The new Blackmagic SmartView 4K G3 Broadcast Monitor is one of those pieces of kit that is going to help accelerate the transition to IP-based broadcast workflows.
The Blackmagic Design SmartView 4K G3 is a professional 15.6" TFT LCD monitor that features both built-in optical and copper SMPTE‑2110 IP video connections so users can connect directly to IP-based broadcast systems.
SmartView 4K supports both 12G-SDI and 2110 IP up to 2160p60. Users can switch between SDI and IP at the push of a button, which is a rather neat feature. The monitor also follows the video input so will switch between all SD, HD or Ultra HD (DCI 4K60) standards automatically.
On-screen overlays include focus peaking, four separate framing guides (2 vertical and 2 horizontal), safe area, and more. It also has built-in 3D LUTs for adding creative looks, converting log film gamma, or handling custom HDR profiles. Users can upload 3D LUTs using the SmartView utility and also export DaVinci Resolve color grades as custom 3D LUTs.
It supports the Blackmagic SDI Tally Protocol and thus illuminates a colored border around the image; red for on air or green for preview. This SDI tally standard is used on all ATEM live production switchers so users can just connect the monitor to the switcher SDI outputs to get the image and the tally with a single BNC cable, cutting down on cabling.
Along the bottom of the SmartView 4K is a range of button controls that are tilted slightly so they're easier to press while also keeping the screen clear if fingerprints. A wide range of front panel monitoring controls including an input button that selects between the two 12G-SDI video inputs and the 2110 IP video input. Additional controls include brightness, H/V display, blue only, zoom, focus peaking, 3D LUT selection, and up to four on-screen markers.
SmartView 4K also supports the NMOS interface specifications allowing all 2110 IP video devices can operate together as a large virtual router. Plus Videohub Smart Control can route sources to destinations on 2110 IP networks because it can act as an NMOS controller. It supports IS-04 for discovery and registration of IP video devices and IS-05 for connection management between IP video devices.
It’s made of lightweight aluminium so it's light (7.94 lb or 3.6 kg), plus the 6RU unit is only a few inches deep, so allows great rack ventilation via natural convection.
The SmartView 4K G3 has just been released for preorder and will ship mid to late September. Price is $1265.