Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 15, 2016. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The current firmware updates from Convergent Design can be downloaded here for all devices.
Dual 4K
With the new firmware, Apollo and Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ with the Apollo Option can simultaneously record two DCI 4K (4,096×2,160) or UHD (3,840×2,160) signals. Frame rates of 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p and 30p are supported, and multi-camera shoots can be monitored and recorded for hours in the Apple ProRes codec (HQ/422/LT). Dual 4K recording is useful for interviews, virtual reality or other production recordings.
Quad HD 1080p60
Apollo & Odyssey7Q/7Q+ with the Apollo Option allows four 1080p video inputs to be monitored at frame rates of 50p, 59.94p and 60p. Higher frame rates are usually required for VR productions.
4K at 60 Frames per Second
With the firmware, Apollo, Odyssey7Q+ and Odyssey7Q allow DCI 4K and UHD video signals at up to 60 fps to be monitored and recorded in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT). High-frame-rate video signals at 4K resolution are produced by the Sony F55 or Panasonic VariCam35, for example.
6G-SDI Support
Apollo & Odyssey7Q+ can now track and record 6G-SDI video signals from the Blackmagic Design camera. 6G-SDI connectivity means that a single SDI cable can carry up to 4K30p video from cameras such as the Blackmagic Design URSA, URSA Mini and Micro Studio Camera 4K. The “Blackmagic Design 4K HDMI to SDI Converter” is also supported, so together with Apollo’s Dual 4K feature, the signal from two 4K HDMI cameras such as the Sony A7S can be recorded in Apple ProRes (HQ/422/LT) on a single device. Since two 6G-SDI inputs are available, two Blackmagic Design devices can be used simultaneously.
More information about the Apollo recorder is available here and about the Odyssey 7Q+ recorder here (which is currently discounted by 500 US dollars and therefore costs around 1,800 US dollars).
