Can Epic do SD out or is it like RED only a HD signal out without an adapter?

[Frank_L]

Thanks. This is a question in relation to Steadicam Zephyr and the monitor. Also is it possible to hook up a RED LCD to easily be the Steadicam monitor?

 

[Brook Willard]

No standard definition outputs. You will need a downconverter.

You could use the RED LCD as the monitor with a longer cable if you wanted to.

 

[Frank_L]

OK, thanks for the info.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

There is a version of the Zephy with an HD monitor, or you can purchase it with the SD monitor and get one of these:
http://www.decimator.com/products-decimator2.php
I had a local tech make up a cable that allowed it to be powered from one of the aux 12v ports on the RED ONE.

 

[Frank_L]

The HD version is like over 3 thousand more than the regular one, though... I was wondering is it possible to put on a third-party HDMI monitor on a Steadicam? Where would the HDMI cable go? Is it easy to buy a HDMI cable and route it through the Sled arm to the bottom from the stage to the monitor without having it hang on the outside, so not to disturb the balance? Thanks.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

And the Decimator downconverter is about 3 hundred bucks, so that's why I went the SD monitor route!

 

[Frank_L]

How much did the cable cost you? Also, do you think the Epic has one of those ports to power such a cable? Thanks.

 

[Brook Willard]

The Decimator is a downconverter, not a cable. There isn't a cable to go from HD-SDI to a standard definition video signal - you'll need a little box.

The Epic has no power outputs on the body.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

if the EPIC has no power outputs on the body, your best bet to power the Decimator will be a custom cable from the Zephyr's AUX PWR 3-pin LEMO connector.

 

[jimhare]

Why wouldn't you use the Red LCD? 10' cable is not expensive.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

Because the Steadicam monitors are usually better for daylight visibility, but mostly because re-wiring the sled for the RED monitor cable is a difficult and expensive proposition.

 

[Frank_L]

How much do you think a powering cable costs if you need it custom made? How much did it cost you? Also is there any trade-off with buying that device thing in terms of camera balance and smoothness of the operation of the Steadicam?

 

[Colin Sheldon]

Powering the decimator is easy - you can do it off of a 9V battery if you'd like (though it only lasts for a few hours). We ended up just taking the cable they sent with the unit and slapped a P-tap end on. Cost $20. (http://www.thebroadcastshop.com/sales/detail.asp?partno=81688107)

Or you can buy a pre-made cable from Able Cine for $72:
http://www.abelcine.com/store/P-Tap-to-RedByte-Powercable-for-Decimator/

 

[ericyoung]

Because the Steadicam monitors are usually better for daylight visibility, but mostly because re-wiring the sled for the RED monitor cable is a difficult and expensive proposition.

You could just ignore the Steadicam monitor (or feed it SD via Decimator for the director), and mount the RED LCD up top on the camera, wherever you can comfortably view it for operating. The Hoodman sunshade works pretty good.