While the majority of the updates in v2016.06 are Apollo/Apollo Option specific, the Odyssey7Q+/7Q was certainly not left out. The Odyssey RAW Bundle now supports both FS RAW from the PXW-FS5, as well as IO 4K RAW form the IO Industries Flare 4K. FS RAW can be recorded in either CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes continuously at up to 59.94 fps in 4K, 240 fps in 2K, and as much as 120 fps in 4K burst mode. In addition to the RAW bundle upgrade, the Odyssey7Q+/7Q now offer Dual-HD recording capabilities, allowing you to acquire two HD video signals simultaneously in Apple ProRes HQ, 422, or LT.
This update seriously expands the features of the Apollo/Apollo Option. Some of the most notable features include a new Quad-HD double master recording mode, allowing you to simultaneously record a duplicate copy of your four record streams as well as either your Live Switch or Quad Split clips for backup. The Dual-4K feature of the Apollo/Apollo Option has been updated to allow the capture of a single stream of 4K video at up to 60 fps with the Apollo, a feature which was previously available only in the Apollo Option.
Often times we have to use whatever cameras are at our disposal, even if that means they are different models, or even from different manufacturers. Because each camera company, and each camera for that matter, employs image processing differently, there may be noticeable frame delay when trying to mix these sources in a live environment. To combat this, Convergent Design has implemented a feature they refer to as "A/V Align," which allows the operator to adjust the delay to audio and/or video of each input independently.
Several features were rolled out to all models as well, including support up to eight channels of Embedded SDI audio per channel. Many camera operators rely on focus peaking for assessing focus accuracy, which at times can result in false confidence as it tends to be hard to read exactly what is tack sharp. The new Focus Assist noise reduction feature should help solve this problem by cleaning up the peaking lines, improving their legibility (don't worry, it won't affect your recorded signals).
As I said, this update is massive, so be sure to check out the full rundown videos made by Convergent Design at the bottom of the post.
To learn more about firmware v2016.06, as well as to download it (and the full release notes), visit Convergent Design's site.
