nanoFlash Features
 

Dear Friends,

The initial shipments for the nanoFlash are scheduled for early July.

Our final parts were due in on June 20th, but we were informed recently that they were delayed until June 29th. This is causing us a slight delay in shipping our initial nanoFlashes.

The nanoFlash will ship with:

All of the video modes / formats / bit rates / options that are currently in our Flash XDR, plus:

100, 140, 160 and 220 Mbps I-Frame Only support (160 and 220 Mbps require fast CompactFlash cards)

35 Mbps 4:2:0 Long GOP mode (The same as produced by the Sony EX1/EX3 cameras.)

50, 100, and 140 Mbps Long GOP modes

Please note that 140 Mbps Long GOP mode is new and will work with our recommended Kingston 32 GB 133x CompactFlash cards. This is a significant new development for some. At this time, we still feel that the "Sweet Spot" is 100 Mbps Long GOP.


Battery Voltage Monitoring


Pre-Record Buffer (optional, via an on/off menu selection, approximately 4.5 seconds).


SD support (at this time recording only, no playback within the unit, playback will be provided later)


Very Low power consumption, around 5.6 watts in record, less in playback, 0.3 or less in standby


Analog audio inputs (no phantom power is provided), but always 24-Bit whether from analog inputs or embedded in HD-SDI.


One channel of balanced mic input or

Two channels of unbalanced mic input or

Two channels of unbalanced line input or

One channel of unbalanced mic and one channel of unbalanced line

The above is via one 3.5 mm jack, with up to 44 dB gain for the mic level inputs.

Important Note:

Most users will probably connect their microphones to their cameras, then the audio will be embedded in the HD-SDI signals. This allows just one small cable to be connected to the nanoFlash, and the camera's audio capabilities, including phantom power (if available), can be used.

Self powered lavaliere microphones, and other many other microphones will work well with the nanoFlash. If phantom power is needed, there are many external phantom power supplies, or a mixer can be used.

In many cases, the tape out of a mixer will feed the nanoFlash directly.


Headphone / Line Level audio output.


The ability to use 64 GB CompactFlash cards, if desired. The latest PreTec 64 GB CompactFlash card worked up to 50 Mbps.

We still recommend the Kingston 16 or 32 GB cards.
The nanoFlash will support larger capacity cards, at least up to 128 GB, when they become available.


In subsequent firmware releases we will support:

Over and under-cranking.

Please note that we will support over and under-cranking, even if the camera does not support it.

Over and under-cranking will work with both 720p and 1080p cameras,
720p mode provides a wider frame rate, 1 to 60 frames per second.
1080p provides 1 to 30 frames per second.


Hot Swapping of the CompactFlash cards.


Promised features that are not included in our initial firmware will be delivered by a simple firmware upgrade.

Wow !

That's all I can say, Dan :)

One thing I'm still unclear about: is it possible to simultaneously record 2 embedded audio channels from the camera, and one from say a lavaliere?

Dear Piotr,

No, not at this time.

We may be able to do this in the future.

The issue is ensuring that all of the audio lines up properly.

Hey Dan,

Question about the CF cards. I noticed you mentioned only the Kingston cards, have the Transcend cards fallen out of favor?

Dear Tim,

Yes, but it may not be Transcend's fault in any way.

Up until Apple Leopard came on the scene, no one had any problems with the Transcend cards.

Those who use PC's never have any problems with the Transcend cards.

The Transcend cards work perfectly in our Flash XDR.

However, many user's have experienced problems when they use the Transcend cards in a Mac with Leopard (but not Tiger). The cards are sometimes destroyed.

Apple is working on the problem.

But, until this problem completely goes away (and this will not occur until everyone has installed the fix that Apple comes up with), we can not recommend the Transcend cards.


The Kingston cards have not had any similar problems with Leopard.


But, there are some old Kingston cards in some retail outlets that are not up to par.

