The New Convergent Design Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q Monitor and Recorder

Convergent Design has recently announced their new Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q monitor and recorders. In 2009, the nanoFlash video recorder/player established Convergent Design as an innovative leader in broadcast technology by revitalizing aging camcorders with high-bitrate recording options and a tapeless workflow. Later, Convergent Design’s Gemini 4:4:4 monitor and recorder would address the needs of high-end cinematographers. Now, the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q boldly surpass the company’s previous offerings with a progressive feature set that not only serves the needs of today’s cutting-edge video technology but also attempts to “future-proof” the new product line with a range of optional firmware upgrades.

Both the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q feature a cast-magnesium housing, a 7.7-inch OLED display with 1280 x 800 resolution, touchscreen functionality, a 3400:1 contrast ratio, True Blacks, and support for 16 million colors and 176-degree viewing angles. These features give the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q perhaps the best display of any recorder/monitor combo currently available. In fact, with built-in waveform, histogram, vectorscope, zebras, focus assist, false color, timecode display, audio meters, and 1-to-1 pixel mapping, the Odyssey’s display is even competitive with many dedicated production monitors, although the Odyssey’s recording capabilities are what truly set it apart.

Before we detail the recording features, it may be helpful to differentiate between the two models. Both models have two 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs, two corresponding 3G/HD/SD-SDI outputs, one HDMI input and one HDMI output. However, the key distinction between the Odyssey7 and the Odyssey7Q is the latter model’s two bi-directional 3G/HD/SD-SDI connections. These additional connections give the 7Q up to four inputs or outputs; thus the “Q” for quad. This feature allows 7Q users to input four 2K/HD streams, monitor the four streams simultaneously and record them all. These inputs also support concurrent RAW and proxy recording. As for processing power, the 7Q has a built-in quad splitter and a four-channel live switcher.

The Odyssey7 and the Odyssey7Q feature dual SSD media slots, for Convergent Design’s 2.5-inch SSDs. These proprietary SSD drives will initially be available in capacities of 240, 480, or 960GB. When equipped with one or more SSDs, the Odyssey7 and Odyssey7Q will be capable of recording up to 1080/60p video in Avid’s DNxHD format with either 8- or 10-bit color. In addition, a series of optional firmware upgrades for the Odyssey7Q can unlock a variety of high-end formats including—but not limited to—2K/HD Raw, ARRIRAW, Canon 4K Raw, and Sony Raw for the FS700. Each optional upgrade can be purchased outright or rented via the Convergent Design website.

For more information about these and other products, please stop by the B&H NYC SuperStore or contact a sales professional over the phone at 1-800-606-6969 or online via Live Chat.

	Odyssey7	Odyssey7Q
Display	7.7" OLED (19.5 cm) 1280 x 800 resolution 3400:1 contrast ratio, true blacks RGB 8-bit color depth 176° viewing angle	7.7" OLED (19.5 cm) 1280 x 800 resolution 3400:1 contrast ratio, true blacks RGB 8-bit color depth 176° viewing angle
Video Inputs	2x 3G/HD/SD-SDI, single/dual link 1x HDMI 1.4a	2x 3G/HD/SD-SDI, single/dual link inputs 1x HDMI 1.4a input
Video Outputs	2x 3G/HD/SD-SDI, single/dual link 1x HDMI 1.4a	2x 3G/HD/SD-SDI, single/dual link outputs 1x HDMI 1.4a output
Video Input/Outputs	N/A	2x 3G/HD/SD-SDI, single/dual link (input/output assignable)
Video Formats	SDI: 720p to 1080p60/50 and 1080i60/50, all in DNxHD 4:2:2, 36Mbps 8-bit, 145Mbps 8-bit, 220Mbps 8-bit, 220Mbps 10-bit HDMI: Up to 1080p60 4:2:2 8-bit	SDI: 720p to 1080p60/50 and 1080i60/50, all in DNxHD 4:2:2, 36Mbps 8-bit, 145Mbps 8-bit, 220Mbps 8-bit, 220Mbps 10-bit HDMI: Up to 1080p60 4:2:2 8-bit" Optional Recording Upgrades: HD/2K RGB 444 8/10/12-bit up to 60p/60psf; HD/2K YCC 422 8/10-bit up to 120p, QHD/4K 422 up to 30 fps; ARRIRAW (16:9) 12-bit up to 60 fps, ARRIRAW (4:3) 12-bit up to 48 fps; Canon RAW QHD/4K 10-bit up to 60 fps
Digital Audio	2-Ch embedded audio 48 kHz, 24-bit	2-Ch embedded audio 48 kHz, 24-bit (8-Ch via firmware upgrade)
Analog Audio	Mono speaker 3.5 mm headphone output Mono unbalanced consumer input	Mono speaker 3.5 mm headphone output Mono unbalanced consumer input
LUT Support	ARRI, Canon, Sony (via firmware upgrade)	ARRI, Canon, Sony, or Custom LUTs (via firmware upgrade)
Recording Media Support	Requires Convergent Design 2.5" SSDs for optional recording	Requires Convergent Design 2.5" SSDs for optional recording
Remote Control	RS-232 I/O, programmable GPIO	RS-232 I/O, programmable GPIO
Timecode	LTC I/O (BNC) or embedded SDI/HDMI	LTC I/O (BNC) or embedded SDI / HDMI
Wireless Control	Bluetooth LE with iPhone/Android app	Bluetooth LE with iPhone/Android App
User Interface	Capacitive touchscreen, two mechanical function keys	Capacitive touchscreen, two mechanical function keys
Material	Cast-magnesium case	Cast-magnesium case
Firmware Updates	Via USB port to host computer	Via USB port to host computer
Power Input	10 to 34 VDC with built-in reverse polarity protection; built-in power switch	10 to 34 VDC with built-in reverse polarity protection; locking Neutrik connector, built-in power switch
Power Dissipation	8W (monitor only), 8-15W (monitor and record mode)	8W (monitor only), 8-15W (monitor and record mode)
Operating Temperature	14 ~ 104° F (-10 ~ 40° C)	14 ~ 104° F (-10 ~ 40° C)
Storage Temperature	-4 ~ 128° F (-20 ~ 70° C)	-4 ~ 128° F (-20 ~ 70° C)
Dimensions	7.9 x 6.1 x 1" (20 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm)	7.9 x 6.1 x 1" (20 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm)
Weight	1.2 lb (.54 kg)	1.2 lb (.54 kg)