pass filters are also included.

Video Devices is a brand of Sound Devices LLC that supplies digital video monitors, recorders and other video products.

REEDSBURG, WIS.—Video Devices’ Pix-E series of 4K-compatible recording monitors has received an update to its firmware with v1.30. The update works for the entire Pix-E series, including the Pix-E7, Pix-E5 and Pix-E5H.

As part of the new firmware, the Pix-E monitors now offer an expanded anamorphic desqueeze feature set, an LCD Orientation menu, and enhanced false color capabilities. The upgrade has also expanded 6G-SDI to include support of 4K over single SDI cable for ARRI AMIRA cameras, as well as giving the Pix-E series the ability to send timecode over SDI out. Additional features include the ability to capture screenshots as JPG or PNG still images.

The Pix-E series firmware v1.30 is available for download here.

Video Devices is a provider of digital video monitors, recorders and other products for video productions.

REEDSBURG, WIS.—Video Devices is now shipping the PIX-E7, a 4K recording field monitor that is the largest model in the company’s PIX-E Series, which include the five-inch PIX-E5 and PIX-E5H.

The 4K-compatible PIX-E7 offers a suite of precision monitoring tools, SDI and HDMI I/O, plus the ability to record all available Apple ProRes codecs, up to 4:4:4:4 XQ 12-bit. The PIX-E7, like other members of the series, is compatible with the USB-based SpeedDrive, a custom-made enclosure that holds an mSATA solid-state drive.

The monitor incorporates a user interface that combines tactile buttons with a touchscreen. The PIX-E7 accepts external timecode via a BNC linear input connection, and features a second SDI in, and a general purpose input/output port for tally light and remote control workflows. The monitor includes a die-cast metal chassis and damage-resistant screen.

“The PIX-E7 caters to a diverse range of production professionals – from directors of photography to camera operators or video assist technicians, who are operating DSLRs and larger cinema-style cameras,” said Paul Isaacs, director of product management and design for Sound Devices, parent company of Video Devices.

Monitoring tools include TapZoom for focusing speed; false colors and zebras to help set exposure; guide markers for framing; and a range of scopes including waveform, histogram, and vectorscope. The PIX-E family of recording monitors also features several manufacturer-specific, standard lookup tables. Other new features include 6G-SDI to support for 4K over a single SDI cable.

All three PIX-E models offer frame rate recording of 1080p 120fps via HDMI, which can be used for capturing slow-motion footage via HDMI; enhanced playback capabilities such as jog, shuttle, and fast forward/rewind; 4:3 anamorphic desqueeze; 3:2 pulldown removal; external timecode; and the ability to enable or disable a lookup tables on an SDI output.