These old cards can not be formatted in our unit; they do not pass our tests when we attempt to format them.

We recommend that everyone format their cards immediately upon receipt. If you get an error, contact Kingston and they will replace them at no charge.

We have not seen this problem, in the US, for some time now, but we have seen in other countries.

If the cards format ok, then they are ok to be used.

Dear Dan,

Is the timelipse feature something your still working on ?

Dear Fabrice,

Timelapse is still in our plans.

We just placed over and under-cranking higher on the priority list.

The code we are creating for over and under-cranking is a precursor for the timelapse feature.


I also left off 24p Pulldown removal from my list. We are actively working on this feature also.

Thanks for the answer.

Can you explain me what is over and under-crancking ? I'm not sure about what it is for...

Dear Fabrice,

Certainly.

Over and under-cranking can be use with both 1080p and 720p formats.

I will start with 720p.

If you camera is setup to deliver, over the HD-SDI output, a 720p60 signal, then we see 60 progressive images per second.

If we record all 60 images and you play them back at 24 frames per second, then you will have a form of slow motion. This is called over-cranking since more frames per second are recorded than will be played back (per second). You have control, in post, over the playback speed.

Over-cranking is a useful tool to have, but it it is limited to 60 frames per second if your camera is limited to 60 frames per second. While this feature is very nice to have, it is not a substitute for cameras that can produce ultra slow motion, say at 1000 frames per second or more.

Undercraking is a form of time-lapse.

If we record at 1 frame per second, while the camrea gives us 60 frames per second, we are recording a time-lapse sequence (one frame each second). When the footage is played back at normal speed, the time-lapse effect occurs. Of course, you are not limited to playing it back a normal speed, you could choose other speeds.

For both over and under-cranking, you will want to control the exposure for each frame taking into consideration what effect you desire. And you will want to control the playback speed. This could be as simple as selecting a 24 frame per second timeline, or by changing the speed of playback. Some NLE's call this "Velocity".

With the nanoFlash and the Flash XDR, we are expecting to offer a range of 1 to 60 frames per second so you have a wide range of effects.

Please note that this will be a feature of the nanoFlash and the Flash XDR. All we require of the camera is to be able to provide us with progressive images in 720p or 1080p.


We will also support over and under-cranking with 1080p capable cameras, but the range of effects, for slow motion, is more limited. Many 1080p capable cameras are capable of 24 or 30 frames per second, but not 60 frames per second while in progressive mode.

As such, we are limited to 30 frames per second maximium, so the slow motion effect (over-cranking) is limited. In the same manner, the time-lapse is limited. Both are limited by having only 30 frames per second of images as opposed to having 60 frames per second of 720p images.


(Note: in this discussion, I did not make any distinctions between 24 frames per second and 23.976 (23.98); and 60 frames per second and 59.94. This was done to keep the discussion clear.)

Summary: With the nanoFlash or the Flash XDR you can add limited slow motion and time-lapse effects to you existing HD-SDI or HDMI equipped cameras.

... More i learn of the NanoFlash's features, more i think i need it !

A really creative tool.

I have a JVC GY-HD251 so 720p50. Will all this features also work with 50 frame per seconds ?

You said "under-crancking is a "sort of timelipse", and that "under-cranking is a precursor for the timelapse feature".

So what will be the difference between the under-crancking feature and the timelapse feature, if they are not the same ?

Dear Fabrice,

Yes, this feature will work with 50 frames per second.

Our undercranking feature is limited to one frame per second.

With time lapse, the Flash XDR and nanoFlash will be able to capture a single frame every so often, such as once a second, once ever few seconds, once a minute, once an hour, once a day, etc.

Please note that these are just examples, you will be able to specifiy a wide variety of time intervals. For example, once every x frames, once every x seconds, once every x minutes, etc.

Disclaminer, these examples are for discussion only. I am not certain how we will setup a way for one to actually enter the precise time frame for the timelapse feature.

