Here's an overview of the Aputure V-Converter Extra Scope product that takes an HDMI input and outputs a variety of overlays to any HDMI monitor, display, or television.
When the Aputure V-Converter product was first announced, the specs listed it would take a 1080p input, but only output a 720p signal. A recent firmware upgrade now allows the unit to output to full 1080p. I'm sure all the new products shipped will have this update, but if you need to download it, check the Aputure website (here).
The V-Converter can be powered from a Built-in lithium battery, but it's not a product I think fits the run-gun type shooter. With a $340+ price tag, mobile shooters may want to just look into a portable LCD monitor with these features already built in.
Aputure V-Converter HDMI Extra Scope Pro Overlays
In my opinion, the V-Converter is a product that will mainly appeal to those who will be working on set, in a studio type environment, or on location that requires a large stationary monitor. It will be helpful in any setting in which you need to look across the room, check exposure, see if audio levels are peaking, and what's currently in focus. It may be a product that compliments video shooters who have a workflow streaming Wireless HDMI Video (like with these Radian Pro Kits).
Considering how cheap large LCD HD televisions are these days, this little product can add-on big features normally only found on very very expensive studio monitors. You can find more info about the Aputure V-Converter HDMI Extra Scope (here).
Aputure V-Converter HDMI Extra Scope Pro Overlays
Sunny
Aputure V-Converter A810 updated firmware released.
Download from here: https://www.aputure.com/V-Converter-A810/Update/
This firmware version 1.2 incorporates the following fix:
■ Support 1080p HD signal out
■Fix bug of false color display in camera mode
■Enhance whole performance stability
Emm
Post author@Mark - I agree, colors may not be accurate, but focus peaking is focus peaking, audio meters are audio meters, and highlight / shadow clipping is the same. Most of that camera color profiling can be setup from the camera itself. I'm not sure if you've checked around but a 50" LCD TV only runs about $500 bucks these days, not a couple of grand. If you want a 32" (which is huge), they run about $200 dollars. I use several televisions in our location.
Mark
What about the overarching problem of not using a calibrated monitor? For a low budget production, sure. For anything else, I'd probably want to rent or buy a production monitor that takes HD-SDI and has accurate gamma and color balance controls. Even a decent sized one sells for a couple grand, which is about the same as a consumer television and this thing combined. I struggle to see a place in the market for something like this. Cool concept, but doesn't really suit any situation in which I'd want to opt in for that instead of an actual monitor.
BenJamin Wolf
This device is missing the one thing that is critical for a professional camera operator -- the waveform monitor. Everything else is great, but you can't trust exposing your images with zebras or a histogram.
Interesting gadget but not a pro toy, hopefully firmware will fix.
Emm
Post author@Mike C - As I mentioned in the article, for anyone shooting with a video rig, you may just want to look into an actual portable monitor that has these features built in.
Mike C
I wonder why the box is so big for doing so little...It's referred to as small in the video, but in a video rig setting, it seems massive. Has anyone opened one of these up?