Blackmagic Video Assist 12G: Record and monitor images in HD, UHD, DCI 2K and 4K formats from SDI or HDMI cameras

The new Video Assist models allow you to monitor images on a larger HDR screen and offer better recording codecs, graphical representations and professional focusing tools.

Blackmagic Design has launched in IBC 2019 your new device monitoring and recording Video Assist 12G. These have a bright screen HDR, graphic representations, better batteries and 12G SDI connections, among other features.

The new model offers professional tools for Record and monitor images in HD, UHD, DCI 2K and 4K formats in any type of SDI or HDMI camera. It features innovative features such as a brighter screen for viewing HDR images, pilot light, four graphic displays, optimized focus assist, three-dimensional conversion tables and recording in Blackmagic RAW format.

Thanks to 12G SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections in the 5 and 7-inch versions, it allows you to capture images in any format at a maximum resolution of 2160p60. Plus, the touchscreen makes it ideal for evaluating footage during outdoor shoots in broad daylight. On the other hand, its renewed design supports two L series batteries (Sony). This means it is extremely versatile and is the perfect solution for making digital cinema projects, mastering during live productions and checking the signal for later broadcast.

There are two versions of the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR model, each with an innovative interface that includes traditional control buttons and a touch screen to evaluate recordings. Both versions of 5 and 7 inches They have 12G SDI connections that support UHD content with high frame rates, analog audio inputs, USB-C ports, a speaker on the front panel and a headphone jack on the side. In addition, the largest one also has two slots for storage media. Additionally, Sony's two L-series battery compartments provide the power needed to operate the HDR display and higher-speed UHD electronics. Additionally, these devices come with a universal 12V power supply that makes them easy to use on sets or outdoors.

Better features

The Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR model offers better features, since its bright 2500 nits screen It is larger than those of common cameras. In addition, it has a focus indicator and better quality formats. Video Assist line products are also a great solution for professional cameras, allowing you to use modern file formats with the latest editing programs, making it easy to record images in Apple ProRes, Avid DNx and Blackmagic RAW. Likewise, thanks to the HDMI and 12G SDI inputs, it is possible to connect them to any type of camera, whether common, professional or even DSLR. In this way, the possibility of carrying out work dynamics with Blackmagic RAW is provided.

The innovative LCD touch screen provides complete control. The device's interface has buttons to record, start playback or stop it, as well as a reduced timeline that allows you to scroll through images more easily even by sliding your finger on the screen. Likewise, it shows the VU meters and information about the time code, the signal format and the status of the storage units. You can also view various graphical indicators, activate focus and exposure wizards, and load or save three-dimensional LUTs.

Video Assist line products use common SD cards, so you can record on easy-to-purchase flash drives. Because the files are small, they allow a greater amount of content to be stored. In fact, the 7-inch version has two slots for SD cards, so they can be replaced during filming and thus ensure uninterrupted recording. These and higher speed UHS-II drives are ideal for all types of workflows, as they are compact in size and offer high speed at an affordable price.

The port USB-C allows you to connect external drives. Additionally, by adding a Blackmagic MultiDock 10G device, you can record to SSD drives with other equipment, such as Blackmagic HyperDeck models. In this sense, on-screen menus make it easier to manage external drives.

Video Assist line products offer a wide variety of connections, such as four multi-rate 12G SDI links for SD, HD and UHD devices. For its part, HDMI connections provide compatibility with all types of common cameras, projectors and televisions. The 7-inch version features mini XLR inputs for sources such as microphones and external audio consoles. In addition, all models have a safety connector for 12 V direct current.

These devices are compatible with the latest HDR formats, thanks to their bright wide color spectrum screen. This allows the use of the monitors in outdoor filming in broad daylight. When working with high dynamic range content, the indicators display the corresponding information, and the SDI and HDMI outputs detect these signals automatically. PQ and HLG static metadata formats are processed according to the standard ST2084. Additionally, the LCD screen's wide color spectrum provides compatibility with Rec. 2020 and Rec. 709, and even supports content in format DCI-P3.