Dear Dan,
If I place my order for nano flash right away may I count on it on the 29th of July?
Thanks,
Eugen

Dear Eugen,

Our European distributor, Symbiosis, has placed substantial orders for the nanoFlash with us, for July delivery. Over 60% of these orders are already sold.

It would appear that if you placed an order with your local dealer, a dealer that works with Symbiosis, it may be possible to meet your July 29th deadline, but it would be tight.

Due to the shipping involved, and customs, it is hard to guaranty July 29th.

Are you preparing for a special event?

Dear Eugen,

If you add your email to your public profile, I will send you a private email so we can work out the details so we can meet your deadline.

I want to put you in touch with Symbiosis and a local dealer.

Dan,
I activated my email address (at least I think I did).
We are shooting a short feature between the 1st and the 4th of August. I was working on the budget today and I reached the conclusion that instead of renting the red one for four days I'd rather try to shoot with the JVC GY HM 700 that I already own + HZ CA 13 and your Nano flash. This project will be transfered to film so I am very careful with the quality issues.
Unfortunately in Romania there is no dealer so I'll have to deal directly with you or with Symbiosis.
Please let me know asap because there is oly one red camera available for rent so I have to do it in advance.
My best,
Eugen

Dear Eugen,

I have sent you a private email.

Record start/stop on Nano
 

Maybe a dumb question.... in using the Nano Flash with a Sony Ex-3 for instance, and assuming connecting with HD/SDI, will it be possible to start and stop recording with the camera's start button on the lens..... or must one always activate recording from the nano itself?

Thanks

Dear David,

It is certainly possible to setup the nanoFlash to record whenever your Sony EX1/EX3 rolls timecode.

To do this, be certain to use Record Run timecode so that the timecode only rolls when you want to record.

The Sony EX1/EX3 usually requires a memory card in order to roll timecode.

Alternatively, one can start the nanoFlash by pressing the record button, or by pressing the remote control which has a tally light.

When you're talking about overcranking, are you saying that if the camera puts out say 720/60P you'll only be able to get 60fps, or are you going to be able to select 1-60fps?
And presumably the 60 frames would be laid down in blocks of 25 per second or whatever your normal frame rate is so that they'll play back slomo straight out of the box? Otherwise you can already do slomo by recording 60P and conforming in Cinema Tools. Incidentally this to me seems to be a big advantage of I-frame, it can go straight into CT while long GOP needs transcoding to ProRes etc first - or am I missing something?
Steve

With our over and undercranking feature, you will be able to specify 1 to 60 frames per second (providing your camera is giving us 720p60 (or 720p59.94).

Steve, I am not certain about this. It appears that you want us to play slo-mo directly out of the Flash XDR / nanoFlash.

This is tough since many HD-SDI monitors can only accepct 60 (59.94) fields per second (30 (29.97) frames per second.)

For example PSF (Progressive Segmented Frames) is designed to provide 60 fields per second, while preserving the full integrity of the progrssive frames.

HD-SDI is typically (but not always) 60i over the HD-SDI link regardless if the data is Interlaced, or Progressive when using PSF.

True.

Steve, we may require I-Frame Only when using over and under-cranking.

We are debating this internally. Time will tell. We will test our over and under-cranking in both I-Frame Only and Long Gop.

By "CT" I am assuming that you mean Cinema Tools.

Presumably you'll have to set the Nano to record say 720/25P, then choose your overcrank frame rate at 1-60fps. This will then be the same as P2 Native frame rates and Sony S&Q motion. This way when you play the HD SDI feed will register it as 720/25P and so play slomo.
It's all exciting stuff!
Steve

Dear Steve,

I do not know which camera you use.

We do know that quite a few Sony PDW-700 camera users are very excited about the nanoFlash.

1. They now get 100 and 140 Mbps Long Gop options.

2. They now get 100/140/160/220 Mbps I-Frame Only options.

3. They now get over and under-cranking.

For some other cameras, the pre-record buffer is a nice addition, but the PDW-700 already has this feature.

