Convergent update: Dual-4K, Quad-1080p60, 4K60p and more

Firmware V2016.01 from Convergent Design

Convergent Design recently released another firmware update that adds more 4K recording options and support for Blackmagic cameras for its Odyssey 7Q+ display/recorder and Apollo multicam switcher/recorder.

The display/recorder market is currently dominated by three companies, Convergent Design, Atomos and Video Designs. Of the three, Convergent Design was the one that started this trend of compact field monitors with recording functionality, with the introduction of the Odyssey line in 2013. Since then, the company has released various iterations, with the Odyssey 7Q+ as its top-end product and the recent addition, the Apollo, expanding the line for use with live multicam productions.

Although the Odyssey 7Q+ has been shipping for over a year, Convergent Design continues to add more features to the display/recorder via firmware update, reinforcing its value among the crowding field of competing products.

Firmware V2016.01 brings the following goodies to the Odyssey 7Q+ and Apollo:

Dual-4K: Record either two DCI or UHD 4K streams simultaneously at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p or 30p.

Quad-HD 1080p60: Record four 1080p streams at 50p, 59.94p and 60p.

4K 60fps (also for the Odyssey 7Q): DCI and UHD 4K recording up to 60fps in Prores (HQ/422/LT).

6G-SDI Support: Allows display and recording of 6G-SDI material from Blackmagic Design camera.

The 'Dual 4K' and 'Quad-HD' options are compatible with the Apollo and Odyssey 7Q+ units with the 'Apollo Option', a paid upgrade that brings multicam functionality to the 7Q+.

It's impressive how much mileage that Convergent Design gets from hardware designed years ago. It's also a testament to that design and the company's efforts to defend its position as an industry leader.