The Video Assist line products are portable and offer the possibility of evaluating images using different indicators, which guarantees the compliance with broadcast standards. The waveform monitor allows you to see the luminance level of the received or reproduced signal. For his part, the vectorscopio displays color intensity at a 100% SDI reference level. In turn, the RGB graph is ideal for establishing appropriate color levels, while the histogram provides information about the distribution of highlights and shadows or the loss of details. It should be noted that these indicators can be superimposed on the image, or it can also be displayed in a small window in the upper right part of the indicator.

The SDI and HDMI connections support multiple transmission rates, so they are capable of processing SD signals (NTSC and PAL), HD 720 (720p50/59.94), HD 1080 (1080i50/59.94, 1080p23.98/24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 and 1080 PsF), UHD (2160p59.94), and DCI 2K and 4K up to a maximum frequency of 25p for digital cinema projects.

The different Video Assist models are 3D LUT compatible conventional (.cube) of 17 or 33 points. Likewise, it is possible to use the included tables, for example, "Extended Video", "Film to Video" or "Film to Rec. 2020".

The products of the line Video Assist generate open format files, so it is not necessary to transcode them. They also allow recording in 10-bit ProRes or DNx or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW formats when connected to compatible cameras. Best of all, the files are compatible with all operating systems.

Blackmagic RAW is an innovative new format designed to capture and preserve all the information received by the cameras' sensor. Video Assist devices allow you to record in this codec with various common cameras, such as the Panasonic EVA1 and Canon C300 MK II models. Consequently, problems with traditional formats are avoided, for example, H.264, which offer high compression, causing noise and artifacts in the final result. Additionally, camera settings are saved as metadata, so ISO, white balance and exposure can be adjusted later without compromising quality. .braw files are so small and fast that they speed up any type of work dynamic.

Professional audio recorder

The Blackmagic Video Assist 12G model includes a professional audio recorder, whose quality is much better than that offered by most cameras, which in turn avoids having to carry additional sound equipment. In SDI formats, it is possible to record 2, 4, 8 or 16 audio channels in real time. For connecting microphones, the 7-inch version has two phantom-powered XLR inputs that support a sample rate of 192 kHz at 16 and 24 bits per sample without compression. In turn, the on-screen VU meters provide two measurement modes (VU or PPM) to monitor volume.

It is extremely easy to use the Video Assist models, since its interface is available in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Turkish and Portuguese.

The generated files are compatible with all operating systems and most editing programs. In order to format the storage drives, the exFAT or HFS+ system is used, so that they can be connected directly to a computer in order to access its content. In this sense, DaVinci Resolve is ideal for this device, since it allows you to edit, grade, perform audio post-production and create visual effects in a single application.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, acknowledges that "the original Blackmagic Video Assist monitors and recorders were very popular. They were also ideal for upgrading older cameras and for use in general broadcasting in the television industry. The new models are an incredible improvement and incorporate everything we have learned from users in Hollywood. These devices have a brighter LCD screen, 12G SDI connections, Blackmagic RAW codec, better focus indicator tools, presets and 3D LUTs. "They are all extraordinary benefits."

Main features

Ideal for digital signage projects and live productions, or for digitizing audiovisual material for archiving.

Modern design with quick-to-use touch controls.

Better monitoring and recording codecs on different types of cameras.

Large LCD screen with focus indicator similar to that used in digital cinema.

Support for common SD/USH-II cards.

Direct recording to external drives via the USB-C port.

12G SDI and HDMI connections to capture SD, HD and UHD images.

HDR compatibility and 2500 nits screen with wide color spectrum.

Integrated indicators display waveform, vectorscope, RGB graph or histogram of the signal.

12G SDI connectivity for SD, HD and UHD signals.

Three-dimensional LUTs that can be applied to record and monitor images.

Open formats compatible with the most popular editing programs.

Recording in Blackmagic RAW format with compatible third-party cameras.

Multiple SDI and analog audio channels.

Interface in 11 languages.

Compatibility with the most recognized non-linear editing programs, such as DaVinci Resolve.