I've got a PDW700, but toying with changing it to get easier slomo, as from XDCam yuou need to transcode to an I Frame codec before it'll got through Cinema Tools - a major hassle and I'm sure a qulaity loss too. It is also very nice to be able to just play back slomo from the camera, as in Panasonics HPX cameras, and also the Sony EXs.
Steve

Dear Steve,

May I humbly suggest that prior to replacing you fine PDW-700 camera, you consider testing it with a nanoFlash.

We are close to shipping our initial nanoFlashes.

Our over and under-cranking feature may not be available with our initial shipments.
However, we expect it to be released in a very reasonable time frame, say late July or early August.

We gave our Pre-Record Buffer feature higher priority and it will be included in our next release, expected next week.

Might well do that Dan - save me a lot of money too!
Even without the overcrank feature it looks like just being able to record 720/60P to an I frame coded will do what I want - it's just a simple conform in CT then to 25fps and hey presto!
Thanks as always for the quick resoonses.
Steve

Am I right in thinking that I'll also be able to connect the Nano to the HDMI on my HDTV? At present I can only go to a monitor via HDSDI or to my TV via a crappy analog cable.
Steve

Dear Steve,

Yes, one of the major new features that we added to the nanoFlash is HDMI In and HDMI Out.

If you use HD-SDI in, you get both HD-SDI and HDMI Out.

If you use HDMI in, you get both HD-SDI and HDMI Out.

You do not have to be recording for the above to work. The nanoFlash also works as a stand-alone converter.

This is great on set as you can use a HDMI monitor (if you so choose), and fabulous off set as you can use any available HDMI equipped TV to show your footage.

Since the nanoFlash is very portable and weighs less than one pound, it is easy to imagine taking it to a hotel room to review the footage shot today.

In order to protect the footage, we have a mode in which the nanoFlash /Flash XDR can be prevented from recording or formatting the cards.

Steve, when I get mine your more than welcome to have a play. Maybe we can meet up and compare notes some day.

Thanks Alister, this sure does look like a really amazing bit of kit, and if I can make use the excellent chip on the 700 by having it go into an A1 codec maybe it'll be the dream ticket - until 10 bit 4:4:4 1080/60P comes around! Although I suppose it already has with the SR9000 - let me check my wallet!
Steve

I think the nano Flash will be an extremly useful device. At first I just thought it would be a good way to improve the EX3, but now I'm getting excited by what will be possible with other cameras. A 700 with the nanoflash should produce pictures virtually indestinguishable from a stock SRW9000 HDCAM SR camcorder as they both share the same sensors and the stock 9000 is 4:2:2. Being able to use it for overcrank will be fantastic. I will also be using it with my Hxr-mc1 pov mini cam to get betterquality than the restricted Avchd codec. Hopefuly it won't be long now.

Another big plus with it on the 700 will be the ability to play straight into an HD TV via HDMI. At present I can view on my small HD monitor via SDI or on TV via composite video (which is horrible).
Also will be sueful with things like the fabulous Iconix mini camera, rather than hiring in an HDCam field recorder as I have in the past.
Just on the verge of placing my order now!
I think if there's a simple way of getting a V-lock mount onto the Nano that'd be great, should be easy enough no? I'm thinking of maybe getting the IDX 2 battery plate (I used to have one but got rid of it), then mounting 2 batteries piggy-back on the bottom bit, the Nano on the top one. This way the batteries will stick out further than the Nano so affording it some protection.
Steve

Dear Steve,

I will be happy to call you on the phone to answer all of your questions.

Just send me a private message with your phone number and a time to call, if you would like a call.

I would email you, but your profile does not have your email address.

