Blackmagic Design Announces SmartScope Duo 4K – Press Release

September 14, 2013


Blackmagic Design announced SmartScope Duo 4K, an updated model of its SmartScope Duo that now includes 6G-SDI for Ultra HD support.

SmartScope Duo 4K is a unique dual rack monitor that allows a range of broadcast accurate waveform monitoring on 2 large 8 inch LCD screens of any SD, HD and Ultra HD video source. SmartScope Duo 4K replaces the previous SmartScope Duo model and is available now for only US$995.

SmartScope Duo 4K will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design IBC 2013 booth in Hall 7, Stand H20.

SmartScope Duo 4K features two large 8 inch LCD screens in a compact rack mount design that is less than an inch thick. SmartScope Duo 4K includes powerful image processing allowing each of the two screens to be independently selected between video monitoring and waveform monitoring of any SD, HD and Ultra HD video source. There are 7 types of waveform display that can be selected by the user, including waveform, vectorscope, RGB parade, YUV parade, histogram and an audio scope with 16 channels of SDI audio and audio phase meter.

SmartScope Duo 4K is a perfect solution for general video monitoring as it handles virtually all SD, HD and Ultra HD video standards via its 6G-SDI inputs and all screens can be remotely adjusted via the customer’s Ethernet network. SmartScope Duo 4K can be installed into equipment racks for local monitoring in post production, or for multi monitor video walls in master control rooms or for camera monitoring for production switchers!

One of the main difficulties when installing multiple monitors is attempting to match color settings on all monitors. SmartScope Duo 4K eliminates this problem by connecting to an Ethernet network using the included Mac and Windows software to adjust all your monitors from one central location. This utility also lets customers choose between monitoring video or the various types of scope views.

SmartScope Duo 4K includes full tally features so it is perfect for live broadcasters. Unlike a simple tally light, SmartScope Duo 4K includes tally borders that can be independently displayed in red, green or blue. Each screen features an independent tally in the three colors so customers can signal to the user more information than a simple on air status. Tally is connected via a standard parallel pin connector on the rear of SmartScope Duo 4K and provides full contact closure compatibility with all switcher and automation systems.

"In the past high quality broadcast accurate waveform monitoring has always been extremely high cost and physically large and cumbersome," said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "We think SmartScope Duo 4K is the perfect solution, as it builds broadcast accurate scopes into the monitor itself, so customers can simply choose between monitoring video, or one of the 7 scope types built into the product! This is the perfect solution for monitoring cameras with our new Ultra HD 6G-SDI based live production switchers!"

SmartScope Duo Key Features

• 2 independent 8 inch LCD displays in a 3 rack unit size chassis, less than 1 inch thick.

• 6G-SDI inputs for SD, HD and Ultra HD monitoring, with re clocked loop outputs.

• Ethernet input with loop output for connecting to computers for central adjustments.

• Tally input for each monitor allowing red, green or blue tally indication.

• Control software panel included free for Windows and Mac OS X.

• Full 10-bit data path and image scaling for high quality displays.

• Idea for use in broadcast, post production and camera monitoring for switchers.

Availability and Price

SmartScope Duo 4K is available now for 785 EUR.

Press Photography

Product photos of the SmartScope Duo 4K, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and film restoration software for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including stereoscopic 3D and 4K workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. For more information, please check www.blackmagicdesign.com.