Convergent Design Gemini RAW & 4:4:4 Video Recorders

Introducing the Gemini RAW Video Recorder

Gemini RAW

Gemini RAW is a solutions-based recorder for digital cinema and multi-camera productions.

Gemini RAW has all the features of it's 4:4:4 counterpart, but with greater processing power. Gemini RAW enables online/offline multi-CODEC, multi-stream workflows.

Gemini RAW offers a future-proof solution that allows you to shoot in HD today
(Avid DNxHD-220) for fast turnaround, then archive the Raw for higher-rez productions. If it's Raw you need today, simultaneously record Raw and DNxHD-36 proxy for your dailies.

Future-proof your digital assets with Gemini RAW.

Download the Gemini Raw brochure for complete technical specifications.

Visit Convergent-Design.com for more information.

Introducing the Gemini 4:4:4 Video Recorder

Gemini enables videographers and cinematographers to capture at the ultimate video quality, in a small, low-power, lightweight package, at a very affordable price. Gemini features a built-in high-brightness 5.0” 800x480 24-bit LCD touch-screen for monitor and playback, and introduces an industry first - the ability to simultaneously record to two removable solid-state drives - creating instant backups; an invaluable insurance against lost footage, as well as, opening new workflow options.

Building on, but not replacing, the highly successful nanoFlash, Gemini records 10-bit uncompressed 4:4:4 / 4:2:2 video in most popular HD/2K/3G formats, including 1080p24 and 1080p50/60, with up to 16-channels of embedded audio and timecode. Gemini has slots for two removable 1.8” solid-state drives (SSDs), enabling recording in either parallel mode (instant backup), or spanning mode (longer record times). Sporting a lightweight milled aluminum case, Gemini is about the same size and weight as the popular SmallHD DP6 monitor, but includes Recording, Playback, Image Processing, Dual HD/3G SDI I/Os, HDMI-Out and consumer level audio I/O; while consuming only 8 to 15 watts of power.

Gemini features S-Log support, with user programmable viewing LUTs, which can be enabled selectively for either HD-SDI output. Flexible recording options, include simultaneously recording native S-Log video to one SSD (for on-line), and the same footage with burned-in LUTs to the second SSD (for faster creation of off-line proxies and/or H.264 video for mobile devices/internet).

A 3D/Stereo (extra-cost) option will also be available, enabling dual-stream recording and playback in a single Gemini unit; creating the world’s smallest, lowest-power, 3D recorder available anywhere. Gemini will record independent left/right channel files, while providing full synchronized playback of two streams as well as side-by-side, 50/50 composite, or anaglyph combinations. Gemini can uniquely output 3D in multiple formats simultaneously (ie side-by-side and 50/50 composite), to aid in camera alignment and monitoring.

Planned future enhancements, include reference image overlay (aka onion-skinning). Users can capture still frames or create their own reference images (custom grid overlays, for example) to mix with live video, using an opacity slider. This feature will enable directors to check the current on-set environment against a previous day’s production, assisting in camera setup and easily identifying anything out of place.

Convergent plans to support all major NLE programs, including Avid, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Vegas and Edius. Editors have the option to edit in full-uncompressed (transfer time off the SSD to a fast HDD is about 1/3 realtime) or use any of the popular CODECs (ProRes, DNxHD, Cineform, etc). For example, using a modern multi-core processor MAC, the transfer from the SSD and software encode to ProRes, occurs in about ½ realtime (60 minutes of video requires a total of 30 minutes to transfer and encode).

The Gemini 4:4:4 Kit includes the recorder, 1.8” SSD to eSATA transfer station, AC power supply and cables, housed in a custom-fitted hard plastic case.

Gemini 4:4:4 Highlights

HD/2K, 4:2:2/4:4:4, 10bit, S-Log, Dual-Link, 3G, 16-Chan
Perfect for Panasonic AF100, Sony F3, ARRI Alexa, All Filmmakers
Flexible post workflows: Full uncompressed, or encode to your favorite codec
8 Watts, 1 lb

Firmware Update

Convergent Design has released it's latest firmware for Gemini 4:4:4, version 1.5.146. This is production-level firmware that improves the overall speed and reliability of the unit. It is recommended for ALL users.

Elimination of file closing time with SSD Safe Eject. Currently, Gemini firmware requires 5-20 seconds to close files after each record session ("take"). This new firmware completely eliminates this delay by adding an SSD Safe Eject feature which closes files just prior to removing the SSD from the Gemini (SSD Safe Eject only requires 2 seconds to complete the file closing generation). Don't worry if you forget to perform SSD Safe Eject; nothing is lost! You can just put the SSD back into the Gemini and perform the SSD Safe Eject as normal!

File Recovery within the Gemini 4:4:4. Loss of power during recording or the accidental removal of an SSD during record can spell major problems with data integrity (often requiring software recovery tools on the PC/Mac). This new firmware adds file recovery within the Gemini 444. Simply select this feature from the Gemini menu and wait 1 to 60 seconds (rate depends on number of clips) for the Gemini to rebuild the files. Normally, you will only lose less than 10 frames of video.

Improved reliability of Convergent Design SSD's. Embedded within this new Gemini firmware is an SSD firmware update (yes, that is a bit confusing). This new SSD firmware greatly improves reliability, especially when power is lost while recording. The Gemini firmware will automatically detect the need to update your SSD firmware and prompt you accordingly (takes about one minute).

Additional C500 modes. In addition to modes currently supported, we this release we have included support for: HD 12-Bit 1080p50, and 4K Half Raw at 100/119.98/120fps. See the C500 Support document below for full details.

More information about upgrading Gemini 4:4:4 firmware can be found at www.convergent-design.com.

Gemini 4:4:4 Firmware Update: Download the Gemini 4:4:4 Firmware Upgrade (Gemini1.5.146)