Blackmagic Design is famous for their digital cameras, but they also make phenomenal video monitors. The SmartView series is perfect for high quality SDI monitoring. It’s comprised of 4 top Blackmagic monitors. These units are thin and lightweight, making them perfect for use in both broadcast and portable video applications. High quality filtering and scaling maintains the clarity and detail of footage being sent to the screens. Different models can be used in the same setup for customized monitoring solutions.
There are three models in the SmartView series: the Blackmagic SmartView HD, the Blackmagic SmartView 4K and the Blackmagic SmartView Duo. We’ll also be including the Blackmagic SmartScope Duo 4K in this post to highlight a higher end alternative to the SmartView Duo. These SDI monitors have a number of similarities, but have some differences as well. Let’s take a look at the individual models.
Blackmagic SmartView HD
Model Number HDL-SMTVHD
The standard model in the lineup is the Blackmagic SmartView HD. This monitor has a 17-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Despite the size of the screen, this model only takes up six units of Rackspace. SD (standard definition), HD (high definition) and 3 Gb/s SDI video formats are supported. Features include a re-clocked loop output that allows for the central adjusting of multiple monitors, which is useful in a video wall setup, and an “Identify” mode that highlights a single monitor for adjustments (again this is useful in a video wall setup). Remote control and monitoring is possible through an Ethernet connection to a Mac or Windows computer running the included software.
Blackmagic SmartView 4K
Model Number HDL-SMTV4K12G
The Blackmagic SmartView 4K is a professional monitor. It features a 15.6-inch TFT LCD screen with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160. SD, HD, Ultra HD 4K and DCI 4K video formats are supported. Two multi-rate, 12G-SDI inputs have the ability to automatically switch between the supported video formats. A built-in Teranex processor makes use of patented algorithms to de-interlace and scale video to the native resolution of the monitor. This is a great feature because it means that the screen will always display high quality images, even if the images themselves are low resolution. Front panel controls offer access to features like H/V delay and customizable frame markers. The buttons are backlit and make it possible to use the SmartView 4K monitor in dimly lit applications. Like the Blackmagic SmartView HD, this monitor only takes up six units of Rackspace. It also offers remote control and monitoring through an Ethernet connection to a Mac or Windows computer running the included software.
Blackmagic SmartView Duo
Model Number HDL-SMTVDUO
The Blackmagic SmartView Duo features a pair of 8-inch LCD screens. SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI video formats are supported. Remote control and monitoring over either of the two monitors is possible through an Ethernet connection to a Mac or Windows computer running the included software. The SmartView Duo takes up a mere three units of Rackspace, making it perfect for portable setups like broadcast trucks. High quality SDI monitoring tends to be expensive, which in turn causes sacrifices to be made either in the quality of or number of monitors in an application. This isn’t the case with the SmartView Duo. By placing two smaller screens in a single unit, Blackmagic has created an affordable, low cost solution to SDI monitoring. This is the most affordable model in the SmartView series.
Blackmagic SmartScope Duo 4K
Model Number HDL-SMTWSCOPEDUO4K
The Blackmagic SmartScope Duo 4K is similar to the SmartView Duo, but it offers much more. It features two 8-inch monitors that can display resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 at 30p. Each monitor has a loop through SDI input and output, with the inputs being able to automatically detect and select the correct video format. The monitors can be used to either display footage or display one of six scope views that allow users to monitor the video signal. The six scope views are Waveform, Vectorscope, Parade, Audio and Histogram. The Smartscope Duo 4K also incorporates a Tally function for each monitor, where different colored borders indicate one of three conditions (preview, recording and on-air). Remote control and monitoring is possible through an Ethernet connection to a Mac or Windows computer running the included software.
These SDI monitoring solutions offer high quality display options for a multitude of environments. Choosing which one is right for you and your setup depends on the needs of your application. To learn more about any of these Blackmagic video monitors, send an email to sales@muzeekworld.com.