Hi David-
You can trigger the nanoFlash to start recording by pressing the record button on your camera, assuming you have media in the camera (otherwise the camera will not allow the record button function). The nanoFlash can be configured to start recording when the time-code increments (your camera should be set to record-run time-code). Also, you will need to set the time-code source to embedded and the record trigger to TC on the nanoFlash. In this configuration, you only need to connect an HD-SDI cable from the nanoFlash to your camera. It's really quite simple.

Best-

One feature that had been mentioned in other threads but not listed in the earlier list of features is the ability to pause the video during playback. do you know if this is going to be in the Nanoflash when it ships? I know it's a fairly mundane feature, so i was wondering if it was left out for that reason, or if it will be part of future firmware updates.

Dear Robert,

No, this will not be part of the initial firmware release for the nanoFlash.

We will add this in a future firmware release.

The reason, we are devoting our engineering and firmware development resources to other areas such as over and under-cranking and other features.

We recently added a Pre-Record buffer and 220 Mbps I-Frame Only, and 140 Mbps Long GOP.

Missing Parts
 

Did all the missing "final parts" come or is another delay pending? I ask only because no announcement saying all the parts are in and full production has begun has yet been issued.

David Schmerin
A dim bulb is a bright world

Dear David,

Yes, all of the parts to build the two circuit boards have arrived at our contract manufacturer.

These arrived a little earlier than scheduled.

Yesterday, our contract manufacturer started populating a limited number the bare circuit boards, for one of the boards. We expect to be able to test this board by next Monday, or before. Also, they will be populating the second board soon.

Once we are certain that everything is working, we will release full production.

Other steps to complete the unit will be performed at our Colorado Springs office. We are awaiting for a few parts for this part of the overall process.

We expect to start our limited initial shipments by July 15th, or before.

Volume production will start before the end of July.

Nanoflash and Adobe PPro compatibility
 

Hi Dan,

Congratulations on your continuing improvement in the features of the Nanoflash and XDR.

I have been holding off ordering a unit because of the limited compatibility with Adobe PPro. My NLE is PPro CS4 on a PC. I understand that you and Adobe have been working on this together and wonder if there has been any further progress or any planned date when your output files wll be readable by Adobe systems?

In the event that compatibility is not likely to happen soon, is there a software workaround to convert your output files into a PPro CS4 compatible format? If so do you know if the resulting files would be supported by PProCS4 at all of the bitrates you provide in both Long-GOP and I-frame only formats?

Many thanks,
Alan

Dear Alan,

Your question is very timely.

Just this morning, I was doing research on this problem. I visited MainConcepts website to see if they had any new developments in this area.

Previously, they had a $500 solution to this problem, but, if I remember correctly, it only worked for CS3.

This morning, I found that they now have a $259 (US) solution for both CS3 and CS4!

They provide codecs that work with the XDCam 4:2:2 footage, among other items in this package.

This is great news for us.

Note: Since this is a "breaking news" type discovery, we have not yet tested it.
However, there is a free download of a trial version of this package.
We would love for one of our friends to test this with their CS3/CS4 system.

I may be premature, but this appears to be the solution at this time.
I did speak with Adobe on July 16, and they said that support for PDW-700/800 XDCam 4:2:2 @ HL footage, which is what we create with the Flash XDR and nanoFlash, is not due out anytime soon.

MainConcept™ MPEG Pro™ HD 4
XDCAM™ Plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® Pro
$259 (US)

MainConcept: Information

Hi Dan,

Many thanks for the very encouraging information and advice despite the disappointing remarks from Adobe. I hope someone with the required bits and pieces (nanoflash or XDR output files, a copy of the Main Concept software (owned or trial), and PPro CS4 on a PC can give it a try and report back on their results.

If no one is able to do this, perhaps I can download a series of typical nanoflash output files from your website or FTP location at different bitrates and do the experiment myself. I live in a definitely rural setting with a not-so-fast broadband system to retrieve information from the Internet, so the files should be relatively modest in size but big enough top make a valid test.

Many thanks again for the research effort.

Alan