Bllack line on SDI output

[Simon N]

I have latest release build on one of our Epics but I am getting a very fine black line on the output from the SDI at the bottom of the frame. It is barely noticeable however as we are outputting to Pix 240 recorder with the latest firmware. it is not acceptable. has anyone experienced this or any suggestions as to the cause?

 

[Bobby Farokhzad]

I got a similar result when outputting to a hyperdeck shuttle but in my case the black line is at the top and bottom of the image. I spoke with technical support about this and they are aware of this. I was told this would be fixed in a future firmware update.

 

[Simon N]

Great i thought this sort of nonsense was behind us.

 

[Jim Grieco]

I also output from my EPIC's HD-SDI to a PIX 240 file recorder. I have the latest firmware build as well, and I am not getting a very fine black line in frame. I just checked a few shots I did recently and they all look clean.

I have a question of my own for anyone else who is outputting to the PIX 240 file recorder...In EPIC's menu, If you go to: Settings: Audio/Video: Monitor Control...There is a menu option for BRAIN HD-SDI - FREQUENCY...which on my EPIC is currently set at 23.98 Hz.

I am assuming this is the correct setting for creating 23.98 files from the HD-SDI output, however...it gives me other options: 29.97, 59.94 and AUTO. Can anyone confirm that 23.98Hz is the correct setting? It seems to be working just fine, but I'd like to be certain.

 

[Matthew Scott]

I also output from my EPIC's HD-SDI to a PIX 240 file recorder. I have the latest firmware build as well, and I am not getting a very fine black line in frame. I just checked a few shots I did recently and they all look clean.

I have a question of my own for anyone else who is outputting to the PIX 240 file recorder...In EPIC's menu, If you go to: Settings: Audio/Video: Monitor Control...There is a menu option for BRAIN HD-SDI - FREQUENCY...which on my EPIC is currently set at 23.98 Hz.

I am assuming this is the correct setting for creating 23.98 files from the HD-SDI output, however...it gives me other options: 29.97, 59.94 and AUTO. Can anyone confirm that 23.98Hz is the correct setting? It seems to be working just fine, but I'd like to be certain.

I would set it to auto. That way, no matter what project frame rate you chose, your external recorder will record the signal correctly. I have recorded a morning of 23.98 to my field recorder when my project frame rate was 25p at 50hz...in other words, the field recorded files were useless. Auto works every time, no matter what your project is set to.

 

[Jim Grieco]

Will do. I appreciate your advise. Thanks, Matthew!

 

[Simon N]

I have now tested with 2 different Epics using release build 3.3.15 & 3.3.14 along with beta 4.0.9 and get the line in all instances. The Pix I am recording to is running 3.0.1

Going back 12 months there was an issue with black lines on the SDI output that was resolved with build 3.0.7 however this now seems to have reappeared. A zoom in of 1% gets around the issue, however this is not satisfactory. If you are looking for the line, it is in my situation at the bottom of the frame and about 5-6 pixels high.

I have subequently been told not to revert to build 3.0.7 which should cure the issue from 3.3.15 as this could introduce further problems. Frustrated.

 

[Jim Grieco]

Are you shooting in 5k? I reviewed the PIX version of some footage that I shot recently and I am not encountering this issue...However, I shot the footage with my EPIC set in 4kHD mode.

 

[Simon N]

Are you shooting in 5k? I reviewed the PIX version of some footage that I shot recently and I am not encountering this issue...However, I shot the footage with my EPIC set in 4kHD mode.

No, I have been shooting 4KHD but have subsequently been told that it is a known issue. The suggestion was to do a small crop, but try telling that to production who are not that keen on using the camera in the first place "because the Alexa is easier"

 

[Jim Grieco]

I feel your pain! I just checked my PIX footage very carefully again (DNxHD 145mb/sec 1080p 23.98)...and fortunately for me...I am not experiencing this issue. Best of luck getting it hashed out.